Unexpected passing of Chief Turner

EXTON, PA – The West Whiteland Fire Company announces with great sorrow the unexpected passing of Past Fire Chief George "Bud" Turner, who died after a sudden medical emergency following department activities on May 23, 2026. Chief Turner remained dedicated to the Fire Company until his final day, building a legacy of service that spanned nearly 57 years.

Chief Turner was a well-known and respected leader in West Whiteland Township. For more than half a century, he consistently ranked among the department’s top volunteer responders. On the day of his passing, he responded to his last emergency call as the operator of Ladder 6 at approximately 3:00 p.m. Later that evening, he attended the department’s annual awards banquet at the Whitford Country Club, showing his ongoing support for the organization and its members.

Chief Turner joined the West Whiteland Fire Company in July 1969, beginning a notable lifetime of service to the Exton community. During his long volunteer career, he held nearly every operational and administrative position within the Fire Company.

In his second year as a member, Chief Turner was selected as Secretary of the organization, a role he served in until being elected President in January 1973. He continued as President until 1976.

Alongside his administrative duties, Chief Turner progressed through operational roles. He became Fire Lieutenant in January 1973, 1st Captain in March 1974, and 2nd Assistant Chief in January 1976.

In 1978, Chief Turner was chosen by his peers to become the fourth Fire Chief in the organization’s history, serving in that role through 1985. In 1986, he was honored as Firefighter of the Year for his service.

For over a decade, he also served as Deputy Fire Chief under Chiefs William Miller and David Jones from 1989 to 1999. He was elected Fire Chief again in 2000, holding the position through 2007. He later served as President from 2009 to 2011, before returning to the role of Fire Chief from 2012 to 2017.

His steadfast dedication earned him the W. Scott Smith Outstanding Contributor Award in 2013 and 2016. In 2018, he received the inaugural Turner Service Award, named in his honor to recognize his exceptional commitment to the Fire Company and the community. At the time of his death, he was serving on the Fire Company’s Board of Directors.

In addition to his fire service, Chief Turner also served West Whiteland Township as a Supervisor, Fire Marshal, and Emergency Management Coordinator.

Chief Turner leaves behind a legacy of remarkable service and sacrifice to the residents of West Whiteland Township. As the department mourns this loss, community members are asked to keep the Turner family in their thoughts. Funeral arrangements are currently pending.

For further information, please contact Fire Chief Kevin Miller at chief@westwhitelandfire.org or 610-363-9066.