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LEHIGH VALLEY WEATHER
Bethlehem Catasauqua East Penn Northampton Northwestern Parkland Salisbury Whitehall-Coplay

Staffing program seeks volunteer firefighters in Greater Lehigh Valley

Published May 02. 2025 01:04PM
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CONTRIBUTED ARTICLE

Emergency calls come in 24/7 at Upper Macungie Township Fire and Rescue. There were 979 incidents last year.

With a 100% volunteer team, it can be a challenge to answer calls when most firefighters are at work.

To arrive at emergency scenes faster and well-staffed, Upper Macungie Township Fire and Rescue has launched a staffing incentive program.

“We first offered this opportunity to our volunteer firefighters in the township, but it’s also open to qualified firefighters in the Greater Lehigh Valley,” Peter Christ, CFO, fire commissioner of Upper Macungie Township, said. It is one of the fastest-growing communities in Pennsylvania.

Volunteers will earn as they serve with the ability to make up to $14,000 per year.

They will receive a $100 stipend for a 12-hour shift, 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., plus an additional $10 for each emergency responded to during a shift.

“Our goal is for staff to leave the station within 60 seconds during the day and 120 seconds in the evening,” Christ said. “Every second counts during an emergency, so the faster our trucks can get out the door, the more efficiently firefighters can save lives.”

The department plans to maintain four team members on all shifts.

They will respond to all fire department emergencies within Upper Macungie Township and the primary response area of Lowhill Township.

Volunteers will answer a wide range of calls including alarms, home and industrial fires, motor vehicle emergencies, hazmat incidents and search and rescue.

“We are seeking qualified and trained volunteers who are committed to fire service excellence to serve as crew officers, drivers/operators and firefighters,” Christ said. “If you want to make a difference by contributing to the safety and well-being of our community, I encourage you to apply.”

The Station 57 staff will serve out of Fogelsville Volunteer Fire Company, which includes a bunk room, living room, full kitchen and separate locker rooms and bathrooms for men and women.

“In addition to giving back, you’ll be meeting new people and making friends,” Christ said. “Our team is really like having a second family.”

Anyone interested in applying or learning more can visit www.umtfire.com/staffing or email pchrist@uppermac.org.

PRESS PHOTO BY LOU WHEELANDUpper Macungie Township Station 57 members Jack Stahley, Deputy Chief 57 William Gillespie II, John Brubacher, Colin Eck and William Gillespie III are seen in the bunk room at the Fogelsville Fire Company which will house the members.
Station 57 members Colin Eck, John Brubacher, Deputy Chief 57 William Gillespie II, William Gillespie III and Jack Stahley are seen in the lounge at Fogelsville Fire Company which will house Station 57 for the foreseeable future. Josh Gorr, deputy chief, Station 25, Trexlertown, is seen in the doorway.
PRESS PHOTOS BY LOU WHEELANDUpper Macungie Township Fire Station 57 members William Gillespie III, John Brubacher, Deputy Chief 57 William Gillespie II, Colin Eck and Jack Stahley stand in front of Fogelsville Engine 8 which will be renamed to Engine 57.