Maryland Volunteer Fire/EMS Membership Benefits
Maryland Tax Credit, Retirement Program, Great Experience … Just to Name A Few
The real reward is how you’ll feel about yourself — but that’s just the beginning.
Being a volunteer with a Maryland Fire/EMS department brings with it many benefits including a healthy state income tax deduction, a LOSAP (Length of Service Award Program) with retirement benefits, scholarship opportunities, professional development and leadership training and much more.
Check out an overview of the many benefits below to learn more. Please note that benefits vary by county and department so please ask for specific information when you speak with someone from the department you apply with.
Whether you have tons of fire/ems experience or a rookie fresh to public safety, we offer numerous basic to advanced fire, rescue, EMS & leadership courses through county, state and federal programs — plus individual departments typically offer even more.
These courses are free of charge to active members of the department and offer opportunity for progression through our operational roles and ranks. Classes are conveniently in the region you are volunteering, with schedules to meet just about anyone’s needs — including nights and weekends.
Qualifying members of the MSFA those have the opportunity to receive a free last will and testament from the MSFA.
The LOSAP is a county or municipal funded program which provides a monthly or regular cash award (varies by location) after serving a specific number of years with a volunteer fire, rescue or EMS department in Maryland.
The Maryland State Fireman’s Association (MSFA) offers a variety of scholarships to members of the state’s volunteer fire, rescue and EMS service. These programs are awarded through the organization’s scholarship committee. Some counties and individual departments may also have unique scholarship, tuition reimbursement and related programs available.
When you walk in the door of a volunteer firehouse in Maryland, you’ll be home. You are not just a volunteer with a great organization with an important mission serving the community. You’ll find a second family waiting for you. Give back to your community in the process — neighbors helping neighbors.
You may be a volunteer but that doesn’t mean there are not financial incentives. Maryland residents receive up to $6,500 tax credit (2021 tax year) after three years of active service with a volunteer fire/EMS department in Maryland.
In 2022 and beyond, that number increases to up to $7,000.
Discounted memberships to the National Volunteer Fire Council are available for MSFA members.
Benefits include a $10,000 AD&D insurance policy, access to resources and online training, educational discounts, product discounts and much more.
Many volunteer fire/EMS departments across Maryland offer a variety of unique benefits ranging from in-station bunkroom programs, which allow trained Firefighter/EMTs to live at the firehouse full-time in exchange for providing service to the community to more tuition reimbursement options, flexible shifts, members events and more. Ask your department’s recruiter about what they offer!
