Fire Department · Combination
Alpha Fire Company
State College, PA · Centre County
Equipment includes four engines, two tankers, three aerial devices, and a heavy rescue across three stations
No active openings right now
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Department careers page ↗Alpha Fire Company has protected the Centre Region around State College, Pennsylvania since 1899, when it organized as the Union Fire Company before taking its current name a year later. Today the all-volunteer department runs three stations across State College Borough, College Township, and Patton Township, fielding engines, tankers, aerial apparatus, and a heavy rescue to cover roughly 104 square miles that include Penn State University and several surrounding townships.
With more than 100 active members, Alpha draws volunteers from across the community, including students, business owners, and military members, and maintains automatic and mutual aid agreements with neighboring municipalities. The company operates both firefighting and fire police divisions, giving new members multiple paths to serve, and supports its membership through an on-site training program, live-in housing opportunities, and long-running community traditions like its Fourth of July Carnival.
Missiondedicated to providing professional fire, rescue and emergency support services throughout the Centre region
Alpha Fire Company recruits volunteer firefighters and fire police officers year-round from across the Centre Region. New members complete a background check and physical before joining a structured, multi-year training program, with live-in housing available for eligible members and an in-person station visit strongly encouraged before applying.
Requirements
- At least 18 years old
- High school graduate or GED equivalent
- Valid driver's license
- Completed application and background check
- Completed background physical
Hiring process
- Visit one of Alpha's three fire stations in person to meet the membership and tour the facility
- Download and complete the membership application
- Submit the application in person or by mail to the fire administration office
- Complete a background check and physical
- Begin probationary training (approximately 274 hours over 24 months for firefighters, or 108 hours over 24 months for fire police)
Benefits
Free comprehensive training in firefighting and emergency response, leadership development opportunities, an on-site weight room, lounges, a computer lab and laundry facilities, scholarship assistance, an insurance package, and live-in station housing for eligible members.
Probationary firefighters complete about 274 hours of training over 24 months (including Engine PERT and Interior/Exterior Firefighter courses); probationary fire police complete about 108 hours over 24 months. After probation, active members must complete at least 30 hours of approved training annually, including 15 hours of in-house company training.
How do I become a volunteer firefighter with Alpha Fire Company?
Visit one of Alpha's three State College-area stations in person, then complete and submit a membership application along with a background check and background physical.
What are the requirements to join Alpha Fire Company?
Applicants must be at least 18 years old, a high school graduate or GED holder, hold a valid driver's license, and pass a background check and physical.
Does Alpha Fire Company offer live-in housing for volunteers?
Yes, eligible members can take advantage of live-in-station opportunities at Alpha's facilities.
How much training is required to become a firefighter at Alpha Fire Company?
Probationary firefighters complete about 274 hours of training over 24 months, while probationary fire police complete about 108 hours over 24 months; active members must then complete at least 30 hours of training each year.