The first step in joining a local fire department is to fill out a brief application. As part of the process the recruiter will contact you to speak with you about your available opportunities, answer any questions you may have, and provide you with expectations as a volunteer in Montgomery County. Once a suitable department is chosen, we will share your information with the department that best suits your needs, professional abilities and proximity to where you live. Following a screening process, you will be voted into a department as a probationary member.

The Montgomery County Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association and all of the Local Fire & Rescue Departments value diversity in the workplace. Men and Woman of all ages, cultural and ethnic backgrounds, religious and political affiliation, national origin, and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Important Facts to Consider

Time commitment: Volunteering with any station in the county requires a very significant time commitment on the applicant’s part. Station standby time requirements amount to a minimum of 32 hours a month. Generally speaking, volunteers may be asked to identify a weeknight standby and one weekend standby a month. Training at the Public Service Training Academy (PSTA) and station will add to these hours. Members are required to attend a monthly business meeting, and will frequently be asked to help out with community events. Meeting such time requirements needs a significant commitment on the part of the applicant and their family/significant others. We strongly encourage that the applicant think about the time commitment in terms of their families and/or significant other to ensure that they have their support and understanding.

It is not a glamorous job: Participation with the Fire/Rescue services in not necessarily for everyone. Depiction of the service on television series such as Third Watch, ER, etc…, though often based on real life situations, are not an accurate portrayal of what one necessarily does or observes in the Fire/Rescue Service. The work is physically strenuous, emotionally challenging, and high stress. Service providers have to deal with extremely noisy, dirty work environments and are exposed to unsightly, disturbing sights on a regular basis. The rewarding aspects of the service is the knowledge of a job well done, having the ability to help someone in need, and often having made a difference in someone’s life. It is often a thankless job with few tangible rewards, a lot of training and little recognition. You need to ask yourself if “this is for you?”