On Monday March 14, 2022, Sr. Vice Commander Tom Flick (Ret. USAF) from the Downingtown VFW Post 845 attended the Thorndale Volunteer Fire Company’s monthly meeting to present Past Chief John Cordisco, Jr. with two awards for his service. The first was a certificate of recognition for “Outstanding Firefighting Service” from Downingtown VFW Post 845 presented on behalf of Post Commander Martin Peterson (Ret. USAF). The second was a certificate of recognition “Firefighter Award” from the Department of Pennsylvania Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States presented on behalf of Commander Nathaniel Smith (Ret. USN).

Past Chief Cordisco, better known as “Disco”, has been a member of the Thorndale Volunteer Fire Company since 1986 after moving across the state from his hometown of McKeesport, PA where he volunteered with the White Oak Volunteer Fire Company No. 1. He has served in a wide range of positions with our fire company including Firefighter, Training Officer, Lieutenant, Captain, Assistant Chief, and President. From 2013 to 2018 he served two consecutive terms in office as Fire Chief. In addition to the fire company, he is an Instructor for the Chester County Department of Emergency Services where he teaches incoming firefighters the skills, they need to be successful in the fire service. Through the fire company’s participation in the Chester County Technical Rescue Task Force, he serves as a Trench Collapse Rescue Technician, on the team which is available to respond to these unique incidents across Chester County. All of this is in his spare time, as his career is in the vehicle insurance industry and formerly auto body shop repair.

Around the fire station he is an asset with his mechanical knowledge and body repair for both the fire apparatus and our facility. He is committed to the organization as it doesn’t matter what the event is, you can typically count on him being there to help whether it is a work detail, fund raising event, training, other special function, or responding to an incident. On the fire ground, his vast training portfolio makes him an irreplaceable asset. Many who know him well understand that he does not seek fame; his values are genuine and only volunteers because he truly loves to help those in need.

The Officers and Members of the Thorndale Volunteer Fire Company congratulate Past Chief Cordisco on receiving this honor. We are happy to have Disco part of our organization and thank him for his service!