Thank you for your interest in the Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department. To learn about the different membership types and benefits, please check out this page. When you're ready, Click Here to Become a Mechanicsville Volunteer!

Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department has Five (5) Membership types:

Cadet: A Cadet is someone between 14 and 16 years of age who attends drills and meetings while completing a Pre-Basic program to learn about fire apparatus, equipment, and some basic fire ground skills. Cadets also participate in fire prevention activities and fundraising events. Cadets are not able to respond to emergency incidents on fire apparatus.

Junior: A Junior member is someone 16-17 years old who attends drills and meetings while completing a Pre-Basic program to learn about fire apparatus, equipment, and some basic fire ground skills. Junior members may not respond to emergency incidents on fire apparatus until they complete the Pre-Basic program and are still limited in the activities on the scene they can participate in.

Active: An Active member is someone at least 18 years and older who attends drills and meetings while completing a Pre-Basic program to learn about fire apparatus, equipment, and some basic fire ground skills. Active members may not respond to emergency incidents on fire apparatus until they complete the Pre-Basic program and are still limited in the activities on scene they can participate in.

Administrative: An Administrative member must be 21 years and older and wish to assist the department in a support capacity with administrative functions and fundraising activities.

Auxiliary: A member of the Auxiliary must be 16 years and older and support the department by assisting with event hosting and fundraising activities for the department. The Auxiliary also brings refreshments to the scene of extended incidents to assist with the rehabilitation of responders.

Benefits of joining:

Free Training: You can receive free firefighting, rescue, and EMS training through the Maryland Fire & Rescue Institute (including textbooks). These courses count as college credits through the University of Maryland.

Maryland State Income Tax Incentive Program: Members may deduct $5,000 from their Maryland State Income Taxes if the LOSAP requirement is met and have served as a volunteer for the past three years.

Length of Service Awards Program (LOSAP): After 20 years of service and 55 years of age, you will collect a monthly payment. For every additional year, you will earn an increase.

Scholarship Program: The St. Mary’s County Commissioners sponsor a Scholarship Program that awards active members of a St. Mary’s County Volunteer Fire Department, Rescue Squad, or Advanced Life Support Unit. The total funding available will be spread amongst the applicants who have met eligibility requirements.

Dependent Care Reimbursement Program: This program is intended to supplement the cost of dependent care for eligible dependents of St. Mary’s County Volunteer Fire or EMS personnel during the hours the volunteers are staffing emergency apparatus at their station or attending a department training, seminar, or course.

Fire Science Degree: The College of Southern Maryland (CSM) in partnership with the Maryland Fire & Rescue Institute (MFRI) offers an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Fire Science Technology. Firefighters can receive college credits for their training. Candidates can earn an Associate of Applied Science degree from CSM. Credits can be transferred to the University of Maryland University College (UMUC) toward a bachelor's degree with a major or minor in fire science.

Submit your information TODAY! Assistance will be provided to help you through the process. We look forward to you joining our team.