Our Mission & Vision
Our mission is to provide access to training, leadership and representation for the benefit of all fire police within the Commonwealth.
The aim is to create a revitalized, member-centered organization that truly represents the needs and concerns of fire police across Pennsylvania, while upholding the highest standards of service, safety, and integrity.
Fire Police of Pennsylvania was founded to be an inclusive organization where members have a chance to be heard, with a focus on professional development while operating a transparent organization.
If you share the conviction that every member deserves a voice and a stake in shaping our shared future, join us in this initiative. Your experiences, ideas, and leadership can help build a stronger, more responsive organization.
Join UsThe History of PA Fire Police
Fire Police in Pennsylvania were established in 1896 in Crawford County. They would continue to form within various fire organizations throughout the Commonwealth until Pennsylvania later legally defined Special Fire Police.
In 1941, Fire Police became a part of Pennsylvania law, establishing the baseline considerations and powers of these individuals by granting them limited police authority in protecting emergency personnel and providing scene safety.
In 1949, Pennsylvania amended its Fire Police laws (Act 388) to significantly broaden the authority of special fire police. These changes empowered fire police to act in emergency situations and, upon municipal request, to operate even when their fire company was not directly involved.
In 1959, authoritative power for Fire Police was further expanded upon to allow them to operate for non-emergency events upon request from organizations other than fire departments and companies, primarily for services such as parades, funerals, but also much more.
In 1980 (Act 122 – current law), the Fire Police Act was amended to, among other things, make it clear that the act does not grant the right or power to use firearms or other weapons in the course of an officer’s duty.