Fire Department · Combination
Lower Merion Township Fire Department
Ardmore, PA · Delaware County
“"Answer the Call"”
Combination department: about 24 career and 256 volunteer firefighters across 7 stations
No active openings right now
Watch this department to be notified when Lower Merion Township Fire Department is hiring, or check their careers page.
Department careers page ↗The Lower Merion Fire Department (LMFD) protects Lower Merion Township, Narberth Borough, and the part of Radnor Township east of I-476, serving roughly 62,000 residents across about 24 square miles of Philadelphia's affluent Main Line suburbs.
The department is organized as seven independent, volunteer-based fire companies operating out of seven stations: Penn Wynne (21), Belmont Hills (22), Bryn Mawr (23), Gladwyne (24), Merion/Ardmore (25), Narberth (26), and Union/Bala Cynwyd (28). Together they respond to more than 3,000 fire suppression and rescue calls annually.
Staffing is a mix of about 24 career firefighters and 256 volunteers. Ambulance/EMS transport is handled separately by Narberth Ambulance, so LMFD focuses on fire suppression and rescue, though certified EMTs and paramedics are welcomed as firefighters.
The department actively recruits new volunteers, including college students from nearby institutions, and centralizes its recruiting through the joinlmfd.org campaign.
LMFD is primarily a volunteer organization and recruits continuously. Prospective members must live in Lower Merion, Narberth, Radnor Township east of I-476, or within one mile of any of the seven stations. You start by submitting your contact information through the online form at joinlmfd.org.
Each fire company sets its own bylaws and membership procedures, but the process generally involves an interview, a background check, and a physical examination, and can take a few months to complete. New firefighters are encouraged to pursue Firefighter I certification through the Montgomery County Fire Academy, which offers flexible night and weekend classes.
Requirements
- Must reside in Lower Merion, Narberth, Radnor Township east of I-476, or within one mile of any of the seven LMFD stations
- Minimum age 18 for interior fire operations (some companies accept members as young as 14; the membership process can begin before the minimum age)
- Restricted only by physical abilities, comfort level, and training experience
- Pass an interview, background check, and physical examination
Hiring process
- Submit your name, email, phone, and age through the online form at joinlmfd.org
- Interview with the fire company
- Background check
- Physical examination
- Begin training toward Firefighter I certification at the Montgomery County Fire Academy
Benefits
Volunteers receive no monetary pay, but all equipment, training, and education is fully funded. Members are covered under workers' compensation and life insurance policies, and receive LMFD clothing and gear, a Township parking permit, and access to fire company social events and community camaraderie.
New firefighters pursue Firefighter I certification through the Montgomery County Fire Academy, which offers flexible night and weekend classes.
Who can join the Lower Merion Fire Department?
Anyone who lives in Lower Merion, Narberth, Radnor Township east of I-476, or within one mile of any of the seven stations is encouraged to become a member. Members are restricted only by their physical abilities, comfort level, and training experience.
Do firefighters get paid?
The department is primarily volunteer, so most members receive no monetary compensation. However, all equipment, training, and education is paid for, and members are covered under workers' compensation and life insurance and receive gear, a Township parking permit, and social events.
How old do I have to be?
You must be at least 18 to take part in interior fire operations. Some companies accept volunteers as young as 14, and you can begin the membership process before reaching the minimum age.
How do I apply?
Submit your contact information through the recruitment form at joinlmfd.org. Each company then runs its own process, which generally includes an interview, background check, and physical exam and can take a few months.
What training will I need?
New firefighters are encouraged to attend Montgomery County Fire Academy classes, offered in flexible formats including nights and weekends, to earn Firefighter I certification.
Is there a minimum time commitment?
There is no specific on-call system, but members are generally expected to respond to at least 25% of their station's calls annually and attend one regular weeknight training session each week.