Why Volunteer?

Many of our members say that the reason they joined the LVFD is to give back to the community. In the spirit of this, our motto is “Service for Others”.  In order to best serve the greater Laurel area in fulfilling this goal, our members must be dedicated, motivated and professional.  As a reward for their excellent service, our members have many benefits available to them. If you feel you possess the qualities of a successful volunteer and are interested in joining the Laurel Volunteer Fire Department, the following benefits would be available to you: 
 
 

$3500 MD state tax deduction Free training Free room and board Separate bunk room for live-ins Separate female bunk room Training equivalency (with approved certifications) New station

Fitness room with weights and cardio equipment Modern computer facilities with wireless internet Convenient to UMCP, HCC, MCC, UMBC, UMUC Over 3100 calls this year Retirement benefits (after 25 years) And Much More!

       Note:  Some benefits have restrictions 

Types Of Membership

We have several classes of membership - not all of our members fight fire. Our membership classes are as follows:

• Regular
  
• EMS Only *
  
• Junior
• Administrative
• Life
• Honorary
• Honorary Life

Regular 

Members at least 18 years of age who are or are training to be firefighters. Personnel in this class of membership must pass a background investigation and physical as well as meet minimum participation standards each year. Regular members must complete a 6 month probationary period. Within eighteen months of joining the department, Regular members must complete either Firefighter I (F/F I) or Emergency Medical Technician- Basic (EMT-B) and within 30 months, both must be completed. This type of membership also offers a live-in  program. To become a regular member, click here.

EMS Only

The Laurel VFD recently aquired an ambulance and we are looking for people interested in Emergency Medical Service (EMS).  Personnel in this class will serve a 6 month probationary period and will be expected to get Emergemcy Medical Technician (EMT) certification in their first year and a half. They will not be expected to fight fires.  For further information on EMS only membership, please click here.

Junior 

Members between the ages of 16 and 18 who join with parental approval. These members may take fire fighting training, and participate in "Outside" fire fighting activities, but are prohibited from participating in any interior fire fighting or any other hazardous duties. Junior members must maintain good grades in school (2.0 minimum) in order to participate in department activities or have full-time employment. To become a junior member, click here.

Administrative 

Those support personnel who do not wish to fight fire, but can contribute needed skills and services for the benefit of the company. Administrative members serve a six month probationary period and have minimum participation standards each year. They meet these standards by learning one or more of the following skills: reports, data entry, map development, fundraising, building and/or grounds maintenance, apparatus maintenance, etc.  To become an administrative member, click here.

Life 

Life Membership is granted to a Regular or Administrative member upon twenty-five years of membership in which their service requirements have been met. Life members have full privileges of the department and they are eligible for a monthly reward after turning 60 years of age. Life members have no further service requirements, but their continued service and support is encouraged. Life membership is earned and cannot be applied for.

Honorary 

Class of Membership granted in recognition of significant financial or other support.  Honorary membership is bestowed on our supporters and therefore cannot be applied for.

Life Honorary 

Life Honorary Membership is granted by the company to individuals in recognition of outstanding service to the company and community. Life Honorary membership is bestowed on our supporters and therefore cannot be applied for.

 

The Department has a "live-in" program to staff the station for adequate response at night. Members participating in the Live-in program get dorm style accommodations and pay no rent. To qualify to "live-in", members are required to either be full-time college students or have a full-time job. A Live-in member must sleep at the station at least five nights out of the week. For more information on how to become a "live-in" please contact the membership committee by clicking here and specifying you wish to "live-in".

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To request information on becoming a member and to schedule an appointment, please click here.

* EMS Only is a new type of membership which is currently in the process of being defined.