MEADVILLE in Crawford County, Pennsylvania is credited with appointing the FIRST FIRE POLICE in the year 1896. These "police", of course, had no other authority than that which could be provided by their fire department and the municipality in which they served.

No legal recognition or authority was given to fire police in the Commonwealth until the year 1941. On June 18th, of that year the Pennsylvania Legislature adopted the FIRST FIRE POLICE legislation - Public Law 137, No.74. The law was entitled; "An Act Providing for the Appointment, Powers and Control of Members of Volunteer Fire Companies as SPECIAL Fire Police".

On August 25th, through the 29th.of the year 1941,the FIRST FIRE POLICE TRAINING COURSE was conducted. The Fire School and Arthur W. Espey, head of the Public Service Institute, Department of Public Instruction, State Board of Vocational Education, sponsored the school. This course was added to the Third Annual Firemen's Training Conference held at the PA State College in State College, PA.

The first state wide organization for fire police was established in 1948. That year that the Pennsylvania Fire Police Association was founded. This association was issued a State Charter, December 30,1949

In late 1983, the Director of the Pennsylvania State Fire Academy, Mr. Robert C. Grening, authorized the completion of a basic training manual for Fire police. This manual was compiled, printed and distributed by May 1984.

Although training for fire police is provided through a State agency (The Offices of Fire Safety Services), the State has not, as of this date (1990) mandated this training. However, many municipalities have made training a requirement to perform the duties of a special Fire police officer.

The State Fire School became the State Fire Academy in 1981.