Doylestown Fire Company installs new officers, says thanks to outgoing Chief

As is the tradition at , the first Wednesday night of the month means the installation of officers for the new year at the fire company.

This year, though, for the first time in seven years, there was a change at the top. Denny Loux, Jr., a life member and Chief for the past seven years, was not at the front of the room being sworn in as chief. Loux, who has been a line officer for most of his time spent volunteering at the fire company, stepped down as chief.

After new chief Ed Truman was sworn in by Senior Judge Ollie Groman, Sr., Loux was honored by the fire company's officers and firefighters with the traditional red helmet of a past chief.

During Loux's time as chief, many safety reforms were instituted, and the company purchased and placed a new ladder in service. Over his time as chief, Loux gave thousands of hours of service to the community and the fire service, and led the officers and firefighters of the fire company with honor and distinction. He will continue to be active, assisting fire company fire marshal Steve Walther, who is also a past Chief of the company, with investigative duties.

In addition to Truman, who becomes the 22nd member of the fire company to be chief, Michael Wood was installed as Deputy Chief, Paul Kreuter and first time Battalion Chief Bret Morris, returning Captain Lori Westover, and returning lieutenants Jeff Kennedy and Jim Shepard. Communications officer Ed Loux, and assistant communications officer George Erb were also sworn in.

Truman is also a life member of the fire company, has held every elected line officer position, and comes from a family rich in fire service participation. He has numerous relatives who have served in the fire service in the region, including past Doylestown chiefs Sam Cramer, Sr. and Sam Cramer, Jr., his uncle and cousin. He is also a Assistant Chief for Merck in Montgomery County.

President Bill Cope was sworn in for his 7th year as president with Jay Fetterolf in his first year as 1st Vice President, Mark Hamilton as 2nd Vice President, Bob McCrillis treasurer, Victor Sarantschin assistant treasurer, Peter Mills recording secretary, Annie Baughman asst. recording secretary, Jack Connard financial secretary,  trustees Bill Price, Dan Kline, B. J. Loughnane, Jim Hampton, Kyle Downs and Larry Browne.

As part of his first Chief's report, Truman reported that the fire company responded to calls for services 665 times in 2011. Of those calls, 163 were for structure fires and 51 for rescues.

Members have recorded over 15,000 hours of volunteer service to the Doylestown community each of the past three years.