Volunteer Recruitment

Dear Applicant,

Thank you for applying for Volunteer membership with the City of Salisbury Fire Department.  The Salisbury Fire Department is always looking for highly motivated individuals that are willing to donate their time and effort to help improve the lives of their neighbors throughout the Salisbury Fire District.  As an integrated fire and emergency medical services system, all members are required to maintain training, proficiency and participate in both fire and medical services.  We pride ourselves on delivering the highest quality of service to our citizens by responding to a variety of incidents such as structure fires, brush fires, vehicle fires, water rescues, motor vehicle accidents, hazardous material incidents, emergency medical services and many other emergencies.

As I am sure you will agree, our organization is one in which integrity is paramount.  Our reputation is directly related to the code of conduct displayed by each of our members.  Our members deal directly with the public and it is important that they be concerned for the safety and welfare of the public at all times.  Therefore, please be aware that we will thoroughly review the information that you provide on your membership application.  We do this in an effort to provide our citizens with individuals who will uphold the excellent reputation of the Salisbury Fire Department.  Applicants must be advised that willfully withholding information or making false statements on the application and associated forms will result in the rejection of the applicant or if appointed, will result in the termination of the applicant’s membership with the Department.

Before completing your application for membership, there are several things that you need to know.  No prior fire or EMS experience is required to apply.  The Salisbury Fire Department currently offers three (3) types of membership:

  • Cadet
  • Firefighter
  • Emergency Medical Services

The criteria for membership for each type of membership is listed below:

  • Cadet Membership
    • Must be starting the ninth (9th) grade but no more than eighteen (18) years of age unless still in high school.
    • Currently enrolled in school.
    • Must have obtained at least a weighted 2.0 Grade Point Average (GPA) on their most recent report card.
    • May not be a member of any other fire or emergency medical service department.
  • Criteria for Firefighter and Emergency Medical Services Membership
    • Must be at least 18 years of age
    • Have earned a high school diploma or equivalent
    • Must be of good character and habits
    • Must be a U.S. citizen or eligible to work in the United States
    • Must pass a criminal background check
    • Must pass a medical physical
    • Must be able to demonstrate their willingness and ability to meet requirements of Active membership.
    • Any applicant that has pled guilty to, entered a plea of no contest, or have been convicted of any misdemeanor will be handled on a case-by-case bases.
    • Must never have pled guilty to, entered a plea of no contest, or have been convicted of any felony, regardless of time span.

Membership Requirements:

  • Depending on your membership type, new members will be required to take the following courses:
    • Firefighter I – 108 hours
    • Emergency Medical Technician – 165 hours
    • Hazardous Materials Operations – 36 hours
  • Provide a minimum of thirty-six (36) hours per month of assigned in-station duty time.
    • Quarterly requirement – 108 hours minimum
    • Annual requirement – 432 hours minimum
  • Members shall not miss more than one (1) quarter of in-station duty requirement in a rolling calendar year.
  • Participate in twenty-four (24) hours of hands-on Company training/drills annually.
  • Members will receive a complete set of bunker gear and uniforms.
    • Members are expected to maintain all equipment assigned to them in a ready state and report any damaged or lost equipment immediately.
    • Upon termination or resignation from the Department, all equipment must be returned. Any equipment not returned will be billed to the individual at replacement value.
  • Members shall maintain conduct and appearance so as to reflect on the Department in a manner promoting good relations with all concerned. Any foul conduct will be dealt with as a severe infringement of Departmental regulations.  Probation, suspension, or termination may be imposed depending on the severity of the problem.
  • A standard chain of command has been established within the Department. Members are expected to follow this chain of command.
  • Members shall adhere to all Department Standard Operating Policies, Guidelines and Corporate Bylaws.
  • Membership in the Department is probationary for a period of one (1) year. During this first year, you must demonstrate proficiency for continued membership.

Thank you again for your interest in becoming a member of this great organization.  We look forward to processing your application and best wishes on your pursuit of a career in emergency services.

Sincerely,

John W. Tull

Chief of the Department