What Are Fire Police?
Fire Police will control the flow of traffic to ensure emergency vehicles have a quick, safe entrance and egress to the incident. They may halt traffic, block a road or detour you in another direction, because of the situation and the dangers involved. They are not there to make you late for work, dinner, or a date. They are taking orders from the police authority in charge.
All Fire Police Officers are sworn officers of the law and when on duty shall display a badge of authority and shall be subject to control of the chief of police of the city, borough, town or township in which they are serving, or if none, of a member of the Pennsylvania State Police. They are highly skilled and trained in their vocation and have their oath on file with their local municipalities. Disobeying a Fire Police Officer is the same as disobeying a Police Officer, Sheriff’s Deputy or State Trooper and assaulting one is a felony.
Fire Police in Pennsylvania are Volunteer Fire Company members, sworn in by the Mayor or Borough Council President, Township supervisor or the local District Justice of the Peace. They come under direct control of the Local Police or State Police. The Commonwealth of PA in June of 1941 passed a law (Title 35) enabling Special Fire Police Officers to have the necessary police power to provide protection. Fire Police were legally created to act in emergency situations and then only when their fire department was involved.
While most people think that Fire Police are just firefighters, these amendments widened the scope of authority of Fire Police in PA, to have limited police powers. Although they have no authority to make arrests, they do have the right to detain someone, within reason. They have earned the right to wear their ‘badge of authority.
How to Join
If you are at least 21 years of age, willing to go through certification training (paid for by HPVFD), pass background checks, and are willing to respond when emergencies occur, we want to talk to you! You can express your interest to Fire Police Captain (Monte Myers) and Fire Chief (Jim Sims) by emailing info@holidayparkvfd.org or calling (724) 327-3456 (main station number) to arrange a meeting.
Who are our local Fire Police?
The Borough of Plum authorized a Fire Police Squad operating under the general day to day operations of the Holiday Park Volunteer Fire Department to serve the borough as a whole; despite which district they are in. The squad operates under the radio station designation of station 395. Each member of the squad must complete the state mandated certification program as well as local requirements.
Fire Police Squad Leaders:
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The Role and Responsibilities of a Special Fire Police Officer
(Courtesy of PA Fire Police Association)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 emergent 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 the 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 workers 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 who need medical care.
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 any 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 incident.
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.