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!