Getting Started & the Process
Becoming a volunteer with the Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department is a significant commitment of time and energy. We offer some great benefits and flexible schedules, but volunteering in the fire/EMS service is not for everyone. You’ll need focus and a passion for serving the community.
The Process
Whether you are coming in with years of experience or new seeking to join a progressive non-profit response organization, the initial steps are the same. Depending on when you apply and the volume of applicants within our department as well as countywide, this process can take from 30 days up to 120 days.
First Steps as a New Member
There are a few key things that happen when you complete the process and are officially welcomed as a new member of the Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department:
- You’ll be assigned to a Field Training Officer (FTO) to get you started riding along and getting to know the organization and its processes.
- You’ll be welcomed at one of our monthly company meetings.
- Our team will connect you with the required training opportunities if you come to us without experience or get you started on the path to be turned over on our fire, rescue and EMS services if you join us with experience.
Initial Training
If you do not have prior training and experience, you’ll need to take the following courses to be an operational member of our organization. These are not required to be an administrative or support volunteer.
- Firefighter I for Fire/EMS Volunteers (150+ hours)
- Emergency Medical Technician (200+ Hours) for Fire/EMS and EMS Only Members
The first of these courses must be completed within 18 months of joining and the second within 30 months (if you need both Firefighter I & EMT). Courses are provided free of charge to volunteers at locations throughout the region. They typically start in concert with the college semester as well as summer and accelerated classes.
Expectations of Members
Once you have completed the core training course(s) and begin the turnover process to be cleared to operate as firefighter and/or EMT, we expect all operational members to:
- Be scheduled for at least 24-36 hours of duty time monthly, utilizing our online scheduling platform typically in 6, 8, 12 or 24 hour blocks. We staff our station 5p-7a weekdays, all weekends and holidays.
- Participate in regular drills, meetings and special events.
- Proactively take new training opportunities.
- Be a positive member of our organization.
