The Upper Montgomery County Volunteer Fire Department (UMCVFD) in Beallsville is always looking for service minded volunteers. Volunteering with Fire/Rescue is very rewarding, and you have the flexibility to contribute based upon your availability.
This fire department has a long local history. The cornerstone of the Beallsville firehouse was set and the first fire apparatus; a Mack pumper was purchased in 1947. The original stimulus to organize a volunteer fire department came from the Monocacy Lions Club. The first ambulance, a used 1948 Buick, was purchased with $2,500.00 donated by the Monocacy Lions Club in 1953.
The UMCVFD Ladies Auxiliary was formed in July 1946. There were 87 original members who helped raise funds by holding card parties, white elephant sales, dinners, bingo, bazaars, and serving lunch at farm sales. In 1982, the Ladies and Junior Auxiliaries merged to become 'The Auxiliary', dealing with non-emergency functions like marketing, communication, recruiting, and fundraising. If you are thinking of joining the Auxiliary, you might first get to know the UMCVFD team and support them by participating in some of their outreach and fundraising events, such as softball games, occasional community dinners, BINGO events, monthly bar-b-ques, and the very popular annual Santa Breakfast.
The UMCVFD-based EMTs and Paramedics are called to vehicle collisions, farm accidents, allergic reactions, drug overdoses, falls, cuts, or the occasional obstetric call, and this is just a partial list. If you would like to volunteer as an EMT or paramedic, Montgomery County volunteer EMTs are NOT required to train or certify as firefighters. In fact, the vast majority of volunteer EMTs do not also operate as firefighters; however, firefighter training and certification is always available to you at your option.
No prior medical experience is required. All training and related equipment is provided free. Training generally takes about 9 months or longer through classes conducted at the UMCVFD station, and at the Public Service Training Academy located in Gaithersburg, Maryland. As a qualified EMT, you will be assigned to the ambulance, most often as part of an all-volunteer crew, and sometimes supplement career EMS staff. After your training, you will certify and maintain your Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-B) status.
If you feel that special calling to run into danger while everyone else is running away, you can train to become a Firefighter. No prior firefighting experience is required. All training and related equipment is provided for free. While the minimum age is 16 to begin your training, you must be 18 and certified before you participate in any fireground operations. Additionally, all Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service career and volunteer firefighters are required to certify and maintain their Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-B) status.
Membership approval is dependent upon successful completion of a background check (requires fingerprinting) and medical examination. Both are provided at no expense or charge to you. From age 18 and upward, you can learn more about Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Firefighting, Administrative (Non-Emergency), or any combination of community service opportunities with UMCVFD and fill out an online form to begin the application process. They will be happy to have you join.