Published November 14. 2020 06:12AM
Nesquehoning VFW recently named John McArdle as this year’s firefighter of the year.
The VFW gives out various awards to those who show dedication to the community annually.
McArdle has been a volunteer firefighter for 42 years, serving the last 29 years as the Nesquehoning Hose Company fire chief.
When not volunteering as a firefighter, he is active in many other aspects of emergency services, including as an EMT, local emergency management coordinator, deputy state police fire marshal and Carbon County EMA chief deputy.
McArdle is also the president of the Carbon County Firemen’s Association and chairman of the Carbon County Fire Chief’s Association.
A lifelong resident of Nesquehoning, McArdle is the oldest of three sons born to Kathryn (Bechtel) McArdle of Nesquehoning and the late William J. McArdle.
He has been married to Del Ray (Zwolenik) for 36 years and they have two sons.
Members of the Nesquehoning VFW present John McArdle, center, Nesquehoning Hose Company fire chief, with the firefighter of the year award. From left are Shawn Schmick, Craig Strohl, McArdle, Mark Kattner and Ian Acciarito. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO