Ever feel like you ever have extra time on your hands and want to get involved in the community?  Or are you a "thrill seeker" looking for something to do with your life within your own community?  Guess what!?  We would love to have you aboard!

The Manheim Fire Company, with most of the other fire companies in Lancaster County consist almost entirely of volunteers.  We don't get paid to do what we do, but a lot of us that have been in the fire company for any length of time love the chance to serve our fellow mankind.  People come into the fire company for different reasons.  Some just to help out wherever we can, others dedicated to assisting others in their time of need.  We have members that have been with us for 40 plus years!  People that join stick around.  

WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR?

We are looking for men and women, over the age of 16 years old to help out.  You don't necessarily have to be a firefighter to help out either.  We are always looking for people to help out with our fundraising, auxillary, administrative tasks, fire prevention and education, and various other areas where we need help from time to time.

PREREQUISITES

• A desire to be part of the fire company, and a desire to help out in the community.  Think hard about this.  For a lot of us it is a decision that we had made as children growing up.  A lot of us have ALWAYS wanted to be firefighters . 
• Live within our Fire District.  If you are unsure if you live within our area ask someone at the fire station.  If you are out of our immediate area we can always direct you to one of the local fire companies that is your "home" fire district.
• Be at least 16 years of age (16, and 17 years old are considered "Junior Members".  Be over 18 years of age to be a "Active Member"
• Application submission process.  You have to fill out some paperwork (application form), provide some references, and sit down with our membership committee for a interview.
• Background clearance check.  Some people think that because they have done something in the past this may be a distractor from volunteering and are afraid to even submit a application.  We look at all aspects of your past.  Something that occurred in the past does not necessarily disqualify you.  Please be honest on your application.  Honesty is a big part of the process!
• If you have a physical limitation we are ok with that.  Just please keep in mind that we ask you be honest with us.  Even on the fireground we could use your help, not necessarily as a interior firefighter, but someone that can just help move equipment and supplies around.
• Willingness to wait for the results of your application.  In most cases there is a waiting period.  First we do our background check, interviews, etc, then your membership application must be brought up at two monthly meetings.  Till everything is said and done it could take up to three months to hear back from us.  When your application is approved you will hear back from a membership committee member within 48 hours.
• Please be prepared to subnit a $5.00 membership fee with your application.  Our members pay annual dues of $5.00 per year.
• Willing to go through a orientation.  We try to work around your schedule.  Normally a orientation session can last from 2 to 3 hours.  This is the time period where we take your photo for your PHOTO ID, show you around the equipment, and speak to you about our fire department SOP's (Standard Operating Procedures), what is expected of you, as well as filling out any additional paperwork that might be required.  

SOME OF THE TASKS & RESPONSIBILITIES OF BEING A FIREFIGHTER

• Rescue victims from burning buildings and accident sites.
• Search burning buildings to locate fire victims.
• Administer first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation to injured persons.
• Dress with equipment such as fire resistant clothing and breathing apparatus.
• Drive and operate fire fighting vehicles and equipment.
• Move toward the source of a fire using knowledge of types of fires, construction design, building materials, and physical layout of properties.
• Respond to fire alarms and other calls for assistance, such as automobile and industrial accidents.
• Assess fires and situations and report conditions to superiors to receive instructions, using two-way radios.
• Position and climb ladders to gain access to upper levels of buildings, or to rescue individuals from burning structures.
• Create openings in buildings for ventilation or entrance, using axes, chisels, crowbars, electric saws, or core cutters.

SOUNDS GOOD, HOW DO I APPLY?

A online application will be available shortly, or in person by stopping by the firehouse located at 83 South Main Street (Next to the Turkey Hill at the corner of Main Street and Ferdiand Streets.  You can't miss it!  We are the only one's in town with big red shiny firetrucks!!!  Since we are volunteers we aren't always available, but a great time to get a hold of someone to get a application/tour of the fire station is on Monday nights, and Saturday mornings.  We always welcome people to visit so don't be afraid to stop by with no notice!  If there is someone around  we will help you! You may also complete our application prior to visiting the fire house. Click here to download the form. 

WHAT ABOUT TRAINING AND EQUIPMENT?

Honestly firefighters go through a lot of training in order to keep up with their skills, certifications, etc.  All training is paid for by the fire company and the Firefighter's Relief Association.  As a "basic firefighter" we ask that you at least take the "Introduction to Firefighting" class, along with all classes which we are required to take every year including annual Haz-Mat training, AED/CPR, and SCBA testing.    Some of the classes can even be taken online.  Speak to a Fire Chief, or a Line Officer (Captain, Lieutenant) about required training requirements.

When you join the fire company you are issued a uniform t-shirt, and a collared shirt for usage in public functions after a initial orientation..  Firefighter gear including turnout gear, boots, gloves, helmet, and other essential equipment is issued by the Quartermaster (Person in charge of equipment).  A SCBA (Self Contained Breathing Apparatus) mask will be issued after successful completion of SCBA training.