If you’re reading this, chances are you’re either interested in Morningside’s performance, or you are interested in becoming a part of the storied history of what is likely the busiest all-volunteer firehouse in the nation. Either way, welcome, and here is a perspective on what it means to be a part of something so much bigger than yourself.

First things first: Morningside is a service-driven organization, and with that service will come self-sacrifice. It is inevitable, and it should be embraced. From this sacrifice, you will grow as a person, and you will learn just how wide-spread the effects of your actions can be. This dedication will become an integral part of who you are and how you view yourself and will lead to a well-rounded psyche and understanding of the nature of society. As you grow, pride will come from this, and rightfully so – you will do what not many can. But as you mature (and this is different from growth), you will become even-keeled, stoic, and accepting of the challenges presented to you. It is then that you start to learn the Morningside Way. As a live-in, you will enter into the midst of young, experienced, and selfless individuals who have put Morningside first and are reaping the benefits of their dedication. We currently have 10 members in the process of career academies, from FF/medics with the DCFD to officers of the peace with the Prince George’s County Sheriffs Department. They have served, and their hard work has been rewarded.

This firehouse runs anywhere from 10-40 calls a day, with an average of about one call per hour. If you are looking for a place where relaxation is a part of your day, look elsewhere. Our copious call volume, as well as the structure of our day-to-day operations, leaves time for calls, checks, meals, and drills. If you’re riding a suppression piece, you may have some time to relax or study whatever it is you need to. If you’re on the ambulance, you should expect to be non-stop. But this is what is great about Morningside! This kind of pace is fantastic preparation for a career in any type of public safety job and will allow you to prove to yourself that this is something you want to do until retirement. There is nowhere else that can offer such an experience. And nowhere else that can mentally prepare you for the physical and emotional rigor of becoming the best fireman you can possibly be.

In short, the first step to becoming a live-in Morningside Firefighter/EMT is to have the deep and profound desire to serve, to be willing to put yourself through the gauntlet for yourself and those with you on the day to day, with constant self-sacrifice for the organization and your brothers and sisters. This is the new era of the volunteer fire service, and the leadership at Morningside embraces this reality with open arms. Because, if you don’t, you will never really know just how deep the bonds of this brotherhood can run. Should this resonate with you and you feel as if you are up to the challenge, look no further and come see what we’re all about.