All applicants to the department MUST:

• Be at least 18 years old (16 with parental consent)
• Have a high school diploma or equivalent (Junior members under 18 must maintain a “C” average in all classes and provide report cards quarterly)
• Be able to pass the County physical *
• Be able to pass Federal and State background investigations
• Be willing and able to complete over 160 hours of classroom and online training (and have transportation to get to the training facilities in Rockville and College Park) *
• Be willing to commit at least two years or more to volunteering, due to the lengthy training period

* Associate members will not need to complete the physical or training courses

Firefighter

If getting hot, dirty and physical is your game – this is for you. We offer virtually unlimited opportunities to explore the exciting world of firefighting and the training to do it safely. Whether you only assist on the outside – or run in to the fire as others are running out – there’s plenty for everyone to do on the fireground. The training is free, but the rewards are priceless. Firefighters are required to become certified in both firefighting and EMT. If you already have your Firefighter and EMT certifications in another station or another state, we’ll help you with the logistics of obtaining reciprocity and getting Maryland certified.

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

If you enjoy helping people in medical emergencies – we’ll provide the training absolutely FREE. In cooperation with the State of Maryland and Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems, we’ll train you in CPR and to be an Emergency Medical Technician-Basic (EMT-B). We’ll also help you obtain EMT-Paramedic training. EMT’s are only required to become certified in EMT-B (not firefighting too). If you already have your EMT-B or EMT-P certification in another station, we’ll help you with logistics of getting Maryland certified.

Associate

Do you have a specialized skill or hobby you can contribute? Associate Members provide non-operational support for the organization. From computer/IT support, public relations, photography, maintenance, community education and administrative functions – there’s plenty to do behind the scenes. Anyone who does not have the desire to participate directly in emergency services, or those who cannot meet the physical demands, are encouraged to serve our department in this capacity. Associate members do not participate in any emergency responses nor are they required to attend the required training under our operations divisions, but they are required to consistently participate and contribute to the non-emergency activities of the Department, in the manner in which they agreed to upon joining.

Duty Nights

All firefighter and EMT volunteer members are required to serve a minimum of one duty night per week (from 7pm to 7am) for the duration of their membership. Live-In members are required to serve a minimum of four duty nights per week, 7pm-7am.

(On-duty members can sleep if they are not training or on calls.)

This is vital to ensuring adequate staffing of apparatus, as well as maintaining your fire rescue skills and knowledge. Daytime duty periods can also be scheduled with the Fire Chief’s approval.

Training

All firefighter and EMT volunteer members are required to complete the basic training courses within their first year of joining the department. Extensions can be made under extraordinary circumstances with the approval of the Fire Chief. It’s important to get your certifications as quickly as possible so you can participate fully in emergency calls. There’s nothing worse than having to stand back and watch helplessly while your co-volunteers do all the driving, rescuing, firefighting, and patient treating!

Drills

All firefighter and EMT volunteer members are expected to participate in training drills while performing their duty night/day. These are great team building exercises as well as opportunities to learn new skills and/or practice and perfect the ones you’ve learned in the past.

Station and Apparatus Upkeep

All firefighter and EMT volunteer members are expected to assist with the general upkeep and cleaning of the fire station and apparatus during their duty night/day. We don’t have a paid cleaning crew, so we expect everyone to pitch in to keep the station and apparatus clean and presentable to the public. Take pride in what you ride!

General Conduct

As a volunteer member of the Burtonsville VFD, you are representing the Department at all times, whether you are at the station, on a call, at home, at work, or anywhere in between. As such, you are required and expected to conduct yourself honorably to reflect positively on yourself and the Department. This includes your use of social media and any online activity, as well as in-person/public behavior.

Additional training courses are required to advance to higher ranks and levels of responsibility.