George Clay Fire Company

Move over it’s the Law! The law requires drivers to change lanes or slow down to 20 miles per hour slower than the posted speed limit when they pass by an emerg...ency response area where police, first responders or tow trucks may be staged. It also requires drivers to change lanes or slow down when approaching disabled vehicles when at least two emergency displays, such as vehicle hazard lamps, road flares, and/or cones or caution signs are present. https://www.penndot.gov//T/Pages/Move-Over,-Slow-Down.aspx

Today, April 27, Pennsylvania’s enhanced Move Over Law goes into effect. The law creates a new point system for drivers who fail to merge into the lane not next... to the emergency response area. Fines are set at $500 for first-time offenders, $1,000 for a second offense, and $2,000 for a third or subsequent offense. More details: https://bit.ly/MoveOverPA PA State Police Pennsylvania Turnpike

MOVE OVER, SLOW DOWN Effective TODAY, Pennsylvania’s Move Over Law will require drivers approaching an emergency response area who are unable to safely merge in...to a lane further away from the response area to slow to at least 20 mph less than the posted speed limit. An emergency response area is where an emergency vehicle has its lights flashing, or where road crews or emergency responders have lighted flares, posted signs, or try to warn travelers. Help save lives, Move Over or Slow Down. The Law Act 105 of 2020, signed on October 29, 2020 and effective 180 days later on April 27, 2021: * Creates a new point system that imposes two points for failure to merge into the lane not next to the emergency response area. * Sets fines at $500 for first-time offenders, $1,000 for a second offense, and $2,000 for a third or subsequent offense. * Requires a 90-day license suspension for a third or subsequent offense. The license suspension also applies to incidents that seriously injure or kill another person. The suspension is six months if the person injured or killed is an emergency service provider or was near a disabled vehicle. * Sets additional fines of up to $10,000 for violators who injure or kill an emergency service responder or a person in or near a disabled vehicle. * Doubled fines for several traffic violations when committed in an emergency response area when first responders are present.

The George Clay Auxiliary is looking for members ! You do not need to be a firefighter or want to even be trained as a Firefighter. Auxiliary members fill in where needed Administratively we also prepare meals for the Fire Academy and for our Firefighters when they are on emergencies for a long time. We also do other fundraisers to make money for projects around the firehouse. If this is something you may be interested in and want more information on please email us at [email protected] or stop in for an application 426 Ford St. or call 215-450-5328 and leave a message and some one will return your call. We except Men and Women

Ok, not the best photo, but we are all dedicated to serving West Conshy.

Thank you Tina Reese!

In recognizing the sacrifice of fallen firefighters, this section will serve as a constant memorial to those who have given their lives protecting and ensuring the safety of the communities they serve. The significance of their contributions cannot be minimized, and while they will be dearly missed, their legacy lives on in the spirit of those who continue to serve. For more information on how to honor the memory of a lost firefighter, visit the National Fallen Firefighters F...oundation at www.firehero.org. George Clay Fire Company Line Of Duty Deaths - May We Never Forget -An alarm was struck on June 29, 1965. As many times before Fireman William Evans, ran from his house across the street from the fire house to respond to the call. While crossing the street a vehicle hit William Evans and fatally wounded him. He was the first fireman killed in the line of duty at the George Clay Steam Fire Engine and Hose Company. -Around 9:45 pm on January 27, 1971 a series of explosions rocked the quite neighborhood of Front Street in West Conshohocken. Flames were said to be over 100 feet in the air. As the winter night persisted on, fire companies from all over the area were called to assist. Ice formed on the apparatus and Firemen, making the tedious task of dousing the flames even harder. The Matsonford Bridge and the on and off ramps to the Schuylkill Expressway were closed until the next day. Five people lost their lives on this dismal day in January. One of those victims was George Clay Fireman Joseph Powers, who gave his life while in the line of duty. -After William Evans and Joseph Powers gave the ultimate sacrifice for their community, the George Clay Fire Company honored them. Both men's gear hang in the fire house today with plaques to remember them, #17 belonged to William Evans and # 53 belonged to Joseph Powers. This memorial is located in our meeting room behind a pain of glass, never to be used again.

Around 9:45 pm on January 27, 1971 a series of explosions rocked the quite neighborhood of Front Street in West Conshohocken. Flames were said to be over 100 feet in the air. As the winter night persisted on, fire companies from all over the area were called to assist. Ice formed on the apparatus and Firemen, making the tedious task of dousing the flames even harder. The Matsonford Bridge and the on and off ramps to the Schuylkill Expressway were closed until the next day. Fi...ve people lost their lives on this dismal day in January. One of those victims was George Clay Fireman Joseph Powers, who gave his life while in the line of duty. - excerpt from the George Clay Steam Fire Engine and Hose Company History

Imagine waking up tomorrow and 26 of the homes in our town have been destroyed or damaged overnight, 54 residents injured and sadly 5 of our neighbors gone fore...ver. This happened right here in West Conshohocken almost 50 years ago. Wednesday January 27th will be the 50th Anniversary of the Front St. Fire. West Conshohocken Residents & First Responders will be marking this solemn event with a memorial service at 8pm at Borough Hall. Some residents have already sent me letters with their memories of the event. The reality of this tragedy is shocking when I read your words. It would be nice to share those remarks with everyone. If you have not yet put your thoughts down on paper, please do and drop it off at Borough Hall or the Police Station or email me at [email protected] I am interested in everyone’s ideas for honoring those impacted by this tragedy, please reach out to me. Thank you.