Valley Forge Volunteer Fire Company

Distinguished Members Receive Service Awards
by Rescue Captain Julius Marosfalvi Jr.
November 21, 2008

On the evening of Wednesday, November 19, 2008, just before the regular monthly company meeting, PA State Representative Carole Rubley visited VFVFCo as part of an initiative to honor volunteer firefighters who have served their communities for over 50 years. Rep. Rubley presented awards to two Valley Forge Volunteer Fire Company life members: Charles Schmidt, a charter member of this fire company who has been a volunteer for the past 59 year and Harry Hicks, who has been a member and volunteer for the past 58 years.  Congratulations to both for their many years of dedication and service to the fire company and the community.

Charles D. Schmidt was born September 18, 1925 and grew up on Jug Hollow Road in Valley Forge, PA.  He went to the Phoenixville Schools, played the french horn and the violin.  He Served in the Navy and was aboard the USS Claxton in the Pacific during WWII.  He drove trucks for a living.

A member since 1949, Charles is the only living charter member of the Valley Forge Volunteer Fire Company.  Charles started the Chester County Fire School in October 1950.  He has held various offices in the fire company.

Charlie is still volunteering his time at the fire house, helps out with mowing and makes the best snapper soup around.

Harry Hicks was born on June 29, 1932 and grew up across the street from our main station.  In 1949, when Harry was 17 years old, a group of men in Valley Forge, including his father Paul Hicks, founded the Valley Forge Volunteer Fire Company.  Harry remembers that the first fire truck was stored in their garage at home until the fire house was built.

Harry served in the US Air Force from 1950 to 1953.  Upon discharge in 1953, Harry joined the fire company although he received credit for the time he served in the military.  At first he served as a "Truck Forman", what we call an Engineer today.  Later, he served as Fire Chief for a period of 8 years.

Harry is still volunteering his time at the fire house helping out with fire police and always has a good story to tell about the past.