OTHER INFORMATION

Vehicle Code 75 (Directing Traffic,Emergency Lights, & Duty of driver in emergency response areas)

The Pennsylvania Code
   Chapter 101 - Directing Traffic
   Chapter 173 - Emergency Lights

Act 113 (Vehicle Code 75) (see highlighted section)

Emergency and Law Enforcement Personnel Death Benefits Act (Amended)


Fire Police Code of Ethics:

As a fire police officer my fundamental duty is to serve mankind as I protect my brother firefighters in their efforts to save life and property. To this end:

  • I will be alert and constant in my duties at all times.
  • I will be constantly mindful of the welfare and rights of others.
  • I will be impartial in my treatment of all persons coming under my jurisdiction.
  • I will be firm, but also courteous and helpful to all and my feelings shall not influence my decisions.
  • I will never be vulgar or profane in my speech or actions when on duty.
  • I will cooperate fully with my superiors, fellow officers, and all law enforcement agencies to provide greater protection to the public and the fire department I serve.
  • I will strive to become more proficient in my duties as a fire police officer by diligent study and training at every opportunity.
  • I will regard my badge of a fire police officer as a symbol of trust from my state, community and my fire department and act accordingly.
  • I will constantly strive to obtain these objectives as I serve as a fire police officer.

Duties of Fire Police:

  1. Regulate traffic at fires.
    • This shall include traffic at the scene of any emergency to which your department has been called, until discharged by your chief, or the local police agency.

  2. Protect firefighters while fighting fires.
    • Our main objective is to provide the adequate protection for the firefighters so that they may do their job without interference of others.

  1. Protect the general public at the scene of a fire.
    • Residents, owners, occupants, relatives, transients, spectators, and even the news media tend to hamper the operations. Tact and courtesy must be employed to keep them safe and away from harm or obstructing fire operations.

  2. Keep fire areas clear for fire fighting.
    • Apparatus, emergency vehicles, service vehicles, and firefighters' personal vehicles all need room to park, operate within, turn around, run tanker operations and lay hose lines for fire fighting operations. Always keep this space available and clear.

  3. Protect the equipment of a fire company.
    • Keep all non-firefighters away from, and especially off of, department vehicles, and away from equipment. Don't allow anyone to damage any equipment. Prevent looting.

  4. Enforce the laws of the Commonwealth Of Pennsylvania relating to fire department activities, fire fighting techniques and emergency vehicle driving.
    • The reckless disregard for safe driving within an emergency area, driving over fire hoses, spectators disrespect for fire lines and non-emergency vehicle intrusions are only some of the laws we must be firm in enforcing at the scene.

  5. Cooperate with all regular police agencies.
    • We are all there for the same purpose and reasons - to provide protection, safety, and to prevent a situation from getting out of hand. Therefore we must cooperate with each other by working together effectively and efficiently.

  6. Protect the property at the scene of a fire until the Chief releases him from duty and turns the responsibility over to other police agencies or to the owner.
    • Allow no one to enter within the scene without proper identification or credentials. Be alert. We may see or hear something from a person that may have a direct bearing upon the situation. Protect the scene's evidence, and report unusual events or happenings.

  7. Assist the Chief at all fires and emergencies.
    • The fire chief is in charge of the fire department when called to duty. The fire police take direction from the fire chief when on the scene of most fires and other emergencies. The local police will usually dictate the duties of the fire police when control of traffic or a crime scene is required. (In Pennsylvania the Chief of Police of the local municipality has full authority of the Fire Police when at a scene without the fire department.)

A Fire Police Prayer:

Almighty God our savior, whenever I am dispatched to serve my fellow man in times of need, I ask you,
To give me the strength and guidance to be ever alert and to be consistent within the discharge of my duties,
To be ever mindful of the welfare and safety of all I have been sworn to protect and serve,
To be fair and impartial in the treatment of all persons with whom I come in contact,
To be courteous and never be profane in words or deeds while on duty,
To strive to always be proficient with the talents which you have given me, and to always have the willingness to serve.
And, if during my service to others in times of need, it is your will that I lay down my life, bless always, with your love and guidance, my family and those I leave behind.

Amen