Thorndale Volunteer Fire Company Celebrates 75 Years

On September 27th, the Thorndale Volunteer Fire Company celebrated its service to the community that has endured for 75 years starting in 1939. Members both past and present were on hand to enjoy the festivities.

Getting ready for the 75th anniversary party was a daunting task and all hands were surely needed to make it the special day that it was. From the President of the fire company, to the 75th Anniversary Party Committee to the Chiefs, to the firefighters, fire police and social members, all hands were in service doing their part to make the day a success. A few special souls went door to door and created partnerships with local businesses that will last into the future. We would like to thank the VA Hospital Station 76 for their help with covering our calls during the morning hours and the Kimberton Fire Company Station 61 for covering all of our calls in the evening so that our members could enjoy themselves.

The morning started early with the “Old Timers” breakfast where current first responders mingled with past first responders, shared stories, enjoyed a slide show of the company throughout the years and generally had a good time. Members had graciously donated their prized fire service historical items for the day that were on display in the fire house from sunrise to way past sunset for all to see. After breakfast was complete, active members then cleaned up and prepared for the afternoon event which included an opening ceremony full of local, county and state dignitaries as well as other fire companies that came to show their support. Members both past and present were recognized for their time served. The day concluded with lots of laughs and spirits well into the night.

To some people, 75 years seems like a very long time but just recently the Fame Fire Company #3 in West Chester celebrated their 175th anniversary and they are the youngest fire company in the West Chester Fire Department! Even so, the Thorndale Volunteer Fire Company is proud of what we have accomplished over the years and how we have grown. The company first started by meeting every week and transforming an old church into the first fire house, outgrowing that and building a new firehouse in 1949 and then again in 2001 as well as hosting all training for Chester County back in the 1960’s and 1970’s. The company started with local men and women who realized a need for emergency service and volunteered their time to make sure the people of Caln Township and surrounding areas would have the necessary resources if an emergency arose. The Thorndale Volunteer Fire Company continues to carry on the legacy those before us left behind and we thank all those who donate and sacrifice their time, money, family and supplies to make our fire company a better place and we hope to volunteer our services to those of the community for another 75 years.