Probationary members are required to complete 20 hours in-station per month. Time spent in your FF1 or EMT class does not count towards this requirement.

Spending time at the station allows you to get to know us, learn our procedures, and practice the skills you learn in your classes.

Once cleared as an observer, spending time at the station allows you to ride the equipment and gain experience.

Company meetings occur every other Monday at 7:30pm. Probationary members are required to attend 1 meeting per month and encouraged to attend more.

Once you become a full member, you must attend 10 meetings a year to vote in elections or hold elected office.

If you work Monday nights or attend a fire department class, just fill out a meeting form and you will receive credit. Forms are located outside the Board Room.

Company details are activities the company participates in. Details range from fundraisers such as Winter Wonderland to providing EMS support for Oregon Ridge fireworks to visiting local pre-schools during Fire Prevention Week. 

Of the 6 company details, one must be a fundraiser. We operate several fundraisers per year. We also encourage members, including probationary members, to get involved with the planning of the fundraisers. Ask about joining a committee!

Details are posted throughout the year and provide a great opportunity to get to know other CVFC members.

Completion of Firefighter 1 or EMT is required within your first year.

MFRI runs on the academic year schedule with classes offered in the fall, spring, and summer crash courses. Classes are usually offered in four formats:

• 2 nights per week (7pm-10pm)
• 2 nights per week (7pm-10pm) plus 1 weekend day (8am/9am-3pm/4pm)
• 1 weekend day (8am/9am-3pm/4pm)
• 2 weekend days (8am/9am-3pm/4pm)

Class scheduled can be viewed at https://www.mfri.org under the Student tab and then Course Schedules tab.  Baltimore County is in the “North East” region; however, some members may find classes in “North Central” convenient as well.

If class schedules prevent you from completing the class within the first year, the officers will consider your progress and can extend your probation to allow you time to complete the class.

All members must complete a CPR Professional Level program. Classes are offered for free through the station and the Baltimore County Volunteer Fireman’s Association. If you already have Professional Level CPR certification, just bring your card to your orientation.

CPR must be recertified every 2 years. Recertification classes are provided by the company.

BloodBorne Pathogens teaches important safety precautions for fire/ems personnel to ensure that they are not exposed to bloodborne illnesses. This class is offered online.

Per OSHA regulations, you must take our BBP class even if you are certified through another employer. BBP must be recertified every year. Classes are provided online.

Hazmat Core Competency is an 8-hour class offered monthly that offers a basic understanding of hazardous materials and how to identify them. After your initial certification class, you will be required to complete a yearly refresher online.

ICS, which stands for Incident Command System, provides a standardized framework for incident management. All members are required to complete ICS 100, 200 and 700 before becoming observers.

ICS classes can be completed online. Be sure to print out the certificates of completion.

ICS classes do not require recertification, but maintaining a working knowledge of ICS is important.

All members are required to get a physical from a medical doctor (must be an M.D.) after being voted into the company. After your initial physical, you must continue to get yearly physicals to maintain medical clearance to serve.

The process begins once you meet with the Chief, you will receive some paperwork to complete. This will then be sent to the county and you will be cleared to get your physical either at the county medical office (no cost) or at your own personal doctor (consult with your insurance to determine costs and frequency covered) if permitted. You will then get a form to take to the doctor. 

While CVFC strongly encourages prospective members to discuss with their doctor before joining our company, the medical clearance process must be completed after you are voted into the company. 

In the unlikely event a member is denied medical clearance, a member may continue with the company in a support member role. 

As with membership in any organization, it’s important to know the rules of the organization. The CVFC constitution, bylaws, and rules are located on Fire Rescue Reports, our internal website (www.cvfcfrr.com), or in the radio room at the station. You will receive a login during your initial meeting with the Chief after being voted in. 

LOSAP (Length of Service Awards Program) is a program that rewards Maryland volunteer firefighters for the time spent in the station. Everything you do in the fire service earns you points, from riding calls to attending meetings to serving on committees; even time in the station counts. You need to earn 50 points per year to be considered “Active.” It’s very easy to earn 50 points throughout the year.

Once you have earned 50 points for 3 years and 36 months, you are eligible to receive a $5,000 dollar Maryland income subtraction credit.

Once you have 25 years or credited LOSAP service, you are eligible to receive a monthly pension check from LOSAP.

On your first day at the station, you will receive your LOSAP number. It’s important to remember this number as it’s your identification number for your time in the FD.

You can learn more about the LOSAP program here: https://www.msfa.org/committees/incentives/

Membership in a volunteer fire company is more than just responding to calls. There are a number of administrative tasks to be done, fundraising that needs to be done, and public relations such as firehouse tours and birthday parties.

Volunteer to serve on a committee. You’ll be helping out and it’s a great way to feel part of the company. Not only that, you will be earning points towards your LOSAP requirement.

Once you complete your 4 required classes and demonstrate knowledge of the location of equipment on the unit, you can begin riding calls as an observer.

Observers are able to ride along and observe, but generally not participate in calls. Riding as an observer before you begin class can give you valuable information to make class easier, and riding during class allows you to see classroom concepts in action.

After a call, ASK QUESTIONS. It’s a great way to learn and get to know your fellow members.

As you learn skills in class, it’s important to practice them in the station. Training is an essential part of the fire service, as people are depending on us to be able to deliver in an emergency. Members are always happy to help new members learn, and there is a wealth of knowledge available. Attend training classes and be proactive; ask to train!

Our officers and members pride themselves on reaching out to new members to help them learn, but you can also reach out to them. Ask questions! Ask members to go over equipment, rules, policies, anything, with you.