Recruitment

recruitment@morningsidevfd27.com

Recruitment
 

The Morningside Volunteer Fire Department (MVFD) is always looking to increase membership. Regardless if you have no public safety experience or if you are a veteran looking for a new challenge, there is room for you here at this department.  This is great way to support the local community or even prepare for a paid career in the fire and rescue service. We are looking for people from a wide age range and backgrounds. If you ever thought about becoming a firefighter, an EMT, or just helping in the community, now is your chance to make it happen.

The MVFD is located in the busy Third Battalion and responds to calls in the First, Third, Fifth and Seventh Battalions.  This is from the PGFD Website: 

Our busiest service areas are located within Battalions one, three and five, which includes the area commonly bordered by the District line to the west, Central Avenue to the north, the Capitol Beltway to the east, and Allentown Road to the South. These areas represent better than sixty percent of our total calls for service, as they contain the highest population densities.

This is our First Due and Primary Response Areas.  You will use and acquire many skills in this fast paced environment.

Below are the different types of membership:

Active Full Membership – Individuals are a minimum of 18 years of age. This member shall be required to spend approximately 8 - 14 hours per week at the station. Things included in this time are training for various tracks (fire and medical, medical only, associate, and auxiliary), assisting with fundraisers, attending meetings, performing in community outreach programs, and completing station duties. These members can reside inside and outside of Prince Georges County.

Active Junior Membership - This is an apprenticeship program for young adults older than 16 but not yet 18 years of age. These members are required to maintain a "C" average in school with no “E” or “F” grades among the average. The member is required to show his or her report card and attendance report to the Fire Chief each quarter. A work permit and a permission slip from guardians are needed to participate. Individuals shall meet the training requirements set by the state of Maryland, Prince George’s County, and Morningside VFD. These individuals will be allowed to participate in fire department training and on actual calls in a limited capacity. Individuals will be able to progress further once they have turned 18 and have the appropriate level of training.    

MVFD only allows 5 junior members at one time. MVFD also reserves the right not to accept these members based on the need of the department.

Associate Membership – This individual is not active in the operations of fire and rescue. These individuals assist with fundraisers, meetings, community outreach programs, and station duties. These members can also hold office (pres, vice pres, etc.) in the organization.

Ladies Auxiliary - organized to act as a support network for the fire department. This includes fundraising, community events, and other general duties to assist the organization in the operation of the department. 

Out of County or Out of State Membership (Riding Status) - Our Department encourages the participation of experienced firefighters from other counties or states in both operational status (members) and observer status (non-members). Each member shall obtain and maintain all required training. Individuals will spend an average of one weekend a month at the station.

Application Process 

In order to apply for membership of MVFD, all interested personnel shall complete the following steps:

1)      Complete an application package. Application packages are given out at the monthly meetings and other assigned days during the month. (Contact the recruitment section for the additional days). There are no electronic copies of the paperwork available.

2)      Return the completed application package to MVFD on the next regularly scheduled meeting (first Thursday of every Month at 1930 hours). The application is to be given directly to a Recruitment Section member. Formal announcement of application of membership will be announced at this time. Becoming a member is a process that requires a majority vote. The applicant must be present at the meeting for this part of the process.

3)      The paperwork will be sent to the Fire Services Building (FSB) to begin the background check. This process may take 2-3 weeks.

4)      When the applicant has passed the background check, MVFD will be notified that the applicant can contact the contracted medical facility used for physical check-up. This physical exam is in accordance with NFPA 1500. Only this facility can be used for your physical exam. If the physical exam is passed, you will be assigned an identification number by the Fire Services Building.

5)      Next, the applicant will need to attend Volunteer Recruit School (VRS) which will include the following training: CPR & First Aid, Firefighter Basics course, and Infectious Control. This course is about 14 hrs. If the applicant has training from another state or county, the MVFD will look to have that training evaluated see what training can be transferred over.   

Frequently asked Questions

1) Is there a cost for training? For classes required by the state and county training is free. Some of the more advanced classes may have a fee, but we have a training budget to assist members with costs.

2) Can I perform a ride-a-long? For someone who has not turned in an application, they are authorized 3 ride-a-longs in a 1 year time period. After application paperwork is turned in the individual is authorized more provided all safety guidelines are met.

3) What are the benefits of volunteering in the fire and rescue service? There are many benefits to being a volunteer at MVFD. They are:

• Performing a civic duty to help preserve life and property.
• Acquire knowledge, skills, and abilities to be used as a career firefighter, EMT, or Paramedic
• Acquire knowledge, skills, and abilities that can be transferred into current jobs or other career fields.
• Free Training -  Nationally Recognized Training provided through the PGFD and MFRI that is eligible for College Credits.  
• Live-In Program - Become a Live-In Member and stay for free in dormitory style rooms at no cost.  Only participation required.
• State of Maryland Tax Credit - After three years of active service, you are elidgeable for a $3,500 income tax credit.  
• Length of Service Award Program - Prince George's County has established a Volunteer Retirement Program. Once you obtain 25 years of active service and reach age 65, you will receive retirement money each month. 
• Use Your Skills - Morningside is typically ranked as one of the busiest Heavy Rescue Squads in the state of Maryland every year.
• Being apart of an inclusive organization that helps connect you with the worldwide fire service.

Interested in becoming a Volunteer at Morningside, email our membership chairman at recruitment@morningsidevfd27.com