College Live-In Program
The Progress Fire Company established its Student Live In Program in 1979 in cooperation with the Harrisburg Area Community College. This was the first such program in the entire Mid-State Area. Since its inception, we are proud to boast that several of our participants have gone on to career fire service employment with the following: FDNY, Jacksonville Florida Fire Dept., Fairfax Fire and Rescue Dept. in Virginia, Prince William County Fire Dept. in Virginia, Harrisburg Bureau of Fire in Pennsylvania, City of Johnstown Fire Dept. in Pennsylvania, Hanover Fire Dept. in Pennsylvania, Baltimore County Fire Dept. in Maryland, Anne Arundel County Fire Department. in Maryland, the Myrtle Beach Fire Dept. in South Carolina, Montgomery County Fire Dept. in Maryland, Frederick County Fire Dept. in Maryland, City of Richmond in Virginia, Manchester Township, in Pennsylvania
The purpose of the program is for live-ins to attain the education necessary to procure employment within a career department, while creating needed manpower for the Progress Fire Company and the Susquehanna Township residents. The program is both demanding and time consuming, but it is our hope that it creates the discipline and respect that is expected in a career fire department. As a Live-In Member, it is required that a contract stipulating the daily duties is signed. You can see a copy of the contract by clicking here.
Live-In Members are afforded all the rights and rewards of regular Active Members of the Progress Fire Company once they complete their Probationary period. They are issued NFPA compliant PBI turnout gear, a black 1010 helmet, (2) black hoods, (2) pair of dragon fire gloves, Leather boots and a Class B Uniform. Class A Uniforms are available for purchase; however, they become property of the Fire Company upon departure. Live-In Members are reimbursed their cost. Once each Live-In member completes Probationary Period and obtains proper certification they will be issued a Leather Helmet. Gxtreme Turnout gear will be fitted & purchased for them as well.
We would prefer that Live-In Members move in at least one to two weeks prior to the start of classes. This two week time period is spent training and familiarizing the students with each other, the Harrisburg Area and the Fire Company in general. They are encouraged to take their time in getting to know the company members and officers, as there are many resources at their disposal. Each new Probie must also take part in the Annual Live-In Academy which is a week long the second week of August.
Progress Fire is a unique organization unto itself. It is, what you put into it. We are a proud, aggressive Company that assumes our nickname from F.D.N.Y.'s, "La Casa Grande" or "The Big House." Your commitment is important to us, as we will commit to assisting you in meeting with success.
If you have any questions, wish an informal "chat" or tour; please do not hesitate to contact me, as I am the contact for the program. I encourage you and your family to see what Progress Fire has to offer. If you are interested please use the email listed below.
Capt. Josh Seeds
