January 10, 2025 

Mount Joy, PA – Lancaster County Career and Technology Center (LCCTC) is proud to recognize its continued partnership with the Lancaster County Firemen’s Association (LCFA), a nonprofit organization dedicated to public safety education and training since 1921. LCFA recently announced it will cover the Academy’s $5,166.86 invoice from the Lancaster County Public Safety Training Center for consumable costs in the year 2024. 

LCCTC’s Protective Services Academy (PSA) offers high school students hands-on training in firefighting, first responder operations, and emergency medical technician (EMT) procedures. LCFA funds certain essential training materials for the Academy, housed at the Lancaster County Public Safety Training Center. These materials, ranging from natural gas for fire simulations to wrecked vehicles for rescue drills, allow the Academy to provide students practical training without additional costs. 

John Sweigart, LCFA treasurer and a former PSA instructor, explained the nonprofit’s mission is to “provide education and training for firefighters and EMS, and fire safety education for the public.” He considered LCFA’s support of the PSA an investment in the wider Lancaster County community. 

In addition to covering training expenses, LCFA reimburses EMT testing fees for Academy students who pass the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) exam. The community organization also awards a $4,000 scholarship annually to a Protective Services Academy graduate pursuing higher education or technical training in emergency services. 

Sweigart noted that “the sooner you can get people involved,” the better prepared and more well-equipped future first responders will be. 

To encourage student interest in first responder employment, LCFA grants Academy students and instructors free admission to its annual spring Fire Expo at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex. The Expo offers students a look at cutting-edge emergency services equipment and training opportunities with over 260 exhibitors and nearly 10,000 attendees. The event also provides students with opportunities for professional networking. 

Many graduates of LCCTC’s Protective Services Academy join local fire departments, EMS agencies, or 911 dispatch centers. Sweigart emphasized LCFA’s support plays a critical role in fostering the pipeline of skilled professionals who serve Lancaster County’s emergency needs. 

For more information about LCFA and its initiatives, visit https://www.lcfa.com/. 

About the LCCTC: The Lancaster County Career & Technology Center (LCCTC) is a full-service career and technical school dedicated to preparing high school students and adults for careers in the new economy. Lancaster County CTC is best among its class and strives to meet the highest standards of quality instruction. For more information regarding our mission, programs, or initiatives, please visit lancasterctc.edu.