'He Was An Amazing Person': Montco Fire, EMTs Mourn Loss

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, PA — Ron Long, a longtime firefighter and EMT who has served Montgomery County for years, died Thursday after a long battle with cancer. He was 48.

"(He was) a dedicated father as well as a brother and partner in service with an infectious smile that could never be forgotten," John Detweiler, the assistant chief at Volunteer Medical Service Corps of Lansdale, said in announcing Long's passing.

Long was remembered Thursday by the many organizations whom he either worked for or alongside over the years. Emergency personnel recalled everything from his sense of humor, his love of the Phillies, and his unyielding public service.

Ron worked for both Lower Providence EMS-Medic 322 and, since 2006, VMSC of Lansdale. He was the former chief of Trappe Fire Company, starting as a junior firefighter years ago and working his way up.

"Ron was an amazing person who knew how to make everyone laugh," the Collegeville Fire Company said in a statement. "We would like to offer our deepest condolences and prayers to the Long family, his friends and co-workers during this difficult time. Ronnie, your tour of duty is now over. We can not thank you enough for all that you have done in your lifetime. It’s now time to rest easy, Brother. We’ve got it from here."

"Ron was a smiling face to providers in Montgomery County and touched countless lives through his service to the community," the Royersford Fire Department noted. "Many of our own providers had the privilege of knowing and working alongside Ron during his career."

"Today the emergency services family lost a great man and friend. Ron was always there to lend a hand to the LPFD when a good hand was in need. He will be greatly missed by many. Our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and coworkers," Lower Providence Fire Department said.

“He will be deeply missed by everyone in emergency services in Montgomery County,” Trappe Fire said. “Trappe Fire Company expresses our deepest sympathy and condolences to all of Ron's family, friends, and co-workers.”

"Many of the Liberty Firefighters knew Ron from the Trappe Fire Department as being a fire officer that we worked with in the past years," Liberty Fire Co. said. "Ron was an avid Phillies fan, who you could count on seeing postings on his Facebook page and rooting them on. So, Ron, be the angel in the outfield now and help them win this season, as you will be missed by everyone that knew you."

Services for Long have not yet been announced but will be posted here they are.