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Pottstown's Fire Companys have an active Fire Police unit to assist on the scene of fires, accidents, and other incidents.
Fire Police, as a specialized unit, are somewhat unique. Special Fire Police units exist in only a few states in the U.S.
(CT, MA, MD, NJ, NY, PA, VA, WV) and in only a few other countries in the world (i.e. New Zealand and Japan).
Fire Police, in Pennsylvania, first began appearing in the late 1800's. During the early part of the 20th century, Pennsylvania
passed a law making Fire Police sworn officers and providing them with full police powers to conduct the duties for which
they are responsible at a fire/accident scene.
Fire Police must take an oath of office, be sworn in by a Judge or Justice of the Peace, and be registered with the Township
in which they volunteer. Fire Police in Montgomery County must complete and be certified in Fire Police Operations by Montgomery
County and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Fire Police on-scene duties include:
Provide for safe entry and exit of emergency vehicles to/from the scene of an incident
Protect emergency crews from harm or injury as a result of the public
Protect emergency vehicles and equipment from theft, vandalism, or sabotage at the scene of an incident
Control the flow of traffic into or around the scene
Control crowds at the scene
Protect the victims and their possessions at the scene
Assist the Fire Marshal with containing crime scenes
Fire Police have the power to arrest people causing problems at a fire or accident scene. The best course of action you can
take when you encounter Fire Police is to slow down (if driving), pay close attention to their gestures, and listen to any
instructions they may give. The goal of Fire Police is to protect everyone at an incident scene. Please help them to help
us, and you!
Additional volunteers, of course, are always welcome in the Pottstown Fire Police unit. Stop by or call your local Pottstown
Fire station for more information.
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