Join Company #5
Membership
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with Monroeville Fire Company #5! Join our family and make a difference in your community.
Why volunteer
Volunteering with Company #5
Fire and emergency medical services are one of the most challenging professions today. This business is not for everyone however. You need more than just desire to help people. You need courage, dedication, assertiveness and a willingness to learn new skills and face new challenges. The personal rewards and satisfaction received from volunteering are often beyond description. There is a sense of accomplishment after controlling a building fire, joy and elation when a child is born or a life is saved, compassion for accident victims, and fulfillment in teaching fire safety.
As a volunteer with Monroeville Volunteer Fire Company #5, you'll gain valuable skills, form lasting friendships, and have the opportunity to serve your community in times of need.
Live-In Program
Live at the station, rent-free
Our live-in program gives volunteers 18 and older free rent and utilities at Station 5 in exchange for being on duty 5 nights a week. Students and working volunteers welcome, no experience needed.
Before you apply
Requirements
Age
At least 18 years old.
Junior firefighters can apply at 16.
Physical fitness
Pass a medical physical exam, and be able to perform the duties of a firefighter or EMT.
Clearances
Pass state and federal background checks.
Commitment
Respond to emergency calls, and attend regular training and company meetings.
Membership classes
- Active
- Lives within the Municipality of Monroeville.
- Special-Active
- Meets the Active requirements, lives outside Monroeville.
- EMS-Only
- Runs EMS calls.
- Associate
- Lives outside Monroeville, lower requirements, no vote.
- Junior
- Ages 16 to 18.
Frequently asked questions
What does it take to be a #5 member?
Most of our members joined Monroeville Fire Company #5 with no previous fire or EMS experience. Training starts on the first day: new members can ride in a limited capacity after basic in-house training, and formal training follows. That begins with the Essentials of Firefighting class at a fire academy in the area, about 166 hours over several months, covering fire behavior and suppression, forcible entry, ventilation, property salvage, basic hazardous materials, first aid and CPR. Most of it is hands-on, and finishing it can lead to national certification as a Firefighter 1. After that, members can take specialty classes such as vehicle rescue, rope rescue, hazardous materials and firefighting operations. EMT certification through the Pennsylvania Department of Health is also required, because the station runs two ALS ambulances. Officers run drills four times a month, on alternating Monday evenings and Sunday mornings.
Do I need prior experience to become a volunteer firefighter or EMT?
No prior experience is required. We provide the training.
How much time do I need to commit?
It varies, but typically includes weekly training and responding to emergency calls as needed. We work with each member's schedule.
What kind of training will I receive?
Firefighting, emergency medical response, hazardous materials and more, in the classroom and hands-on.
What membership classifications do you have?
Active (lives within the Municipality of Monroeville), Special-Active (meets the Active requirements but lives outside Monroeville), EMS-Only, Associate (lives outside Monroeville, lower requirements, no vote) and Junior (ages 16 to 18). Each has its own requirements and benefits.
What is the application process like?
You submit an application, take part in an interview and complete a background check. The membership committee guides you through each step.
How do I become an EMT as a volunteer?
Join as a member. EMT certification through the Pennsylvania Department of Health is required of our members, and we also have an EMS-Only membership. Members of the live-in program have their EMT course paid for by the company.
Do you have a live-in program?
Yes. Live-in members stay at the station with free rent and utilities, in exchange for being on duty 5 nights a week. No experience is needed to start.
Ready to make a difference?
Join our team and become part of the Monroeville Volunteer Fire Company #5 family.