Become A Member

Thank you for your interest in becoming a member of the Long Beach Volunteer Fire Department (“LBFD”).
Here are some of the incentives we have to offer:

• Scholarship Opportunities
• Free Tuition at Nassau Community College
• Free Vocational Training (EMS & Fire)
• Length of Service Award Program (Supplemental Retirement)
• Property Tax Offsets
• Tax Breaks

There are many different reasons people choose to volunteer. You will gain real life work experience that can boost your resume as well as build your personal and professional network. This is a great way to increase your opportunities for future employment. As a member of LBFD no two days will ever be the same. You will gain camaraderie, the feeling of family, and belonging to a team that shares one overriding goal: to be of service to others in their time of greatest need. We hope that you will continue to consider our organization and giving back to the community!

Below you will find some of the most frequently asked questions and answers about becoming a volunteer firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT).

Q: Where can I find an application to join?

A: An application can be filled out online by clicking on the Go To Membership Application at the bottom of this page or by visiting the Fire Dispatcher at Fire Headquarters located on the third floor of City Hall during business hours.

Q: Is there a minimum age requirement to join the fire department?

A: Yes. You must be 18 years of age to be sworn into the Fire Department.

Q: Do I have to live in the City of Long Beach?

A: No. The Fire Department will accept applications for membership from anyone who lives or works in the City of Long Beach, East Atlantic Beach, or the Village of Atlantic Beach.

Q: Will I have to sleep in the firehouse?

A: No. There is no requirement for volunteers to sleep in the firehouse.

Q: Will I have to pay for my training, gear, or uniform?

A: No. All training, uniforms, and fire gear are provided by the department at no cost.

Q: How do the fire fighters know when there is a call?

A: Volunteers are alerted for alarms through a paging system. Each member is provided with a one-way voice pager which will activate for each alarm and a message broadcasted by the fire dispatcher will be heard. Additionally, members have the option of receiving text message alerts to their cell phone.

Q: How much training is required?

A: Training in the fire department is on-going, however within your first year of membership you will be required to complete three courses provided by the Nassau County Fire Service Academy, as well as attend weekly company training drills. All training is a combination of indoor/classroom and outdoor/hands-on training.

Q: Can I become a member if I’m in college?

A: Yes. The fire department encourages college students, over the age of 18, to join. Special Fire Academy training for college students is provided in a consolidated format. Students who are available during the summer months, and are interested in being involved with EMS (Emergency Medical Services), will gain great experience during Long Beach’s busiest months for medical emergencies.