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Volunteer Firefighter - Lower Merion Fire Department
Lower Merion Twp Fire Dept
75 E Lancaster Ave
Ardmore, PA 19003
610-645-6190
Description
The Lower Merion Fire Department is comprised of seven independent fire companies serving nearly 70,000 residents across over 25 square miles of Lower Merion, Narberth, and portions of Radnor. The fire companies are staffed by more than 200 active volunteer firefighters and officers, supplemented by a small number of full-time personnel. Members of the seven companies now respond to more than 2500 calls for fire suppression and rescue services annually. In addition, LMFD Fire Marshals conduct fire safety inspections and perform command functions at emergencies.
The area we serve is as diverse as any in the country, ranging from tightly-packed rowhouses to sprawling estates, large industrial sites, and hi-rise commercial buildings. A housing stock built up over three centuries, aging infrastructure, and busy transportation arteries, and aging infrastructure create innumerable challenges and hazards. Our firefighters work hard and train continuously to meet the ever-changing needs of this community.
Becoming a LMFD firefighter provides you with access to state-of-the-art equipment, the latest training methods, and advanced education in life-saving skills. You will fill an urgent need in your community on a close-knit team with other dedicated volunteers. For many decades, LMFD has very successfully operated a mostly-volunteer “combination” system. The department is staffed by over 90% volunteers, while a small number of paid personnel help ensure operational readiness and a quick response. At each Lower Merion station, there are two paid firefighters on duty during the weekday and one at all other times. All other firefighters are volunteers and generally respond from home, work, or wherever they happen to be at the time.
There is no specific time requirement or “on-call” system. Volunteers respond to as many calls and training drills as they are able. Policies vary by station, but generally members are expected to respond to at least 20% of their station’s calls each year. Volunteers are occasionally asked to help man the station during special events or severe weather to ensure a speedy and adequate response. Volunteers also participate in many community functions such as holiday parades and fire safety events.
Each station holds one regular weeknight training session. New firefighters are also encouraged to attend classes at the Montgomery County Fire Academy and achieve national Firefighter I certification as soon as possible. The training program is offered in several flexible iterations, including night- and weekend- only classes.
Volunteers do not receive any monetary compensation, but all equipment, training, and education is paid for. Active members are covered under worker’s compensation and life insurance policies. In addition, members receive LMFD clothing and gear, a Township parking permit, and attend various social events hosted by the fire company. There are also scholarship opportunities and residential programs available for students.
More importantly, however, are the intangible benefits. The 125 year old tradition of volunteerism in Lower Merion is a testament to how rewarding an experience firefighting can be. Members take pride in serving their community, learning life-saving skills, and dedication to the traditions of the American fire service. The camaraderie of the fire service is a tight-knit bond rarely experienced elsewhere.
Are you ready to Answer the Call? Join the Lower Merion Fire Department today! We look forward to seeing you on the fireground.
Please visit joinLMFD.org for more information.
The area we serve is as diverse as any in the country, ranging from tightly-packed rowhouses to sprawling estates, large industrial sites, and hi-rise commercial buildings. A housing stock built up over three centuries, aging infrastructure, and busy transportation arteries, and aging infrastructure create innumerable challenges and hazards. Our firefighters work hard and train continuously to meet the ever-changing needs of this community.
Becoming a LMFD firefighter provides you with access to state-of-the-art equipment, the latest training methods, and advanced education in life-saving skills. You will fill an urgent need in your community on a close-knit team with other dedicated volunteers. For many decades, LMFD has very successfully operated a mostly-volunteer “combination” system. The department is staffed by over 90% volunteers, while a small number of paid personnel help ensure operational readiness and a quick response. At each Lower Merion station, there are two paid firefighters on duty during the weekday and one at all other times. All other firefighters are volunteers and generally respond from home, work, or wherever they happen to be at the time.
There is no specific time requirement or “on-call” system. Volunteers respond to as many calls and training drills as they are able. Policies vary by station, but generally members are expected to respond to at least 20% of their station’s calls each year. Volunteers are occasionally asked to help man the station during special events or severe weather to ensure a speedy and adequate response. Volunteers also participate in many community functions such as holiday parades and fire safety events.
Each station holds one regular weeknight training session. New firefighters are also encouraged to attend classes at the Montgomery County Fire Academy and achieve national Firefighter I certification as soon as possible. The training program is offered in several flexible iterations, including night- and weekend- only classes.
Volunteers do not receive any monetary compensation, but all equipment, training, and education is paid for. Active members are covered under worker’s compensation and life insurance policies. In addition, members receive LMFD clothing and gear, a Township parking permit, and attend various social events hosted by the fire company. There are also scholarship opportunities and residential programs available for students.
More importantly, however, are the intangible benefits. The 125 year old tradition of volunteerism in Lower Merion is a testament to how rewarding an experience firefighting can be. Members take pride in serving their community, learning life-saving skills, and dedication to the traditions of the American fire service. The camaraderie of the fire service is a tight-knit bond rarely experienced elsewhere.
Are you ready to Answer the Call? Join the Lower Merion Fire Department today! We look forward to seeing you on the fireground.
Please visit joinLMFD.org for more information.
Volunteer Category: Firefighter, Department Support
Requirements
Anyone who lives in Lower Merion or within one mile of any of the seven stations is encouraged to become a member. Although members typically respond from home, there are some opportunities for certified firefighters from further away available to attend training drills and volunteer for duty crews. Staffing levels are lowest during the weekday, so those with flexible work schedules, students, and others available to run calls during these hours are especially encouraged to apply. We have many veterans serving, and anyone with military experience is also encouraged to become a member.
You must be 18 years of age to perform interior fire operations. Some fire companies have volunteer opportunities for those as young as 14. You are welcome to begin the membership process before reaching minimum age requirements. Each fire company has its own bylaws and procedures for new members, but generally speaking the process consists of an interview, background check, and thorough physical examination. This often takes a few months to complete – don’t get discouraged! We can’t wait to have you on board, but the process is intentionally thorough. Even the newest members immediately become a representative of their Fire Company, the Township, and the fire service as a whole. We need to make sure everyone is physically capable, of good character, and worthy of the title, “firefighter.”
You must be 18 years of age to perform interior fire operations. Some fire companies have volunteer opportunities for those as young as 14. You are welcome to begin the membership process before reaching minimum age requirements. Each fire company has its own bylaws and procedures for new members, but generally speaking the process consists of an interview, background check, and thorough physical examination. This often takes a few months to complete – don’t get discouraged! We can’t wait to have you on board, but the process is intentionally thorough. Even the newest members immediately become a representative of their Fire Company, the Township, and the fire service as a whole. We need to make sure everyone is physically capable, of good character, and worthy of the title, “firefighter.”
40.0069382
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