The officers and members of WGFC are proud to announce that Junior member Sonia Kloss graduated from the Octorara Homeland Security and Protective Services Academy (OHSPSA), on May 30, 2019. Senior Cadet Kloss is also a senior at Avon Grove High School and will be graduating on June 11. Sonia is the daughter of Chaplain FF/EMT Rob Kloss and EMT Nicole Kloss, who both serve the WGFC community.

The OHSPSA program was started six years ago by the Octorara School District and through a unique partnership with Chester County Department of Emergency Services, it is now a countywide program. The program is offered to every high school student in the county, starting in tenth grade. The students attend their home high school for half of the day and the other half at the Chester County Public Safety Training Campus. The students are taught the basics in Police, Fire, EMS, and Emergency Telecommunication skills. If a student attends all three years, they can obtain up to 54 national and state certifications prior to graduation.

Senior Cadet Kloss has been a member of WGFC for two years and has been an active member on our ambulances. Senior Cadet Kloss excelled at the OHSPSA program and has graduated with two honors. She was awarded the Law Enforcement Scholarship Award which presented by Chief William Mossman, President of the Chester County Police Chiefs Association. Senior Cadet Kloss was also awarded the prestigious "Cadet Of the Year" award. This award was presented to Cadet Kloss by the program instructors, Deputy Chief Mark Barto and Captain Troy Hyman. Captain Hyman cited Kloss's leadership, teamwork, excellent communication skills, dedication and hard work for the reasons Kloss was chosen for this award. The officers and members of WGFC could not be more proud of Cadet Kloss as she will soon enter the US Coast Guard to continue serving our country.

The graduation ceremony involved presentations by PA State Fire Commissioner Bruce Trego, Acting PA State Fire Academy Administrator Tom Cook, State Senator Andrew Dinniman; and was attended by Avon Grove School District Superintendent Dr. Chris Marchese, and representatives from the Chester County FOP and fire service community.

The OHSPSA program is still accepting applications for September. More information can be found on the Octorara School District’s website at: https://chestercountyiu.hobsonsradius.com/ssc/aform/zI7k8NEEx670x67078El.ssc

Or, by contacting your guidance counselor.

WGFC would like to congratulate all the graduates of the program. We wish you continued success in your future endeavors. Stay safe!