Kit Spayd is the first president of the newly formed Aston Township Fire Department. Photo by Loretta Rodgers
By Loretta Rodgers.
Aston resident Kit Spayd hails from a family committed to volunteerism, and as president of the newly formed Aston Township Fire Department, she is most definitely carrying her family’s legacy.
Spayd, the daughter of Aston 2nd Ward Commissioner Carol Graham and Jim Graham, moved to the township at the age of three. She graduated from Sun Valley High School in 1996 and began working in the customer service department at State Farm Insurance Company.
After a few years, Spayd changed careers and was hired as assistant manager of the Granite Run Mall. It was there she met her future husband, Nick Spayd, who was working in the security department at the mall.
Nick, who was a firefighter at the time, eventually introduced his wife to the Aston-Beechwood Fire Department. But, like generations of her family, she had already been volunteering with the Felton Hose and Chemical Fire Company in Chester Township.
“I do come from a long history of fire service,” Spayd said. “My great grandfather James Miller, was first chief at Felton Hose and may of my family members have been in the fire service. It was a natural progression for me.”
Spayd, who is the mother of two daughters, Evelyn, 11; and Olivia, 9, was elected president of the Aston-Beechwood Fire Company in 2011. Then, when Aston-Beechwood and the Green Ridge Fire Company joined forces in 2014, Spayd was elected president of the newly formed Aston Township Fire Department.
“I am so honored to have been elected president,” Spayd said. “The volunteers of this department are all incredibly dedicated. Our officers and members look forward to continuing the high level of care our residents have come to expect and know from the emergency service personnel of the Aston Township Fire Department Station #17.”
In her capacity as president, Spayd is responsible for conducting monthly meetings and day-to-day administrative issues, as well as operations.
“Kit is a great person, and friend,” said Aston Township Fire Department 1st Assistant Chief John Moletteri. “She does a great job as president and she spent countless hours working through the fine details of the merger. She volunteers for her community in so many ways, not just with the fire house but with other projects as well. She makes sure events for the township children go off without a hitch. ”
In addition to her fire department volunteer position, Spayd serves on various township boards and committees. She served for years on the Aston Township citizens advisory committee, was chairwoman of fundraising for the Aston Township Memorial Garden; is a current member of the board of recreation, and is chairwoman of the Smiles in the Playground committee.
In 2012, Spayd was named Aston Township Citizen of the Year and was publicly recognized at the township’s annual community day.
Spayd is also a member of the PTL at her daughter’s respective schools; is involved in the Girl Scouts of America; and is a homeroom mother.
Smiles in the Playground is a project near and dear to Spayd’s heart. As the mother of an autistic child, she feels that having playground equipment available for special needs children is very important.
“My mother and I were out and we met a lady whose handicapped child wanted to be able to play on the playground like the other children,” Spayd said. “But, the little girl was in a wheelchair and there was nothing for her to do. My mom and I both began to cry when we got back to the car. It was so sad. So we decided right then to pursue a handicapped playground for Aston.”
Spayd said she hopes the playground will be constructed on the grounds of the Township Community Center because so many events take place at that location. She said the playground, due to the highly specialized equipment, will cost approximately $200,000.
“We have a grant from PECO for $7,000 which is a great start,” she said. “But we are hoping to secure more funds, and have businesses and individuals donate.”
Spayd said the Aston Commissioners are all on board and are “very excited” about the project.
“The support we have received is unbelievable,” Spayd said. “I can’t wait until the playground a reality.”
Spayd’s mother, Carol Graham, is very proud of her daughter.
“Kit volunteers out of the kindness of her heart,” said Graham. “She is a dedicated person and has many loyal friends. Not because she’s my daughter, but Kit is truly a wonderful person and an asset to the Aston community.”