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    Office of the State Fire Commissioner

    Criminal Record Checks and Child Abuse Clearances

    Many fire departments require record checks and child abuse clearances. Here's how to get them in Pennsylvania.

    A young boy in a play firefighter helmet gives a thumbs up.

    Overview

    Based on the large numbers of various organizational structures and types of membership, individual emergency service organizations should consult with their attorney and local municipality to determine the need for background checks on their members.

    For individual Firefighters, your organization will let you know if you need criminal record checks and/or abuse clearances to work or volunteer. Both can be obtained from the state of Pennsylvania.

    The Frequently asked Question document linked below is an excellent explanation of the requirements for volunteers to obtain clearances:

    Volunteers Frequently Asked Questions

    Background Check Clarifications Now Law - Pennsylvania Fire & Emergency Services Institute

    Request a Criminal History Background Check

    Use the Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History site for the fastest response. Mail-in service also is available.

    Clearances are free for volunteer; other checks may have a fee associated with them. 

    Request a Background Check

    Request a Child Abuse Clearance

    Pennsylvania's Child Protective Services Law requires certain people to receive child abuse clearances to work or volunteer.

    Clearances are free for volunteer; other checks may have a fee associated with them. 

    Request a Child Abuse Clearance

    A DHS fingerprint-based FBI Criminal History Background Check (DHS FBI) is required if the prospective volunteer has not been a resident of PA for the entirety of the previous 10-year period or has not obtained a DHS FBI since establishing residency in Pennsylvania.

    Child Abuse Clearances | Department of Human Services | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

    FBI Fingerprinting | Department of Human Services | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

    Apply for an FBI Criminal History Background Check


    Related Resources

    Disclosure statement for volunteers (PDF)

    The PA Junior Firefighter Compliance Manual (PDF) addresses the topic of background checks on pages 14 and 16.

     

    Those who are dual providers fire and EMS need to be aware of Act 15, 2015 in addition to Act 153 of 2014 for fire service members.

    Act 153 of 2014

    Act 15 of 2015

    Act 114 of 2006

    Act 151 of 1994

     

    Note:

    The Office of the State Fire Commissioner (OSFC”) provides these resources for convenience and informational purposes only. The OSFC’s provision of these links is neither an endorsement nor approval by the OSFC or the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (“Commonwealth”) of any of the products, services, or information contained therein. Further, neither the Commonwealth, nor the OSFC is responsible for the substance or accuracy of the content contained in these resources. For further inquiries, please contact us at: RA-EMRECRETFIRE@PA.GOV