| EXTON, PA – The West Whiteland Fire Company is deeply saddened to announce the unexpected passing of Past Fire Chief George "Bud" Turner, who succumbed to a sudden medical emergency following department activities on May 23, 2026. Chief Turner remained committed to the Fire Company until his final day, exemplifying a legacy of service that spanned nearly 57 years.
A widely recognized and respected leader in West Whiteland Township, Chief Turner was consistently among the department's top volunteer responders for more than half a century. He answered his final emergency call as the operator of Ladder 6 at approximately 3:00 p.m. on the day of his passing. Just hours later, he also attended the department's annual awards banquet ceremony held at the Whitford Country Club – never missing an opportunity to support the organization or its members.
Chief Turner joined the West Whiteland Fire Company in July 1969, beginning what would become a remarkable lifetime of dedication to the greater Exton community. Throughout his extensive volunteer career, Chief Turner served in nearly every operational and administrative capacity of the Fire Company.
In just his second year of membership, Chief Turner was selected to serve as Secretary of the organization — a role he held until being elected President of the Fire Company in January 1973. He would continue in that position through 1976.
In addition to his administrative duties, Chief Turner also progressed through the operational ranks – initially serving as Fire Lieutenant beginning in January 1973, 1st Captain in March 1974, and 2nd Assistant Chief in January 1976.
In 1978, Chief Turner was selected by his peers to serve as the fourth Fire Chief in the history of the organization. He remained Fire Chief through 1985. The following year, he was recognized as the Firefighter of the Year for his exemplary service.
For more than a decade, he also served as Deputy Fire Chief under then-Chiefs William Miller and David Jones from 1989 to 1999. He was again elected to the office of Fire Chief in 2000, holding the position through 2007. Never one to sit idle, he returned as President from 2009 to 2011 before once again serving as Fire Chief from 2012 to 2017.
His unwavering commitment to the organization earned him the W. Scott Smith Outstanding Contributor Award in both 2013 and 2016, and he was presented with the inaugural Turner Service Award in 2018 – an honor named in recognition of his extraordinary service to the Fire Company and community. At the time of his passing, he continued to serve on the Fire Company's Board of Directors.
In addition to his many fire service accolades, he also served the community as a West Whiteland Township Supervisor, Fire Marshal, and Emergency Management Coordinator.
Chief Turner will be fondly remembered for an unparalleled lifetime of sacrifice and service to the residents of West Whiteland Township. As we continue to grieve this unexpected loss, we ask that you keep the Turner family in your thoughts and prayers. Funeral arrangements are currently pending.
For further information, please contact Fire Chief Kevin Miller (chief@westwhitelandfire.org) or 610-363-9066. |
