BUTLER TWP - The Butler Veterans Affairs Medical Center is one of only 15 VA hospitals in the United States to have its own fire department.

It is unknown when the fire department was established, but it most likely stemmed from the security that has always been present at the facility.

The fire department has 11 firefighters, and at least three are always on duty.

"We have one of the strangest schedules in Butler County," said Ronald Murdick, captain, "We work 24-hour shifts from 8 a.m. to 8 a.m."

There is a bunk room so the firefighters on duty can sleep at night if there is no activity. They typically work 56 hours a week.

The department also has a bathroom with a shower, a kitchen, and office space.

The firefighters must have previous experience in fire fighting, and all members are former or current volunteer firefighters, chiefs, or officers. Many also serve as volunteers with their community fire departments.

Members of the VA fire department come from all over, including Slippery Rock, Unionville, Butler, West Sunbury, Connoquenessing, New Bethlehem, and Greensburg.

The fire department has responsibilities other than fighting fires on the campus, which covers about 80 acres. It is in charge of safety and fire inspections, monitoring air in confined spaces, and routine inspections of all buildings.

"There are very few incidents where we go and see a fire," said Murdick.

They occasionally get calls for smelling smoke, seeing smoke, or other strange smells.

They serve as a hazardous materials team, decontamination team in case of bio-terrorism, and spill clean-up crew. They also train VA staff and volunteers in fire safety and promote fire prevention week.

The fire department is responsible for emergencies on the VA property, but it has a mutual aid agreement with the township.

Murdick recalled only one incident where his department was called in for mutual aid. An accident occurred at the front entrance on New Castle Road to the VA Center and a car caught on fire. The VA fire department responded and controlled the scene until Greenwood Village arrived.

The VA firefighters then returned to the station.

The department has the regular fire fighting equipment that other fire departments have, including two trucks, a 1993 Pierce pumper and a 1976 International pumper. It also has equipment for HazMat duties.

The greatest need of the VA fire department in the next several years is the replacement of members.

"If you work here for 20 years, you can retire at age 50," Murdick said. "Most of our members are close to retirement."