About Us
What We Do
Fire Police support emergency responders and the public at large at emergency scenes, as well as at other events and situations, by providing scene safety and security, traffic control, and crowd control. We serve our community at large by responding to and performing our duties at a wide variety of situations, ranging from emergencies that immediately threaten life or property, to special events, to routine citizen requests for information or assistance.
The Official Seal for the Pennsylvania Fire Police Association
In June 1955 a committee was appointed to design a Seal for the State Association and a Badge that would be recognized statewide. The final sketch was selected as the official seal and the official badge of the Pennsylvania State Police Association. The only difference between the seal and the police badge was made by removing the words "Deo Volente" (God willing) from the seal and inserting the words "Fire Police" for the badge. Incorporated in the badge and seal is the spirit in which the Association was founded.
The triangle signifies man's dependence on a Supreme Being and the completion of the firefighting organizations of Pennsylvania, the Firemen, the Fire Chiefs and the Fire Police.
On the outer half of the triangle are the words - "Fidelity" - "Protection" and "Assistance". Directly below the triangle are the words "Deo Volente". This part of the triangle has a significant meaning to all Fire Police, namely - "God willing they will be faithful to their association and give protection and assistance to their fellow man." In the circle around the triangle are the words "Servants of Brotherhood." This signifies that the Fire Police have volunteered their service to their fellow man in time of need. Whether it be time, money or their life, if necessary. In the center of the triangle is the year the Association was incorporated in Lancaster County, 1949.
The Role and Responsibilities of a Special Fire Police Officer
A Pennsylvania Special Fire Police Officer is a member of a volunteer fire company empowered by the municipality to handle emergency situations throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. We are trained to address those situations and difficulties the public faces in encountering them.
We are the face of the volunteer fire company. When a resident arrives on the scene in a panic as their home and belongings are being destroyed by flames, we are the compassionate face that directs them to the scene to learn the extent of their loss.
We make a safe path for apparatus arriving on a scene.
We welcome the men and women of the media as they attempt to do their jobs. We allow them to do so in a limited area for their safety and the safety of the firefighters on the scene.
We welcome the Red Cross and provide a safe place for them to work.
We assist the utility worker in making a scene safe for all those present.
We direct motorists around the scene of an accident or explain to them the reason for the delay. As best as we can, we provide information on alternate routes, recognizing that many people do not respond well to a change in their plans.
We assist the Emergency Medical Technicians in working without interference, and in departing the scene to obtain necessary treatment for victims.
We provide safe clearance around a helicopter landing zone so no one is injured by flying debris or a possible landing accident.
We protect the public from a police incident where there may be live fire.
We assist the public in evacuation and clearance of a hazardous material incident.
We are the face that the friend or relative of an accident victim sees as they approach with apprehension for their loved ones. We calm them and provide a safe place to park. We walk them to command to assist them in dealing with the tragedy.
We help the police officer move a wrecker into position, control a crime scene, and identify possible arson suspects in a suspicious fire scene.
We observe an impaired motorist and within our limited authority, detain that motorist until a police officer is available to address any motor vehicle code infraction.
We are dedicated, trained and prepared to solve any problem we face.
We are the public relations arm of the fire company, dealing with the public, sharing what information we can, assuring them that firefighters know their job, and providing a safe experience for the firefighters, EMTs, Media, victims, and the public.
Member Counties
- Adams
- Armstrong
- Beaver
- Bedford
- Blair
- Bradford
- Bucks
- Butler
- Cambria
- Carbon
- Centre
- Chester
- Clarion
- Columbia
- Crawford
- Cumberland
- Dauphin
- Delaware
- Fayette
- Franklin
- Fulton
- Huntingdon
- Indiana
- Jefferson
- Juniata
- Lackawanna
- Lancaster
- Lebanon
- Lehigh
- Luzerne
- Lycoming
- Mercer
- Mifflin
- Monroe
- Montgomery
- Montour
- Northumberland
- Pike
- Potter
- Schuylkill
- Somerset
- Susquehanna
- Tioga
- Union
- Venango
- Warren
- Wayne
- Wyoming
- York