Training
Volunteer Firefighters in Upper Macungie Township work continuously to improve their skills through training programs offered by area fire departments, local community colleges and the state fire academy.
Upper Macungie Township Firefighters are certified in programs such as Firefighter I (a 160-hour class in the Essentials of Firefighting), Vehicle Rescue, Water Rescue, Elevator Rescue, Pump Operations, Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations, Ropes and Rigging, and many more. Firefighters attend some training classes during our normal Tuesday work nights, while many classes require full day training on weekends.
Prevention
All stations are actively involved in the Upper Macungie Township Fire Safety and Prevention Program. One of the tools utilized is Sparky, our fire safety mascot. Sparky is a remote controlled robot that makes appearances at area schools at area schools and events to teach children the important message of fire safety and prevention.
Another important tool is the township’s “Smoke House”, or fire prevention trailer. The Smoke House is a mobile classroom and demonstration lab that allows us to safely show children the way that smoke behaves in a building through the use of a fog machine. The principles of “Stop, Drop and Roll” are reinforced in this manner. A kitchen setting, bedroom setting and video equipment complete the training program.
Core Values
Family First
Our commitment is to our families, both our individual families as well as our department family. Our families are the force behind everything we do. Without the support of our families, we would not be able to provide the level of service expected of us by the community.
Professionalism
We provide quality service to our community and assist other agencies to the best of our ability. We will be positive role models by being truthful, honest and accountable in all of our actions. We embrace these ethical standards by demonstrating courteous, conscientious service and a business-like manner in all that we do.
Respect
We are committed to respecting all members of the community and our Department. Because we are entrusted with private matters of citizens and our peers, we strive to gain and maintain the confidence of those we come in contact with, both professionally and personally. We value life and safety. Our commitment is to serve and treat everyone with the utmost sensitivity, equality, respect, compassion and concern.
Integrity
We believe integrity is the foundation of our department. We value ethical conduct, trust of the public and our commitment to professional excellence. We are people of character and principle. We do what is right, even when no one is looking. We are committed to upholding our position of public trust by maintaining the highest moral and ethical standards. We will not compromise our commitment to truth, honesty and respect in all relationships. We hold ourselves accountable for our actions and inactions, and are open and honest in our dealings with each other. We have the courage to do what is right and to stand against what is wrong.
Dedication
We are dedicated to our families, organization, each other and the citizens we serve. We are devoted to working with the community and each other to reduce fires, raise the bar on customer service and improve quality of life. We are devoted to our core values.
Everyone Goes Home
It is our promise to each other that “Everyone Goes Home”. We all must have the courage to face a multitude of risks in order to save lives and protect our community. Our courage allows us to willingly accept these risks so that others can be saved. A different type of courage is required to stay safe in potentially dangerous situations, avoiding needless risks and tragic consequences.