First Steps to Become a Volunteer

Joining a volunteer fire/EMS department in Prince George’s County is easy — start by finding your firehouse here or complete the form on this page and our recruiter will be in touch to help you in your search.

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.

Core Requirements

  • 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)

Typical First Steps

  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.

Looking for information on joining a local volunteer fire/EMS department?

CONTACT OUR RECRUITER

Please Note: This is NOT an application. This is an inquiry for more information on how/where to volunteer. Our county recruiter will contact you, typically within 2-3 business days.

Inquiry Form