Manheim Township Fire Rescue

10/30/2026

Technical rescue is a regional resource, and regional cooperation is essential, no one agency can do it alone.

Many people, and even members of neighboring public safety agencies, may not realize the depth of specialized technical rescue capabilities available throughout Lancaster County and the surrounding South-Central Pennsylvania region.

Several agencies in our region have invested significant time, training, personnel, and resources into developing specialized rescue skill sets to respond to incidents that go far beyond traditional fire and EMS operations.

Manheim Township Professional Firefighters, IAFF Local 5423 Lancaster County Rescue Task Force #36 Lancaster City Bureau of Fire

Spotlight on Our Partner Agencies: Manheim Township Fire Rescue!

The Pennsylvania South Central Task Force Urban Search & Rescue Team (PA SCTF USAR) is proud to highlight the outstanding contributions of our participating agencies.

First up is Manheim Township Fire Rescue (MTFR)! Led by Team Leader Captain Chris Wertz, MTFR brings a deep roster of highly trained personnel who fill critical roles across the task force, including:

Rescue Technicians
Search Technicians
Search Team Leaders
Medical Specialists
Logistics Specialists

MTFR is a key stakeholder in SCTF Logistics, where they maintain Special Ops 202. In addition, they stand ready to deploy apparatus such as Special Ops 201 to support technical rescue and search operations throughout the region.

Their professionalism, commitment to training, and willingness to share both personnel and specialized equipment strengthen the entire team’s readiness. We’re grateful for the partnership and the dedication MTFR brings to every mission. Thank you, Manheim Township Fire Rescue!

10/28/2026

Thanks to all who attended our "Survive the Outbreak: Zombie Emergency Preparedness," session at the Manheim Township Public Library yesterday evening.

Fire Chief Scott Little and Zach Gibbons, Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator for Lancaster County, led an interactive presentation on emergency preparedness using a zombie-apocalypse scenario to explore real-world survival skills.

Topics included assembling an emergency go-bag, preparing for power outages, and maintaining communication during emergencies.

We thoroughly enjoyed hosting this session and hope to do it again in the future!

Thanks to MTPL for having us.

10/22/2026

Join us on Saturday!

Join us on Saturday, October 24, for the 3rd Annual Battle of the Badges Charity Hockey Game at Lancaster Ice Rink!

Lancaster County police officers and firefighters will face off on the ice to raise money for the Lancaster County Children’s Alliance, an organization that provides services to children and families affected by abuse and crime.

The firefighters currently lead the series 2–0.

Puck drop is scheduled for 2:15 PM at Lancaster Ice Rink, located at 371 Carrera Drive. The event will also feature a 50/50 raffle, silent auction, concessions, and more.

Come out to support our local first responders and help raise money for an important cause in our community!

10/21/2026

We’re excited to share that Manheim Township Fire & Rescue took 🥇 1st place in this year’s Touch-a-Truck Food Drive Carving Contest! 🎃❤️

Thanks to everyone who cast their votes and supported us!

The Touch-a-Truck Food Drive was an incredible success, raising over $26,500 and collecting 2,000 pounds of food to support our surrounding communities! 🥫🙌

We’re proud to serve our community both on and off duty, and we’re grateful to everyone who helped make this event possible. A huge thank-you to the organizers, fellow participants, and everyone who voted and donated!

Together, we can make a difference! 🚒❤️

10/16/2026

FIRE RESCUE STAFF MAKING A DIFFERENCE!

Help us congratulate Fire Rescue Paramedic Ashlea Reyes, Lieutenant Rick Flinn, and Firefighters Ryan Gardill and Shane O’Malley on receiving Gold Brain Pins from Lancaster General Hospital in recognition of their exceptional prehospital care of a stroke patient!

Their quick assessment, ability to recognize the signs and symptoms of a stroke, and immediate transport to a local hospital played a critical role in the patient’s treatment and resulted in a FULL RECOVERY! Their quick thinking, teamwork, and dedication to providing exceptional patient care made a life-changing difference!

JOB WELL DONE! We are proud of these outstanding members of our Fire Rescue team for their commitment to serving our community and making a difference when every second counts!

Manheim Township Professional Firefighters, IAFF Local 5423 Manheim Township, Pennsylvania

10/16/2026

Manheim Township Fire Rescue (MTFR) is excited to welcome Dr. Chadd Nesbit and Dr. Simon Johnson as our Medical Directors!

Both physicians bring extensive experience in pre-hospital care, treating patients in the field, and fire-based EMS delivery systems throughout Pennsylvania and Maryland. Their knowledge, expertise, and leadership will be valuable assets as we continue our commitment to providing exceptional emergency medical care to our community.

Dr. Chadd Nesbit serves as the Lead EMS Physician and Division Chief for Penn State Health.

Dr. Simon Johnson serves as an Emergency Medicine Physician for Penn State Health.

Both Dr. Nesbit and Dr. Johnson will work closely with the Manheim Township Board of Commissioners-appointed members of the EMS Oversight Committee. Together, they will evaluate current and ongoing EMS operations, collaborate on opportunities for improvement, and prioritize the evolving emergency medical services needs of our community.

This partnership will help guide the future of fire-based EMS in Manheim Township, with a strong focus on patient care, service delivery, and meeting the needs of our residents.

We are proud to welcome these two accomplished emergency medical professionals to the MTFR family! Their experience, dedication, and commitment to patient care will help strengthen our mission of delivering high-quality emergency services to the community we serve.

WELCOME TO THE MTFR TEAM, DR. NESBIT AND DR. JOHNSON!

10/15/2026

Looking forward to this! Be sure to join us 👻

Think you have what it takes to survive the undead? 🧠💥 Join Fire Chief Scott Little & the Lancaster County Emergency Management Service for an interactive, high-stakes presentation where we’re using a zombie apocalypse to teach REAL-WORLD survival skills!
Here’s the deal: if you’re ready for the undead, you’re ready for anything.
flashlight = spotting zombies in the dark OR navigating a storm power outage 🔦 go-bag = surviving the horde OR escaping a hurricane 🎒
Walk through step-by-step survival scenarios, learn off-grid communication tips, and build an airtight emergency plan to protect your home and family when disaster strikes. 🏠 storm-proof your life while having a blast!

10/06/2026

This month’s Behind the Badge recognition goes to Firefighter Michael Borkert!

We’re grateful for Michael’s dedication, professionalism, and commitment to keeping the Manheim Township community safe. Thank you, Michael, for all you do!

How long have you been with MTFR?
I have been with MTFR since January 2025.

What is one goal you set out to achieve at MTFR?
My biggest goal is to learn something new every shift to be a more reliable member of the department. Recently being qualified as an engine driver/operator, I continue to learn from my peers and officers on ways I can improve my skills to consistently be someone they can count on.

What advice would you give someone looking to get hired at MTFR?
MTFR is an amazing place to work if you have a strong work ethic, are able to work as a team, and have a positive attitude. The group here is very supportive and will encourage you to continue to push yourself to new heights and I wouldn’t want to work anywhere else because of that.

Anything else you want to the community of Manheim Township know about you?
When I’m not at work, I’m spending time with my amazing wife Kali and our two dogs Winnie and Luna.

A big thank-you to Eden Resort & Suites for their ongoing support of our Behind the Badge program. Their generosity helps us shine a light on the dedicated firefighters and staff who consistently go above and beyond to serve our community.

10/05/2026

Fire Prevention Week is October 4–10, 2026. "Charge Into Fire Safety: Safe Charging Is a Superpower” focuses on the everyday charging habits that can help reduce the risk of lithium-ion battery fires and keep homes and communities safer.

🔋 Charge Smart. Stay Safe.

From phones and tablets to e-bikes and other rechargeable devices, how you charge matters.

Help prevent battery fires by following these simple safety tips:

🔌 Use the charger that came with your device or one approved by the manufacturer.

⚡ Plug directly into a wall outlet when possible. Avoid overloading outlets and power strips.

👀 Charge while you’re awake and nearby. Never charge devices under your pillow, on your bed, or on a couch.

🛑 Stop using batteries or chargers that are damaged, swollen, leaking, or unusually hot.

A few simple habits can help keep you, your family, and your home safe.

Plug in. Power up. Stay safe.

Manheim Township Professional Firefighters, IAFF Local 5423 WGAL News Channel 8 Susquehanna Valley, Pa.

10/04/2026

🚨 Don’t forget to get your application in this week! 🚨

We’re building something meaningful — a movement dedicated to providing first-class EMS care and service to the residents of Manheim Township. Your experience, passion, and commitment could help shape the future of EMS in our community.

📋 Get your application in this week.
⏰ Don’t miss the opportunity.
🚑 Be part of something that matters.

Join us in building the future of EMS in Manheim Township.

https://www.manheimtownship.org/DocumentCenter/View/10548/Recruitment-Annoucement