You are about to embark on a volunteer opportunity that is unlike any you have done before. The volunteer fire and ems service has a mission to save lives and protect property 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. When we fail our mission, there are real consequences to the community we are charged to protect.

With that level of responsibility comes an exceptional requirement of commitment and dedication. While many volunteer opportunities may involve attending a meeting once a month and doing a couple hours of fundraising or community service, the volunteer fire and ems service is not like that. We are an organization where members devote a day, or an evening, or an overnight, or more, one or more days a week, to serve the community. In 2023, the average CVFC member recorded 67 days in the station. We are an organization that requires continuing education and training classes beyond your initial certification. In addition to this, we are also a non-profit corporation and we fundraise, spend time in the community and manage the internal operations of the company, all of which require a commitment of time from our members.

In acknowledgement of the dedication and time spent, you will find rewards unique to this opportunity. The members here will become a second family to you. You can make lasting friendships here as you take classes together, spend time at the station together and ride calls together. In addition to our CVFC family, you will join the international brotherhood/sisterhood of firefighters, emts and paramedics. You will meet a diverse assortment of people at CVFC. You will learn skills and directly impact people’s lives. You will even learn skills that can open the door to new careers. Finally, you will receive, upon meeting the eligibility requirements, substantial yearly tax credits and in time, a pension payment.

We want to be clear; no one expects you to be here 24/7/365, but we do want to ask you to take a moment and ask yourself if you are ready to devote the time needed to be successful in this venture and if your current situation in life will allow you to devote that time. If you are, we are ready to accept your application and we will be there to support you throughout your time with us. If you are not, we look forward to accepting your application at a time when you are able.

Probationary Requirements: 

• 20 hours of in-station time per month while on probation. Time spent in EMT/FF1 class DOES NOT count towards this requirement.
• Completion of EMT or Firefighter 1 within your first 12 months of membership unless applying as a support member.
• Applicants applying to be a support member are not expected to complete FF1 or EMT, but will be required to complete in the in-station hours as well as serve on at least 1 committee and participate in a fundraiser.
• Be 16 years of age at the time of application.
  • Applicants between 16-18 will need a parent or guardian to accompany them at the time of the interview.

Class Requirements:

Firefighter 1 and EMT classes are offered by the Maryland Fire-Rescue Institute. These classes typically include 2-3 sessions per week, with 2 weekday nights starting at 7pm and 1 weekend day starting at 8am or 9am. Weekend-only or weekday only classes may be offered as well.
Classes are offered at various locations in the county. There is no guarantee classes will be held at CVFC.

All classes are subject to space and instructor availability.

Classes are based on the academic calendar and typically fall classes begin in late August/early September and spring classes begin in January/early February. Mid-semester starts may also be offered.

MFRI does offer a summer crash course consisting of M-F 8am-5pm; however, space is limited and prospective members will need to be voted into the company 2-3 months prior to the start of the course to be seated in the course.