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SERVICE TO FIRE COMPANY HELPS ABINGTON SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE
TO EARN GOLD CONGRESSIONAL AWARD
Abington Township’s Board of Commissioners Honors Roslyn Fire Company’s Tori Patchell Aug. 13
ABINGTON – Roslyn Fire Company firefighter Tori Patchell was recognized Aug. 13th by Abington Township for earning the Gold Congressional Award, a prestigious honor that only 275 students nationwide received in 2009.
The Board of Commissioners presented Tori with a plaque and commended her for being a role model for other young people. State Rep. Josh Shapiro also attended and presented Tori with a resolution from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives that honors her achievement.
In order to receive a Gold Congressional Award, applicants must meet goals in four areas: 400 hours of volunteer public service, 200 hours of personal development, 200 hours of physical fitness, and an expedition/exploration activity that involves four consecutive overnight stays.
Many of Tori’s volunteer public service and physical fitness hours came from her involvement with the Roslyn Fire Company, which is one of the five companies that make up the Abington Township Fire Department (ATFD). Following in the footsteps of her firefighter father, David, Tori began serving as a junior firefighter at the age of 16 and became a firefighter earlier this year.
“When we look to recruit young people from our community to continue the ATFD’s excellent tradition of volunteer firefighting, we couldn’t hope for a better example than Tori,” said David Schramm, Fire Services Administrator. “We are pleased that she is being rewarded for her dedication and commitment to serving the community.”
Roslyn Fire Company Chief Dale Jonas Jr. said he has watched Tori “grow up” in his company, and praised her work ethic and determination. He noted that when she realized she had reached the number of hours she needed to obtain a Silver Congressional Award, she didn’t settle for second place.
“We’re very proud to have her in our fire company,” he said.
Also proud are her parents, David and Diana. Despite the challenging requirements of the award, Mrs. Patchell never doubted that her daughter, who graduated from Abington Senior High School this past June, could reach her goals.
“I knew she could do it because it involves something she loves to do,” said Mrs. Patchell.
Not only did Tori reach her goals, but she exceeded them in many instances. Mary Rodgers, who is Service Learning Facilitator at Abington Senior High School and also on the Congressional Award Foundation’s Board of Directors, was instrumental in suggesting that Tori apply for the award and helped guide her through the process. She noted that Tori put in 758 hours of volunteer service, 1,114 hours of personal development and 219 hours of physical fitness. To meet the expedition/exploration component, Tori took a trip to England and France through the People to People Ambassador Program.
“We’re all proud. This is a very, very high accomplishment for students,” said Ms. Rodgers. “It’s a lot of hours and a lot of hard work – not every student is willing to go the distance.”
Receiving the Gold Congressional Award will hopefully open other doors for Tori as she continues her studies this fall at the Bucks County Community College, where she will major in fire science. Tori was also recently awarded the Ed Lambert Senior Award, which is a scholarship for $1,000 that is given out by the Abington Fire Company to outstanding students who opt to continue their education in fire science fields.
“I’m pretty excited,” she said. “I want to be an arson investigator. But I will be a volunteer firefighter for life.”
The ATFD headquarters is located at 1176 Old York Road in Abington. For more information, call (267) 536-1055 or visit www.AbingtonFD.org.
PHOTOS:
Tori Patchell, center, stands with Abington Township Commissioner Lori Schreiber, left, and
President Carol DiJoseph at the Aug. 13th Commissioners’ meeting.
Roslyn Fire Company firefighter Tori Patchell, center, is surrounded by fellow members from her station.
At left is her father, David, and behind her is state Rep. Josh Shapiro.
From left to right are David Patchell, Tori Patchell, Cole Patchell and Diana Patchell.
Behind the group is state Rep. Josh Shapiro.