
VOLUNTEERING In
pennsylvania
Hempfield Township
Hempfield Township is currently at risk due to inadequate fire department staffing levels. In short, there are not enough trained Volunteer Firefighters available to respond to emergencies, especially during business hours. The need for recruitment has never been greater.
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In 2022, Hempfield Fire Department received a federal grant from the Department of Homeland Security Federal Emergency Management Agency. The Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant Program supports recruitment and retention activities. The purpose is to provide Hempfield Fire Department with staffing, training and deployment capabilities to respond to emergencies and ensure that local communities, citizens and visitors have adequate protection from fire, fire-related hazards and other emergencies.
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By adding new recruits (and retaining valuable members), Hempfield Fire Department will create a net increase in the number of trained, certified and competent firefighters capable of safely responding to emergencies.

Hempfield Fire Department is looking to add new members to the following 10 Volunteer Fire Stations serving the Hempfield Township Community:
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Adamsburg VFC
Bovard VFD
Carbon VFD
Fort Allen VFD
Grapeville VFC
Hannastown VFD
Hempfield #2 VFD
Midway/St. Clair VFD
North Hempfield VFD
West Point VFD
These departments and stations respond to a variety of emergencies, including structure fires, vehicle fires, brush fires, rubbish fires, motor vehicle accidents, hazardous materials incidents, automatic fire alarms, and public service details, such as flooding, power failures, and trees or wires down.
Although local governments and departments establish different selection criteria, many departments require that volunteers:
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Be at least 18 years of age
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Have a valid driver’s license
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Be healthy and in good physical condition
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Complete basic fire & EMS training
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Live in close proximity to the fire district
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Have a clean criminal record
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Meet the minimum ongoing training requirements
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Respond to a certain percentage of calls