Joining the Ritchie Volunteer Fire Department
The Ritchie Volunteer fire department is actively recruiting both experienced and inexperienced individuals who wish to serve as a volunteer Firefighter/EMT in the Prince George’s County, Maryland fire system.
This is a very rewarding opportunity for anyone who is dedicated, hardworking, caring and compassionate. Being a volunteer firefighter requires a special person who has it in them to help people during their toughest times and maintain composure. Becoming a volunteer requires demanding training to prepare them for the dangerous situations they may encounter every day. If you think you have it in you keep reading….
Minimum Qualifications
- At least 16 years old
- Clean Criminal Background
- Good Physical Shape
- Attend Company Meetings/ Trainings
- Participate in Fundraising events
Membership Benefits
The RVFD offers its members with many attractive benefits. Fire service experience that can’t be duplicated in any other area of the Country is one of the biggest attractions to our department. We are also close to many colleges and universities from University of Maryland to Georgetown. We also offer members with the ability to become a Live-In member, establishing residency at the fire house rent free (great opportunity for college students).
Additional Benefits Include
- Free Fire and EMS Training
- State of Maryland- Tax Credit of $3500 for being a Volunteer
- Length of Service Awards Program – Retirement Account
- Opportunities for advancement
- Free Wi-Fi
- And More…..
Application Process
Applicants with Training
- Complete Ride-a-long
- Determine if Ritchie is for you
- Meeting with Member of Recruitment Division (Review of Certs)
- MFRI/PROBOARD Fire Certifications (Minimum Firefighter I & Haz-Mat Awareness)
- Maryland/National Registry (Minimum EMT-Basic)
- ICS 100, 200, 700, & 800
- Complete Application Packet
- Complete Finger Printing
- Complete Physical Exam
- Assignment of County ID Number
- Gear Assignment/ FIT Test
- Attend VRS (Volunteer Recruit School) (Experience will determine)
(Infection Control, CPR, Basic First Aid, Firefighting Tactics) - Start Ritchie Rookie Hand-Book & Serving the Community
Applicants with-out Training
- Complete Ride-a-long
- Determine if Ritchie is for you
- Meeting with Member of Recruitment Division
- Complete Application Packet
- Complete Finger Printing
- Complete Physical Exam
- Assignment of County ID Number
- Gear Assignment/ FIT Test
- Attend VRS (Volunteer Recruit School) (Experience will determine)
(Infection Control, CPR, Basic First Aid, Firefighting Tactics) - Complete Firefighter I course within 18 months and EMT within 30 months of Application
- During Firefighter I course start Ritchie Rookie Handbook
Live-In Membership
The Ritchie Volunteer fire department offers a unique program for members to become a resident of the fire house. The live in program has additional requirements not required by general membership. In addition live in members receive the highest number of calls gaining fire service experience quickly, bettering their career in the fire service.
Requirements/Benefits
- Full time student or Full time Job
- Commit to Minimum 4 nights a week
- Live Rent Free
- Private Bedroom
- Best Fire Service Experience possible
Out of State Membership
The Ritchie Volunteer fire department also offers a unique opportunity for out of state volunteers who wish to gain the knowledge and experience of a busy station. We currently have several out of state members from New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia and more. Many of the members from out of state are apart of slower departments and wish to learn more and keep busy running fires, motor vehicle accidents, and more. The application process is the same for Applicants with training and will be required to make scheduled appointments during the application process. Once the application process is complete the member will be required to participate in a minimum of one weekend a month and complete the Ritchie rookie handbook.
Requirements/Benefits
- At least (1) weekend a month
Interested
If what you have read appeals to you, and you would like to setup a ride-A-long as the first step in the application process or simply have a question about the process please contact us membership@ritchie37.com and a member of our Recruitment Division will contact you.