The Pennsylvania Second Class Township Code (Section 1601) establishes the legal authority for the Township Board of Supervisors to adopt ordinances that specify the general or specific powers which the Township may be exercised to protect the health, safety and general welfare of the Township.  The Code Enforcement Department is the agency responsible for enforcing the various Ordinances.  However, in the area of fire safety, West Hanover Township has created the more specialized position of Fire Marshal to conduct specific duties and responsibilities outlined in Chapter 22 of the West Hanover Township Code of Ordinances.  

Under Chapter 22, the Fire Marshal shall have the power and shall be required to coordinate the following duties in conjunction and coordination with the Township Manager, Code Official (AHJ) and other appropriate code officials in a manner not inconsistent with the International Fire Code (IFC) and NFPA standards adopted by West Hanover Township Board of Supervisors:

• Prepare written correspondence, newsletter articles and similar publications to Township residents to communicate fire protection and fire prevention practices.
• Identify and investigate requests (or service or complaints) related to fire safety given a reported situation or unsafe conditions during Township inspection activities, and seek voluntary compliance or mediated settlement of these issues;
• As may be necessary, investigate, or cause to be investigated, all fires, explosions and other similar incidents;
• As may be necessary, provide review comments on subdivision land development and building plans submitted for new multifamily or nonresidential construction;
• Coordinate the issuance of Township burn permits in accordance with the requirements and procedures set forth in Chapter 85 of the Township Code of Ordinances, as amended.
• Under certain dry weather conditions, monitor and issue official "burn bans" in the Township;
• As may he necessary, testify at legal proceedings, given the findings of a field inspection or a complaint and consult with legal council (if required for common pleas court);
• Prepare, coordinate and conduct fire safety inspections independently and/or with the Township Code Official in accordance with a community inspection program/schedule to be performed on a timely or random basis.  
• Inspections. The Fire Marshal may conduct the following inspections of new and existing structures and properties for construction, fire protection, and exposures.  Inspections may involve:  (1) means of egress; (2) fire suppression systems; (3) fire detection systems; (4) fire extinguishers; (5) fire hazards; (6) emergency readiness plans; (7) lock boxes; and (8) fire drills.
• Act as a liaison for the Board of Supervisors and Township Manager to the West Hanover Township Fire Company related to Township fire prevention, fire safety concerns and related fire protection services.
• Coordinate, prepare and present a Fire Marshal report on at a semiannual basis to the Board of Supervisors outlining the status of the community inspection program, duties and responsibilities accomplished throughout the year, and other records of activity, expenditures and similar information.
• Attend Township meetings when requested by the Board of Supervisors or Township Manager from time to time.
• Participate as required in public relations events and training of Township residents on fire safety techniques and strategies.

Fire Marshall

Bruce Hetrick - Fire Marshal
cell:  (717) 579-6267