Join A Company

In order to join a local volunteer fire company, an individual should go to their local firehouse and ask for an application. A member of the company will gladly hand you an application and go over any specific items needing further explanation. This is also a wonderful opportunity to ask any questions you may have concerning becoming a volunteer.

Once you have completed the application, return it to a member of the firehouse.  At the next monthly company meeting following your submission, it will then be read for the first time to the membership of the fire company.  This allows the membership an opportunity to voice any comments prior to the next monthly meeting that they may have.  During the following month, the membership committee will likely conduct a criminal background check throught the Pennsylavnia State Police on the applicant. The committee may also contact any of the references listed on the application. During this time, you are usually welcome to come to the firehouse during drill nights and other gatherings; this allows members a chance to get to know you. You can ask what nights would be good for you to come around when you hand in your application. At the next monthly meeting the committee will either recommend or deny the application for membership based on their investigation.  If recommended, the members of the company will then vote on membership. If accepted, you will be notified and sworn in. You are now considered a part of an emergency services organization. Many companies have a probationary period that may last up to one year.  If after the probationary time you are in "Good Standing" per their pre-determined requirements, you then become an active member.

You may request to be sent to the Pennsylvania State Fire Academy, or the West Chester Fire Training Facility for "Fire Fighter 1" or "EMT" training.  Upon successful completion, you will attend a countywide ceremony were you will be awarded a diploma and bear the title "Firefighter" or EMT with all of the rights and privledges of the title. These certifications are nationaly recognized and are the same qualification that a career firefighter would hold in a metropolitan fire department. Firefighter 1 and EMT are the base courses required to begin your volunteer career in emergency services for Fire and EMS.

Please note that the exact application and acceptance practices vary by department.  This is only used as a guideline.