Beau Crowding (left), Jon Kromer and Steve Webb, were recipients of awards from the Pennsylvania Fire and EMS Services Institute.
WEST CHESTER — Three Chester County Department of Emergency Services members were recently honored for contributions to emergency services and their community during the 25th annual Pennsylvania Fire and EMS Services Institute (PFESI) conference and dinner.
George “Beau” Crowding, deputy director for fire services, was honored with the President’s Leadership award. Jon Kromer, Telecommunicator I for the 9-1-1 Center received the EMS Communications award. Steve Webb, retired deputy director for field services, was honored with the Dr. George Moerkirk Memorial Outstanding Contribution to EMS award.
Crowding received his award for his dedication and leadership. PFESI President Brian A. Conley said, “I am grateful that no matter the outcome of a decision, or if I am looking to get some opinions, I can count on Beau to be that sounding board, and more importantly can count on his support.”
Crowding began his career with the Chester County Department of Emergency Services in 1991 and served as a police and fire dispatcher before becoming radio room supervisor in 1999. In 2006 he was promoted to deputy director for fire services, and was instrumental in the concept, design and building of the Chester County Public Safety Training Campus. Crowding also serves as chair of the Fire Services Committee for the Southeast PA Regional Task Force.
Kromer received his award for his significant contribution to the advancement of emergency medical dispatch. He answered a 9-1-1 call from a mother of a young child having a grand mal seizure and suffering cardiac arrest. Kromer talked the child’s mother through procedures to help her child, and, according to the nomination, “Jon’s cadence and empathy calmed the mother enough to focus on assisting her child during the emergency.”
Webb received his award in memory of Dr. George Moerkirk, who was instrumental in the development of Pennsylvania’s EMS system and known as the “father of EMS.” Webb’s 30-year career began as an EMT and ambulance captain. He joined the Chester County Department of Emergency Services in the 1980’s as a training coordinator, and he retired from the county last year as deputy director for field services, but remains a strong advocate for the county’s EMS system.
The Pennsylvania Fire and Emergency Services Institute is an association of emergency services organizations that research, exchange information, and cultivate relationships among constituents about the issues affecting emergency response and life safety in Pennsylvania.
