King of Prussia - Fire Police

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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 their welfare and rights of others.

I WILL be impartial in my treatment of all persons coming under my jurisdiction.

I WILL never be vulgar or profane in my speech or actions when on duty.

I WILL cooperate fully with my supervisors, 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.

Fire Police must take an oath of office, be sworn in by a Judge or Justice of the Peace and be registered with the Township. In Upper Merion Township, Fire Police are sworn in by the Chairperson of the Board of Supervisors. To accomplish all of this, they must complete and be certified in Fire Police Operations by Montgomery County and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

The main function of a Fire Police Unit within the Fire Company is to maintain the protection and safety of department personnel and vehicles while at an emergency scene. These Fire Police Officers protect the emergency personnel and also protect their vehicles and equipment from acts of harm, theft, and malicious damage. Some examples of this include arsonists who will try to damage equipment to prevent a fire from being put out, victims that may become emotionally unstable, relatives and/or friends who may become enraged and attack emergency people and spectators who crowd around and prevent work form being done effectively, or prevent valuable equipment from reaching a scene, and hamper the operations in general.

Fire Police will try to control the actions of a crowd, and keep them at a distance for everyone's safety. Hidden danger may lie at the scene: explosions, toxic fumes and deadly chemicals which may be unseen and undetected, and many other unstable elements too numerous to mention.

Fire Police will control the flow of traffic to ensure emergency vehicles have a quick, safe entrance and egress to the incident. They may halt traffic, block a road off or detour you in another direction, because of the situation and the dangers involved. They must retain space for add ional fire equipment, ambulances, police vehicles, and tow trucks that may be needed at the scene.

Fire Police protect the victims, their valuables and property and preserve evidence at a scene. If a victim needs medical attention they will keep the spectators at a distance to show respect of the patients' modesty and privacy at such time of pain and agony.

Fire Police are there to offer everyone the same treatment and respect as if it was you that was involved.

When you see a Fire Police Officer: Slow Down, Be Alert and Follow instructions. Fire Police are there for a reason and know what they are doing. They play an essential part in the saving of lives and prevention of further fire destruction. Remember, Fire Police have legal police authority granted by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and legally can make arrests if needed in and around the scene.

Members of the Unit

Captain: Wayne Thim
LieutenanT: Paul Fickenscher
Sergeant: Dennis Rizzo

Patrolman: Gary Grayshaw
Patrolman: Neil Bolger
Patrolman: Dale Wilson
Patrolman: Mark Thomas
Patrolman: Wm. Vanderslice III
Patrolman: Kevin Katarynick
Patrolman: Connie Kulp
Patrolman: Bernadette Daywalt
Patrolman: Carrol Davis
Patrolman: Ben Burchard

King Of Prussia
Volunteer Fire Company
Fire Police Award
Presented to
William Vanderslice