Join the Hershey Volunteer Fire Department

Joining the Hershey Volunteer Fire Department (HVFD) comes with numerous benefits, including the opportunity to serve your community, becoming part of our dedicated family, access to insurance and training, use of top-quality exercise equipment, and participation in concerts and picnics. As the busiest all-volunteer department in Dauphin County, we handle approximately 900 service calls annually and engage in fire prevention and public outreach year-round.

Opportunities for Everyone

At HVFD, there are diverse roles to fit various skills and interests, each contributing significantly to our mission. We provide all necessary safety equipment and training at no cost. Below are some of the key roles available:

Firefighter

Requirements:

• Age: 18+
• Good health
• Responsibilities: Responding to emergencies, extinguishing fires, performing rescues, operating equipment.
• Training: Weekly station training and classes at local fire schools, all provided at no cost.

Ready to start? Apply Here

Driver

Requirements:

• Age: 21+
• Good health
• Valid Pennsylvania driver’s license
• Must be a member for 1 year before starting driver training.
• Responsibilities: Safely transporting emergency equipment and firefighters, operating pumps, generators, and other tools.
• Training: Provided with tests to qualify as a driver.

Fire Police

Requirements:

• Age: 18+
• Own transportation is helpful.
• Responsibilities: Providing safety and security, directing traffic, assisting motorists, and supporting the Derry Township Police Department.
• Skills: Good public relations.

Junior Firefighters

Requirements:

• Age: 14-17 with a valid work permit
• Maintain "C" or better in school.
• Responsibilities: Learning firefighting skills, supporting during emergencies, supervised at all times.
• Training: Limited by child labor laws, increases with age and training.

Program Guide: Junior Firefighter Program Guide 

Junior Firefighter Program Online Application

Support Member

Responsibilities:

• Assisting with non-emergency tasks like entering reports, servicing and cleaning equipment, seeking donations, writing news stories, and teaching fire safety.
• Skills needed: Web design, mechanics, custodians, grant writing, fire safety presentation, etc.
• Note: Support members do not have voting rights at company meetings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Application Process:

1. Submit your application via email or in person at the station.
2. Your name will be read at the Fire Company Meeting held on the 1st Tuesday of every month.
3. After your name is read, the Membership Committee will contact you for an interview.
4. Participate in Weekly Company Training every Monday at 6:15 PM while awaiting approval.
5. Once approved, you'll receive gear and a pager, officially becoming a member.

No Prior Experience Needed:

• All training is provided and paid for by the department in exchange for your service.

Time Commitment:

• No set hours per week, but must complete 100 hours a year and respond to 20% of calls to maintain "active" status and voting rights.

Learning and Membership:

• Issued a Key-less Access "Fob" for the station.
• Seek help from senior members for guidance.
• Attend training classes scheduled by the Training Officer.

Membership Duration:

• No mandatory length of membership. You are free to leave upon returning all fire company property if life changes.

Residency Requirement:

• Members must reside or work in Derry Township. Exceptions may be made for Associate Members, to be discussed with the Membership Committee during your interview.

Contact Us

Call us to schedule a tour of the station and speak with a crew member. There is no previous experience required to join, as training will be provided and funded by the Department.

Ready to make a difference? Apply today and become part of the Hershey Volunteer Fire Department family!