Thank you for your interest in the Hamburg Fire Company. 

As a volunteer organization, we are always looking for new members.  If you are at least 18 years of age and are interested in an exciting, adrenaline-filled adventure, then we’d love to hear from you! 

Throughout the past several years the advancements made in this fire company have made it one of the most progressive departments in northern Berks County.  It is because of our “progressive philosophy” that we have gained the respect of other members of the fire service throughout both the county and the state.  Being a member of this fine organization will give you a sense of pride and distinction.

We have positions available for interior and exterior firefighters, rescue technicians, fire police officers, scuba divers, medical personnel, and fire scene photographers.

The Fire & Emergency service is one of the most diverse and challenging professions you can be involved in.  The diversity in this line of work is what inspires most men and women to volunteer in the fire service.  Yes, I said WOMEN, too.  The Hamburg Fire Company is proud of the fact that over 10% of our active members are women. 

Members must train and be prepared to cope with situations that range from structure fires to vehicle accidents, to hazardous materials incidents, and medical emergencies.  Members can also learn skills necessary to perform technical rescues at rope/high-angle rescues, trench cave-ins, and water rescue/dive incidents.

The personal rewards and satisfaction received from the volunteer fire service give every member a sense of accomplishment when a goal is achieved.  The brotherhood and teamwork exemplified within the fire service helps individuals develop and maintain friendships.  The information learned through your training can also help you achieve your goals, both personally and professionally.

If you decide to become a firefighter we offer the BEST training and equipment available.  Every active member receives FREE training and the use of the best personal protective equipment available, free of charge.  But keep in mind that becoming a firefighter is a challenging and time consuming commitment.  It takes hundreds of hours of training, and a willingness to work in harsh conditions, in order to become proficient at the skills necessary to become a firefighter or rescue technician.  It’s a lot of work, but the rewards are countless!

VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTING IS MORE THAN FIGHTING FIRES

The Hamburg Fire Company offers a number of opportunities to serve your community through the fire service, and much of it has nothing to do with fighting a fire.

If you are unable to commit to the training necessary to become a firefighter, we still have ways that we can use your help. The fire company doesn’t just need firefighters and rescuers, we also need critical support personnel to assist with fundraising events, clerical duties, and station and equipment maintenance, just to name a few. Operating a fire department is an expensive adventure, and money is needed to protect Hamburg’s bravest. We operate numerous fundraisers throughout the year, and help is always needed with these types of activities.

The role of support personnel is a critical job that is often overlooked. The unfortunate truth is that our firefighters spend so many hours participating in training and answering emergency calls, that many of the support features often go undone.

Support personnel are just as critical to the operation of the fire company as the firefighters, and provide a tremendous service to the community.

BECOMING A MEMBER

The process of becoming a member is relatively simple.

If you only desire to become a support member (to help with fund raising, etc) you only need to download the “Request for General Membership” from the link at the bottom of the page. If you desire to become an active firefighter you will need to print and complete the following five forms, which can all be found at the bottom of the page:

1. Request for General Membership
2. Application for active firefighter membership
3. Authorization to obtain information waiver
4. Request for Criminal Record Check
5. Workman’s compensation employee notification form

There are two fees associated with becoming an active firefighter.
1. The first is the $11.00 annual dues. This fee is collected annually from both the active firefighters and social members.
2. The second fee is a one-time fee of $10.00 for the processing of the PA State Police criminal background check. Applicants should include a check, or money order, with their completed application.

Upon completion, follow one of the two methods listed below for submitting the application for processing:

1. Stop by the fire station (123 S. Fourth Street) on a Tuesday evening between 6:30pm and 8:00pm to turn in your application.
2. Mail the application to the following address:
Union Fire Company #1 of Hamburg
Attn: Membership
123 S. Fourth Street
Hamburg, PA 19526

Please attach copies of any training certificates that you may have acquired through previous emergency service affiliations.

Once you application has been completed and received, please allow 2 months for processing and the completion of the criminal background check