Mutual Aid Agreement Places Workers' Compensation Liability on Volunteer Fire Policeman's Home Company

In North Lebanon Township v. WCAB (Harbaugh) a volunteer fire policeman responded to a call in a neighboring municipality when the call came in to his friend, who worked as a volunteer for both municipalities' volunteer fire companies. The Claimant suffered a fatal heart attack in the line of duty. Based on the Mutual Aid Agreement that provides companies are to render aid when needed, the WCJ found the Claimant remained an employee of his home company and the home municipality was responsible for benefits. The Commonwealth Court affirmed.