Manheim Township Fire Rescue

After 5 years of leading our local Mission BBQ Lancaster store, Drew Wallen is moving on to his next chapter. Throughout his time in Lancaster, Drew has always stood proudly behind MTFR and our firefighters.

Thanks to Drew’s incredible support and partnership, over $20,000 has been raised to support our firefighters and the work we do in our community!

Drew, we can’t thank you enough for your generosity, friendship, and unwavering support of MTFR over the years. You have truly made a difference, and you will be missed!

MTFR wishes Drew all the best in his next adventure!

Thank you, Drew!

In accordance with the Lancaster Inter-Municipal Committee Trick-or-Treat Policy, Manheim Township recommends Saturday, October 31, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. as the community’s Trick-or-Treat Night, rain or shine.

Because Trick-or-Treat Night is not established or regulated by municipal ordinance, this is simply a community recommendation.

Residents, neighborhoods and organizations are welcome to hold Trick-or-Treat activities on other dates or at other times for any reason, including in response to inclement weather.

This morning, members of Manheim Township Fire Rescue joined our community at the Manheim Township 9/11 Memorial to honor the 2,977 lives lost on 9/11/01 — including the firefighters, police officers, EMTs, and other first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice while running toward danger to help others.

Their courage continues to define what it means to serve. Their sacrifice continues to remind us of the responsibility we carry every day when we put on the uniform.

We remember their names.
We honor their service.
We carry their legacy forward.

The Manheim Township 9/11 Memorial, located behind the Manheim Township Public Library, remains open to the community. We encourage everyone to visit and take a moment to remember.

Tomorrow morning, we're teaming up with Manheim Township Police to host a brief ceremony that will honor the victims, first responders, and all those whose lives were forever changed on September 11th, 2001.

25th Anniversary 9/11 Memorial Ceremony
Friday, September 11, 2026
8:30 a.m.
Manheim Township 9/11 Memorial
Behind the Manheim Township Public Library at Overlook Park

The ceremony is open to the public. We invite our community to gather together in remembrance and reflection.

We will never forget.

🚒⚾ Lancaster Stormers Recognize MTFR Firefighter Ryan Gardill! ⚾🚒

The Lancaster Stormers recognized Firefighter Ryan Gardill during their First Responders Appreciation Game against the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs on Thursday night.

MTFR Chief Scott Little stated, “Ryan brings an outstanding blend of military experience and fire service leadership to MTFR that allows others on staff to work harder and be better.”

Ryan has taken on numerous leadership roles focused on improving the lives, health, and safety of firefighters throughout South Central Pennsylvania. He serves as a Lead Peer Support Mentor and has taken a leadership role with the Manheim Township Firefighters Association, where his efforts have helped strengthen firefighter health and safety standards through initiatives such as annual physicals and cancer screenings.

Ryan’s dedication to his fellow firefighters and the community exemplifies the very best of the fire service. Way to go, Ryan!

And a huge thank you to the Lancaster Stormers for recognizing and celebrating the first responders who serve our communities every day! 🇺🇸

Lancaster Stormers
Atlantic League of Professional Baseball
Pennsylvania Professional Fire Fighters
Manheim Township Professional Firefighters, IAFF Local 5423

This month, we’re honored to recognize Firefighter Eric LeFevre as our Behind the Badge honoree!

How long have you been with MTFR?
I started my journey with MTFR as a part-time firefighter in December 2023, and I was incredibly grateful to join the team full-time in August 2025.

What is one goal you set out to achieve at MTFR?
Since day one, I've made it a goal to learn something new every shift—whether it's improving district knowledge, learning building layouts, strengthening public relations, or sharpening skills and tactics. There's always an opportunity to grow, and that's one of the things I enjoy most about this job.

What advice would you give someone looking to get hired at MTFR?
For anyone interested in joining MTFR, my biggest piece of advice is simple: start making connections and ask questions. The people here are outstanding, and they're always willing to share their knowledge and help you succeed.

Anything else you want to the community of Manheim Township know about you?
Most importantly, I want to thank the Manheim Township Commissioners and the community for your continued support and trust. Your investment in MTFR gives us the opportunity to grow, serve, and provide the best possible service to our residents. I'm proud to be part of this department and excited for what the future holds!

Thank you, Eric, for your dedication, professionalism, and commitment to serving Manheim Township. We appreciate all that you do!

We’re proud to thank Eden Resort & Suites for their continued support of our Behind the Badge program. Their generous partnership helps us recognize and celebrate the firefighters and staff who go above and beyond to serve and protect our community.

Historic moment for the Manheim Township community: MTFR EMS is officially in service!

At 2000 hours Monday evening, immediately following a monumental public swearing-in ceremony during the Manheim Township Board of Commissioners meeting, Manheim Township Fire-based Emergency Medical Services officially went live.

Community members, family, and friends gathered to recognize the commitment and determination demonstrated by every member of MTFR EMS throughout the past four weeks. Their preparation included classroom instruction, skills performance, practical training, and full-integration scenarios alongside Manheim Township Professional Firefighters, IAFF Local 5423

This process represents exactly what public safety demands: sound, disciplined, and aligned professionals coming together with a shared purpose and a commitment to serving their community.

For the residents of Manheim Township, this moment carries even greater significance. Manheim Township stands alone in Lancaster County in fully funding critical public safety services—including police, fire, and EMS.

There has been a tremendous amount of work behind this moment. It took leadership, planning, persistence, cooperation, and countless hours from people throughout Manheim Township and our partner agencies to make this vision a reality.

Manheim Township didn’t simply put an ambulance in service.

Manheim Township took a major step forward in its commitment to the community—and in its responsibility to protect the people we are honored to serve.

Congratulations to every member of MTFR EMS and thank you to everyone who helped make this historic day possible.

MTFR EMS is in service. The next chapter has begun.

Day 1 of MTFR’s first-ever Truck Academy is in the books!

Members dove into Ladder Company operations, including fire and rescue skills, ground ladders, and forcible entry.

Meanwhile, our Mini Academy recruits trained at the fire training center on hoseline advancement and management.

The two academies will soon join forces with EMS for final scenarios, bringing Engine, Truck, and EMS operations together for a coordinated response.

📸: Manheim Township Professional Firefighters, IAFF Local 5423