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In
September of 1977, the Chief Officers of various Fire Departments
in Franklin County formed the Franklin County Fire Chiefs’
Association (FCFCA). Their purpose was to better serve Franklin
County residents through the expansion and enhancement of public
education in fire prevention and safety, the strengthening of
firefighter training programs and the establishment of common
standards and techniques. In addition, they sought to be an
advocate for legislation and public policies aimed at improving
public safety.
In that
same year, the FCFCA held its first Annual Training Weekend at the
St. Thomas Fire Department and a neighboring school. During this
weekend, well-known leaders of the fire service from other
counties and states, along with those from Franklin County
instructed local community firefighters in the latest firefighting
techniques. The weekend proved so successful, that with the help
of local fire companies, the FCFCA began expanding its training
and education programs. These growths lead the courses to be held
at the Letterkenny Army Depot for several years before moving to
the current location at the Franklin County Career &
Technology Center. Today, in addition to the Annual Training
Weekend, the FCFCA offers local firefighters the opportunity to
attend individual classes throughout the year.
Over
the past quarter of a century, the FCFCA, through its membership,
has been active in promoting safety throughout the county. The
FCFCA and its 18 volunteer member companies have been involved in:
-
Establishing
Fire Prevention Programs in Franklin County Schools
-
Promoting
the implementation and use of a 911 system
-
Developing
a county-wide disaster plan
-
Purchasing and distributing smoke detectors to parents of newborns
- Conducting
annual fire prevention campaigns
- Supporting
the continuation of the Pennsylvania Junior Firefighter
Program
- Standardizing
fire company operating policies
- Funding
of the 1st Franklin County Air Unit
- Implementing
a Protective Services curriculum at the Franklin County Career
& Technology Center
- Participated
and help Establish the first State Leadership Challenge in
Pennsylvania
- Provided
Fire and Safety Training to the General Public and
Industrial/Businesses within Franklin County
- Establishment
of a County Emergency Service Alliance with all the County
municipalities
- Assisted
with bulk purchasing of items for the membership
Today, the FCFCA is proud to announce that a dream started back in
1977 has finally came to be and that is the construction of a
County Fire Training Center. In 1996, we kicked off a 5-year plan
to complete this construction. In October of 2003, we held the
opening ceremonies for the Burn Building. This was possible
through the generosity of the Franklin County Commissioners, all
22 municipalities, Senator Terry Punt and the Commonwealth of PA,
the membership and the community.
This
center is located at 3075 Molly Pitcher Hwy South of Chambersburg,
situated on 5 acres donated by the Franklin County Career &
Technology Center. It is a state of the art design facility with a
Burn Building, Classroom, and Storage Garage currently constructed
with future plans including a Vehicle Rescue area, Pump
Certification site, High-Rise Tower and other technical props.
Hopefully, very soon we will be certified as testing site for all
of
the certification programs offered.
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