Joining the Bowie Volunteer Fire Department

The Bowie Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad, Inc, (BVFD) is actively recruiting individuals who wish to serve the city of Bowie and surrounding areas in the capacity of firefighters and/or Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs). Men and women ages 16 and older that are in good physical condition and have the desire to participate in fire and/or emergency medical activities are eligible for membership. There are different levels in the operational membership class. These are determined by certifications obtained through various training programs.

Those persons who do not have the desire to participate in emergency activities, or who do not meet the physical requirements for active membership are encouraged to enter the department as an Auxiliary Member. These members contribute in the areas of fundraising, public relations, public education, and administrative assistance. You also may read more about the classes of membership to help you decide the role for which you are best suited.

Basic Requirements

So, do you think you meet the minimum requirements to become a volunteer? Our guess is that you may be surprised. Here are the minimum requirements to become a volunteer with the BVFD:

• Minimum age of 16 years
• Complete application which includes a background investigation and physical evaluation
• Complete basic training requirements during Volunteer Recruit School, which includes an overview of Prince Georges County Fire and EMS Department operating procedures, BVFD operating procedures, CPR and Infection Control
• Complete Emergency Medical Technician or Firefighter I within 18 months of joining, and both within 30 months of joining
• Attend Department sponsored training sessions and meetings
• Participate in the Department-sponsored duty program

The personal rewards and satisfaction received from the volunteer fire and rescue service are beyond description. There is a sense of accomplishment after controlling a building fire, joy when a rescue is made, compassion for accident victims, and pride in teaching fire safety. In addition to a desire to help people, you also need dedication, assertiveness, and a willingness to face new challenges. Often our members are called on to perform hot, sweaty, strenuous work, sometimes in hazardous conditions.

Membership Benefits

The BVFD provides its members with a family-like environment for everyone. Our members are students at local high schools, universities and colleges, are certified professionals in a multitude of industries, and work for both public and private organizations. Our members also come from many different backgrounds. Our stations are equipped with the latest computing tools, that are configured to meet the training and educational needs of all our members.

Additional benefits to joining include:

• State of Maryland Honorable Louis L. Goldstein Volunteer Fire, Rescue and Emergency Medical Services Personnel Subtraction Modification Program tax credit of $6,000
• Length of Service Awards Program (Retirement)
• Sense of community involvement
• Opportunities for advancement, both operationally and administratively
• New, state-of-the-art fire equipment
• Computing facilities

The BVFD also has a live-in program that provides free housing in exchange for staffing of fire and EMS apparatus for emergency calls.

Ride-Along Observers

Visitors and prospective members ride-alongs are temporarily suspended in Prince George's County (due to COVID-19).

How To Join?

To learn more about joining our department, please complete this contact form.  Our membership team will contact you to talk about next steps and answer any questions you may have. The first step in joining is attending a monthly orientation session, which gives you all needed information about our department. To see upcoming dates click here calendar. Orientation is held at Station 39 (15454 Annapolis Rd, Bowie MD 20715) at 6:30PM.

Specific questions about the membership process can be directed to Jordan Huften.