Interesting In Joining Our Organization?
We are thrilled that you would consider the life changing opportunity a membership with the Shepherdstown Fire Department offers. The process is simple, and we value the opportunity to answer any questions you may have. When you’re ready to do so, print and fill out the application at the bottom of the page, or stop by the firehouse for one, and a representative will be in touch soon! If you still have a few questions, that’s okay as well. Here we will attempt to answer some of them.
#StandTheHeatWV
What Does a Member Do?
Firefighting
This, of course, is what the department is best known for; there’s a fire, we put it out. But the science of fighting fire is developing well beyond the basics and evolving into a more advanced field of technology, organization and protocol. On the scene of a fire you will find the skilled, dedicated, and highly trained volunteers using their knowledge, equipment, and technology to conduct a massive operation like a well-oiled machine.
Emergency Medical Service
In the past, the role of EMS was to get the patient to the hospital quickly. Although still true, today’s EMS has evolved to the benefit of the community and now provides a standard of care in the field equal to that which is provided in the Emergency Room. The first moments after an incident are critical and a timely response by a well-trained volunteer can literally make the difference between life and death.
Administrative or Fundraising
A great deal of work goes on behind the scenes to keep the department operating efficiently and at its best. We are a business, and one that requires a great deal of oversight and management. One of the most time consuming areas is that of fundraising. The department receives very little money in the way of state and county funding, and must rely heavily on our own fundraising activities to raise enough money to pay for the facilities, equipment, and training needed to be ready to respond when a fire or other emergency occurs. Even those who may not be interested in the “emergency” side of our operations certainly have the opportunity to provide valuable assistance on the administrative and fundraising side!
Who Can Apply?
We offer four types of membership; Full, Associate, Support, and Junior. To be a Full Member you must be at least 18 years of age, and not be a member of another local fire department. An Associate membership is for those who are members of another local fire department, but would also like to help us. Support Memberships are for those who want to be affiliated, but have no plans to run emergency calls and are here only to help at fundraisers. More information on Cadet Memberships can be found on the Cadet Program page.
As our organization is called on in the time of greatest need, and holds a great deal of community trust, we must insist that our membership have no felony convictions, and limited types of misdemeanors, if any. Prior training is not a requirement to join, but you must be willing and able to complete the training we will require of you. We will provide you the training necessary to become a great asset to the community.
Not 18 Years Old?
If you’re not yet 18 years of age, but you are interested in serving within our department we offer our Junior Firefighting program. For more information, visit the Cadet Program Page.
Ready to Apply?
It’s as simple as filling out the form below, or stopping by the firehouse:
Print SFD Membership Application Here
View SFD Membership Brochure Here
If you have specific questions, not answered here, feel free to utilize the Contact Us page to hear back directly from an officer.