The new full-time firefighters were sworn in by District Judge Mick Petrucci during Wednesday night’s meeting of the board of supervisors.
NEWTOWN TOWNSHIP, PA — Two new full-time firefighters were sworn into office Wednesday evening during a meeting of the Newtown Township Board of Supervisors.
“This addition to our staff will enable us to continue to meet the needs of the community and provide the service that our community deserves,” said Fire Chief Glenn Forsyth. “We look forward to the continued support of the fire department as we grow. With the number of volunteers reducing, we need to continue to grow to meet the needs of the community.”
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Firefighters Chris Bacanskas and Ryan Thomas with District Judge Mick Petrucci, Chief Glenn Forsyth and Deputy Chief Nicholas Weaver.
Firefighter Chris Bacanskas takes the oath. (Jeff Werner/Patch)
Firefighter Thomas with family members. (Jeff Werner/Patch)
The new firefighters are welcomed by members of the board of supervisors. From left: Supervisors’ Chair Elen Snyder, Supervisor John Mack, Supervisor Kyle Davis, firefighter Bacanskas, Judge Mick Petrucci, firefighter Thomas and supervisors Dennis Fisher and Phil Calabro.
Bacanskas comes to Newtown with nine years of experience in the fire service as a volunteer and career firefighter. He most recently was employed with Bensalem Fire Rescue as a firefighter/firefighter inspector.
He has volunteered with the Rockledge Volunteer Fire Company since 2016 and is currently a lieutenant with the department.
Bacanskas is a graduate of the Philadelphia Academy Charter High School and currently lives in Philadelphia. When Chris isn’t working, he enjoys spending time with his friends and riding motorcycles.
Thomas comes to Newtown from Whitpain Township, where he has worked as a firefighter and EMT since 2023. He is a member of Warminster Fire Company, Station 91, where he serves as a lieutenant.
Thomas is a graduate of William Tenant High School and a 2017 graduate of the Middle Bucks Institute of Technology’s public safety program. He continues his service in Montgomery County working part-time with the Center Square Fire Company.
In addition to his fire service, Thomas served in the Army National Guard and the Army Corps of Engineers from 2019 to 2023 when he was honorably discharged.
The new full-time firefighters join the volunteer and full-time crew for a photo at the meeting. (Jeff Werner/Patch)