College Live-In Program

The Progress Fire Company established its Student Live In Program in 1979 in cooperation with the Harrisburg Area Community College. This was the first such program in the entire Mid-State Area. Since its inception, we are proud to boast that several of our participants have gone on to career fire service employment with the following: FDNY, Jacksonville Florida Fire Dept., Fairfax Fire and Rescue Dept. in Virginia, Prince William County Fire Dept. in Virginia, Harrisburg Bureau of Fire in Pennsylvania, City of Johnstown Fire Dept. in Pennsylvania, Hanover Fire Dept. in Pennsylvania, Baltimore County Fire Dept. in Maryland, Anne Arundel County Fire Department. in Maryland and the Myrtle Beach Fire Dept. in South Carolina.

The purpose of the program is for live-ins to attain the education necessary to procure employment within a career department, while creating needed manpower for the Progress Fire Company and the Susquehanna Township residents. The program is both demanding and time consuming, but it is our hope that it creates the discipline and respect that is expected in a career fire department. As a Live-In Member, it is required that a contract stipulating the daily duties is signed. You can see a copy of the contract by clicking here.

Live-In Members are afforded all the rights and rewards of regular Active Members of the Progress Fire Company once they complete their Probationary period. They are issued NFPA compliant PBI turnout gear, a black 1010 helmet, (2) black hoods, (2) pair of dragon fire gloves, Leather boots and a Class B Uniform. Class A Uniforms are available for purchase; however, they become property of the Fire Company upon departure. Live-In Members are reimbursed their cost. Once each Live-In member completes Probationary Period and obtains proper certification they will be issued a Leather Helmet. Gxtreme Turnout gear will be fitted & purchased for them as well.

We would prefer that Live-In Members move in at least one to two weeks prior to the start of classes. This two week time period is spent training and familiarizing the students with each other, the Harrisburg Area and the Fire Company in general. They are encouraged to take their time in getting to know the company members and officers, as there are many resources at their disposal. Each new Probie must also take part in the Annual Live-In Academy which is a week long the second week of August.

Progress Fire is a unique organization unto itself. It is, what you put into it. We are a proud, aggressive Company that assumes our nickname from F.D.N.Y.’s, “La Casa Grande” or “The Big House.” Your commitment is important to us, as we will commit to assisting you in meeting with success.

If you have any questions, wish an informal “chat” or tour; please do not hesitate to contact me, as I am the contact for the program. I encourage you and your family to see what Progress Fire has to offer.

Click on their name below to email
Lieutenant Kyle Strausbaugh

LIVE IN :

This contract states and defines the duties and responsibilities of those members that meet the definition of a live in member, that is a member that has moved enough personal effects into the fire station to sustain his living and sleeping at the station on a more or less permanent basis. This does not apply to members that are township residents that may occasionally spend a night in the bunkroom, or to visitors authorized by the Chief.

I, ________________________, as a member (or potential member) of the Progress Fire Company hereby agree to the following conditions to maintain live in status.

I will begin my term in the Company bunkroom on ______________________.

I also understand that I am subject to the following condition, as well as all normal Company rules, regulation, standard operating guidelines, the By Laws and Constitution, as well as direction from the Chief or his designee.

• I must respond to all fire calls, service calls, training sessions, fund raisers and work details up to one hour before reporting to school or work.
• I cannot take up permanent or legal residence at the station. This includes that I am not able to receive any legal documents such as tax forms and bank statements at the station.
• Student live ins are required to attend all classes whenever registered, unless excused by the Chief or his designee for a particular time and date.
• All non-students live-ins shall be employed.
• I must participate in all assigned house duties. This duties are often broken down into individual tasks, however all live ins are responsible to see that all of the tasks are completed on schedule.
• I will be out of bed, and the bed made, by 0900 on weekdays, and 1000 on weekends.
• It is prohibited to sleep on top of the beds after that time as well.
• The bunkroom will be quiet from 2200 hours until 0900 the following morning.
• All live ins are responsible to spend four consecutive nights each week, from Sunday to Friday, as well as one full weekend (Friday and Saturday) each month.
• All phone conversation are limited to five minutes. There shall be no incoming phone calls other than family emergencies between 2300 and 0800.
• All laundry must be done and put away while in the station.
• Beds shall be kept neat and clear at all times, with nothing under the bed other than shoes.
• All students live ins are required to maintain minimum of a 2.0 grade average. The mid term and final grades must be shown to the Chief.
• A copy of all course schedules must be posted in the bunkroom by the start of classes, and shall remain posted until the end of the semester.
• If a schedule is changed the Chief must be notified within 48 hours.
• A student live in withdrawing from school during a semester will lose bunkroom privileges immediately upon withdrawal, unless at discussion of the Chief.
• Non-student live ins shall lose bunkroom privileges immediately upon becoming unemployed.
• The company shall supply internet use for the live ins. The internet is meant for use in the execution of schoolwork. Misuse of the internet or ISP shall result in a loss of the privilege.
• While attending classes at H.A.C.C or any other school, the live in is representing the Progress Fire Company. As such, any reports misbehavior or misdeeds shall result in possible immediate disciplinary action, including, but not necessarily limited to, loss of bunkroom privileges.

Typical Daily House Duties.

This is meant to be an example of the daily responsibilities in the station, but is not meant to be all-inclusive.

• All floors must be swept and mopped
• Toilets and urinal must be cleaned inside and out
• Sinks and showers shall be cleaned
• Countertops must be cleaned
• All paper supplies replenished
• Trash taken to the dumpster

• Floor vacuumed
• Desk area neat and dusted
• All bunks made, headboard dusted
• Washer and dryer area neat and clean, lint trap clean
• Trash taken to dumpster

• Floors swept and mopped
• Table and countertops wiped down
• All supplies replenished
• Trash taken to dumpster

• Floor vacuumed
• Neat, clean, chairs in order

• Floors swept
• Trash to dumpster
• All ashtrays emptied

• All trash and litter picked up and taken to dumpster
• Ramps and sidewalk cleaned if needed

• All company vehicles and equipment with in the station shall be kept clean
• All tools shall be kept clean and exercised as directed.

• First Offense- Additional duties assigned by the Chief or his designee
• Second Offense- Additional duties assigned by the Chief or his designee, plus three day loss of bunkroom privileges.
• Third Offense- Live in will be brought in front of Disciplinary Committee, or Board of Directors.

• The Chief shall have the right to elevate the level of discipline beyond the above if he should find an incident requires that action.
• The Chief reserves the right to remove any individual from the bunkroom immediately at any time while further action and remedies are being pursued.

By signing this document, both the live in and his parent are granting authority to the Fire Chief of the Progress Fire Company to access any and all college and /or work documents, including grades and attendance records, if needed to confirm compliance with the above condition, as well as signifying agreement to these terms.

I understand and fully agree with all of the above-described condition and obligation as well as any further verbal direction related in an appropriate manner by the Fire Chief, or his designee. I understand that if I should be in violation of these condition, my live in privileges will be suspended and that I will have forty-eight hours to remove my personal effects from Progress Fire Company property.