70 Years Of Service For Bensalem Firefighter

BENSALEM TOWNSHIP, PA —James Thorpe has a lot of nicknames.

But that shouldn't be surprising for someone who has served the township for 70 years.

Fire companies throughout the township offered congratulations to Thorpe for reaching that milestone and wearing a lot of fire hats during his tenure.

The life member was recognized by the Trevose Fire Company, where he got his start, the Nottingham Fire Department Station 65, the Cornwells Fire Company, and Bensalem EMS.

"Congratulations to Life Member Jimmie John Thorpe on 70 years as a Bensalem firefighter," the Trevose Fire Company said in a Facebook post, adding that he is also a life member of Bensalem Rescue Squad and Lambertville Rescue Squad.

After serving with Trevose, Thorpe moved to the Nottingham Fire Department Station 65.

"A living legend in the fire service resides right here at the NFD65," the fire department said. "Jimmy is known as a well-respected instructor throughout the region. We are thankful to have you helping guide our members."

The Nottingham Fire Department has several nicknames for Thorpe: Jimmy John, Jimmy, Rope, and Knot Guru.

The Trevose Fire Company also said that Thorpe played the role of Santa Claus for many years with his wife Glenna as Mrs. Claus.

Bensalem EMS said that Thorpe led the squad's technical rescue training for nearly a decade.

"Looking back through some of the photos, we see many who are now chiefs, instructors, and very successful in other occupations," Bensalem EMS said. "Jimmie actually trained a future generation of first responders. We can only hope to carry on his tradition."