The Lower Swatara Volunteer Fire Department operates a live-in program for those individuals seeking a unique experience.  In exchange for a free place to live, live-in firefighters provide needed staffing for emergency incidents, cleaning and maintenace duties around the station, assistance with fire prevention activities, and assistance with fund raising activities.  While living at Station 59, live-in members have access to:

• Semi-Private Bunk Rooms (both male and female)
• Secured Storage for Personnal Belongings
• Wireless Internet
• Cable Television
• On-site Gym
• Private Study Spaces
• Full Kitchen

As with all members, live-in members are issued all required personnal protective equipment, including structural firefighting coat, pants, boots, gloves, and helmet, nomex hood, and safety glasses.  The Lower Swatara Volunteer Fire Department places a large emphasis on training and encourages all members to pursue advanced classes, which the department will pay for entirely.

Lower Swatara Volunteer Fire Department is conveniently located within driving distance of several area colleges and universities including:

• Penn State University Harrisburg- 4 miles
• Kaplan Career Institude- 6 miles
• Temple University Harrisburg - 8 miles
• Harrisburg Area Community College- 12 miles
• Elizabethtown College- 14 miles
• Central Penn College - 15 miles

Requirements and Expectations

Any person wishing to become a live-in member must be at least 18 years of age and possess a high school diploma or GED. 

Any person wishing to become a live-in member must apply for membership in accordance with the department's membership application process and be approved by the rest of the department's members.

Live-In members are expected to respond to all dispatched calls within 2 hours of class/work and participate in all company trainings and events, as able and available.

Live-In Members are not permitted to take up permanent or legal residence at the station.

All student live-in members are required to maintain a minimum of a 2.0 grade point average.  All non-student live-in members must be employed a minimum of 30 hours per week.

All live-in members are expected to spend a minimum of 4 consecutive nights each week, from Sunday to Friday, as well as one full weekend (Friday and Saturday) each month.

If you wish to learn more about the Live-In Program at the Lower Swatara Volunteer Fire Department contact us at livein@lowerswatarafire.com