Lancaster Professional Firefighters, IAFF Local 319

09/13/2026

Congratulations to Captain Samar Rudolph (Ladder 1-C Platoon) on being named a 2026 McCaskey Distinguished Alumni recipient.

Those who have had the opportunity to work alongside Captain Rudolph know that his commitment to service extends far beyond the walls of the firehouse. Throughout his career with the Lancaster City Bureau of Fire, he has consistently represented our department, our Local, and the City of Lancaster with professionalism, leadership, and pride.

Captain Rudolph’s accomplishments throughout his career speak for themselves, but we are especially proud to see him recognized by the community that helped shape him. From serving the citizens of Lancaster, to being a mentor to numerous firefighters, to his work as a PIAA referee, his continuous effort to invest back in to his community is unparalleled.

Please join the members of Lancaster Professional Firefighters, IAFF Local 319, in congratulating Captain Rudolph on this well-deserved recognition.

We’re proud to introduce 𝗖𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗿 𝗥𝘂𝗱𝗼𝗹𝗽𝗵 ‘𝟬𝟯, a dedicated public servant whose career embodies courage, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to the Lancaster community.

𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘂𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗱 𝗔𝗹𝘂𝗺𝗻𝗶 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁

𝗖𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗿 𝗥𝘂𝗱𝗼𝗹𝗽𝗵 ‘𝟬𝟯 began his career in public service in 2007 when he joined the Lancaster City Bureau of Fire after graduating from the HACC John J. Shumaker Public Safety Center Fire Academy.

Throughout his career, Captain Rudolph has earned numerous professional certifications, including Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-B), Hazardous Materials Technician, NFPA 1006 Technical Rescue, and multiple Incident Command System (ICS) certifications. His dedication to leadership led to his promotion to Lieutenant in 2019. He further demonstrated his commitment to leadership by graduating from Leadership Lancaster as a member of the Class of 2020. In 2023, he made history as the first African American firefighter in the 144-year history of the Lancaster City Bureau of Fire to be promoted to the rank of Captain.

Some notable career achievements include receiving the American Red Cross Lifesaving Award in 2008. He was also honored with the National Medal of Honor for Courage twice, in 2010 and 2023. In 2021, he was named the Lancaster City Bureau of Fire's Fire Officer of the Year, and in October 2025, he was recognized as Lancaster City's Employee of the Month.

Beyond the fire service, Captain Rudolph has served as a Lancaster-Lebanon PIAA basketball official for more than 17 years. His dedication and professionalism earned him assignments to officiate the Lancaster-Lebanon League Championship in 2020 and the PIAA District 3 Class 6A Championship in 2025.

Samar's passions include his volunteer work as a youth sports coach and raising his two children, Anaija and Jordan.

09/13/2026

Members participated in the annual Lancaster PA 9-11 Memorial Stair Climb at Penn Medicine Ball Park. Our crew was joined by member of York Professional Fire Fighters Association Local 627 IAFF

09/12/2026

Yesterday members from the city USAR team practiced grain bin rescue as part of their monthly technical rescue training. Thanks to Fire Department Mount Joy and Bainbridge Fire / Rescue Station 71 for helping with the specialized equipment needed to train for this type of rescue.

09/08/2026

As of 1700 hours today, Firefighter Dave Benson will have worked his final shift with the Lancaster City Bureau of Fire, bringing to a close more than 26 years of dedicated service to the City of Lancaster.

Dave began his career with the Bureau on June 5, 2000. In 2006 he bid the position of 2nd Driver of Engine 3, A Platoon, where he remained until later becoming the 1st Driver of Engine 3, B Platoon in 2012, a position he would hold through his final shift today.

Dave leaves the Bureau as one of its most loved and respected members. Having grown up in Lancaster and spent most of his life in the city, Dave possesses a knowledge of its streets, neighborhoods, buildings, and history that is difficult to match. More importantly, he has always been willing to share that knowledge with anyone who asks. His experience, patience, and willingness to teach have made him a trusted mentor and a true leader to the firefighters who have had the privilege of working alongside him.

For those who shared a firehouse with Dave, some things could always be counted on. Walk into the kitchen around 0530, whether coming off a night of work or getting ready for the day and chances were Dave would already be there, coffee in hand, newspaper open, and, as usual, a step ahead of everyone else.

Dave also retires with the unique privilege of having served alongside both his son, Grady, and his son-in-law, Angel, a fitting chapter in a career deeply rooted in family, community, and service.

After more than 26 years, Dave leaves behind far more than an empty seat on Engine 3. His knowledge, leadership, friendship, and presence around the firehouse have left a lasting mark on the Lancaster City Bureau of Fire and on the many firefighters who have served beside him.

We congratulate Firefighter Dave Benson on a well-earned retirement and wish him many years of happiness, good health, and time well spent with family and friends.

Congratulations, Dave, and thank you for more than 26 years of service to the City of Lancaster.

08/05/2026

08/05/2026

While at USAR Task Force training, members of LCBF USAR were dispatched as part of Lancaster County Rescue Task Force #36 to Lebanon County to assist with a tractor trailer into a garage. Units have been operating for multiple hours.

08/05/2026

Just after 3am , City Fire units were dispatched to the 100 block of N Reservoir St for a reported house fire. Battalion Chief 1 arrived to find fire showing from a 2.5 Story EOR. Fire was then found in the exposure as well. BC1 requested the Working Fire Dispatch, bringing in mutual aid companies.

Thank you to Manheim Township Professional Firefighters, IAFF Local 5423, Willow Street Fire Co, Lafayette Fire Company, and Iron Ridge Fire Rescue

The scene is still active. Please avoid the area.

07/31/2026

See you all on Tuesday!