Operational/Administrative
Membership
The Cabin John Park Volunteer Fire Department is constantly seeking energetic and committed personnel who are interested in serving their community. We hold our membership meetings monthly. Please complete our Online Application. Once your application has been submitted you will be contacted by our Membership Chair to discuss your goals and how your membership can be beneficial to both you and to our community.
Are you interested in becoming a member of Cabin John Park Volunteer Fire Department? We offer three categories of membership:
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Firefighter/Rescuer
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Emergency Medical Technician
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Administrative (non emergency services)
Members are required to stand duty one night per week from 7:00 PM until 7:00 AM. The commitment to serve as a volunteer firefighter and or EMT with the Cabin John Park Fire Department is a serious decision and should be made only if you have the time and interest to devote your full attention to the duty required of you. Our web site will provide information needed to help you make that decision. Once you understand what is involved, and realize the many benefits of volunteering [Power Point], we hope you will find that you are able to make the commitment we need. In volunteering, you will directly contribute to the safety of the community and its citizens in the area serving West Potomac and Cabin John. You will find that participation as a volunteer firefighter and or EMT with the Cabin John Park Fire Department will be a rewarding experience.
Please take the time to read the Frequently Asked Questions below.
CJPVFD FAQ’s for Membership
Q. What is the cost of the required training? And where will I go for training?
A. The training required of you to complete requirements for membership at CJPVFD is free. Training is done at the station as well as at the Montgomery County Public Service Training Academy (PSTA) near Shady Grove Hospital in Rockville . This is where all fire, rescue and police personnel train in Montgomery County.
Q. After my initial training, how much time will I be expected to give as member?
A. Once you have completed your training, CJPVFD requires one duty night a week from 7:00 pm to 7:00am . If you are in high school, the requirement is from 7pm until 11pm . To complete your training , you will also participate in training at the station and at the Fire Academy (PSTA) for classes such as EMT and Fire Fighting. If you are coming to us with no experience, as most of our members do, there is a significant amount of training that you have to go through your first year. However, we do want to stress the time commitment required to serve as a volunteer.
Q. How much will I pay for my protective clothing?
A. The cost of your protective clothing and all gear necessary is free.
Q. Who provides insurance coverage for my activities as a volunteer?
A. Insurance is covered through Montgomery County Worker’s Compensation .
Q. Are volunteers directly compensated or paid for their services?
A. No, we do not receive any compensation as volunteers, although Montgomery County now offers financial compensation for those who qualify.
Q. Do I need to live in Cabin John or even Montgomery County to serve as a volunteer member?
A. No. We have no residency requirements.
Q. Is it possible for me to concentrate my participation and specialize in either fire or emergency medical service, or must I participate in both areas?
A . Yes, although all members are required to first achieve their EMT-B status in order to volunteer and meet minimum requirement to serve in the department, it is after that time that you may choose to further specialize in Fire/Rescue Services and other various specialty services at CJPVFD or the county.
Q. Is there a required medical examination?
A. Yes, there is an extensive physical which is required once you are voted into the department. This exam ensures that it is medically safe for you to participate as a Firefighter and EMT. The physical is modeled after the NFPA 1001 (National Fire Protection Administration Medical Standard 1001) and will be performed at no cost to you. In addition, all applicants will be required to submit to an official criminal background check. This check is a policy of the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Commission. Having a criminal record does not necessarily disqualify an otherwise qualified applicant from joining the CJPVFD, however, failing to reveal that information on the official application will cause your membership to be immediately terminated.
Q. If I have current training certifications, will they count towards the County’s training requirements?
A . It depends . We can help you get your reciprocity for Maryland. In addition to filling out some paperwork for the state, you will need to take a 24-hour Maryland EMT-B refresher course and a state protocol test. If you have other Fire/Rescue qualifications, you may also apply for reciprocity for them as well. Visit the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems website, www.miemss.org, for more information on reciprocity.
Q. Are there age restrictions for volunteers?
A. In order to begin volunteering at CJPVFD you need to be at least 16. If you are between 16 and 18 years old, you are considered a Junior Member. Requirements for Junior Members are somewhat different than someone who joins at 18, but you will be able to progress through EMT class and Essentials of Firefighting (if you would like to take that route) before turning 18.
Q . I will only be in the area for one year. Can I still be a volunteer?
A . It will take you approximately 12 months to obtain charge Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) status. During these 12 months, you will invest a significant amount of time and effort into your training, and we will invest just as much in you to help you. Therefore, it is not beneficial to either party to only serve for a year.
Q. Is it okay that I have no experience?
A . Yes! Most of our members come to us with no training or experience. We will provide all of your training.
Q. What are opportunities for joining other than Fire Fighting and Medical Services?
A . We have the need for Administrative (non-emergency services) such as public relations and education, computer support, financial management, vehicle maintenance, instruction, etc.
Q. What is the “live in” program and “college live in program”?
A. The live in program refers to our program whereby a volunteer in good standing and one who has met all requirements to do so, may live at CJPVFD rent free, in exchange for extra stand by duty requirements.We also have a college live in program where members enrolled in the Fire/Science program may live, rent free, at CJPVFD while attending classes as a member of CJPVFD. Our department has a modern dormitory style bunk room with locker facilities.
Q. What do I have to do to become a volunteer?
A . Fill out the enclosed application, making sure to complete all necessary information and obtain all necessary paperwork. Place your complete application in an envelope to the attention of Membership. You may either drop your application off at the station or mail it in. Once we receive the complete application, we will call you to schedule a brief interview. You may email questions to: membership@cjpvfd.com
Q. How often do you accept new members?
A. The membership of the organization votes new members in once a month on the Second Monday of every month. We will need to have your application well in advance of this day in order to adequately process it.
VOLUNTEER BENEFITS
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Tuition reimbursement for Fire/Rescue related classes
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Free uniforms
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Free Training: All firefighting, rescue and emergency medical training is provided
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Retirement: Length of Service Award Program (LOSAP), and financial compensation through the county
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Standby food reimbursement
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Worker’s Compensation
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Death Benefits
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Dormitory style housing
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Nationally recognized fire, rescue and emergency medical training
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State of the art apparatus and facilities
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Scholarships: for college students through county and state organizations
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Tax Break: $3,500 Maryland state tax break incentive for volunteers who qualify
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Team: A great sense of community and serving a good cause
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Leadership: Opportunities for advancement and responsibility on both the operational and administrative side of the CJPVFD
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Family: Camaraderie and lifelong friendships
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Fitness: Fitness equipment use including treadmill and weight center
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Modern computer facilities with Internet Access: Take classes or work from the firehouse while you volunteer! High speed Interent access network
VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS
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Be of good moral character.
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16 Years of Age
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Complete and pass a Physical Exam
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Criminal History Check
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Reference Check
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Driving History Check
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Read, Write and Speak the English Language
