In many volunteer fire departments across the Northeast and parts of the Mid-Atlantic, members designated as fire police can be found at work at emergency scenes. For those outside these regions, the title can be confusing. Are they firefighters? Law enforcement?
Fire police are a specialized support function within the fire service. Their primary duties include maintaining scene safety, directing and controlling traffic, and providing operational support at emergency incidents. They do not fight fire or perform rescues, but their responsibilities are vital in ensuring the safety and security of emergency scenes for first responders and the public.
How did the fire police role originate?
Fire police date back more than a century, emerging from the need for fire departments to control emergency scenes with clear legal authority.
Early fire police members helped protect apparatus, manage crowds, direct traffic and keep bystanders out of dangerous areas while firefighters operated. Over time, the role became more formalized, particularly in states such as Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey, where laws or local ordinances gave designated fire department members limited authority to support public safety at emergency scenes.
Today, fire police are typically members of a fire department who receive additional authorization, often through state law or local ordinance, to perform limited law enforcement duties at emergency scenes.
Fire police in Pennsylvania
According to the Trappe Volunteer Fire Company, Pennsylvania’s first fire police officers were appointed in Meadville, Crawford County, in 1896. At the time, their authority came only from their fire company and local municipality. That changed in June 1941, when Pennsylvania passed Title 35, giving special fire police officers legal recognition and the law enforcement powers needed to protect emergency scenes. Title 35 was amended in 1949, 1959 and 1980, expanding their authority. And in 1949, Act 388 allowed fire police to serve even without fire company involvement, if the municipality requested their assistance.
In 1959, Act 209 expanded fire police authority to include non-emergency public events held by volunteer fire companies. Fire police were later authorized to serve other organizations upon request.
In 1980, Act 122 barred fire police officers from carrying or using weapons.
What are typical fire police duties?
At an emergency scene, fire police operate on the perimeter, but their impact is felt throughout the operation.
Traffic control is one of their primary responsibilities. Fire police establish road closures, detours and safe apparatus access routes, ensuring fire apparatus and ambulances can get in and out without obstruction. On busy roadways, this function can help prevent secondary accidents and injuries.
The New Fairfield Volunteer Fire Department in Connecticut notes that fire police also manage scene security and crowd control. They keep bystanders at a safe distance, ensure emergency personnel can operate efficiently and protect the privacy of victims. This role is especially important at large or high-profile incidents where crowds and media may gather.
What type of training is required for fire police?
Training requirements vary by state and department. Most fire police receive instruction in traffic control, scene safety, communications, incident command support, and basic fire department operations.
Some states require certification or formal appointment by a municipality or court, while others leave training to the department.
Fire police often operate in close coordination with local police departments. At routine incidents, they may handle traffic control independently, allowing law enforcement to remain available for higher-priority calls. At more complex scenes, law enforcement typically assumes primary authority, with fire police supporting perimeter control and access management.
Clear communication and mutual understanding of roles are essential to making this partnership work.
No matter the process, good fire police officers must stay alert, be able work independently and make sound decisions in fast-moving situations.
As recruitment and retention issues and response demands evolve, some departments have moved away from the fire police model while others continue to rely on it as a cost-effective way to enhance scene safety. Fire police can play a key role in scene safety. By controlling traffic, crowds and access, they help first responders work safely and effectively.
