Question 1

HOW LONG WILL THE TRAINING TAKE & WHEN DO I HAVE TO HAVE IT COMPLETED?

Accepted Answer

Our philosophy allows members to best fit their volunteer fire service life into their personal life. If you want to become an Interior Firefighter, it’s going to take the biggest initial time investment, as the PA Entry Level Firefighter Program is over 180 hours. The program is divided into modules and can be completed within a few months’ time, or spread out over time as an individual can fit the modules into their schedule. Some new members prefer to complete the program over a short period of time, and others need to spread it out over time.

Click here for more information on the PA Entry Level Firefighter Program.

Question 2

HOW MUCH TIME WILL I BE EXPECTED TO VOLUNTEER?

Accepted Answer

Our minimum requirements for active status vary between membership types. Our Operational Personnel (suppression) require a minimum of 104 hours of Company time annually, which is divided between trainings, meetings, call response, station staffing, and community events. Our Administrative members (non-suppression) require a minimum of 52 hours of Company time annually, which is divided between meetings and community events.

Question 3

WILL I HAVE TO PAY FOR EQUIPMENT & TRAINING?

Accepted Answer

No. All required equipment and training are paid for by the Company.

Question 4

WILL I BE REQUIRED TO BE ON CALL AT CERTAIN TIMES?

Accepted Answer

No, members are encouraged to respond to calls whenever possible, but we have not found the need to require duty or on call times for members. We strongly encourage our station staffing program to ensure fast response times and expect home response to bring secondary crews and apparatus.

Question 5

WHEN ARE COMPANY MEETINGS & TRAININGS?

Accepted Answer

Most company training drills are held each Tuesday evening at 6:30 pm. Some special training events are offered on alternative days of the week throughout the year. Monthly business meetings are held on the first Thursday of the month at 7 pm.

Question 6

WHAT IF I AM AT A CALL AND MUST LEAVE FOR WORK OR FAMILY RESPONSIBILITIES?

Accepted Answer

Let the officer in charge of the incident know that you must leave. For extended calls, we often try to identify members that need to leave, and release them on vehicles no longer needed at the scene.

Question 7

IS THERE A PROBATIONARY PERIOD?

Accepted Answer

Yes. There are two types of probation. As a member of the Company (meaning your ability to vote on Company matters and elections, and run for elected positions), you must serve a probation period of one year. As an Operational Member (meaning your status as a firefighter), probationary status depends on the level of training you have completed. All new members, regardless of previous experience, remain on probation until they achieve their ProBoard Firefighter I certification and demonstrate operational competency and Company knowledge.

Question 8

HOW WILL OTHER MEMBERS KNOW TO NOT ASK ME TO DO SOMETHING I HAVEN'T BEEN TRAINED TO DO?

Accepted Answer

Different colored helmet shields are issued based on probationary status and training level to help officers and senior firefighters identify a member’s capabilities when assigning tasks.

Question 9

DO I NEED TO PROVIDE CLEARANCES?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All prospective members must provide a PA DHS Child Abuse Clearance and a PSP Criminal Background Check, directions for which are provided during the onboarding process. These clearances must also be regularly maintained throughout the member's tenure with the Company.

Question 10

HOW WILL I KNOW WHEN THERE IS A CALL?

Accepted Answer

Members are assigned pagers and an emergency response app that activate when a call is dispatched.

Question 11

WHAT IF I AM INJURED WHILE PERFORMING MY DUTIES AS A VOLUNTEER?

Accepted Answer

The Township of Pine is required by the state to provide workers’ compensation insurance for the volunteer fire company. If you’re injured, your care will be administered through the Township’s workers’ comp insurance carrier.

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