Volunteer Firefighter

Dear Prospective Member; Thank you for your interest in membership with the Laurel Fire Department, Becoming a member of our volunteer organization will bring you great satisfaction, excitement and create life long friendships. Becoming a member of our fire company will take serious commitment, determination, and dedication. This decision should not be taken lightly. We hope that you will feel compelled to become a part of our family. We would like to thank you for taking the time to consider joining our fire department, and please do not hesitate to contact us should you have any questions or concerns. Below you will find membership requirements and an application, if you should decide to start your adventure please return completed application to the firehouse or mail to address listed above ATTN: Membership Committee.

Training: All training you receive is paid for by the company. Most training is conducted at the Delaware State Fire School or in-house. There are also out of state training opportunities through conferences and seminars available. Some courses can be converted to college credit though Delaware Technical & Community college.

Scholarships: There are many types of State and County scholarships available to assist college bound members in achieving college goals.

Equipment and Gear: All equipment and safety gear needed to perform department duties is provided. In most cases, fire and EMS gear are fitted and assigned to the member. Safety is top priority and every measure is observed to assure that members are properly protected.

Blood Bank: As a member of the Laurel Fire Department you are eligible to join the Blood Bank. The company pays for all membership fees and annual dues. The department will continue to pay the annual dues as long as you remain a member. Your obligation is to supply a blood donation when called by the blood bank or make a payment to the blood bank in replacement of a blood donation.

Workman's Compensation: As a member of the Laurel Volunteer Fire Department you are eligible for Workman's Compensation at no cost to you. Workman's Compensation will provide you with money for immediate expenses if you should be unable to work due to an injury received during a fire company alarm or function.

Line of Duty Death Benefit: All members of the company are covered by a Line of Duty death benefit (Life Insurance). The Federal and/or State Government will provide up to $100,000.00 in life insurance payments to a deceased volunteer firefighter or ladies auxiliary member who is killed in the line of duty during a fire department alarm or function.

Pension: All active members in the department are eligible to receive a pension for service rendered as a volunteer in the Delaware Fire Service. The company pays pension premiums for every active year you receive. The pension plan is vested after ten (10) years. The maximum pension credit is twenty-five (25) years. Pension benefits start at age 60 (sixty).