The Fire Department of Springfield Township (F.D.S.T.) is comprised of three volunteer fire companies: Flourtown Fire Company, Oreland Volunteer Fire Company, and Wyndmoor Hose Company. The problem was the three fire companies do not operate under one standard operating procedure (SOP). The purpose of this research project identified the importance of SOP's and the challenges associated with the development of a township-wide SOP manual. Historical and action research methods were employed to answer the following questions: 1. What are standard operating procedures (SOPs)? 2. Should the F.D.S.T. develop an SOP manual? 3. What challenges could be anticipated during the development of an S.O.P. manual? 4. What actions can be taken to successfully develop a township-wide SOP manual? Data were collected from a review of the literature, interviews of key informants and surveys of various fire departments.The interviews confirmed there would be challenges associated with the development of the SOP manual. The results of the survey provided reasons for developing a SOP manual and the challenges experienced during same. The literature reviewed acknowleded the use of SOPs as an important tool in managing fire departments. It is recommended that the F.D.S.T. should develop a township-wide standard operating guideline (SOG) manual. In order to minimize challenges associated with the manual, members from all levels of the organizations should be included in the process. Finally, additional research should be conducted to determine if other management tools could be used to control fire departments.