Frequently Asked Questions
What happens when I Call 301 942-0100?
You will reach our answering service. The service will request your name,
address, age (if under 21), and telephone number where we can reach you.
This information will then be forwarded to the Volunteer Recruitment Team
who will record this information. Unless you indicate a specific department
the Team will then forward your name to your nearest Community Volunteer
Fire/Rescue Department. Please be patient, we are volunteers and this process
may take a few weeks.
What volunteer opportunities are available?
There are 19 Fire/Rescue
Departments in Montgomery County and each may have different opportunities.
In general, we have 4 types of volunteers: Firefighter, Emergency Medical
Technician, High School Cadet, and Administrative. Only Administrative members
do not need required training. Or have physical requirements.
Will
I need a medical examination?
Firefighters,
Emergency Medical Tecnicians and High School Cadets must meet certain
physical requirements and must take a medical examination at the County
facility. Administrative members are not required to take a medical examination.
Are
there other entry requirements?
Yes, you must
be fingerprinted and receive a criminal background Investigation. Some
departments require an application fee to cover some administrative costs.
Once you have passed your physical and background check, you must be voted
into membership by your department. The entire process may take two to
three months.
How
will I be trained?
You will receive
your training at the Public Service Training Academy (PSTA) on Darnestown
Road in Rockville. The Essentials of firefighting class is approximate
120 hours in duration. The Emergency Medical Technician class is approximately
140 hours in duration. Classes for volunteers are given on nights and
weekends.
Can
I receive Training without being a member of a Department?
No, only volunteer
members of our fire/rescue departments, and career staff of the Department
of Fire and Rescue Services can receive training at the PSTA.
How
is volunteering at a Fire Rescue Department different from other volunteering
opportunities?
Definitely.
Fire/Rescue volunteers make a special commitment to serve the public.
Your training is costly and time intensive. Once you are trained and assigned
to a unit you will standby at your station to receive calls. The public
and your department members depend upon you to fulfill your obligations.
Be certain that you have the time, motivation, and commitment before you
decide to volunteer.
I
need Student Service Learning Hours, can I volunteer for only those hours?
The opportunities
for "drop in" hours are rare. If you join a department, You
will be expected to complete your training then serve the public. This
time commitment far exceeds the 60 hour Student requirement.
What
is the minimum age I can volunteer?
It varies by
Department. The minimum age is usually 18 or 16. A few departments have
junior programs with a starting age of 14.
Is
there a maximum age?
No, as long
as you can meet the physical requirements for your position.
I
live in another County. Can I still volunteer?
Although we
encourage you to volunteer in your own community, we have volunteers who
live in other counties.
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