Bellefonte Fire Department
The Bellefonte Fire Department (BFD) was created by Borough Council in 2009 and comprises two volunteer fire companies, Logan Fire Company No. 1, and Undine Fire Company No. 2. The volunteer companies of the Bellefonte Fire Department have been proudly serving Bellefonte for over 150 years, and additionally provide emergency services to parts of Spring, Benner, and Marion Townships.
The BFD is a team of dedicated volunteers serving with commitment and pride. The mission of the BFD is to save lives, protect property, and improve the quality of life for residents and visitors by delivering safe and reliable services during emergency and non-emergency events.
The BFD is led by Fire Chief Gary Lohr in coordination with the BFD executive committee and the chiefs of each volunteer company. Detailed information related to the organization and operation of the BFD can be found in Chapter 35 and Chapter 39 of the Bellefonte Borough Code of Ordinances.
The BFD protects Bellefonte’s 1.8 square miles as well as 33 square miles of the adjacent townships and an approximate population of 17,657 residents. Approximately 6,457 structures are protected by the BFD and include single and multi-family dwellings, urban taxpayers, commercial and industrial midrises, historic Victorian mansions, the University Park and Bellefonte Airports, the Centre County Courthouse and government complexes, and sections of Interstates 99 and 80.
The fleet of the BFD consists of three engines, one rescue engine, one heavy rescue, one ladder/tower, one quint, two traffic/utility units, one air cascade trailer, one command/duty chief vehicle, and one special unit. Detailed information related to the BFD’s fleet can be found on the respective websites of each volunteer company.
The BFD is actively recruiting volunteers to join our team. Additional information about joining the BFD can be found at: joinbellefontefd.org
Vacancy Announcement – Fire Department Chief
The Bellefonte Fire Executive Committee and Bellefonte Borough are accepting applications for Bellefonte Fire Department Chief. Pursuant to Bellefonte Borough Ordinance No. 35, the Fire Department Executive Committee (B.F.D.E.C.) shall recommend for appointment to Borough Council the Chief of the Department. The term for which this will be in effect is July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2026.
The qualifications for the Bellefonte Fire Department Chief shall be as follows:
- Must be an active member of the Bellefonte Fire Department for a minimum of six years;
- Must have been a chief officer for at least three years, with one of those years as the ranking Company Chief of one of the Bellefonte fire companies;
- Must be certified as either ProBoard or IFSAC Firefighter-1, and complete certification as either ProBoard or IFSAC Firefighter-2 by the completion of the individual’s first term;
- Must have successfully completed the “Current ICS Leadership Level (Example ICS 300);
- Must have successfully completed a course on Incident Safety Officer training;
- Must be certified as either ProBoard or IFSAC to the level of Haz-Mat Operations; or must have obtained the current operational level standard and/or certification at the operational hazardous materials level;
- Must establish /maintain legal residency within the Bellefonte Fire Protection District or reside within 2.5 miles of its border.
All application packets will be reviewed by the selection committee, which is comprised of three members of the BFDEC (two members to be appointed by the Company Chiefs and the third member to be appointed by a municipal representative) with the results submitted to Bellefonte Borough Council for final approval.
In the event that no candidates meets the qualifications for Bellefonte Fire Department Chief, the BFDEC has the authority to reopen and/or extend the submission period with revised criteria.
All Candidates wishing to be considered for the position of the Bellefonte Fire Department Chief will be required to submit a cover letter and resume outlining their qualifications by no later than 4:00 pm, Friday, June 14, 2024. Please send or hand deliver applications to the Bellefonte Borough, ATTN. Ralph Stewart, 301 N. Spring St, Ste. 200, Bellefonte, PA 16823.