he Arendtsville Community Fire Company (ACFC) regretfully announces the passing of past Chief and Life Member Donald Heffner. Donnie joined Arendtsville in 1972. He held every line officer position up through the ranks. He served as Fire Chief in 1993-1994.
Donnie was instrumental in creating the Junior Firefighter program at Arendtsville in 1975. He was also very involved with the EMS side of the fire service at Arendtsville. In the early 1980’s, he played a major role in the creation of the Quick Response Service (QRS) for medical calls at ACFC. Donnie was a leader in Arendtsville that pushed ACFC out of the old days of ¾ boots and long coats to bunker pants. He pushed for the advancement of hose lines that were being used. In the early 1980s, he believed in getting away from the old school high pressure hose lines and purchasing 1 ¾” attack hoses for the 1984 Ford Engine (Engine 5-2) that was being purchased. He, among a few others at the time, pushed Arendtsville into the more aggressive firefighting era. He believed in going interior on structure fires and getting away from the old school surround and drown tactics. He pushed for SCBAs at ACFC and believed in their purpose and safety on the fireground when the decisions were made to purchase this equipment. His ingenuity and knowledge pushed the Arendtsville Fire Company and helped mold this department into what it is today.
Donnie was not only active within the Arendtsville Fire Company but also other emergency services agencies in South Central Pennsylvania. He served as the Deputy Fire Chief at Monroe Fire Company in Cumberland County, PA. He was an active volunteer EMT with the Fairfield Amvets Ambulance. He served as Deputy Coroner for Adams County in the mid 1990’s. He was an athletic trainer at the Biglerville High School. He worked as a Sales Representative with VFIS and Fire Rescue Products. Lastly, Donnie also served as the Mayor of Arendtsville for a few years.
Donnie loved Arendtsville as this was his home where he grew up. He loved this fire company with great pride. Many that knew Donnie probably have a few stories that they recall that involve his laugh and his character. He was without a doubt an instrumental member of the Arendtsville Fire Company and will be missed. Rest in peace Chief.