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JOIN OUR TEAM

WE NEED YOUR HELP!

Since 1921, the Town Line Volunteer Fire Department has responded to fires, medical emergencies, motor vehicle accidents, alarm activations, hazardous conditions, weather emergencies, mutual aid to other departments, and more. Serving from two stations in Lancaster (6507 Broadway and 63 Cemetery Road), we are able to cover our large district in the town of Lancaster and Alden which spans 22 miles. Our department relies solely on volunteers to respond to over 1,000 emergencies per year and we need your help!

Our volunteers are males and females that range from the age of 16 to 82 and come in all shapes and sizes. Each volunteer brings a unique strength, perspective, and skill to our department making our teams stronger and more effective. Whether you’re starting a new chapter or looking to give back, your community needs your dedication, courage, and teamwork to answer the call. In addition to needing interior firefighters, we also need exterior firefighters, emergency medical personnel, and drivers. Our volunteers are just like you; spouses, parents, grandparents, students, full-time workers, and retirees. We will work with you to find that work/home balance and pride ourselves in making you and your family part of ours. Together we can create diverse and resilient teams that protect what matters most.

Make a direct impact on helping others. Join our team and see the difference you can make. You will enjoy a sense of accomplishment and pride in the work you do. You will also get to learn new skills, meet new people, be part of a team, give back to the community, and experience the personal satisfaction in knowing that YOU can make a difference in the lives of people in your community.

Apply today by clicking below. You can also contact us by calling 716-683-0385 ext. 106, on social media, via email at recruiting@tlfd.org, or stop down any Monday night between 7 and 9pm. We’d love to chat and answer any questions you may have about becoming a part of our team!

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

If you prefer to download a paper application to complete and mail/drop off to us, click HERE.

Why Volunteer?

Have you ever seen a motor vehicle accident, fire, or injured or sick person and wish you could help?
Have you ever had a loved one or friend have a medical emergency and not know what to do?
Did you have dreams of being a firefighter when you were a child?
Are you looking for a way to give back to your community?
Are you looking for new ways to challenge yourself?
Are you looking for ways to supplement your retirement?

What are the Benefits of being a Member?

FREE annual physical
FREE CPR/First Aid Training
$750 payment when you finish initial NYS fire training
$1,250 payment when you finish NYS interior firefighter training
Earn up to $800 per month retirement when you turn 62
$200 per year tax credit from New York State
Qualify for property tax credits
FREE EMT training
FREE gym membership
FREE gear and uniform
Rewarding pride in oneself when you are able to help others

What is Required to Join?

No previous experience or qualifications are required.
Must be a minimum of 16 years of age.
Physically able to perform the duties and responsibilities of an interior or exterior firefighter.
Have the time required to train, respond to calls and attend department drills, meetings and events.
Be a team player.
Have the desire to give back to your community!

Do I Need to Live in Lancaster or Alden?

You do not need to be a resident of Lancaster or Alden to join the Town Line Volunteer Fire Department. Our department is proud to have an Out of District Member Program. Our program details are as follows:

Out of District members have all of the rights and privileges of a regular member as outlined in the department Bylaws. In addition, Out of District Members must meet the following requirements:

An obligation of at least 20 hours per month
Fulfill ongoing training participation, in which the drill time would not be calculated in the monthly time obligation
Fulfill all other requirements as a member.

What is Required of me as a Member?

The following items are just a few points for you to consider before you decide to become a member of our department.

The Town Line Volunteer Fire Department responded to 1040 alarms in 2024. We provide emergency response (fire, motor vehicle accidents, and emergency medical services) to the residents and visitors of the towns of Lancaster and Alden. You are required to make a minimum of 10% of the alarms each year.
Training takes a very high priority in this department. Our normal training sessions are held on Monday nights from 7 to 9pm. Weekly training for our daytime personnel is dependent on their schedules.
Members are encouraged to attend our monthly department meetings are held on the first Monday of each month at 6:30pm.
Members are encouraged to participate in various committees lending their expertise to department events or special projects.

Do I Need any Training to Join?

There is no training required before you become a member of our department. We will provide the following training you need free of charge.

Department specific new firefighter orientation and training.
OSHA safety training
New York State Basic Exterior Firefighting Course and/or New York State Basic Interior Firefighting Course
CPR and Basic First Aid
New York State Basic EMT training (not required)

Do I Have to be an Interior Firefighter?

While having a large number of interior firefighters is desired, it is not required that you be interior qualified. There are many other jobs that need to be done on the fire scene or at an emergency call including: