Firefighter
An Edgewood Volunteer Fire Department firefighter is trained to respond to every type of call that may occur in and outside of the borough. Though this may seem like a daunting task to those unfamiliar with the fire service, the EVFD will provide all new members with the required training free of charge, as well as mentoring to the new member throughout their probationary period. The EVFD issues all members a complete set of firefighters’ personal protective equipment and a department pager. Members are not required to be on call during specific hours, but they monitor their pagers and respond to calls as much as possible. Members are welcome to spend time in the dayroom, which is equipped with high-speed wireless internet, cable television, couches, and beds. In addition, EVFD leadership encourages members to train through department drills and external training courses around the county. The fire service is ever evolving and requires a commitment to training for the safety of firefighters and the community.
In addition to orientation and weekly drills, new members should complete the Pennsylvania Essentials of Firefighting modules in a timely manner. This 166-hour course is divided into four modules and teaches the basics of firefighting. After completing this training, new members are qualified as an interior firefighter. In addition, there are numerous coursed offered beyond firefighting essentials. For example, many EVFD members are certified emergency medical technicians (EMT), or have taken courses in vehicle rescue operations, highway safety, ropes and rigging, pump operations, hazardous materials, emergency vehicle driver training, and confined space rescue. The Allegheny County Fire Academy and Westmoreland County Community College Public Safety Training Center offer these classes during evenings and weekends to accommodate a professional career or higher education. All training and education come at no cost to members because EVFD pays for all classes and provides the equipment needed for each class.
Junior Firefighter
EVFD sponsors a junior firefighter program for high school students, age 14-17, who are motivated and wish to pursue a career in firefighting, emergency medicine, or rescue services. If accepted as a junior firefighter EVFD will provide and pay for training including CPR, EMT, first responder and firefighter certification. Junior firefighters are allowed to respond to calls and perform nonhazardous tasks during station responses. They are mentored by a senior member and are assigned tasks. The goal of this program is to foster a greater understanding of how the fire service works and give the participant a “hands on” on learning experience.
Junior firefighters must participate in drills, trainings, and meetings. EVFD values the service to others and the community. This is a great opportunity for a high school student to work in a team environment and learn the values of integrity, courage, and commitment. Junior firefighters will receive personal protective gear and complete the orientation process. In addition, Junior firefighters are encouraged to complete the essentials of firefighting courses described above; however, a junior firefighter can only complete modules one through three. At the age of 18, junior firefighters start their one-year probationary period with EVFD and can complete the fourth module.