Become a Volunteer Firefighter

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The Cecil Township Volunteer Firefighter Program is a rewarding program that integrates training, benefits, and the gratification of helping others. Cecil Township is a combination fire department comprised of career and volunteer firefighters that work together to create a safer community. Volunteers can be rewarded through many benefits including promotion to higher ranks within the organization through training and experience.  

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer firefighter, please review the application requirements below.

Application Process

  1. Complete and submit the online Application for Membership
  2. Receive a department-paid Physical Exam from UPMC Washington Occupational Medicine:
    • 95 Leonard Avenue, Washington, PA 15301 (Building 1, Suite 401)
    • Please call 724-223-3528 to schedule an appointment
  3. Complete a third party department-paid Physical Capacity Test:
    • Outpatient Rehabilitation located inside the WHS Wilfred R. Cameron Wellness Center at 240 Wellness Way, Washington, PA 15301
    • Please call  (724) 250-6280 to schedule an appointment under Cecil Township Fire Department for Pre Employment testing.

Once the above documentation has been received, our committee that oversees new applications will follow this process:

  • Background checks will be performed
  • References will be contacted

After the in-person interview, the committee will present its recommendation to the organization at the monthly business meeting (Fourth Tuesday of each month)

The application process typically takes approximately 2 months; however, we encourage all applicants to attend our weekly trainings on Monday evenings during this time period to meet our team.

Training

Volunteer firefighters must complete the Pennsylvania State Fire Academy Entry Level Fire Training within two years. This course is 188 hours of training, and prepares firefighters for the Pro-Board National Firefighter I test. Interior firefighters must obtain Firefighter I certification.

All training is paid for and provided by the Cecil Township Fire Department.

Benefits

  • 24-Hour Physical Fitness Facility
  • Annual participation stipend
  • Duty Shifts
  • No Cost Training
  • Annual Uniform Allowance
  • Life, Medical, and Injury Insurance


Membership Types

The Cecil Township Fire Department offers multiple volunteer membership types.

  • Junior
    • Ages 14-17, mainly concentrates on training for firefighting, rescue, and EMS
  • Active
    • Current firefighters who actively attend trainings and respond to calls
  • Associate
    • Members of another fire department that meet requirements to work duty shifts and attend trainings with Cecil Township. 
  • Life Membership
    • Life Active
      • 20+ years of service, current firefighters who actively attend trainings and respond to calls
    • Life non-active
      • 20+ years of service, members who no longer attend trainings or respond to calls