Absolutely not! We provide all the necessary training and certifications, usually at no cost to you. We train you from the ground up to be safe and effective, whether you are interested in an operational or administrative role.

If you are at least 16 years old, you can apply to volunteer with us. The first step is to fill out our online information form HERE. Our membership team reviews all submissions for initial alignment with our safety, background, and eligibility requirements. If the initial review is successful, our Membership Coordinator will get in touch with you within a few days to schedule a time for you to visit the fire station for a tour, discuss our requirements, and review our full application process.

If it feels like a mutual fit and you decide to move forward, we will provide you with an official application form to complete. Once we receive your completed application and application fee, our formal screening process continues. This includes contacting your references and running a comprehensive background check. Please note that advancement through our recruitment process is contingent upon the successful completion of each evaluation phase, and the Pikesville Volunteer Fire Company reserves the right to decline applications at any stage.

For those moving forward, the next step is to schedule your Physical Agility Test (PAT). Upon successful completion of your PAT, you may be invited to participate in an interview with the Membership Committee. Applicants for administrative membership are not required to take a Physical Agility Test.

Following your interview and a final review of all vetting materials, if the Membership Committee extends a favorable recommendation, your application will be presented to the full membership. The final step in our process is a membership vote at the next company meeting to determine acceptance as a probationary member.

The initial application process takes about 3 weeks. To become fully certified as a Firefighter or EMT generally takes between four to six months as most training classes are held around normal work schedules. Even after you complete your formal training, we require additional on-the-job training before you become fully qualified to respond to emergency calls.

The minimum age to volunteer with us is 16 years old. Volunteers under 18 years old have some restrictions on hours they may be at the station and, if they are still in school, must maintain good grades.

First responders must be physically fit to respond to emergencies. Applicants must demonstrate they are in good physical condition by passing our Physical Agility Test as part of our application process. You must also get medically cleared by a physician to participate. There are no physical requirements for our Administrative roles.

Firefighters and EMT candidates are expected to provide at least 30 hours per month volunteering at the station, though there is some flexibility when you are in class. We ask for a reliable commitment to training drills and meetings (generally held on nights/weekends) and a reasonable level of availability for calls. We do try to work with your schedule.

Administrative members are asked to commit at least 30 hours per year.

You can start riding the fire engine or the Medic (ambulance) as an "observer" even before you start your Firefighter or EMT class. However, you must get medically cleared, you must complete Baltimore County's New Volunteer training (CPR, HazMat Awareness, Volunteer Orientation, and EMS Compliance), and be cleared by our officers on either the engine or the Medic. Usually these steps can be completed within about 6 to 8 weeks after you become a member.

The fire company charges a $75.00 application fee to help cover the cost of running your background check and processing your application. If you are already a Maryland-certified EMT or Firefighter, or if you are a ProBoard Firefighter, we may waive the application fee.

Our volunteers do not receive any pay. However, there are many benefits, which include:

• Free professional training and state certifications
• Tax deductions/exemptions
• Tuition assistance or scholarship opportunities
• Access to station fitness equipment
• Rent-free living quarters for qualified candidates

If you are only interested in a paid position, we recommend you contact local government fire departments or commercial ambulance services.

We strongly recommend that you have a driver's license and a reliable vehicle as you will need to travel to the fire company several times a week. Also, if you are not already certified, you will need to travel to training classes several times a week. We have found that depending exclusively on ride-sharing services is not a practical option, mostly because of the expense. Public transportation is not a good option either because training classes are frequently held in locations not served by public transportation.

Volunteering is a family commitment. We encourage family involvement in station events and fundraisers. We are a supportive environment, and while your commitment will take time, our goal is to integrate volunteers into a firehouse family that supports your personal life.