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Requirements & FAQs
Ready to Get Started but Still Have Questions?
We’ve listed some common questions below — a list we’ll be adding to regularly.
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Be sure to browse our benefits, opportunities, and why you should volunteer sections for detailed information on becoming a volunteer Firefighter, EMT, Paramedic, Administrative, Support or Auxiliary team member, or Junior Firefighter/Explorer with the Rock Hall Volunteer Fire Company.
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Can’t find the answer(s) you are looking for? Please contact us by calling 410-639-7888.
Requirements
Do you have what it takes to put others before yourself? Integrity, honesty, courage, selflessness, being a team player, compassion, commitment and competence. The competence will come from training to ensure a job is done safely and effectively.
Responsibilities
What you’ll do is important, as others are depending on you to come through. Actual responsibilities vary by position, but every volunteer that responds to calls must complete training and selflessly protect their community at all times. Again, not all volunteers respond to calls, but everyone makes a difference. How can you help? There are so many ways.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do I Need Prior Training or Experience?
Absolutely not. All training required to become a volunteer Firefighter, Firefighter/EMT or EMT is provided through various county and state programs. There are dozens of courses including hazardous materials, specialized rescue and beyond. Check with the Training Officer for more information.
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How Much Time Will I need to Spend as Volunteer?
Becoming a volunteer is a serious commitment — but we ensure it’s as flexible as possible to fit in with and work around your day to day life.
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For those looking to be Firefighters and/or EMTs, this includes training that is conveniently scheduled on nights and weekends at locations throughout the region of the state. A new member without any training can expect to spend many hours their first year going through the process, initial training, events and more. Check with the Training Officer for specifics to your chosen position.
Administrative and Support volunteer opportunities may be best if you are looking to volunteer but not ride fire trucks — which also eliminates the required emergency operations training courses. Schedules for these opportunities are typically even more flexible than those for volunteers in operational fire, rescue and EMS roles.
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For Junior/Explorer programs, requirements vary so please check with the Training Officer.
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How Long Does the Recruitment Process Take
Selflessness, safety, being a team player, integrity, honesty, courage, compassion, commitment, and competence. The competence will come from training to ensure a job is done safely and effectively. Other requirements may include, being able to pass a required background check and physical.
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Please be sure to ask a representative from the Membership Committee about the specific process and timeline regarding your position.
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Do I Get Paid?
The short answer is NO, you do not get paid money to volunteer.
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However, there are MANY benefits to being a volunteer. This includes a generous tax deduction for Maryland residents after several years of service, a Length of Service Award retirement program, free training including professional development (which may also help you secure outside employment in the Fire/EMS service), education incentives, insurance benefits, discounted services, events and much more.
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We’re looking for individuals interested in volunteering their time to serve their community and make an impact for themselves. Is that you? get started here today.