Hempfield Invests $450K in Firefighter Training Center

Volunteer firefighters in Hempfield Township will soon have a dedicated space to master everything from elevator rescues to confined space emergencies, all within minutes of their homes.

The township is investing $450,000 to build a training center at the former North Hempfield station. Construction could begin in 2027, giving local firefighters a place to practice complex rescue techniques without driving across the county.

"Having a fixed facility for you all to train and to hone your skills is something that we're going to continue to move forward," Fire Chief Anthony Kovacic told attendees at Saturday's annual fire forum.

The need is urgent and real. Hempfield's volunteer firefighters responded to 2,711 calls in 2025, with each member averaging 71 hours of training throughout the year. These aren't simple fire calls anymore.

Modern firefighters need certifications in vehicle rescues, technical operations, and specialized equipment like tanker trucks. The job has evolved far beyond pulling hoses and spraying water.

Currently, township firefighters travel to Westmoreland County Community College's training center in South Huntingdon for their most intensive practice sessions. While that facility excels at fire simulations, the new Hempfield center will focus on hands-on basics closer to home.

The training facility is part of Hempfield's broader transformation of its volunteer fire service. The township has been bringing independent volunteer departments under one unified umbrella, where Hempfield manages stations and pays expenses while volunteers continue answering emergency calls.

Why This Inspires

This investment sends a powerful message about valuing the people who run toward danger when everyone else runs away. Township manager Aaron Siko and Chief Kovacic aren't just asking volunteers to sacrifice their time; they're building infrastructure to make them better at saving lives.

The centrally located facility means firefighters can squeeze in training between work shifts and family dinners. They won't need to choose between staying available for local emergencies and developing critical skills.

Twenty community members showed up to Saturday's fire forum, proof that residents understand what's at stake. When your neighbor volunteers hundreds of hours to protect your family, the least a community can do is give them the tools to come home safe.

Hempfield's firefighters are already tackling confined space rescues and elevator emergencies. Soon they'll practice those lifesaving techniques in their own backyard.