The Edgewood Volunteer Fire Department established a live-in program to provide the community with a professional level of quality emergency protection service and provide opportunities to young-adults interested in the fire service. EVFD offers a unique opportunity for members to live at the fire station rent-free. In exchange for living rent-free, members provide a quick emergency response time to the community. EVFD is the closest volunteer fire department to the east side of the city making it a very convenient living location for students attending college in the Pittsburgh metro area. EVFD is located less than five miles from the University of Pittsburgh, Center for Emergency Medicine, Carnegie Mellon University, Carlow University, and Chatham University. In addition, the Community College of Allegheny County, Duquesne University, and Point Park University are only six to eight miles from the station. Since EVFD is located near the Port Authority bus way, all college campuses are a short commute.
EVFD is looking for dedicated, self-motivated, and team players to participate in our live-in program. It is expected that all live-in participants be available for 50% of all weekends and holidays quarterly and respond to at least 60% of all calls that occur at night. In addition, all applicants must meet the minimum requirements for new and continuing membership with EVFD and undergo quarterly room inspections. If a participant is a student receiving the FEMA SAFER scholarship or Fire VEST scholarship all minimum requirements must be met for ongoing participation.
Benefits of the Live-In Program
- Fully- equipped kitchen
- Meal coverage up to $20 per weekend or holiday covered
- Newly renovated dayroom with LCD TV and entertainment system
- Free cable and wireless internet
- Free training with use of department owned vehicles for transportation
- Free uniforms
- Scholarship opportunities
- Tuition reimbursement if accepted into the Fire VEST Program
- Easy bus access and commute to area universities
- Close to shopping, activities, restaurants, and laundry
Minimum requirements
- Must be 18 years old
- Holds valid driver’s license
- Meets all minimum requirements to be a member of the Edgewood Volunteer Fire Department
- Meets all minimum requirements to be an interior firefighter as set forth by the Office of the Pennsylvania State Fire Commissioner as recognized by the Edgewood Volunteer Fire Department bylaws for qualification as a Class I firefighter.
- Becomes a qualified driver on all apparatus in the Edgewood Volunteer Fire Department within two months
Special preference will be given to those who
- have advanced certifications (EVOC, Firefighter 1, BVR, pump operations, etc.),
- already established membership with EVFD,
- is an honorably discharged veteran of the United States armed services or currently serving in the reserves or national guard,
- enrolled as a college student pursuing studies in an area of public safety (preference given to fire sciences) or who are participants in the Fire VEST program.