Membership Requirements

Volunteering is a Commitment

Becoming a member of the Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company requires a meaningful commitment of time, training, and dedication. The work we perform demands a high level of responsibility, skill, and teamwork. Prospective members should carefully consider the expectations of membership before applying.

Overview

All prospective members - including those interested in our Cadet Program or Auxiliary Division - are asked to review the information on this page prior to submitting an application.

While many of the physical and operational requirements listed below apply to operational Fire and EMS personnel, individuals interested in auxiliary, administrative, or support roles may not be required to meet the same physical standards depending on their responsibilities.

The information below is provided to help you determine whether membership with the Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company is the right fit for you.

When you are ready to begin the process, please complete the online recruitment inquiry form to get started.

Firefighter Applicants

Individuals applying for operational fire service membership must complete an initial orientation program before being permitted to ride on any fire apparatus.

Orientation Program

New members must complete a department orientation program consisting of approximately 40 hours of training. The orientation is typically conducted over six to seven weeks and includes two sessions per week, each lasting approximately two and a half to three hours.

This program introduces new members to department operations, safety procedures, and the basic expectations of operational personnel.

Annual Participation Requirements

Active fire members are required to maintain minimum participation standards each year. These requirements help ensure members remain engaged, trained, and ready to respond to emergencies.

Annual participation requirements include:

• 225 emergency responses

• 14 training drills per year

• 4 drills are designated as mandatory

The department’s statistical year runs from October 1 through September 30.

Operational Job Requirements

Firefighting is a physically and mentally demanding activity that takes place in unpredictable and often hazardous environments. Applicants should be aware of the following expectations and physical demands associated with the role:

• Untrained personnel are not permitted to ride fire apparatus.

• Ability to lift static weights from various heights and carry equipment for extended periods.

• Ability to operate in environments involving extreme heat, smoke, and limited visibility while wearing self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing, which may add approximately 50 pounds of weight.

• Ability to move and work in these environments while maneuvering tools, equipment, and hose lines.

• Ability to carry, lift, and climb ladders of varying sizes and weights.

• Ability to perform strenuous physical activity for extended periods.

• Ability to shovel, lift, and remove debris or fire-damaged materials.

• Ability to perform repetitive physical movements including lifting, bending, twisting, climbing, and crawling.

• Ability to adapt quickly to high-stress situations that may shift rapidly from routine activity to life-threatening emergencies.

Required Fire Training

New operational fire members will also be required to complete introductory fire service certification courses, including Firefighter I.

These courses are typically delivered through the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute and provide foundational training in firefighting techniques, safety procedures, and emergency operations.

Questions

If you have immediate questions regarding membership requirements or the application process, please contact us by email at: businessoffice@bavfc.org 

Ready to Apply?

Once you have reviewed and understand the membership requirements, you may proceed by completing the recruitment intake form to begin the application process.

Membership Categories

Active Member  

Any person who can be active in carrying out the objectives of this organization, and who actively participates in emergency calls, drills, and other functions.

• Fire Service - Any person who mainly will participate in fire related activity.

• EMS service - Any person who mainly participates in EMS related activities, but who will have a voice and vote on company matters.

Cadet - Any person who is sixteen to eighteen years of age and mainly will participate in Fire/EMS related activities.

MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS - The Fire and EMS service is a dangerous activity involving the safeguard of life and property:

1. Each member shall understand verbal and written directives often during high stress situations.

2. Each member shall read, interpret, and apply complicated technical information involving procedures and tactics.

3. Each member shall expand knowledge by attending drills and classes.

4. Each member is required to have a physical examination.

5. Each member is required to have a drug screening.

6. Each member is to have a criminal background check.

7. Each member is to have a reference check.

8. Each member must be eighteen years of age and be a high school graduate or possess a G.E.D., the exception being:

a. Probationary members who are enrolled in high school. Proof of satisfactory level of performance must be presented to the Chief in the form of a report card.

b. Cadet members must be enrolled in high school. Proof of a satisfactory level of achievement must be presented to the Chief or designated Cadet program supervisor as appointed by the chief. Additionally, Cadets are not permitted to respond to calls while school is in session.

c. Auxiliary members do not need a high school diploma or GED.

9. Cadets must have written consent of parents or guardians to become a member.

10. Each member is to complete an orientation program.

11. Each member must complete the MFRI FIREFIGHTER I PROGRAM or equivalent for fire service or EMT-B or equivalent for EMS service within twenty-four months of joining this organization.

12. Each active, active lifetime, active exemplary lifetime fire service and cadet member must maintain a minimum number of emergencycalls,drills, clean-ups and meetings as set by the officers and Board of Directors in November each year. The statistics for the minimum requirements shall be tracked in conjunction with The Harford County Pension System Year.

13. Each EMS Service member must maintain minimum levels of activity as set by the officers.

Active Non-Voting Member

MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS - Active Non-Voting Members must meet all membership requirements as set forth below:

1. Each member is required to have a physical examination.

2. Eachmember is required to have a drug screening.

3. Each member is to have a criminal background check.

4. Each member is to have a reference check.

5. Each member must be eighteen years of age and be a high school graduate or possess a G.E.D.

6. Each member is to complete an orientation program.

7. Each member must complete the MFRI FIREFIGHTER I PROGRAM or equivalent for fire service or EMT-B or equivalent for EMS service within twenty-four months of joining this organization.

8. Each active non-voting member must maintain a minimum number of yearly required statistics as set by the officers and Board of Directors in November each year and published in a Company Standard Operating Document. This requirement shall be significantly lower than the requirements for active members. The statistics for the minimum requirements shall be tracked in conjunction with The Harford County Pension System Year.

Associate Member

Any person who desires to work for the good of the company in areas other than emergency service may apply for Associate Membership. The candidate shall meet all the requirements of the membership with the exception of a physical examination. 

Auxiliary Member

1. The Auxiliary Member shall be an individual who has been reviewed by the Personnel Division and approved by the membership of the Auxiliary. The applicant must be sixteen (16) years of age.

2. The Personnel Division shall perform a complete check of references and a criminal background check must be completed

3. Each Auxiliary member is required to have a physical exam.

4. Each Auxiliary member is required to have a drug test.