West Whiteland firefighter killed, girlfriend injured in crash while responding to emergency call

UWCHLAN TOWNSHIP, Pennsylvania (WPVI) -- One firefighter was killed and another was injured in a crash while responding to an emergency call this weekend in Chester County.

It happened around 9 p.m. Friday on North Pottstown Pike in Uwchlan Township.

According to the West Whiteland Fire Company, Firefighters Colin Reedy, 25, and Emily Gindel, 24, were responding to a call during a heavy downpour when their vehicle left the roadway and struck a tree.

Reedy was pronounced dead at the scene.

Firefighter Emily Gindele, who was Reedy's girlfriend, was rushed to the hospital in critical condition.

"Colin was light and he was energy and he was just everything, and we had so much hopes and dreams for him," said his mother Tracy Reedy.

"Everybody loved Colin. He was hardworking, funny, dedicated," added his father Brian.

The Reedys adopted Colin from Ukraine when he was a baby, and they had dreams of him building a successful career, marrying his girlfriend of five years, and having a family of their own.

"It hits home for everyone, not just here, specially the community. They lost a valuable piece," said West Whiteland Fire Chief Kevin Miller.

The Exton soulmates just became volunteer firefighters earlier this year.

"The two of them did everything together. They started and he loved it. He was just very proud of the activity and he just wanted to support his community because that's Colin at the core," said his mother.

"They were both a breath of fresh air and took everything in," said Miller. "Very dedicated, always willing to learn, hands-on; it was a great addition to our team."

Colin is one member they'll never forget as they proudly hang his gear in the fire station and engrave his name on an outdoor memorial under another firefighter who died in the line of duty.

"He was a hero in many ways, and in ways we never even knew through the stories that are coming into us," said Tracy.

The Reedys said those stories will help them heal from their heartbreak.

There will be two viewings for Colin:

New York services

King's Chapel, 440 RT 9W Glenmont, NY on Friday, October 27, from 5 to 7 p.m., with a celebration of life service at 7 p.m. Reception to follow.

Pennsylvania services

Gateway Church, 160 Cowan Road, Parkesburg, PA, on Sunday, October 29, from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m., with a celebration of life service at 4 p.m. Reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the West Whiteland Fire Company - Exton, PA.