Bay District Volunteer Fire Department
Your community. Your crew.
Your call to serve.
When our neighbors need help, someone has to answer. Become part of the team that does.
Build skills. Find your crew. Make a difference right here in St. Mary’s County.
Find your place
One mission. More than one way to serve.
You don’t have to take the same path as everyone else to make a difference. Bring your willingness to learn, your commitment to others, and the strengths that make you who you are.
Operational
Answer the call.
Train for firefighting and rescue, build practical skills, and work alongside a crew that depends on each other. New to the fire service or already certified? Start a conversation with us.
Explore firefightingSupport & associate
Make it possible.
A strong department needs people beyond the fireground. Help with fire prevention, fundraising, rehabilitation support, and the work that keeps our mission moving.
Explore support rolesCadet & junior
Start your journey.
Discover the fire service and build teamwork through our youth membership paths. Cadet membership is for ages 14–15; junior membership is for ages 16–17.
Ask about youth membershipSee the team in action
Picture yourself at Bay District.
Take a closer look at the department you could be part of.
Give your time. Gain something lasting.
Service that helps you grow.
The impact you make is only part of what you take away. Build confidence, friendships, and skills that stay with you.
Training at no cost
Access firefighting, rescue, and EMS training through the Maryland Fire & Rescue Institute, with opportunities to build recognized qualifications.
A team to belong to
Learn together, solve problems together, and serve alongside people who share your commitment to helping others.
Education support
Eligible volunteers can apply for county scholarship assistance for academic or vocational education. Funding depends on program availability.
Volunteer incentives
Ask about Maryland tax benefits and the county’s volunteer incentive program, including property tax credit or stipend options for eligible members.
Recognition for years of service
The Length of Service Award Program (LOSAP) recognizes qualifying long-term volunteer service through retirement benefits.
Dependent care assistance
Eligible members may receive reimbursement for dependent care during qualifying volunteer service and training activities.
Equipment built for the mission
Develop your skills with department apparatus, fire stations, and on-site training facilities that support the work we do.
Benefits depend on eligibility, participation, funding, and current program rules. Our recruitment team can explain the requirements and what may be available to you.
The live-in program
Make the firehouse your home base.
Put yourself where the learning, teamwork, and calls happen. Our live-in program offers station accommodations in exchange for your commitment to serving the community.
- Rent-free private rooms
- High-speed Wi-Fi & cable TV
- Kitchen & laundry facilities
- Training opportunities
Contact us about current openings, qualifications, and service expectations. The live-in program does not involve ambulance services.
Already a certified firefighter?
Get to know Bay District through a guest ride or sleep-in. Guests must have at least Firefighter I certification, provide a copy, and be a member in good standing of their home department. Bring your gear, or ask about department-provided gear.
Take the first step
You don’t need every answer to get started.
01. Tell us you’re interested.
Complete the online application, or email our recruitment team if you want to talk first.
02. Connect with the department.
After you apply, a membership committee representative will contact you. Ask about the role that interests you, training, and the time commitment.
03. Work through the next steps.
Review the membership requirements with us, including the health certificate and applicable fees listed on the application.
A few things you may be wondering
Let’s talk about joining.
What if I’m new to the fire service?
Tell our recruitment team where you’re starting. Bay District offers access to free training and can explain the membership path, qualifications, and training required for the role you want.
Can I help without fighting fires?
Yes. Associate members support the department through activities such as fire prevention, fundraising, and fireground rehabilitation. Ask which support or administrative opportunities match your interests.
How much time will I need to commit?
Talk with our recruitment team about your schedule and the expectations for your membership type. Ask about training, participation requirements, and how to balance service with work, school, or family.
How old do I need to be?
The application lists cadet membership for ages 14–15, junior membership for ages 16–17, senior membership for ages 18 and older, and associate membership for ages 16 and older. Contact recruitment about the requirements for each path.
Can I visit before deciding?
Yes. Contact our recruitment team to arrange a visit and ask questions. Certified firefighters can also ask about the guest ride and sleep-in opportunity described above.
There’s a place for you here
Be there for your neighbors. We’ll help you take the first step.
Whether you’re ready to apply or just ready to ask a question, we want to hear from you.
Questions? recruitment@bdvfd.org
Lexington Park, MD 20653
Great Mills, MD 20634