1505-Ritchie Highway Arnold, MD 21012 / 410.757.5942
Are you ready for the challenge?
Do you want to help your community?
AVFD Membership Opportunities!
Want to make a difference and give back to your community!
You've come to the right place!
Join the AVFD Team!
If you are at least 16 years old and willing to serve your fellow citizens as a firefighter or in an administrative capacity, the Arnold Volunteer Fire Department has an opportunity for you. From college students new or moving to the area, to lifelong Arnold area residents, if you've got the time to dedicate to your community we'd love to have you!
The initial application process includes a background check and typically takes between 4 to 6 weeks. During the wait, new members are encouraged to participate in other department activities.
Additionally, preliminary approval for membership is granted within a few weeks and allows a member to begin certain training. New operational members are required to complete training provided by the Anne Arundel County EMS/Fire/Rescue, Maryland Fire and Rescue and Institute and other training agencies. Training includes Firefighter I and Emergency Medical Technician courses as a minimum and other advanced firefighting courses.
Administrative members must also complete the application process. Administrative members have opportunities with record keeping, finances, fund raising, fire prevention, building maintenance and renovations to name a few.
There are many opportunities for advancement and responsibility on both the operational and administrative side of the department.
WHAT YOU GET!
There are numerous benefits to being a volunteer at the Arnold VFD. Among them:
> Free training in firefighting, emergency medicine and related course
> Uniforms and equipment provided at no cost
> TAX BREAK -- $3,000 tax deduction for Maryland residents
> LOSAP - Volunteer Retirement Program through State of Maryland
> Sense of dedication to community and working as part of a team
> Many other benefits....just ask any of our members here today!
HOW TO VOLUNTEER?
The AVFD has several membership levels of membership that can fit into almost anyone's desires and skills: firefighting administrative or auxiliary. Whether you want to be on the front lines or help in the background organizing our programs and maintaining the high level of service provided by our department, we've got the opportunity for you. All training and equipment are provided at no cost!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Fire Fighter 1 class like?
Fire Fighter 1 class is usually held in the Spring and Fall. The length and frequency of the class may vary, but is usually held twice a week, at night and with periodic drills on the weekend as necessary. There is a two week intensive class held during the summer months as well. This class is held everyday, all day. The Fire Fighter 1 class will challenge you both physically and mentally in learning basic fire fighting skills.
How many hours a month do I need to volunteer?
There is currently no set limit, although we like to have at least 25 hours per month for operational members.
What other training is necessary?
For a complete list of all training, please visit the Anne Arundel Volunteer Fire Fighters Association
website - AAVFFA
What administrative opportunities are there?
Some administrative opportunities include: open house planning, community outreach, building, grounds maintenance, fund raising, membership drive and education (station tours, smoke detector maintenance for the elderly and various fire safety programs).
I am interested, but still have some questions. Who do I contact?
You can contact us via E-mail (best) or call Station 17 at (410)757.5942. Please feel free to download our information sheet for further details and alternate contact information. If you are interested in volunteering, please print and complete our department application available for download below. Notify us via e-mail (quickest option) to schedule a meeting time to review your application and discuss the many opportunities available to you. There is a $25 application fee due at time of submittal (this fee is refundable after becoming an active member or if you fail to become an active member).
Download our information sheet.
Download an application!
(You need the Adobe Acrobat Reader - download a free copy here )
Don't Get Left Behind!!!
