Name: Indiana Fire Association
Item: Indiana Fire Association
Author: firstarriving

The Indiana Fire Association (IFA) is located in Western Pennsylvania, approximately 60 miles east of Pittsburgh PA. Traditionally a blue collared community, the IFA is located in the town of Indiana, the County Seat of Indiana County. Our service area, which boasts a population that exceeds 46,000 residents, is built around Indiana University of Pennsylvania (state owned University with 10000 students) The IFA was founded in 1878.

Known as The Christmas Tree Capital of the World, Indiana County offers its residents and visitors a multitude of activities to participate in or attend, a plethora of fairs and festivals, unique and custom item shopping experiences, ample outdoor recreation, historic sites, cultural events, and galleries, as well as wine, breweries, and distillery tastings and tours. Indiana is also home of the iconic world famous actor Jimmy Stewart and the quaint Old Order Amish community of Smicksburg.

Our fire association, the largest of in the county, is made up of four active companies and a rescue squad. An additional sixth auxiliary company was created to retain the skills and talents of our older members but without the obligations of interior firefighting or participation requirements. We operate out of two fire stations and respond to approximately 550-600 calls annually. Our organization currently consists of 51 men and women, with a cap of 84.

IFA’s primary area of service encompasses Indiana Borough and contiguous White Township. In addition, our primary area of responsibility includes parts of Armstrong and Rayne Townships in Indiana County. We provide mutual aid to our neighboring departments, on average, about 45 times a year.

Student high-rise towers are increasing in number and the responsibilities required by our department to safeguard the student population has grown exponentially. Also, the development of several new industrial parks and the recent reactivation of a major coal rail line have significantly enhanced the economic development activities in our community. Lastly, three coal fired power plants and one natural gas electric plant all exist within our first response purview. The power that is generated by these plants is sold to markets all along the east coast.

As mentioned, the IFA is organized into four fire companies, each lead by a captain and 2 lieutenants. A Chief and 3 assistants oversee the firefighting component of our department. Twenty of our members also make up an active rescue squad that responds to over 150 calls a year. On the administrative side, a President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and our Administrator oversee the “business” side of our activities.

In 2008, we initiated a “live-in” program at our White Township substation. Six to eight students who are attending the Indiana University of PA and who are firefighters at home, have the opportunity to live at the station at no cost. Essentially, we offer free housing to students in exchange for their firefighting skills. These firefighters provide quick response during evenings and late night calls and have proven to be a great asset to our association and our community.

Why Indiana Fire Association?

There is plenty of opportunity to serve your community through the volunteer fire service, and much of it has nothing to do with fire fighting.

The fire service is one of the most challenging professions today. It is this diversity that inspires most men and women to enter the fire service. This business is not for everyone however. You need more than just desire to help people. You need courage, dedication, assertiveness and a willingness to learn new skills and face new challenges.

The personal rewards and satisfaction received from the volunteer emergency service are often beyond description. There is a sense of accomplishment after controlling a building fire, joy and elation when helping a child, compassion for accident victims, and fulfillment in teaching fire safety.

If you are looking for a change of pace or excitement in your life, the world of emergency services is for you. If this action-filled lifestyle does not appeal to you, have no fear, there is plenty more that can be done in emergency services that does not include running into burning buildings or other emergency situations.

We have various committees within the company, all of which you will be welcomed to join. Running and maintaining a company of our size is time consuming and at times, costly, so the volunteering of your time is something we value. Just the maintenance of the building and grounds alone runs into quite a challenge. We must also maintain all the equipment, as well as tending to, memorial services, member activities, parades, fire prevention, grant research and a full menu of things that need to be done by the volunteers.

Recruitment Categories:

Fire
Rescue
Engineer/Driver

Services Provided:

Fire Suppression
Rescue
Swift Water Rescue
Hazmat

Benefits Offered:

Brotherhood
Insurance Products
Training
LOSAP
PPE

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