On Sunday May 1, 2016, Thorndale Volunteer Fire Company Fire Police Lieutenant John Neff was recognized by the Chester County Fire Police Association (CCFPA) as the "Chester County Fire Police Officer of the Year for 2016". This honor was presented by Fire Police Association President Ron Miller at their annual recognition picnic, which was held at the Public Safety Training Campus in South Coatesville, Pennsylvania.

Dignitaries attending the picnic to congratulate FP Lt. Neff included Chester County Commissioner Michelle Kichline, State Senator John Rafferty, House of Representatives members Tim Hennessey and Harry Lewis, and Caln Twp Commissioner Cynthia Eshleman. Director of Emergency Services Bobby Kagel and his assistant directors Beau Crowding, Pat Davis, and John Haynes were also present to recognize Lt. Neff.

Fire Police Lieutenant Neff was presented with a crystal award from the Fire Police Association. He also received citations from Chester County Commissioner Kichline, from Senator John Rafferty, and from Pennsylvania House Representatives Tim Hennessey and Harry Lewis thanking him for his loyalty and exemplary service to the Chester County Fire Police Association, the Thorndale Volunteer Fire Company, and Chester County emergency services in general.

FP Lt. Neff was nominated for this honor because of his tireless dedication during the last 5 years representing the interests of the Chester County Fire Police Association while serving on the Chester County Department of Emergency Services Voice Radio Project Advisory Group. He has spent hundreds of hours participating in meetings, webinars, field testing, and training sessions promoting the interests of fire police in the design and implementation of the new radio system. Lt. Neff’s efforts have resulted in all Chester County fire police having access to dedicated talk groups on the county issued radios. He has made himself available day and night to answer any radio questions. He has earned the respect and gratitude of all who have received the benefit of his tireless devotion to the radio project.

Although Lt. Neff has only been an active member of Thorndale Volunteer Fire Company since 2014, he has served as an emergency responder in Chester County for over 30 years. He is a life member of the Chester County Fire Police Association, a life member of the East Brandywine Fire Company, and a member of the Wagontown Fire Company. He serves on the Chester County Incident Support Team, and is the Fire Police Association’s representative to the Chester County Fire Chiefs Advisory Group.

The Officers and Members of the Thorndale Volunteer Fire Company would like to thank Fire Police Lieutenant Neff for all his hard work and congratulate him on this high honor. We would also like to thank Eileen for allowing John to spend all the time he does at the fire station. His dedicated work ethic and easy going manner are refreshing and we are proud to have FP Lt. Neff as a member of the Thorndale Volunteer Fire Company.

Congratulations John!