Becoming a member of the Hurlock Volunteer Fire Company will be an adventure that you will remember for the rest of your life. There is no better feeling than being able to help someone in their time of need, and there's no better way to do that than through becoming a volunteer firefighter and/or EMT. Being a volunteer in emergency departments takes hard work, commitment and dedication, however the rewards are priceless.

How do I become an Hurlock Volunteer Fire Company Member?

- Depending upon what type of membership you are applicable for depends upon the different requirements. We offer Fire, EMS only, Honorary, and Auxilary. 

Probationary;

A Probationary Member is a candidate who is striving to become an Active Member.

The Probationary Membership has a term of at least six (6) months with a maximum of twenty-four (24) months.

The two (2) categories for Probationary Membership are Fire or EMS.

The three (3) ways in which someone may become a Probationary Member are:

1. Applying for new membership without having been a member of Hurlock Volunteer Fire Company.

2. Transferring from another fire or EMS company.

3. Being a current Cadet member of Hurlock Volunteer Fire Company and automatically being moved to Probationary status.

Additional requirements for becoming a Probationary Member are:

1. Must be at least eighteen (18) years old.

2. For Firefighting must live within the Fire Company’s 1st due Fire service area.

3. For EMS must live within the Fire Company’s first due EMS service area.

The requirements to remain a Probationary Member are:

1. All Probationary members must make at least thirty (30) functions every six (6) months during the probationary period (excluding full markups). During the probationary period the membership committee will review the applicant’s status every six (6) months.

2. Firefighting Probationary members must complete and pass the MFRI Firefighter I or current MFRI approved entry-level firefighting class within twenty-four (24) months after signing the Constitution.

3. EMS Probationary members must obtain the minimum Maryland State EMT certification within twenty-four (24) months after signing the Constitution.

4. Anyone applying as a transfer member must meet the requirements set above and all training records must be submitted to the fire company when applying for membership. 

After meeting all of the requirements set above for Probationary Membership and serving a minimum of six (6) months the member will be placed on the Active status immediately by the membership committee and reported at the next regular meeting.

If the requirements for Probationary Membership are not met the membership committee shall notify the member in writing. Their membership will be terminated immediately and all issued equipment will be returned to the company.

Anyone terminated for not meeting these requirements may reapply no sooner than the next regular meeting. If the applicant fails to meet the requirements for Probationary membership a second time they may not reapply for membership for a period of three (3) years. 

Cadet;

- Applicants for Cadet Membership must:

1. Be between the ages of 16 and 18.

2. Live within the Hurlock Volunteer Fire Company’s first due area Fire or EMS service area.

3. Pay a non-refundable application fee when the application is submitted.

4. Have application signed by the parent or guardian. (Parent or Guardian must attend the orientation.

5. Maintain a “C” grade level average in school, with verification at each report card (with a photocopy) and must submit this information to the fire company within 10 days. If their grade level drops below a “C” grade average they will be suspended until they bring their grade average back up.

The member must complete the following requirements every 6-month period-

They must make at least 12 or more of a combination of all meetings, fires, fire drills, ambulance calls or fund raisers. (A cadet member shall not respond to any calls between the hours of 10PM to 6AM Sunday through Thursday when school is in scheduled session.)

Honorary Members

- An Honorary Member is an individual who wants to be associated with the fire company and is at least eighteen (18) years of age.

- An Honorary Member does not have to live within the boundaries of our fire district.

- Upon receipt of their application and payment of their non-refundable application fee the application will be read before the fire company and turned over to the membership committee who report on the application within the next two (2) regular meetings.

An Honorary Member upon signing the Constitution and being sworn in by the President shall have these privileges:

1. They will be allowed to attend regular meetings.

2. They will be allowed to attend fund raising events.

3. They will be allowed to attend social functions if they have participated in at least 10 functions per year. 

All candidates for Honorary Membership must pay twenty dollars ($20.00) dues per year. A dues notice will be mailed on or before January 1st each calendar year and payment is due on or before January 31st of that same year. Dues will be waived if the Honorary Member works at five (5) or more fund raising activities or completes their waiver requirements for the previous year. 

What Happens Once I Join?

- The Hurlock Volunteer Fire Company will provide you with training and gear for free. 

- You will attend MFRI Firefighter I class - this is approx 120 hours, and is usually completed in 1-2 night increments per week depending on the instructor. (Note; EMS only members are required to obtain EMT in place of Firefighter I)

- You may go on to attend further classes and training that you may wish to pursue after completion of Firefighter I. 

- Once you meet the requirements and become an active member, you will receive a pager and will be required to attend a minimum of thirty (30) functions during the calendar year (excluding full markups).

- This is very rewarding, challenging and satisfying; you will be joining a great second family. 

- Being a volunteer is a great way to give back to your community!

We thank you in advance for considering membership with our organization.