Step 1: Establish Contact with the Membership Committee
The easiest way is to request more information is through our online membership form. You can also walk into the station and ask any member if you can fill out a Quick Contact Form. Someone from the Membership Committee will be in contact with you within 48 hours.
Step 2: Attend New Member Orientation
These are run by the Membership Committee and are held around once a month, usually on the weekends. You must RSVP in order to attend! However, attending the Orientation is completely strings-free – there’s no commitment to join, and it’s just an opportunity to learn about Branchville, the fire service, Prince George’s County, membership requirements, and answer any other questions you might have.
Step 3: Decide if Branchville is Right for you During Your Trial Period
During this 1-month period after attending the orientation, you will have the opportunity to come by the station to meet our members and officers, do a ride-along, and even sleep-in once or twice if you desire. This allows you to understand the daily responsibilities of the Fire Service, the time required to be a probationary member, and the certification and in-station training process to become an operational firefighter and/or EMT. It will also help you decide if Branchville is right for you! Note: this excludes any person with prior training or experience in a volunteer or career fire department or other exceptions as decided by the Membership Committee.
Step 4: Get Voted in at a Company Meeting
You’ll attend one of our monthly company meetings and get voted in as a new member. The Membership Committee will give you the exact date and time of the meeting.
Step 5: Begin The County Application Process
You will first complete a paperwork packet and go to the Fire Services Building to get fingerprinted for a background check. Once passing the background check, you’ll go for a county-administered physical exam. Once you pass the physical exam, you will be issued a PGFD ID number!
Step 6: Take Certification Classes Through Maryland Fire & Rescue Institute
These include Volunteer Recruit School (VRS), Emergency Medical Technician – Basic (EMT-B), and Firefighter I/II, among others. Learn more about these classes at one of our New Member Orientations.
