First Steps to Become a Volunteer

Each department in Prince George’s County is an independent corporation, each with its own structure and unique facets of the membership process — but it all starts with the first contact, so get started today and browse the primary core steps of the recruitment process below.

• Be at least 16 years of age – Click Here for Junior Explorers Program
• No past training or experience required
• Be able to pass a criminal background check
• Be able to pass a full physical (not required for Admin/Support)

1. Find Your Firehouse
   Search for your closest or most ideal firehouse based on your location or interest — or contact our recruiter via the form on this page.
2. Connect with a Recruiter
   Our county recruiter or a recruiter from your selected department will contact you to advise the specific initial steps — which typically include an initial firehouse visit, may include a ride along and more.
3. Get a Background Check
   Your department’s recruiter will coordinate your completion of a Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department volunteer application package, which includes electronic fingerprinting to complete a full criminal background check.
4. Get a Physical
   Once you clear your criminal background check, you’ll schedule a standard physical exam. Volunteers seeking to be Firefighter/EMTs, EMTs or Paramedics must pass this exam in order to continue in the process.
5. Start Training
   After passing your physical, your department will coordinate your initial training, which includes a one-week (four evenings) Volunteer Recruit School in Bowie — followed by scheduling your initial EMT and/or Firefighter I training. Fire/EMS members must complete both Firefighter I and EMT within 30 months of joining — EMS members must complete EMT within 18 months of joining a department.