Volunteer

If you have any trouble downloading or opening the applications, please call the department at 570-524-2291 and we’ll be happy to mail one to you.

If you have questions about the application, you can call or stop by the Firehouse at 11 Buffalo Road, Lewisburg PA 17837. There is 24-hour staffing, but calls may preclude anyone being able to help you at all times.

Your pager goes off, you rush to your car and drive to the station. You gear up and get on a waiting emergency apparatus. Lights flash and series blair as your engine, truck, or ambulance pulls out of the station. Your heart races because no matter what information the county dispatch has provided, you never can be sure what you will find at the scene of an emergency.

Being a volunteer firefighter is exciting, but it also requires a commitment to training and public service. While you’ll be called to the scene of a fire or accident, you’ll also be required to participate in twice weekly trainings and work details so you’ll be constantly prepared to serve.

WCEC EMTs respond to accident scenes and to homes and businesses (accident simulated).

While the William Cameron Engine Company now employs a number of professional emergency medical technicians, volunteers continue to play a critical role in providing fire fighting, EMS, and support services.

If your are looking for a challenging yet highly rewarding way to serve your community becoming a volunteer firefighter or EMT might be for you.

Becoming a Volunteer Firefighter or EMT at WCEC

To become a firefighter or emergency medical technician (EMT) at the William Cameron Engine Company, you’ll first have to submit an application, be designated physically fit for duty by your doctor, and participate in an interview and investigation process, including a criminal and child abuse background check, and drug use test.

To respond on fire and rescue calls, you’ll have to complete a sequence of four courses totaling 188 hours that serve as “basic training” for firefighters in Pennsylvania and Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) Operations. In addition, you must complete in-house training on WCEC standard operating procedures.

Advancing a hose line

You must be 18 or older to become a serve without restrictions placed by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry.

If you are 16 or 17 years of age you are eligible to become a junior firefighter and can take some of the same firefighting courses other firefighters take.

You will be issued the same equipment provided to senior firefighters.

To respond on ambulance calls, you’ll have to complete the 220-hour EMT course and pass the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s EMT certification exam, which includes both written and practical elements. In addition, you must complete in-house training on WCEC procedures and standards.

In Pennsylvania, anyone 16 years of age or older is eligible to become an EMT. To maintain their certification, EMTs are required to participate in state-certified continuing education classes.

Once your basic training is complete, you’ll be eligible to take additional training classes on a wide range of topics, including vehicle rescue, technical rescue including rope rescue, emergency vehicle operations, and other specialized firefighting skills.