Thorndale Obtains Recognition as a Participating Department
 
By Deputy Chief Daniel Donnachie
July 13, 2013
 

On July 1, 2013, the Thorndale Volunteer Fire Company received notification from the Office of the Pennsylvania State Fire Commissioner that it has attained the 50% recognition level as part of the Participating Department Recognition Program. This program administered by the Office of the Pennsylvania State Fire Commissioner recognizes organizations that have a certain percentage of their firefighters certified to a minimum national level of training with the sanctioned Professional Qualification Standards.

There are many Fire Service Professional levels that can be obtained, with the minimum being the Firefighter I level. To obtain certification as a Fire Service Professional, firefighters are evaluated with a written exam as well as skills competency to perform to a level common to all firefighters on a national level. There many levels of Professional Qualifications, however in order to participate in the Participating Department program through the Office of the Pennsylvania State Fire Commissioner the department or company must have a certain percentage of their firefighters certified to the Firefighter I level minimally.

The Participating Department Recognition Program levels offered by the Pennsylvania State Fire Commissioner are 10%, 50%, 75%, and 100%. The Thorndale Volunteer Fire Company has participated in this program since 2005. Although Thorndale has been recognized to have at least 50% of its members certified to the Firefighter I level, many firefighters have certification well beyond this level including; Firefighter II, Fire Instructor I, Fire Instructor II, Fire Officer I, Fire Officer II, Pumper Driver/Operator, Water Supply Driver/Operator, Hazardous Materials Awareness, Hazardous Materials Operations, Hazardous Materials Technician, Vehicle and Machinery Rescue Technician, Trench Rescue Technician, and Confined Space Rescue Technician.

The Thorndale Volunteer Fire Company is committed to protecting the lives and property of our citizens, merchants, and visitors to Caln Township by providing professional services essential to their safety and well being.