Volunteer firefighting is the backbone of Pennsylvania’s emergency response system. With an estimated 90% of the Commonwealth’s 2,000+ fire companies relying on volunteers, these neighborhood heroes play a vital role in ensuring public safety and protecting lives and property. Their dedication saves Pennsylvania communities an estimated $10 billion annually in costs that would otherwise be needed for paid firefighting services. But this service model relies on neighbors helping neighbors. Pennsylvania State Fire Commissioner Thomas Cook is encouraging everyone to consider volunteering at their local fire company.
“There’s no greater reward in life than helping others in their time of need,” said Commissioner Cook. “No matter who you are, the skills you possess today are needed in your local volunteer fire station. Fire departments across the state are looking for you to knock on their door to help them now more than ever. Please consider joining your local volunteer fire company today.”
Governor Shapiro understands this critical service to communities across the Commonwealth and his Administration has their back. In his 2025-26 budget proposal, Governor Shapiro added a $30 million competitive grant for volunteer and paid fire departments to help pay for necessary equipment, training, recruitment and retention efforts, and more. Governor Shapiro also offering communities a pilot program to collaborate to deliver services more effectively and a program to cover annual cancer screenings for firefighters.
Volunteering for a fire company isn’t just about rescuing people and battling fires. Fire companies also need volunteers for community outreach, event coordination, marketing, social media management, fundraising, and bookkeeping as most are independent non-profit corporations contracted to provide fire services by their municipality through an ordinance. So many of the skills honed through day-to-day employment can translate seamlessly into these roles, allowing community members to make a meaningful and direct impact locally.
Fire departments provide comprehensive training and equipment to ensure volunteers are well-prepared. Most departments cover the cost of accredited firefighting training through the PA State Fire Academy, along with internationally recognized certifications. In addition to the satisfaction of serving, volunteers can receive benefits such as college tuition reimbursement, stipends, insurance coverage, and property tax breaks to name a few.
Volunteer firefighting also offers a potential career path. Many fire companies offer junior firefighter programs starting at age 14, fostering a sense of service from an early age that can not only be turned into a firefighting career, but the skills and work ethic which can provide value in any career.
Despite the importance of volunteer firefighters, Pennsylvania’s volunteer numbers have significantly declined over the past several decades, putting emergency response capabilities at risk and leaving some communities vulnerable. Addressing this decline by stepping up to volunteer is crucial to maintaining the effectiveness and sustainability of fire services across the state.
For more information on volunteering with your local fire department, visit the Pennsylvania Office of the State Fire Commissioner’s website or contact your local fire department to learn how you can get involved.