When emergency lights flash across Berks County, firefighters aren’t the only volunteers on the scene. Standing at intersections, placing cones, and waving drivers through detours are members of the local fire police — a group whose mission is to protect both the public and first responders.
Brian Simmon, fire police captain with Kenhorst Volunteer Fire Company, has been in the fire service for 25 years and part of the fire police for 22 of them. He started as a teenager in Cumru Township and says the work quickly became a calling. “I enjoy helping people and keeping things safe,” he explained. For him, volunteering isn’t just about traffic control — it’s about making sure firefighters can focus on their job and that neighbors are protected on the worst days of their lives.
“Out of the 50 states, there are only 14 that actually have fire police,” Brian noted. “Most of them are on the East Coast. So a lot of people don’t really understand what we do.”
In Pennsylvania, fire police are sworn in and complete state-approved training before taking on duties. This gives them the legal authority to direct traffic and secure emergency scenes — something many drivers may not realize.
Fire police serve within local fire companies. Their primary duty is traffic and crowd control at fires, crashes, and other emergencies. They respond in their own vehicles, equipped with lights, cones, and signage, to secure the scene while firefighters, EMS and police handle the incident itself.
“We just want people to be safe,” Brian said. “If traffic isn’t controlled, it puts everyone at risk.”
For most residents, interactions with fire police happen behind the wheel. Volunteers are the ones closing roads, redirecting traffic, and creating safe zones around emergencies.
“Sometimes people get upset with us,” said Lance Parmer, lieutenant with West Reading Fire Police. “We’ll get drivers rolling down the window saying they live right down the street and want to cut through. But we can’t allow that — because the road is closed for a reason. If you see cones or tape, it’s not just an inconvenience, it’s because it’s not safe.”
Glenva Drupp, who serves with Cumru Township Fire Police, echoed that reminder. “People need to realize we’re out there in the middle of the road, often in the dark or in bad weather. Please slow down and be alert. If we tell you to stop, it’s because there’s danger ahead.”
Brian added that one of the biggest challenges is drivers ignoring closures. “Sometimes we’re setting up cones and someone drives right around them. That puts us and other responders in danger. We don’t want that.”
Volunteers say they sometimes face frustration or even hostility from drivers. “We’re not there to ruin someone’s day,” Lance said. “We’re there to protect people — including the person who’s upset.”
Local fire police frequently assist one another across municipal lines, particularly during large or complex incidents. Glenva says Cumru Township fire police alone have already responded to more than 900 calls this year, many of them with help from neighboring volunteers.
“On big scenes, you’ll see us working together — Kenhorst, Cumru, West Reading,” Brian said. “We all back each other up because we’re short staffed everywhere.”
While some may think of fire police as a role for older volunteers, Brian, Lance, and Glenva want the community to know it’s an opportunity for people of all ages.
Brian joined as a fire police officer at 18 in Cumru Township, one of the youngest in the county at the time. “This isn’t just for retirees,” he said. “Younger people can and do serve. We need them.”
Lance agreed, noting that the role is well-suited for anyone who wants to serve but may not be interested in fighting fires directly. “If you still want to help your community, this is a really important way to do it,” he said.
Fire police aren’t only present during emergencies. Residents may also see them at parades, festivals, and other community events, where they manage traffic and keep pedestrians safe so families can enjoy the day without worry.
Like fire companies across the region, local fire police are always in need of more volunteers. Anyone interested can reach out to their local fire department for information on joining.
“People don’t always realize how rewarding it is,” Glenva said. “You’re helping protect your neighbors, and you’re helping the firefighters focus on saving lives and property.”
As Brian put it, “If you see us out there, just know we’re trying to keep everyone safe. Slow down, follow directions, and if you want to give back, consider joining. We could use you.”
