looking for a good vol. firehouse to join

[ironhead6]

I'M new to the area , and I would like to join a firehouse I live in chambersburg and would like some honest info on a good firehouse to join
all info would help

[Brian McCaffrey]

PM sent...


Admin's note to others:

I know this can rapidly become a "Pick me! Pick me!" thread, so let's be civil, OK? As usual, no bashing will be tolerated, so let's play nice.

Besides, I call dibs on the new guy!!!! LOL

[J. D. Cutchall]

Ironhead this county is blessed with a great Volunteer Fire Departments, just take your time and look around visit and decide. Good Luck Brother

JD

[huey]

158 west king st chambersburg pa "THE BIG HOUSE" thats the place you want to be if your in chambersburg

[MAYTAG]

Yo Bro, welcome back to the area !!!!

I will agree with JD, look long and hard, talk to lot's of people and then make your decision.

The volunteer fire service is a rapidly dying breed and not many around really understand the meaning "volunteer" and more importantly, what "brotherhood" REALLY means !!!

Give me a shout and we'll hook ya up with a group of some for serious, ole smoke eaters that have some good times !!!!

Peace Bro and be safe !

[legendsneverdie]

I would recommend just about any department in this county, I will not say who I recommenc and who I don't. My advise is go & visit multiple stations, talk to the members, Chiefs, etc. Check out the equipment, recruitment & retention programs, bunk in facilities (some don't have them), riding requirements, training requirements, call volume, type of calls, etc. Some stations run a lot of Interstate calls, some run more mutual aid. Every station is different just like a person in the way that they are structured. Some may still have a ride along program, not positive though. But once you choose a station, stay at 1 place & don't station hop, it makes it harder for you in the long run!!

[chief]

Well you have the home of the Big Stick on Wayne Road for the most elite pieces around just take a gander

www.newfranklinfire.com

Just avoid 101 W.Main Street you most likely have more training than the Chief himself.

[28-23 to Hdqtrs...]

I know it would be a 15 minute drive for you but the BIG HOUSE IN THE SOUTH is always looking. Co. 3 runs a good volume of calls both fire and EMS. We cover close to 100 sq. miles of the county with the first due being Greencastle and Antrim Township. We are under a new Fire Chief and EMS Chief, things are rolling right along at 3 hose. We average i would say anywhere between 2-5 ambulance calls and around 2 fire calls a day, but keep in mind every dept. has there days were you dont turn a wheel. For the year to date fire calls we are near 130 for the fire side and i think just about the same for ambulance. You can visit www.rescuehose.com to see our apparatus, station, officers & executive board. The station is a 9 bay station with 7 of them able to be used 2 trucks deep if needed. We run 3 ambulances, a Rescue Squad, 2 engines, an engine tanker, a brush unit, a utility for fire police etc... and we also house Medic 203 from waynesboro hospital which members are allowed to ride if medic says okay. Alright enough of my talking, Just remember... we are all Brothers, if you want any more information about the station just PM me

[ironhead6]

thanks guys, I'll look at all of them. I just want to join a really aggressive depts

[10ENGINE]

Ironhead6,

Welcome to Franklin County
I agree with some here, however; don’t get caught up in deciding because of nice new fire apparatus, or a big firehouse with lots of toys. There are still a lot of departments in this county living in the 80’s, not to mention the “good old boy” system, and oh yeah, the family affair. If you are not family, from, or one of the good old boys, don’t waste your time applying. Some have personal agendas, which don’t include people with experience and training. Oh yes, Standards, training requirements etc.....be careful

You have to decide for yourself, just a few words of advice from a past Chief, and a volunteer for 22 years in Franklin County.

Do you like to ski? Are you a Tower Ladder fan? ;D

Stay Safe

[28-23 to Hdqtrs...]

well we know what station your talking about clyde...haha The good ole' FIRE FACTORY. ironhead6, Stoner and the boys in M-Burg will take ya under their wing and lead ya straight

[jdbyers]

chief said:

Just avoid 101 W.Main Street you most likely have more training than the Chief himself.

Apparently we can type but can't read. Check your pm Chief.

[burninpride]

I don't care how much training, certificates or books you have, if you can't treat the men and women of a department that you oversee with respect, then they won't respect you either. No one likes to belong to a firehouse where you're belittled or feel like an outcast for every small mistake you make. If you demand respect, show some respect!!

Actually "The good ole' FIRE FACTORY" that you talk about on Wayne Road is a great place to run, ask anyone who runs there. It's just sad that one or two people voice their ridiculous opinions that everything at that station is unfair, when in fact - could it be possible - that those few individuals are the ones with the issues.

[ironhead6]

well thanks fellow's yeah because the last thing i want to join is a good old boys network if that 's all that is out there than i should just start my own fire dept

[10ENGINE]

Hey Ironhead6,

Sorry…. Looks like my last post must have touched a nerve in someone.
I never mentioned or named any department in my last post; I guess someone has a guilty conscience, or maybe the truth hurts.

Now you see first hand exactly what I was talking about!! It’s obvious this individual has no training, experience, leadership, etc. or he/she would not be making statements as to how respect is earned on this thread. It’s a TWO WAY street!!

Let me remind you, in case you forgot or didn’t know: We are in the business of saving lives, which could be yours or mine someday. I hope you don’t live your life worrying about someone talking to you nicely, or kissing your ass to do what you are required to do to be able to come home safely from each and every run. The dangers are out there, and it’s not getting any easier to do our job. It’s impossible to learn or know everything, but you have got to stay on top of your game in today’s world.
We are faced with many challenges in today’s world, and this is REAL. I won’t even get into the LIABILITY issues, in which a lot of people take for granted.

Ironhead6, you have to decide for yourself…..GOOD LUCK!!