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.
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