Become a Charles County Volunteer!
The Officers and Members of the Charles County Volunteer Fire and EMS Departments would like to thank you for your interest in our organizations.
Charles County VOLUNTEERS have Five (5) Membership types:
- Cadet – A Cadet is someone 14 and 16 years of age who attends drills and meetings while completing a Pre-Basic program to learn about fire apparatus, their equipment and some basic fire ground skills. Cadets also participate in fire prevention activities and fund raising events. Cadets are not able to respond to emergency incidents on fire apparatus.
- Junior – A Junior member is someone 16-17 years old who attends drills and meetings while completing a Pre-Basic program to learn about fire apparatus, their equipment and some basic fire ground skills. Junior members may not respond to emergency incidents on fire apparatus until completing the Pre-Basic program and are still limited in the activities on scene they can participate it.
- Active – An Active member is someone at least 18 years and older who attends drills and meetings while completing a Pre-Basic program to learn about fire apparatus, their equipment and some basic fire ground skills. Active members may not respond to emergency incidents on fire apparatus until completing the Pre-Basic program and are still limited in the activities on scene they can participate it.
- Administrative – An Administrative member must be 21 years and older who wish to assist the department in a support capacity with administrative functions and fund raising activities.
- Auxiliary – A member of the Auxiliary supports the department by assisting with event hosting and fund raising activities for the department. The Auxiliary also brings refreshments to the scene of extended incidents to assist with the rehabilitation of responders.
Benefits of joining a Charles County Volunteer Fire / EMS Departments:
- Free Training: You can receive free firefighting, rescue, and EMS training through the Maryland Fire & Rescue Institute (including textbooks). These courses count as college credits through the University of Maryland.
- Maryland State Income Tax Incentive Program: Members may deduct $5,000 from their Maryland State Income Taxes if the LOSAP requirement is met and have served as a volunteer for the past three years.
- Length of Service Awards Program (LOSAP) After 20 years of service and being 55 years of age, you will collect a monthly payment. For every additional year, you will earn an increase.
- Scholarship Program: The fire and EMS associations sponsor a Scholarship Program that awards active members of any Charles County Volunteer Fire Department, EMS Squad or Advanced Life Support Unit. The total funding available will be spread amongst the applicants that have met eligibility requirements.
- Dependent Care Reimbursement Program: This program is intended to supplement the cost of dependent care for eligible dependents of Charles County Volunteer Fire or EMS personnel during the hours the volunteers are staffing emergency apparatus at their station or attending a department training, seminar, or course. This program is being reviewed for final adoption soon!
- Fire Science Degree: The College of Southern Maryland (CSM) in partnership with the Maryland Fire & Rescue Institute (MFRI) offers an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Fire Science Technology. Firefighters can receive college credits for their training. In fact, candidates can earn an Associate of Applied Science degree from CSM. Credits can be transferred to the University of Maryland University College (UMUC) toward a bachelor's degree with a major or minor in fire science.
Contact us Today!
Use the form below to apply for membership to any Volunteer Fire Department or Emergency Medical Services Department. After completing this form, a representative of the membership committee will contact you. In the meantime, feel free to browse our websites or visit any station to see what the Charles County Volunteers do to help our community.
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Charles County Volunteer Fire and Emergency Medical Services