Program seen as a help for volunteer fire companies
FirefighterNation Staff
YORK, Pennsylvania – A pilot program is being developed to train inmates to be firefighters in order to help struggling volunteer fire departments in Pennsylvania.
WGAL reports that the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections is working on a program that could provide inmates with skills useful for reintegrating back into society and helping fire departments that are struggling to recruit members.
York Fire Chief, and President of the Fire Chiefs and Firefighters Association of York County, Chad Deardorff said that some communities may not accept the idea.
The corrections department is establishing the program at the state prison in Huntingdon.
In the proposal only non-violent offenders would be allowed
to participate.
Fire departments will not be obligated to take any course graduates.
