Live-In Program · Career
Start your fire service career here
Certifications, real experience and a free place to live.
For the career track
Show up to the academy with experience
Career departments want candidates who have already run calls. As a live-in at Station 5 you are on duty 5 nights a week at a company that answers about 2,400 fire and EMS calls a year, and you live rent-free while you do it.
Your certification path
Day one
No certifications needed. Basic in-house training, then ride in a limited capacity.
Within 18 months
Firefighter 1, through the Essentials of Firefighting class at an area fire academy, paid for by the company.
Within 2 years
EMT, through the Pennsylvania Department of Health, with the course paid for.
After that
Specialty classes such as vehicle rescue, rope rescue, hazardous materials and firefighting operations.
What you'll run
Experience you won't get everywhere
- Truck 5, the last tractor-drawn aerial in western Pennsylvania and the first-due truck for most of Monroeville.
- Engine 51, first due for structure fires, vehicle fires and accidents in the 5th district.
- Two ALS ambulances under Monroeville EMS.
- Drills four times a month, and in-house training from experienced officers and instructors.
Alumni
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
Moving to the Pittsburgh area?
The program is open to people relocating here, as long as you are in school or working. Free housing makes it easier to get established. See the live-in program page for what is included, the house rules and the FAQ.
Ready to move in?
Apply online, or ask Lieutenant Justin Kalina any questions first at jkalina@mvfd5.com.