Thorndale Firefighters Complete Basic Fire Police Certification
By Fire Police Lieutenant Ron Miller
April 17, 2012
At the April 10th meeting of the Thorndale Volunteer Fire Company, 16 active firefighters and 3 current fire police were sworn in as Special Fire Police for the Thorndale Volunteer Company. The swearing in was conducted by company member and notary Kirk Smith and witnessed by President Vince Rose of the Caln Township Commissioners and by Chief Brian Byerly of the Caln Township Police Department.
Our firefighters were part of a class of 39 fire police and firefighters from throughout Chester County who completed this training course held at Thorndale Volunteer Fire Company. The class was split into four Wednesday evening sessions during January. The 16 hour class was taught by Instructor Tony Riccardi from Bucks County Community College's Public Safety Training Center.
The firefighters were encouraged to take this training for two reasons. First, the course provides the basic training necessary for our firefighters to safely direct traffic at emergency scenes if necessary due to a shortage of regular fire police. Second, in addition to their normal duties at emergency scenes, Thorndale Fire Police are often called upon to assist with many non-emergency community events in Caln Township and surrounding municipalities throughout the year. These events include parades, proms, carnivals, races, etc. For some of these events, the fire company receives compensation for providing Fire Police. In these days of increased fund raising needs, this compensation is always welcome. We now have plenty of certified fire police who can assist with these community events as needed.
We congratulate all those who completed this training!
Instructor Tony Riccardi addresses the class
39 participants representing 12 Chester County fire companies attended the 16 hour Basic Fire Police Class.
Instructor Riccardi demonstrates the use of an electronic flare.
Assistant Chief Vince D'Amico, firefighters Rich Rissel and Mike Bogus, QRS Coordinator Dave Aberts, and Captain Dan Donnachie all practice proper hand signals for directing traffic.
Instructor Riccardi demonstrates the proper technique for hand signals.
Thorndale Fire Police Captain Patrick Carmody, in center, instructs one of the groups in giving hand signals.
Deputy Chief John Carbo, in center, also practices traffic control hand signals.
Company member and notary Kirk Smith is sworn in as a Special Fire Police Officer prior to swearing in the other firefighters.
Kirk Smith preparing to swear the group in as Special Fire Police Officers.
Members of the Thorndale Volunteer Fire Company who were sworn in as Special Fire Police Officers pose for a picture with President Vince Rose of the Caln Twp. Commissioners, and with Chief Brian Byerly of the Caln Twp. Police who witnessed the ceremony.
