Certification

The voluntary fire fighter certification program is a legislatively mandated system promulgated by Act 1989-112, repealed by Act 1995-61 in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The Voluntary Fire Fighter Certification Program allows for the certification of any Commonwealth resident, 18 years of age or, regardless of religion, gender, or natural origin. Commonwealth emergency responders have an opportunity to participate in, and be recognized as, a certified fire professional at various levels in accordance with nationally recognized and sanctioned Professional Qualification standards.

• The organization applying for the departmental recognition award must submit a properly completed application
• The applicant organization will submit the roster of its Active Members
• The roster of Active Members must be notarized and signed by the Chief Executive Officer(s) of the employer (city, borough, township, etc.) certifying that the members are hazardous materials response certified in accordance with federal regulation 40 CFR 311
• The applicant organization will submit a roster of Certified Personnel within the organization that possesses current certifications.
• To receive recognition, the minimum number of Certified Personnel must be equal to or greater than ten percent (10%) of the number of members listed on the Active Member Roster.
• The applicant organization once awarded recognition as a Participating Department will be issued documentation and signage valid for a period of three years; after which the applicant organization must renew their recognition in the program.

All three fire companies in the West Chester Fire Department are certified to the 100% level, which means that every firefighter in the department meets or excedes the standards set forth by of the Fire Commissioner's office.  The West Chester Fire Department was the FIRST multi-company 100% volunteer department to achieve this level of certification in the Commonwealth.