WEST CHESTER >> West Chester University Foundation Executive Director Richard T. Przywara presented a $3,000 donation to Thomas E. Barton, president of the First West Chester Fire Company, located at 70 S. Bradford Ave.

“We are grateful that the WCU Foundation recognizes and supports our operation,” Barton said. “In part because of our ongoing relationship with West Chester University and the Foundation, four young men have joined the company and are actively serving the community as they pursue their degrees along with a host of alumni who call West Chester their home.”

Known to its tight-knit group of firefighters as the “Fightin’ 51st,” this station is one of three 100-percent volunteer fire companies that comprise the West Chester Fire Department. Since 1799, the First West Chester Fire Company has served the West Chester community and the university campus since its founding as an institute for teacher preparation in 1871.

“WCU recognizes the critical role this fire company has played in our campus community for nearly 150 years, so we try to give back whenever possible,” Przywara said. “As a volunteer fire department, these brave men and women continuously demonstrate their dedication to West Chester and we are happy to have a chance to support their operation.”

The West Chester University Foundation supports the goals of West Chester University through fundraising activities, the management of donated resources, and the promotion of the university’s needs to prospective contributors.

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