The Live-In Program at Berkeley Hills is available for firefighters and EMS providers to gain valuable experience with a busy, aggressive, and structured department. Live-Ins are provided their own bed space at the firehouse at zero cost in return for staffing the firehouse, taking care of house duties, training, and of course running calls. Live-In membership is perfect for college students attending any Pittsburgh-Area school, firefighters and EMS providers looking to gain experience, or people wanting to get FREE tuition at the Community College of Allegheny County (through the FireVEST program).
Interested in becoming a Live-In? Have any questions about the program? Want to come in for a Ride-Along? Submit a Request Form on our Recruiting page!
Requirements
All live-in applicants must meet the following requirements:
- PA DOH Emergency Medical Responder (or higher), Hazmat Awareness, CPR/AED
OR
Interior Firefighter (or equivalent), Hazmat Operations, CPR/AED, First Aid (or higher) - Shall be a student and/or employed for a combined “full-time” OR plan to meet this requirement within one month of moving in
- Able to commit a minimum of 40 staffing hours per week
- Criminal History and Child Abuse clearances as required for company membership
- Preference is given to applicants with both Fire and EMS certification, and to those with IFSAC/ProBoard certifications such as Firefighter 1, Firefighter 2, etc.
Within 1 year of moving in, live-ins should have the following certifications:
- IFSAC/ProBoard Firefighter 1
- PA DOH Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) or higher
- PA DOH Basic Vehicle Rescue Technician or ProBoard equivalent
- Emergency Vehicle Driver Training (EVDT) or equivalent
The number of certifications a live-in has will help determine which live-ins get a private room vs. a semi-private room when necessary.
Medical Providers wishing to become live-ins must keep all EMS certifications current and valid.
Running over 1800 calls annually, we are one of the busiest all-volunteer fire companies in Western PA. We offer aggressive and disciplined Engine Company, Truck Company, and Medical First-Response services.
With riding assignments, aggressive SOGs, unit arrival assignments, and an extensive probationary training program, we build our new members into extraordinary firefighters. We also are one of the longest-standing licenced QRS programs in the State.
Our members come from all over the region and even from other states. Members use this experience and training to kick start their fire and EMS careers, with many former live-in members moving on to full-time jobs in Public Safety.
History
The Berkeley Hills Fire Company has been heavily reliant on our Staffing, Bunkroom, and Live-In programs since their inception in the early 1990s. It began when the membership recognized the delays responding to the firehouse from home during the busy holiday season. Duty Crews were made throughout the holiday season when traffic was especially congested, where members would sign up for “shifts” staying at the firehouse to allow an immediate response. The desire to serve and staff the firehouse eventually continued past the holiday season and further developed into a full bunk in program. The bunkroom continued to grow and expand, eventually reaching 14 total bed spaces with several live-ins at a time.
In 2018 in order to improve the facilities, expand the live-in program, and accommodate the privacy of the live-in members, the Company voted to invest a substantial amount of money into completely overhauling the living quarters into the Dormitory you see today.
The current facilities include 7 live-in rooms, 2 bunk rooms, 3 bathrooms, a lounge, a laundry room, and storage space.
The Dormitory
Live-ins have access to a firehouse that has a mix of modern and traditional features. Amenities available include:
Private or semi-private rooms available for live-ins that meet the requirements, which includes a bed, a dresser, and a desk.
Free WiFi, as well as a computer and printer/scanner/copier/fax machine open for all members to use
Two “common” bunk rooms for overnight staffing, three full bathrooms, lockers for toiletries, additional storage space, and a laundry room.
A large day room with a 70” Smart TV, soundbar, gaming consoles, and plenty of couches
A fully equipped kitchen that includes 2 refrigerators, a deep freezer, 2 industrial stoves, a grill, and a smoker
A large dining table for eating, studying, working, or solving the world’s problems