COME JOIN US!
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The West Hanover Township Volunteer Fire Company is always looking for new members to join. If you are interested in responding to emergency calls such as structure fires, vehicle accidents, brush fires and medical assists, then the fire service may be right for you. It’s a way to save lives, protect property, and give back to your community all while having some fun! If you are 16 or older and have a desire to help your community, feel free to explore this page, call us, email us, or even come visit the station.
When you join, you will become a junior firefighter if you are under 18 or a probationary firefighter if you are 18 and over. As a junior or probationary firefighter, you will enter into a basic training/orientation program at the main station. This program generally lasts from three to eighteen months depending on the time your schedule allows you to devote to the fire company. During this period you will be able to respond to emergency calls and ride the fire apparatus so you can observe how the fire service operates. You will also be trained by senior firefighters and attend basic classes that will prepare you for the fire service. There are four basic entry-level classes that are called the “Fire Module Series” (listed below) that new members should take as soon as possible. These classes are offered at the Harrisburg Area Community College Public Safety Training Center numerous times a year in order to accommodate the schedule of a volunteer. After completion of the “Fire Module Series” and your “in-station” training you can test out to become a senior firefighter provided you are 18 years old. The basic classes that should be attended within your first year or two are as follows:
The Entry-Level Fire Module Series
(to be taken within 1st year of joining)
Module A – Introduction to the Fire Service
Module B – Fire Ground Support
Module C – Exterior Firefighter
Module D – Interior Firefighter
Additional “Highly Recommended” Classes
(to be taken within 1-3 years of joining)
- CPR & AED certification
- Basic Vehicle Rescue Series - (Awareness, Operations, Technician)
- Hazardous Materials Operations
- Fire Fighter I – National Certification
- Engine Company Operations
- Truck Company Operations
- Rope Rescue
- Confined Space Rescue
- Trench Rescue
- Collapse Rescue
- Wildfire Training
- First Responder or EMT-B Certification
You will also be required to become certified on ALL of our apparatus and be urged to participate in our company trainings. After successful completion of your probationary program, you will test to become a senior firefighter and will be awarded a black helmet. In addition, you are urged to take additional courses that will expand and refine your skills as a firefighter. How far you take it is up to you! Remember the key word here is “Volunteer”! You don’t have to devote your entire life to the fire service unless you choose to which is just fine with us. You can choose to progress at the pace that fits your lifestyle and you will not be pushed into doing anything you don’t want to do! All this information may seem a bit overwhelming, but with your hard work and dedication, it will all be worth it!
In addition to new firefighters, we are also always looking for new Fire Police, EMTs / Paramedics, social members and administrative support personnel for our company.
If you are interested in joining the West Hanover Township Fire Company please download, print and fill out an application, then give us a call at (717)-652-9019 or send an email to our recruitment coordinator at: [email protected] to schedule a time to drop it off, tour the firehouse, look over the rigs and meet the rest of the fire crew!
