2021 presented a host of challenges never before seen by Royersford Fire Department and Friendship Ambulance. Despite an ongoing global pandemic, supply chain hurdles, staffing shortages in all sectors of healthcare, the Fire and EMS Divisions rose to the occasion.

The Fire Division of RFD continued to serve the community responding to 410 fire incidents in 2021, a slight decrease in call volume from 2020. September 2021 was the highwater mark for the Fire Division with 46 incidents dispatched bringing an average monthly fire incident volume of 34.2 for the year.

With much of the focus this year being on our EMS Division due to the ongoing pandemic and healthcare being in the forefront of many conversations, our dedicated providers surpassed all expectations bringing in a record setting year in multiple areas. Our 911 call volume for the year set our busiest year ever at 2,827 adding another 2,131 non-emergent patient movements. Collectively the ambulance fleet responded to 4,958 calls for service, an increase of 633 from 2020! In addition to our ambulance personnel, the Paratransit Unit provided wheelchair transport on 2,291 occasions and our Mental Health SUVs ensured safe transport on 369 occasions. In total the EMS Division responded to 7,618 calls for service for 2021, a lofty hurdle even in the best of situations.

As we traverse into 2022, Royersford Fire Department President and Director of EMS George Gilliano offers this insight into the past year for the Department and the future:

“2021 with all the conversation about COVID and health in general, we took it all in stride and maintained a level of viability and professionalism. A time in life that was unmatched for concern for everyone while serving willingly the unprecedented demands placed on every provider. As the Director and Chief of EMS I've come to realize while strength in numbers is required, the value of one changes the needs for the entity when called upon to do so. A single act, a single ‘step up’, mirroring the “next guy up” cliche kept the level of service we've come to know and expect unimpeded.

Proud is a word I use, proud to be a part of what trends have been set, proud to know the people who have decided to be a part of the expansion, and proud to know the dedication of the individuals who work here and proud of the unwavering commitment. For all of that I say thank you!

For 2022 reaching higher with the bold new initiative we have recently forged and it will not stop there. Status Quo is the norm in many circles, but it will not be here. I'm excited about what we've paved so far and we look to grow in a mutual and transparent manner so each person's dedication and solid commitment will garnish and prosper a wealth of security and professionalism to be proud of when branding the RFD name. Stay the course, do the work and the reward shall follow. As quoted by Sun TZU (Art of War), "A good commander is benevolent and unconcerned with fame." I leave the fame to our providers for the hard work and dedication, enjoy it when it's your time!"

From all of us at Royersford Fire Department and Friendship Ambulance, we cannot thank you enough for your support in 2021. During a time with so much uncertainty, your support never wavered as our team tackled challenges never seen before. We look forward to continued success and overcoming new challenges in 2022.

#OneTeamOneMission