Published September 11. 2025 03:30PM
The Weisenberg Volunteer Fire Department is proud to announce that it has achieved 75% recognition with the Pennsylvania Office of the State Fire Commissioner through the Participating Department Program.
This milestone reflects that 75% of the department’s firefighters hold state or national-level certifications, demonstrating the team’s strong commitment to professional training and community service.
As of July 2023, only 56 fire departments across the entire Commonwealth have reached this level of achievement.
The department previously held a 50% recognition level and has made significant progress through ongoing training and certification.
“Though a certification may seem like just a piece of paper, it signifies that a firefighter has met essential performance standards,” Fire Chief Justin Oswald said. “I am incredibly proud of our members’ dedication and commitment to developing their skills and knowledge to better serve our community.”
The department has set a goal of reaching 100% recognition by 2028, continuing its efforts to ensure the highest standards of fire protection and emergency response for the residents and visitors of Weisenberg Township.
For more information about the Pennsylvania OSFC Participating Department Program, visit https://www.osfc.pa.gov.
Contributed article
PRESS PHOTO COURTESY WEISENBERG VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENTMembers of the Weisenberg Volunteer Fire Department John Whelden, Brian Carl, Dean Carl, Tom Gauntner, Matt Krapf, Jesus Dominguez, Martin Rakaczewski, Andrew Goodolf, Mike Schramak, (back) Frank Bartholomew, Tony Werley, Steve Schaffer, Justin Oswald, Dan Macaulay, Jeff Broadhurst, Colin Macaulay, Brandon Krapf and Bryan Peters at a recent holiday party.