Upper Pottsgrove Fire Company 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 Upper Pottsgrove Fire Police unit. Stop by or call your Upper Pottsgrove
Fire station for more information.
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