Joining the Fire Service

The personal rewards and satisfaction received from the fire and rescue service are often beyond description. There is a sense of accomplishment after controlling a building fire, joy and elation when a child is born, compassion for accident victims, and fulfillment in teaching fire safety. However, this business is not for everyone. In addition to a desire to help people, you also need courage, dedication, assertiveness, and a willingness to face new challenges. Often, our members are called on to perform hot, sweaty, dirty, strenuous work, sometimes in uncertain and hazardous environments.

Men and women age 17 and older who are in good physical condition and have the desire to participate in emergency fire and/or medical activities are elligiblie for membership. There are many levels of participation in the active membership class. They are determined by certifications obtained through various training programs. Those persons who do not have the desire to participate in emergency activities, or who cannot meet the physical requirements for active membership are encouraged to enter the service as Associate Members. These members contribute to the volunteer service in the areas of fundraising, public relations, public education, and administration — vital functions which support the Kensington Volunteer Fire Department.

Making a commitment to serve as a volunteer firefighter or emergency medical technician is a serious decision and involves a profound commitment. Your decision to join us should not be made quickly. This portion of our web site will provide the information needed to help you make that decision. Once you understand what is involved, we hope you will find that you are able to make the commitment we need to contribute to the safety of the community and its citizens. You will find that participation as a volunteer member of our service will bring personal rewards and satisfaction, raise self-esteem, and give you a tremendous sense of accomplishment for a job well done.

Live-In Membership

The Kensington Volunteer Fire Department provides its members with the unique opportunity of having a free place to live in exchange for service as a volunteer firefighter and/or emergency medical technician. Located within a close proximity to multiple institutions of higher education, like the University of Maryland at College Park, KVFD provides an excellent opportunity for those who wish to combine their college education with a thriving volunteer fire department. Members live in the bunkroom and are provided with a bed and adequate storage for personal belongings. Students are provided with multiple desks, computers with internet access and a quiet work area in the station's computer room.

The Live-In program at KVFD provides members with the opportunity to gain unparalleled firefighting and EMS experience in a relatively short period of time. Members of the department have come from Connecticut, New York, Pennsylvania, and beyond to take advantage of our program. Not only do they take advantage of being in one of the busiest departments in America, but many participate in the Maryland Firefighter, Ambulance, and Rescue Squad Member Tuition Reimbursement Program. This state program reimburses students enrolled in a Maryland degree granting institution. Students who are members of a career or volunteer fire department, enrolled in fire service technology or emergency medical services technology programs, and are Maryland residents are eligible to apply. Students may establish residency in Maryland while living at the one of KVFD's firehouses. While the Maryland Tuition Reimbursement program for firefighters and EMT's is only available for Fire Service and EMS related programs, student live-in members of KVFD may be enrolled in any degree program.

No matter what our Live-In firefighters choose to study, they can be sure they can find it at many of our surrounding colleges and universities.For more information contact our Vice President of Human Resources, Robert Arnold at (301) 929.8000 and (301) 929.8005, or visit our links.