Some Montco Teens Can Be Active Firefighters Under New Law: Officials

LOWER MERION, PA - Effective immediately, Montgomery County locals as young as 16 may enroll in fire academy training, with the opportunity to become a qualified active firefighter by their 18th birthday, Lower Merion fire officials said Friday.

The announcement follows changes to child labor laws this month surrounding minors serving in voluntary emergency services organizations. Before the law change, individuals under 18 were unable to participate in the interior module, thus barring completion of Firefighter I training.

The provision will allow minor students to begin the Pennsylvania entry-level firefighter program in Montgomery County at the age of 16 and participate in live burn interior modules before their 18th birthday, with parental and fire chief consent, the Lower Merion Fire Department said in a statement.

“These changes allow those interested to be qualified as active firefighters on their 18th birthday upon completion of Firefighter I training,” Lower Merion fire officials said.

Those interested in joining the department may complete a contact form at www.joinlmfd.org.