Have you ever wanted to serve your community and help those in need? Have you ever wanted to be part of a team, a brotherhood, or just something bigger than what you are in now? Joining the fire company can give you that chance and so much more. The fire company gives you a chance to do things you can’t do on a normal basis. You will have an opportunity to lend a helping hand to your friends and neighbors, make a profound difference in someone’s time of need, and potentially save a life. Many members have also used the volunteer fire service as a springboard into a rewarding career in firefighting, a medical profession, or any number of other emergency services related fields.
How Do I Join?
The first step in becoming a member is to complete an application. Applications can be picked up at the fire station, from a member, or downloaded. Completed applications can be turned in to any member or returned to the fire station. For more information on the application process click here.
Membership Types
We are always looking for new members, but we realize that not everyone is interested in running into burning buildings. There are many way you can help the fire department however, and we have a position for everyone. Our members range in age from 14 years and up, and they come from all walks of life and career fields. The membership types below detail the different opportunities available.
Regular Members
Regular members are our frontline firefighters. They drive and respond to alarms on the apparatus, perform rescues, and extinguish fires. To be a regular member you must be at least 18 years old and have successfully completed a probationary period or a minimum of one year as a Junior Firefighter.
Once you have completed your initial training there are numerous opportunities to continue your education through training classes. These trainings are offered in house, at annual fire schools, and through other fire departments.
Regular members must attend a minimum of 25% of total alarms and meetings each year to maintain their active status.
Probationary Member
Anyone trying to become a regular member of the fire company will go through a 1 year probationary period. During this period you are required to complete two training courses, Introduction into the Fire Service and Fire Ground Support, at a minimum. This provides you with the basic knowledge required to work safely at a fire scene. These courses are typically offered on an annual basis at our fire station.
A probationary member who has previously been a regular member in the Dauntless Fire Company or a firefighter in another department, may be exempted from taking the training if they possess one of the following:
- Firefighter I Certification
- PA State Fire Academy FF I course
- Recognized Basic Firefighter Certificate
At the end of their probationary period, any member who has fulfilled the requirements will be voted on a final time for acceptance into the fire company.
Life Member
Life members are the distinguish group who have served 25 years as an active regular member. They are honored with a gold card and are entitled to all the rights and benefits of a member in perpetuity.
Junior Members
Junior members are the start of the next generation of great firefighters. Becoming a junior member gives you the opportunity to learn leadership skills, team work, volunteerism, and community pride. It also looks great on a college application or résumé, and fulfills community service requirements.
For safety, Junior members are limited in what they can participate in based on their age by our company bylaws and the child labor laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
14-15 Year-Olds
As a 14 or 15 year-old you are not allowed to respond to alarms. However you can assist around the station both before and after the alarms. You can also take part in training on a limited basis. You get the chance to observe and learn from experience firefighters so you are better prepared for the future.
16-17 Year-Olds
Once you turn 16 you can respond to alarms and assist with emergency activities on a limited basis under the guidance of a senior firefighter. Although still limited you can have greater participate in training activities. All while continuing to observe and learn from the more experience firefighters.
2nd Alarm Members
If you want to be part of the department but don’t want to fight fire, you can become a 2nd alarm member. This gives you the opportunity to serve in an auxiliary fashion and help with general company functions, fundraising activities, fire prevention activities, station and equipment maintenance, and other in-station and non-emergency activities.
For more information on how to join click here.
This is a video of what we do and about the new grant we are a part of.