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From Campus To Firehouse: The Student Heroes Of Alpha Fire Co.

It’s 5:30 p.m. on a Monday — a Penn Stater’s bread and butter. After finishing your classes for the day, many of you might be lying in bed scrolling on TikTok or grabbing a bite to eat. Maybe you’re heading to the Intramural Building to get a quick lift in.

If you’re Penn State senior Vincent “Vinny” Capria, you’re navigating the streets at full speed in a 30,000-pound fire engine, red lights piercing the night, sirens wailing with one hand gripping the wheel and the other on the horn while your passenger calls out directions beside you. Moments before, you had been wrapping up homework for your marketing class, and now you’re rushing off to a fire alarm call with possible smoke showing.

Nights like these aren’t uncommon for Capria. A senior who’s been a volunteer member with Alpha Fire Co. for almost three years, he’s no stranger to quickly switching hats from student to hero. While not in uniform for Alpha, he’s a marketing major entering his last semester and says working with Alpha has been one of the “highlights of his college experience.”

For those unfamiliar with Alpha Fire Co., or “The Company” as it’s often referred to by members, Alpha is the fire department servicing much of the Centre Region. With primary coverage stretching from State College Borough to Ferguson Township and from Benner Township to Patton with coverage across all of Penn State’s campus, Alpha members like Capria keep busy responding to more than 1,400 calls annually.

The history of Alpha Fire stretches back to early 1899 when it was formed under the name Union Fire Company as a small group of volunteers seeking to serve. Since then, many things have changed, but several key things have remained the same.

Namely, Alpha’s composition. What started as a group of volunteers has remained just that throughout the past 126 years. Alpha has a rich history of volunteer firefighters who have served the region free of charge, made possible through continuous donations and funding from the community and university. Today, Alpha is made up of around 100 volunteers, 45 of which are students, all making a sacrifice and promising to serve the region.

When you take a look around their downtown fire station, it’s easy to see that members are proud of their roles and the rich history of those who came before them.

The dormitory walls are lined with photos just like these that past and current firefighters have taken after particularly eventful fires, or “jobs,” as they’re often referred to. These photos symbolize the incredible feat that is man vs. fire.

As you look picture to picture, you’ll be hard-pressed not to find a photo or two that a member is familiar with. Right next to the group photos are images of past members who have gone on to serve full-time positions as paid firefighters at other departments.

The brotherhood of Alpha extends far past the time spent as a volunteer there. For many, rich friendships and unique experiences as a first responder bond them together for life.

“It’s a brotherhood and a sisterhood. Everybody’s here for each other. No one’s gonna leave you behind,” Capria said.

In fact, the praise isn’t just within the firehouse. Members of Alpha Fire Co. are revered not just by neighboring departments, but across the country for the above-and-beyond work they do. Keepsakes from the past are strewn across the walls of the department’s main member meeting room. Among them are badges, uniforms, commendations, and patches from other departments. These patches are symbols of friendship and respect, a common item shared between public services.

In a department with so much history, the weight of it doesn’t seem to wear off. Members are proud to wear the uniform and many recount the mutual respect between members who are students and residents.

“When you’re a member, you’re all the same. We all treat each other with the same respect ’cause we’re here doing the job,” Capria said.

One thing that makes the Alpha Fire Co. experience so unique is the proximity and relationship to Penn State. Yearly, Alpha sees most of its sign-ups come from students attending Penn State. As early as their 18th birthday, individuals can sign up for a prospective spot to become a probationary firefighter or “blue hat.” After a lengthy interview process, physical tests, background screenings, and more, if offered the spot, prospective members earn the right to train with the company and obtain the certifications necessary to perform their duties.

According to members, Alpha’s training is what sets them apart. With weekly sessions for members to come to practice different rescues, techniques, and skills, the standard is set very high.

“The company doesn’t want you to do the bare minimum, the company wants you to do more because the more you do, the better you are,” Capria said.

While many might think that the role of a volunteer firefighter isn’t that serious of a commitment, the members of Alpha show through action that they take their commitment seriously. With a large share of their members coming from the university, the time spent training, working, and studying can be a balancing act. Despite this, members know their education comes first and routinely lean on each other for support in making it all work.

“The company is very strict with your education. If your grades are slipping, you have to get them back together,” Capria said. “The company pushes education first.”

In a place so strict with grades and training, it’s easy to see why their members have so much success in both. Members are given routine tasks and responsibilities in the firehouse. Whether it’s taking out the trash, power washing the floors, or being the building handyman, Alpha is a get-stuff-done environment. Members are pushed to be their best by their peers on and off the fire ground.

Despite the high work ethic, Alpha isn’t all work and no play. Members enjoy many resources and a tight-knit community at the station. Inside the firehouse is high-end workout equipment and comfortable lounges for when the work is done. Members are encouraged to keep their bodies active and in excellent physical shape but stay well-rested for when an emergency strikes.

In addition, one of the main draws for students is the ability to “live in” at the fire station. Upstairs and down the hall from the main offices are several dorm rooms equipped with beds. While the living arrangements might not seem perfect, the appeal of being close to the action and free housing makes “living in” a competitive benefit to receive.

Because of this, only around 10 members take advantage of each year. Capria, a senior who’s lived in since his junior year, sees the benefits first-hand.

“It’s interesting. You can be dead asleep, and if the tones come out, you got to get your stuff together and run to the truck so you aren’t left behind,” Capria said.

Besides the occasional midnight wakeup, living in can be a good time.

“It’s a lot of fun. We’re all like a family here,” Capria said. “We have a good time and have dinner with each other every night. We’re all a big family here.”

For Capria and the members of the company, their time at the firehouse isn’t just a time to serve. It’s a formative period of their lives and a good place to grow up with role models.

We rejoined Capria and his crew on the way back from the fire alarm call, which turned out to be a false alarm. Shortly after arriving back at the station, they began a quick debrief before the night’s training began. It’s all hands on deck as members begin checking the trucks vehicles and equipment. It’s a perfectly orchestrated concert of chaos. Doors are being opened, saws are being tested, and lines are being checked, yet everyone knows their job and place.

With everything having a place, it’s easy to see how Alpha maintains such high efficiency. Members check, double-check, and cross off the list everything necessary for a productive trip to the Centre County Public Safety Training Center.

After a short ride in the fire engine to the training facility, passionate blue hats get hands-on experience working with each other to develop their skills in preparation for their Firefighter 1 test. Firefighting is a nationally standardized certification that has strict skill requirements. Penn State freshman Brittain Bannull is a volunteer firefighter back home but is excited to further his firefighting skills through Alpha and graduate from the probationary program.

After watching some of the drills, the passion is clear. At 8:30 p.m. on a weekday, this type of work isn’t for the faint of heart but is for those who are truly driven to do something good. Under the constant inspiration from experienced members like Capria and guidance from ranking lieutenants and captains alike, these blue hats put their skills to the test over and over to perfect their skills.

While blue hats work on their basics, experienced members practice more complex maneuvers like rescuing downed firefighters, breathing apparatus management, and more.

These firefighters of Alpha Fire Co. embody a rare combination of dedication, resilience, and service that serves as a powerful source of inspiration for their peers and the community. While most students are unwinding after a long day of classes, these volunteers are rushing to respond to emergencies, balancing their academic schedules with the demands of being first responders. Their commitment to excellence, whether through extensive training sessions, perseverance through difficult jobs, or supporting one another like family, reflects their deep sense of responsibility and pride in their roles.

Alpha Firefighters like Capria demonstrate that service is more than a duty — it’s a way of life. By choosing to dedicate themselves to the safety and well-being of others, these volunteers set a shining example of selflessness and determination. For many, this isn’t the job for them. But for a few inspired to be the difference, the hard work is worth it.

Think you have what it takes to be an Alpha Firefighter? Alpha is always looking for new volunteers ready to answer the call.

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About the Author

Jack Anderson-Jussen

Jack is a third-year finance and accounting major from Pittsburgh, PA, and is one of Onward State's photographers. A die-hard Penguins fan, Jack bleeds black and gold. Feel free to follow his incredible Spotify playlists and make him feel good about how much time he's spent on them. When not taking pictures you'll find Jack at Panzer Stadium playing for the club lacrosse team. Follow him for more @jackaj_ on Instagram, and @jackaj on Spotify.

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