top of page
Become-a-Firefighter-in-Westmoreland-County-PA-Requirements.png

VOLUNTEERING In
pennsylvania

Westmoreland County Fire

Westmoreland County 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.

In 2017, Westmoreland County Volunteer Fire Departments (“WestCoFire”) received a $4.3 million 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 was to provide Westmoreland County Volunteer Departments with staffing, training and deployment capabilities to respond to emergencies and ensure that local communities, citizens and visitors to Westmoreland County have adequate protection from fire, fire-related hazards and other emergencies.

In 2024, WestCoFire3 was awarded a new SAFER (Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response) Grant, marking a significant investment in the recruitment and retention of Volunteer Firefighters (VFF's) across Westmoreland County. Hosted by Salem Township Volunteer Fire Company # 2, the grant will provide critical funding to support the county’s fire service workforce.


By adding new recruits (and retaining valuable members), Westmoreland County Volunteer Fire Departments will create a net increase in the number of trained, certified and competent firefighters capable of safely responding to emergencies. 

Westmoreland County Fire PA

WestCoFire is looking to add new members to the following 37 Volunteer Fire Departments (50 stations). This includes:​

 

Allegheny Township Volunteer Fire Company #1

Arnold Volunteer Engine Company #2

Bolivar Volunteer Fire Company

Circleville Volunteer Fire Department

Crabtree Volunteer Fire Department

Derry Township Volunteer Fire Department of Bradenville

Dryridge Volunteer Fire Department

Export Volunteer Fire Department

Fairfield Township Volunteer Fire Company #1

Fairmont-Hahntown Volunteer Fire Department

Greensburg Volunteer Fire Department

Harrison City Fire Protective Association

Hyde Park Volunteer Fire Company

Ligonier Township Volunteer Fire Department #1 (Waterford)

Ligonier Volunteer Hose Company #1

Lloydsville Volunteer Fire Department

Lower Burrell Volunteer Fire Company #3

Markle Volunteer Fire Department

Mt. Pleasant Twp. Volunteer Fire Department #1 of Kecksburg

Murrysville Volunteer Fire Company #1

New Alexandria Volunteer Fire Department

New Kensington Fire Department

Salem Township Volunteer Fire Company #2

Saltsburg Volunteer Fire Department

Sardis Volunteer Fire Company

Scottdale Volunteer Fire Department

Sewickley Township Volunteer Fire Company #1

Slickville Volunteer Fire Department

Smithton Volunteer Fire Department

Sutersville Volunteer Fire Company

Trafford Volunteer Fire Company #1

West Leechburg Volunteer Fire Company

Westmoreland City Volunteer Fire Department

Westmoreland Homesteads Volunteer Fire Department

White Valley Volunteer Fire Department

Youngstown Whitney Volunteer Fire Department

Youngwood Volunteer Hose Company #1

Although local governments and departments establish different selection criteria, many departments require that volunteers:

​

  • Be at least 18 years of age

  • Have a valid driver’s license

  • Be healthy and in good physical condition

  • Complete basic fire & EMS training

  • Live in close proximity to the fire district

  • Have a clean criminal record

  • Meet the minimum ongoing training requirements

  • Respond to a certain percentage of calls

bottom of page