The officers and members of the Avondale Fire Company are pleased to announce that Senior members Brandon Cole, Jacob Labonte, and Kim Trainor graduated from the Octorara Homeland Security & Protective Services Academy (OHSPSA) on May 30, 2019. Cadet Brandon Cole is also a senior at Kennett High School and will be graduating on June 7th. Cadet Jacob Labonte is also a senior at Unionville High School and will be graduating on June 6th. Cadet Kim Trainor is also a senior at Octorara Area High School and will be graduating on June 7th.

The OHSPSA program originated six years ago by the Octorara Area School District. This program is financed (in part) by a grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Senator Andrew Dinniman. In partnership with the Chester County Department of Emergency Services, this program is now offered countywide. Every high school in Chester County allows their students to attend the program if interested, beginning in tenth grade. Students enrolled in the OHSPSA program complete competencies and achieve certifications identified as core curriculum taken from Emergency Medical Services, Fire Protection, and Law Enforcement. Students enrolled in the EMS course have the opportunity to obtain 25 total certifications. Students enrolled in the Fire Protection course have the opportunity to obtain 30 total certifications. Students enrolled in the Law Enforcement course have the opportunity to obtain 42 total certifications. In total, students can earn just shy of 100 certifications when attending all three years.

The Avondale Fire Company would like to congratulate Brandon, Jacob, and Kim on their outstanding efforts. All three graduates are very active in the community. Good luck with your future endeavors, and we know you will continue to make us proud.