Middletown Township and Delaware County Commissioners each recognized those fire companies and their members for their successful water rescue of a mother and daughter who lost control of their vehicle and plunged into a swift Ridley Creek on December 26, 2009.  We are very proud to announce that Deputy Chief Ed Kline, as well as select members of other area departments, received individual recognition and recommendation for his efforts during the rescue of the 14 year old passenger.  Deputy Chief Kline maintained direct communication with the trapped victim while crews of Companies 51, 52, 65, and Medic 100 transported rescue ropes and rigging, stokes baskets, life preservers and other necessary rescue equipment down an approximately 200 foot snow and ice covered hill to accomplish the rescue.  Deputy Kline successfully extended a rescue rope to the trapped victim and brought her to the shoreline where she was pulled from the icy water with the assistance of Chief John Kokonos.  The victim was then placed on a backboard and lashed to a stokes basket which was then hauled up the steep grade by rescue personnel atop the hill.

Deputy Chief Kline is additionally one of several nominees to receive the Delaware County Fireman's Association's Valor Award for his efforts during the water rescue.

We thank Ed and all participants in the rescue for their exceptional efforts and cooperation in accomplishing a successful rescue under extreme and difficult conditions. 

The rescue was done under the command of Chief Rick Tull who coordinated efforts with the other companies to rescue the driver of the vehicle as well.