Pennsylvania Participating Department Recognition Program

In the spring of 2004 the officers of the Thorndale Volunteer Fire Company decided to begin the nationally certified training programs offered by the Chester County Fire and Rescue Training Academy in cooperation with the Pennsylvania State Fire Academy. Sixteen of our members attended Firefighter I together and received certification which allowed the company to apply for the Pennsylvania Participating Department Recognition Program. Commonwealth emergency responders have an opportunity to participate in and be recognized as a certified fire professional at various levels in accordance with nationally recognized and sanctioned Professional Qualification standards. The state recognizes four different levels of participation by fire companies; 10%, 50%, 75%, and 100%. Decals placed on fire apparatus signify the level of participation by each company. The different levels are distinguished by four different color borders around the edge of the decal; 10% has a white border, 50% has a bronze border, 75% has a silver border and 100% has a gold border.

The Thorndale Volunteer Fire Company received the honor of having more than 75% of there members certified to at least the Firefighter I level. Decals with silver borders are now proudly displayed on the apparatus as well as a certificate hanging in the station signed by Ed Mann the state fire commissioner. We were one of the first stations in Chester County to receive this prestige honor.

The Thorndale Volunteer Fire Company is setting the standards even higher by constantly training to better serve our community.