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How to Join the Fire Department: Exploring the JoinTheFD Recruitment Campaign

Writer's picture: Join The FD RecruitersJoin The FD Recruiters

Joining the fire department isn’t just about fighting fires—it’s about discovering a sense of purpose, building lifelong friendships, and becoming part of something bigger than yourself. If you’ve ever felt the spark to serve your community, here’s your chance to turn that spark into action. Let’s explore how you can join the fire department and why it might just be the best decision you’ll ever make.


9 Fire Departments in Lancaster PA looking for volunteer firefighters

Why Join the Fire Department?

Sure, the gear looks cool, and sliding down a fire pole seems fun on TV (although most stations don’t actually have one), but the real reasons to join run much deeper. Here are a few:

  • A Sense of Belonging: You’ll join a tight-knit team that feels like family—people who will have your back no matter what.

  • Giving Back: There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of helping someone on their worst day and knowing you made a difference.

  • Personal Growth: You’ll gain skills that build confidence and resilience, from handling emergencies to leading under pressure.

Stories to Share: From funny moments at the station to incredible saves, you’ll collect stories you’ll be proud to tell for years to come.


What is the JoinTheFD Campaign?

The JoinTheFD campaign is a regional firefighter recruitment initiative aimed at increasing the number of dedicated individuals joining local fire departments as volunteers. The campaign highlights the critical need for more volunteer firefighters and showcases the rewards of being part of a fire service family. Through engaging social media content and personal stories from firefighters, JoinTheFD is making it easier than ever for interested individuals to take their first steps into the fire service.


JoinTheFD is not just about recruitment—it’s about building strong, community-oriented departments that can effectively serve their coverage areas. The campaign brings together multiple departments, each with unique strengths and needs, under one mission: to protect and serve their communities.


Fire Department Mount Joy Fire Scene

Coverage Areas of Participating Departments

Volunteer fire departments play a critical role in the safety of their communities. Below are the participating departments in the JoinTheFD campaign and an overview of their coverage areas:

  1. Rohrerstown Fire Company: Serving East Hempfield Township, this department handles a mix of suburban and commercial areas, responding to everything from house fires to industrial incidents.

  2. Manheim Fire Department: Covering the Manheim Borough and parts of Rapho Township, this department serves a close-knit community with a mix of residential and rural areas.

  3. Columbia Borough Fire Department: Located along the Susquehanna River, this department manages emergencies in a historic town with unique challenges, such as rowhomes and river rescues.

  4. West Hempfield Fire & Rescue: This department covers a mix of rural and suburban areas in West Hempfield Township, with responsibilities including large agricultural properties and highway incidents.

  5. Hempfield Fire Department: Serving the heart of East Hempfield Township, this department protects residential neighborhoods and many schools in the Hempfield School District.

  6. Mount Joy Fire Department: Covering the growing Mount Joy area, this department responds to a variety of emergencies, including medical calls and vehicle accidents on busy roadways.

  7. Mastersonville Fire Company: Located in Rapho Township, this department specializes in rural firefighting and serves a community with many farms and open spaces.

  8. East Petersburg Fire Company: This department serves East Petersburg Borough and parts of surrounding townships, focusing on community safety and education.

  9. Mountville Fire Company: Covering Mountville Borough and nearby areas, this department responds to emergencies in both residential and commercial zones.


How to Join the Fire Department

1. Check Out Your Local Fire Department

 Take the first step by connecting with your local fire department. Stop by the station for a chat or send them a message on social media to learn more about what they do and how you can get involved. Many departments host open houses or community events, making it easy to meet the team and explore the possibilities.


2. Explore Different Roles 

Fire departments offer a variety of positions beyond firefighting. Whether you’re drawn to the action or prefer supporting behind the scenes, there’s a role for everyone:

  • Firefighters: Respond to emergencies, extinguish fires, and perform rescues.

  • Engineers: Operate and maintain fire trucks and other equipment.

  • Fire Police: Assist with traffic control and scene security.

  • Administrative Support: Help with paperwork, scheduling, and logistics.

  • Public Education and Outreach: Teach fire safety and engage with the community.


3. Apply to Join 

The application process is straightforward and much less intimidating than you might think. The Central West Lancaster Fire Consortium even has its #JoinTheFD campaign to simplify the process.


Lancaster PA Firefighter Gear

What Happens After Joining?


For firefighters, training is where the heart of the experience begins. You’ll learn how to fight fires, provide medical care, and work as part of a team. Plus, you’ll bond with your fellow recruits, which makes training both rewarding and fun. Most departments start with in-station training that coincides with state-level programs, giving you a strong foundation to build on.


Training never truly ends, but once you’ve completed your initial program, congratulations—you’re officially responding to calls! As you spend more time at the station, you’ll deepen your connections with your team and fully experience why this is more than just a role; it’s a way of life.


Entering The Fire Service

At its core, joining the fire department is about people. It’s about showing up for your neighbors, being there for your team, and discovering what you’re capable of. It’s about laughs around the firehouse table, the pride of a job well done, and knowing you’re making a difference every single day.


If you’re ready to take the leap, the nine fire departments in the Central West Lancaster Fire Consortium are here to welcome you with open arms. Their #JoinTheFD campaign makes it easy to get started. Visit JoinTheFD.com to learn more, find your local department, and start your journey.


Life’s too short not to chase the things that set your soul on fire. Why not see what it’s like to be part of the fire department? You might just find your passion—and a second family.


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