Sentinel photo by SIERRA BOLGER
Pennsylvania State Fire Academy Training Administrator Harvey Boyer speaks with the Mifflin County Veterans Association at its Thursday meeting at the Reedsville Fire Hall.

REEDSVILLE — During the Thursday Mifflin County Veterans Association meeting at the Reedsville Fire Hall, a representative from the Pennsylvania State Fire Academy in Lewistown shared information about an upcoming open house event.

Pennsylvania State Fire Academy Training Administrator Harvey Boyer invited all fire departments in the 67 counties across Pennsylvania to join the Fire Academy at 6 p.m. on Aug. 6, at 1150 Riverside Drive, in Lewistown, for an open house event.

The Fire Academy welcomes firefighters for an opportunity to meet the staff, tour the facility and see what they have in store for the future of firefighting, including new software for emergency networking.

Those interested in attending the open house can send an RSVP to Megan Snook at (717) 257-6290 or by email at megansnook@pa.gov

The Pennsylvania State Fire Academy develops and approves fire service curriculum, accredits instructors and evaluators, and delivers specialized training at the facility in Lewistown.

The Fire Academy also offers custom programs like alternative energy training, statewide courses through local partners, and the Academy on the Road program.

Academy on the Road brings Fire Academy resources directly to your site to provide training in active fires and other training courses.

The Fire Academy’s mission is to ensure the safety of both civilians and firefighters by delivering the best, most accessible fire training available.

The organization delivers this promise by providing the necessary training and support as it collaborates with 24 training partners, oversees 1200 local instructors, and manages 28 certification testing sites statewide.

“We’re not just training firefighters, we’re supporting all the surrounding areas,” said Boyer.

Boyer demonstrates his ties to the values of the Pennsylvania State Fire Academy through his more than 42 year dedication to serving the public.

He held numerous positions within the Elysburg Fire Department, including assistant chief, president, captain, and lieutenant. Boyer also won the Firefighter of the Year award in 2019.

Boyer’s passion for teaching shows through his role as a Pennsylvania State Fire Suppression Instructor, where he contributes to the professional development of aspiring firefighters.

Boyer continues to actively respond to emergencies as a valued member of the Elysburg Fire Department. As an EMT, he is dedicated to providing holistic care and assistance to those in need during critical situations.