West Manchester Township
Fire Department
Become a Hero
Become Our Hero...
People often inquire of Firefighters. “Why do you want to do this?” The answer to this question is as individual as the Firefighter providing the answer. In fact, the reasons that we are Firefighters will usually change as we mature and our relationship with the service changes. But one thing we do know is; being a volunteer emergency responder is about one thing. It’s not what you look like, what degree you have, or where you come from. It’s about heart.
ACTIVE FIREFIGHTER
- Responds to fire calls
- Attends training and equipment checks
- Participates in stand-bys and duty crews
- Aids in public education events
- Attends company meetings
- Assists with fundraising
Social Member
- Attends meetings
- Assists with fundraisers
- Aids in public education events
Become a Volunteer
People often ask firefighters, “Why do you do this?”
The answer is different for every firefighter. In fact, those reasons often change over time as we grow and our connection to the fire service evolves. But one thing remains constant: being a volunteer emergency responder is about heart.
It’s not about what you look like, what degree you have, or where you come from. It’s about your willingness to serve others when they need help most.
Nationally, seven out of ten firefighters and emergency responders are volunteers. Here in West Manchester Township, many of our firefighters proudly serve in a volunteer capacity. In 2026, West Manchester Township transitioned to a combination fire department, where career and volunteer firefighters work together toward a common mission. While we now have career personnel, volunteers remain the backbone of our department, and we are always looking for dedicated individuals to join our team.
The West Manchester Township Fire Department (WMTFD) is a busy and progressive department that responds to more than 1,200 calls for service each year.
Located in York County, Pennsylvania, within the Susquehanna Valley, the WMTFD operates from two stations and maintains:
- Three engines
- One 100-foot tower quint
- One heavy rescue unit
Our department currently consists of approximately 67 active volunteer firefighters, a career fire chief, 15 part-time career firefighters and about 30 support members. Together, we protect a 20-square-mile community with a population of more than 19,000 residents.
West Manchester Township is home to:
- Three regional shopping centers
- The York Fair, the nation’s oldest continuously operating county fair
- Numerous manufacturing, storage, and industrial facilities, including several structures exceeding one million square feet
Our primary responsibilities include:
- Fire suppression
- Fire prevention
- Public education
- Hazardous materials operations
- Vehicle rescue
- Technical rescue
Being a member of the WMTFD can be fun, exciting, challenging, and rewarding. We offer a variety of benefits to our members, including:
- FREE training
- FREE uniforms
- FREE life insurance
- FREE retirement benefits
- FREE fuel reimbursement
- And much more
If you have the heart to serve your community in a way that few can, then you already have what it takes.
We invite you to stop by either of our stations for a tour and an application. You may also contact Fire Chief Clifton Laughman at 717-792-3505 or by email at claughman@wmtwp.com.
We look forward to welcoming you to the West Manchester Township Fire Department.
WMTFD Headquarters
Chief Clifton Laughman
Deputy Chief David Markle
380 East Berlin Rd York, PA 17408
(717) 792-3505
Lincolnway Fire Company
District Chief Roy Gentzler
300 East Berlin Rd York, PA 17408
(717) 792-0116
Shiloh Fire Company
District Chief Nicholas Mann
2190 Carlisle Rd York, PA 17408
(717) 764-3920
Station Live-In Program
As an active firefighter with the West Manchester Township Fire Department, you may have the opportunity to live at one of our fire stations — completely free of charge.
To qualify for the Live-In Program, participants must:
- Be employed for a minimum of 20 hours per week or
- Be enrolled as a full-time student
Live-in members are expected to actively participate in the department by responding to emergency calls and attending meetings, training sessions, public education events, stand-bys, and fundraisers whenever available.
Both of our stations offer:
- Separate male and female dormitories
- Fully equipped kitchens
- Free laundry facilities
- Free wireless internet
- Fitness centers
- Entertainment amenities including pool tables, Comcast cable, Netflix, Xfinity On Demand, and TVs with external entertainment hookups
This program is an excellent opportunity for local college students, especially those attending nearby schools such as:
- York College of Pennsylvania
- Harrisburg Area Community College
- Penn State York
- And other local post-secondary institutions
Applicants for the Live-In Program must be at least 18 years old.
If you have questions about becoming a live-in member, feel free to contact us or stop by one of our stations. Our contact information can be found on our Contact Us page.
