ARE YOU WILLING TO ANSWER THE CALL

SERVICES PROVIDED

Over the past 3 decades, the volunteer fire service has seen a continued trend in the number of volunteer firefighters. In the 1970’s the state of Pennsylvania had over 300,000 firefighters, over the years that number has dropped to approximately 40,000 firefighters across the state.

For the past 115 years, the Baden Volunteer Fire Department has been serving the community of Baden, and providing assistance to communities throughout the county. The members and leadership over the years have taken great strives and commitments to ensure that we provide the best service to our residents. Through countless hours of training, achieving national certifications, and ensuring our organization, equipment, and apparatus meet standards of recognition set forth by the PA State Fire Commission and the PA Department of Health. Our goal is to maintain a well-trained department and provide a professional service to our communities

We take pride in our community, and in our members, and dedicate ourselves to providing outstanding service to those that call on us.  We are staffed with dedicated volunteers who have felt the calling of serving their community, by donating their time and talents to help keep the residents of Baden safe.

Becoming a member is extremely rewarding, but also requires a commitment to serve. We are actively looking to recruit new members that are interested in becoming Certified Firefighters. In addition to firefighting, we provide rescue and medical services as well, this also provides the opportunity for members to further their knowledge and certification in the rescue and medical field.  

Benefits Include:

• Free Training / Certification

• All Personal Protective Equipment Provided

• Workmans Comp / Life Insurance / Disability Insurance, Line of Duty

• Staffing and Stipend Program

• Social Events

It takes a special person to fill this role: willingness to help others, bravery, courage, and dedication to name a few. If you fall into these categories then I ask you to join us today and become part of this rewarding tradition.

MEMBERSHIP CATEGORIES

Implementing diverse membership categories within the Baden Volunteer Fire Department ensures sustainability and meets our members' varied needs and interests. This tiered approach, which recognizes that commitment levels and capabilities may differ, aims to foster inclusivity, allowing everyone to contribute to and benefit from our community, irrespective of circumstances. The different membership categories are outlined below. 

Full-Fledged Active Member:

An active member completes the probationary period by passing the Pennsylvania Entry Level Firefighter Program or its equivalent. They then become a full-fledged active member and must obtain Firefighter 1 Certification and Vehicle Rescue Technician within three years. Waivers for personal reasons may be considered. Failure to obtain these certifications will result in reclassification as a Support Member. Active members enjoy various rights, including:

• Attendance at meetings

• Voting privileges

• Eligibility for office

• Respond to Incidents

• Participate in Staffing and Incentive Programs

• Representation in all department activities

Active Support Member:

To qualify as an Active Support Member, completion of Module 1 ELIS, Module 2 ELFG, and Module 3 ELFF of the Pennsylvania Entry Level Firefighter Program is mandatory. Support Members who do not wish or have not met the training/certification level to operate as an interior firefighter are restricted from entering buildings for structural operations. However, based on their certification level in other disciplines, they may still operate in different capacities, including rescue, hazmat, and medical roles. Active Support members enjoy various rights, including:

• Attendance at meetings

• Voting privileges

• Eligibility for social office

• Respond to Incidents

• Participate in Staffing and Incentive Programs

• Representation in all department activities

Active Associate Member:

Individuals must meet specific certifications to qualify as an Active Associate Member, including Firefighter 1, Hazardous Materials-Operations Level, and Vehicle Rescue Technician. Upon the Board of Directors and Chief Officers' recommendation, Associate Members are approved by regular membership, serving at the discretion of Chief Officers. (Limited to 5 personnel)

Rights and Privileges:

• Respond to Incidents

• Participate in Staffing and Incentive Programs

• Represent the Department in all activities

• Receive a key to the station

Limitations:

• Cannot attend Department meetings

• Cannot vote

• Cannot hold elected positions

Administrative Member:

This membership level is designed for individuals who wish to volunteer their time but do not intend to respond to calls or for Life Members unable to respond to calls. The scope of work for Administrative Members is broad, encompassing various tasks. Administrative members follow the same application process as other members. While training is not mandatory, those without prior experience must complete Module 1 of the Pennsylvania Entry-Level Firefighters Program. (Limited to 5 personnel)

Rights and Privileges:

• Attend meetings

• Attend department-sponsored social events and fundraising events.

• Receive a key to the station

Limitations:

• Cannot vote

• Cannot hold elected positions

• Cannot respond to incidents

Attendance Requirement:

• No attendance requirement for this category

QRS Member (Quick Response Service):

QRS Membership is reserved for individuals certified as Emergency Medical Responders (EMR) or higher. The mission of the QRS is to deliver compassionate pre-hospital care to our communities and support firefighter rehab. To be part of the QRS roster, members must have and maintain EMR certification or a higher medical qualification. (Limited to 5 personnel)

Rights and Privileges:

• Receive a key to the station

• Represent the Department in all activities

• Respond to incidents

• Participate in Staffing and Incentive Programs

Limitations:

• Cannot attend meetings

• Cannot vote

• Cannot hold elected positions

Role Restrictions:

• Act only in the capacity of a medical provider