Frequently Asked Questions - Elkridge Volunteer Fire Department

Prospective volunteer firefighters and EMTs often have lots of questions on the recruitment process, training, and membership requirements. To help, we put together the following list of frequently asked questions:

What are the minimum requirements to become a volunteer?

Be at least 16 years of age
Be able to pass a criminal background check
Be able to pass a full physical

How do I apply?

To apply to become a member, submit the interest form on our recruitment page. From there, we’ll send the application your way.

How often will I need to volunteer?

We understand that our members live full lives outside of the station. We allow our members to create a flexible riding schedule that best fits their needs. We don’t have minimum hour requirements or mandatory duty crew nights. We typically find that most members volunteer one or two nights per week (about 4-10 hours).

The most time-consuming part of becoming a volunteer will be during your first two years. In your first two years at the station, you’ll need to devote about 15-25 hours per week to go to classes, do homework, familiarize yourself with the station, build relationships with other members and train. You’ll be expected to complete certain classes in a certain amount of time. Your first two years will likely be the most challenging part of your volunteer career, but also the most fun. During this time you’ll make new friends, grow personally and professionally, gain new skills and create some awesome memories.

Can I just be a firefighter?

No. All volunteer firefighters in Howard County must also be trained as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). The majority of calls you will respond to as a firefighter on the engine or tower will be medical emergencies. We encourage all of our firefighters to ride the ambulance periodically to grow and practice their skills as medical providers.

What do you look for in a volunteer?

When we recruit new volunteers, we’re looking for a few key qualities: hard-working, dedicated, honest, empathetic, level-headed, personable and mature. Our volunteers work together closely and trust each other with their lives. Ensuring a candidate is a good fit for this line of work is an important part of our recruitment process.

What are the training requirements?

First responders are required to hold and maintain specific training certifications. Attending training classes and the associated coursework for those classes is often the most time-consuming part of the process of becoming a first responder.

As a firefighter, you will be required to complete the following classes within two years of joining the station: Firefighter 1, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and Hazmat Operations.
As an EMT, you will be required to complete the following classes within two years of joining the station: Emergency Medical Technician, Hazmat Operations and Protective Equipment and SCBA.

Do I need to buy my own gear?

We’ll provide you with station shirts and sweatshirts, free of charge. We’ll also pay for all of your personal protective equipment (PPE), including turnout gear, fire boots and gloves, coveralls, etc. You’ll be expected to pay for the rest of your station uniform, including station pants, black belt, black socks and steel-toed boots.

How old do I need to be?

You must be 16 to begin your official training as a volunteer firefighter or EMT.

What does the recruitment timeline look like?

Step 1: Submit the interest form on our recruitment page. From there, you’ll be added to our system, and we’ll immediately send you a copy of our membership application.

Step 2: Fill out the application for membership. It’ll take you about ten minutes to complete. Once you hit submit, your completed application will go to our membership committee’s inbox.

Step 3: Our membership committee will review your application and get back to you within a week or so.

Step 4: After reviewing your application, we’ll send you an email to let you know if we’ve decided to move you forward in the process and, if so, we’ll schedule a time for you to interview with someone from our membership committee.

Step 5: At this point in the process, we’ve met you and you’ve met us. From here, the membership committee will decide whether we want to recommend you as a candidate for membership at our next company meeting. We’ll also ask you to consider everything you’ve learned in the process so far and decide whether you’d like to move forward with becoming a member.

Step 6: Final step! If the membership committee decides you’re a good candidate for membership, and you’re ready to move forward in the process, we’ll ask you to come to our next company meeting to be voted in as a probationary member.