About Us
The Cheltenham Township Fire Department (CTFD) is an all volunteer fire department that is made up of five fire companies located strategically throughout the Township. CTFD’s fire companies are:
- Station 1 – Glenside Fire Company No. 1
- Station 2 – La Mott Fire Company No. 1
- Station 3 – Elkins Park Fire Company
- Station 4 – Cheltenham Hook and Ladder Company No. 1
- Station 5 – Ogontz Fire Company
Approximately 175 volunteer firefighters serve the township 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. By operating with a highly qualified volunteer staff, CTFD is able to generate substantial tax savings for township residents while maintaining the highest levels of fire protection services. By obviating the need for a career firefighting staff, it is estimated that CTFD generates annual savings in excess of 3 million dollars.*
CTFD provides a range of public safety and emergency safety services which include the following:
- Structural fire suppression and search/ rescue
- Vehicle rescue/extrication
- Water Rescue
- Trench rescue, high angle rescue, and other technical rescue
- Brush fire response
- Hazardous Materials response
- Gas odor response
- Electrical fire response
- Emergency medical services assistance
The dedication and commitment of our volunteer staff is unrivaled. CTFD responds to more than 1,200 emergency calls annually. All CTFD firefighters complete a minimum of 180 hours of national certification training to the Firefighter One level. In addition, our firefighters continually participate in numerous advanced certification training programs as well as weekly in-house training. In addition to emergency response and training, our volunteers also manage all administrative aspects of the fire companies. Lastly, beyond responding to immediate crises, CTFD strives to promote fire safety education throughout the community to reduce the risk of death, injury, or property loss due to fire.
CTFD needs your help to continue providing the level of service that our community deserves. If you have a desire to serve the community in an exhilarating and physically active role, don’t wait any longer.
If you want to help, but the thought of running into burning buildings is not for you, please contact us to let us know what administrative or other capabilities you can offer.
*Source: National Volunteer Fire Council Cost Savings Calculator
