Alpha Fire Company

09/13/2026

Recently, 15 new members started their journey in the Engine Academy. Throughout the semester, these members will work on learning the ins and outs of the fire service, focusing on fire suppression and engine company operations.

Follow along throughout the semester as these Probationary Firefighters work on trading in their “blue hats” for a “black hat.”

In addition, 3 new members are working their way through the Fire Police Academy. These members will spend the semester taking fire police specific courses, including traffic incident management.

Welcome to the Alpha Fire Company!

09/12/2026

Today, we honor the bravery, courage, and selflessness of those who answered the call 25 years ago.

Early this morning, 27 members of the Alpha Fire Company, including two representing Penn State ROTC branches, participated in the 3rd annual memorial stair climb at Beaver Stadium. This morning served as a humbling reminder of the ultimate sacrifice made by 343 firefighters and countless first responders that day.

Throughout the day, members also staffed Truck 5-2 at several community memorial events across the region.

We will never forget.

Photo credits to their respective photographers.

09/11/2026

09/11/2026

09/10/2026

Come visit your Alpha Volunteers and see Engine 5-1 & Truck 5-2 on S. Allen Street at W. Nittany Avenue tonight from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Living In One Neighborhood (LION) Bash returns today!

Join fellow community members and head to Downtown State College from 5 to 8 p.m. for LION Bash, an annual community resource fair and block party.

LION Bash takes place on the 100–300 blocks of South Allen Street and is open to all. Enjoy an evening filled with entertainment, activities, resources from community and Penn State organizations, and plenty of opportunities to connect with your neighbors.

Check out the schedule for the full lineup. There’s something for everyone, so bring your friends and family to celebrate!

The Borough of State College thanks and acknowledges this year’s LION Bash sponsors— Penn State , The Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County (CBICC), First National Bank (F.N.B.), OLiv Hetzel , and Property Management Inc - State College (PMI) — for their generous support.

LION Bash is a partnership between the Borough of State College and Penn State University.

09/10/2026

This morning, Fire Police Lieutenant Janet Welsh was honored with the State College Sunrise Rotary Club’s 4-Way Test Award in recognition of her exceptional dedication to volunteer service in the Centre Region.

Since joining the Alpha Fire Company in 2015, Lieutenant Welsh has poured countless volunteer hours into serving others. Beyond serving in the Fire Police, Lieutenant Welsh serves as the company secretary, actively leads the membership committee and devotes additional time to the HAZMAT team.

Congratulations to all of the recipients of this year’s 4-Way Test Awards!

09/10/2026

Join Alpha Fire Company.

Whether you're a student, professional, or retiree, we need your diverse skills and dedication at our company. Follow the link: https://alphafire.com/join-alpha/

09/08/2026

Chief 5, coming soon… 🔥

09/07/2026

Saturday morning, Company 5 was dispatched to the 100 block of West Marylyn Avenue in the Borough of State College for an Agricultural/Industrial Accident with Injuries. Upon arrival, crews found a single patient impaled by two separate rototiller blades.

After assessing the nature of the impalement, crews determined disassembly would be the safest route of extrication. Crews worked to remove the machine around the patient while keeping the impalement stable and limiting bleeding. Age of the machine, corrosion, and the position of the victim made the extrication difficult. Incidents like this are inherently complex, as the machinery must not be moved in a way that further harms the patient. Crews utilized a variety of tools and equipment to do this, completing the extrication within 1.5 hours of arrival.

EMS professionals from Centre LifeLink and STAT Medevac 11 provided critical medical care throughout the extrication before transporting the patient to the awaiting helicopter.

Company 5 responded with Engine 5-1, Rescue 5, and the Fire Police with 13 personnel. Lieutenant 5-3 (J. Whobrey) held command.

Thank you to Boalsburg Fire Company’s Engine Rescue 3 for handling the landing zone.

09/06/2026

Another Alpha on the job! Congratulations to Firefighter Casey Walk, who was recently hired by the Altoona Fire Department!

Firefighter Walk now begins his 14-week academy in Harrisburg before hitting the streets of Altoona.