Pennsylvania Fire Fighters Honored for Helping Arson Victims

January 6, 2010 – The Crime Victims Center of Chester County, Pennsylvania, has awarded Coatsville, PA local 3790 fire fighters with its annual John J. Crane Allied Professional Award.

The honor is given to those who help crime victims. “Many area families were affected by the rash of arsons we had in 2008 and 2009, so we organized three events to help them through that difficult time,” says Local 3790 President Jim Lentz.

Lentz adds, “Although it was a team effort, I must give special recognition to Local 3790 Secretary-Treasurer Craig Weaver. He and his wife, Jamie, really went above and beyond to make sure the events went smoothly.”

Local 3790 first stepped in to assist these families in the spring of 2009. Working with the Crime Victims Center of Chester County, the fire fighters planned an event for arson-affected children.

“Sesame Street was in town doing some live performances,” says Lentz. “At our request, they agreed to come to one of our fire stations to meet the children. There were a lot of smiling faces that day.”

But fire fighters knew that the kids needed more than cheering up, so the next event focused on helping them get ready for the school year. They organized a back-to-school event where they handed out 30 backpacks filled with school supplies.

For the holidays, fire fighters escorted Santa to the homes of affected families to deliver pre-lit Christmas trees and toys.