STATE COLLEGE — The engines were polished, the ladders extended and the fire hoses ready as Alpha Fire Company opened its doors to the community on Saturday, May 10, during its annual spring open house. The hands-on event gave families and residents a front-row look at the equipment, operations and people behind one of Centre County’s busiest fire departments.
While this community event is typically held during Fire Prevention Week in October in years past, Alpha Fire Company shifted the timing to late spring several years ago to avoid overlap with Penn State football season. The result has been a boost in attendance and engagement, with this year’s open house drawing a strong turnout and enthusiastic participation from everyone visiting.
Children took turns spraying water from fire hoses, learning how a fire extinguisher works and exploring the fire trucks, while parents chatted with firefighters about daily operations and available volunteer opportunities. The event also featured demonstrations, fire safety activities and even a look at the company’s specialized rescue tools, which visitors were allowed to try out.
Alpha Fire Company, which operates three stations across State College, Patton Township and College Township, handles a heavy and growing call volume, which has been currently averaging more incidents than ever before. From structure fires and vehicle crashes to hazardous materials and special rescue operations, the department’s role is expansive.
In addition to being the primary hazmat response unit in Centre County, Alpha Fire also leads task force efforts across a 17-county region and plays a major role in the Seven Mountains Emergency Response Task Force, which covers nine counties in central Pennsylvania.
Staffing remains a challenge, especially for local volunteers. While the company boasts a strong student membership, with approximately 40 Penn State students participating as live-ins across the three stations, according to Chief Berrena, who acknowledged a decline in long-term local volunteer engagement. At present, the department includes 64 local members and a combination of paid chiefs, inspectors, and training staff to ensure readiness around the clock.
The company also takes part in events year-round, including a similar open house at the Patton Township station. That event will feature police from multiple jurisdictions, EMS units, a Life Flight helicopter and hands-on activities for kids and families.
To learn more about how to volunteer or support Alpha Fire Company, visit alphafire.com.
