Live at Station 5. Rent-free.
Live-In Program
Live at Station 5 rent-free while you train, study or work, and run calls. No experience needed.
- Rent
- Free
- Utilities included
- Live-in spots
- 16
- 7 open as of October 2026
- On duty
- 5 nights
- A week, at the station
- Experience
- None
- Age 18+, in school or working
What you get
- Free rent, utilities included
- A shared room at the station
- Kitchen
- Free laundry
- Free high-speed internet and computers
- Parking
- Gym membership reimbursement
What we ask
- 1Be on duty at the station 5 nights a week.
- 2Be in school or working.
- 3Earn Firefighter 1 within 18 months and EMT within 2 years, the same as every new member's probation.
House rules
No alcohol on the property. Guests are allowed in the common areas only.
Training and experience
Your certifications, paid for
- Fire training, paid for by the company
- EMT course, paid for by the company
- In-house training from experienced officers and instructors
- Experience on two ALS ambulances
Ask us about the details of any of these before you apply.
Inside the station
Where you'll live
Who it's for
The program is for volunteers who want to get the most out of their membership: people who want to be at the station, on the trucks and learning every week.
College and EMS students
Free housing while you study at schools like CCAC Boyce or the University of Pittsburgh, and real calls to go with your coursework.
For students →Future career firefighters
Certifications paid for, experience on a tiller and ALS ambulances, and alumni who have gone on to career departments in four states and D.C.
For career-track volunteers →Moving to the Pittsburgh area? The program is open to newcomers too, as long as you are in school or working.
Where our live-ins have gone
Former live-ins have gone on to career departments including:
- Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire
- District of Columbia Fire and EMS Department
- Columbus Division of Fire
- Cleveland Division of Fire
- Anne Arundel County Fire Department
- Norfolk Fire-Rescue
Frequently asked questions
What does the live-in program cost?
Nothing. Rent is free and utilities are included, along with laundry, high-speed internet, computers, parking and a gym membership reimbursement.
Do I need fire or EMS experience to apply?
No. No certifications are needed to start. The company pays for your fire training and EMT course, and you earn Firefighter 1 within 18 months and EMT within 2 years, the same as every new member.
How many nights do live-ins stay at the station?
Live-ins are on duty at the station 5 nights a week.
Can I live in while going to college?
Yes. Live-ins must be in school or working, and the program is open to students at schools such as CCAC Boyce, the University of Pittsburgh, Duquesne University and Carnegie Mellon University.
How old do I have to be?
You must be at least 18.
When can I move in?
Move-ins happen monthly. The station has 16 live-in spots.
What are the house rules?
No alcohol on the property, and guests are allowed in the common areas only.
Where have former live-ins gone?
Former live-ins have gone on to career departments including the Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire, the District of Columbia Fire and EMS Department, the Columbus Division of Fire, the Cleveland Division of Fire, the Anne Arundel County Fire Department and Norfolk Fire-Rescue.
Ready to move in?
Apply online, or ask Lieutenant Justin Kalina any questions first at jkalina@mvfd5.com.