Congratulations to Captain Kirk Tharp on his retirement from active service with the Cherry Hill Fire Department effective at 8am on Sunday, July 27, 2025.

Captain Tharp graduated from Class 06-01 on September 24, 2006 and was assigned to Ladder 1324 on the A Platoon. On November 13, 2007, Kirk was transferred to Engine 1352 B Platoon where he remained as a firefighter until April 2009 when he was transferred to Engine 1331/Rescue 13 on the C Platoon. A transfer in January of 2012, brought Kirk back to Ladder 1324 A Platoon. In 2014, Kirk was promoted to Lieutenant and assigned to the Training Division. While in the Training Division, Kirk spearheaded an effort to bring personnel training records up-to-date with State of New Jersey certifications that would be necessary for future training and operations in the State.

In March 2016, Tharp was transferred to Squad Company 13 on the B Platoon, then in October 2017 Captain Tharp was transferred to Squrt 1341 C Platoon.  He was promoted to Captain in 2019 and has been the Company Commander at Engine 1352 A Platoon until the time of his retirement.

Captain Tharp worked for the past 27 years at the Camden County Fire Academy and has been a lead instructor in Firefighter 1, Firefighter 2, and various technical rescue programs.  Prior to his hiring in 2006, he served in the Westmont and Collingswood Fire Departments.

The numerous Departmental accolades Captain Tharp received throughout his career reflect the professionalism and commitment to duty that he carried with him to every response.

Your Cherry Hill Professional Firefighters thank you for your dedicated and selfless service to our union, our department, our community, and beyond.