Application

About Applying For Membership and Our Application Process

Eligibility for membership in this organization:

1. You must be at least 21 years of age.
2. You must be a current resident of Bolivar County, Mississippi.
3. You must live within 15 road miles of a Battalion One BCVFD Fire Station.
4. You cannot be a member of another volunteer fire department.
5. You need to be a safe and sober driver with regular access to a safely maintained motor vehicle. If you have had a DUI conviction in the past 12-months, please do not apply.

Once your application is received, you will be required to pay or provide the following:

1. Pay the $10.00 application fee.
2. Provide a copy of your current driver’s license.
3. Provide a copy of your insurance card for your primary vehicle.
4. We will request and review your driving and criminal record. These records may be requested throughout your career as a volunteer with our organization.
5. We may request that you provide a report from a licensed medical professional for a physical exam and/or a drug test.

Becoming a firefighter in this organization IS EXTREMELY REWARDING, HELPS YOUR COMMUNITY, AND BUILDS LIFELONG FRIENDSHIPS. hOWEVER, IT ALSO requires a serious commitment – AT LEAST 4-5 HOURS A WEEK. Here are some ESSENTIAL things you need to know:

Attendance is Key:

• Meetings and Trainings: You must attend all regular business meetings (held every first Monday night of the month at 6pm) and training sessions (held every fourth Tuesday night of the month at 6pm). Missing three of either type in a row will be seen as a resignation. You will also be required to attend a minimum of one 12-hour long course provided by the Mississippi State Fire Academy each year and eventually complete either their Certified Fireground Technician or Volunteer Firefighter Level 1 course.
• Emergency Calls: You need to respond to at least 40% of all emergency calls each month. Failing to do so for three months straight will also be considered a resignation.
• Valid Excuses: The only acceptable reasons for missing meetings or calls are:
  • Your own illness.
  • A family member’s illness.
  • Work commitments (this includes military service) that prevent you from leaving during your normal work hours.

Application Process:

1. Submit an application: If you’re still interested after reading the requirements, complete the application via the link below. We will not judge you based upon any sort of EEO criteria nor about your ability to write well. We will judge you based upon your ability to follow instructions, so take it slow and read each question thoroughly.
2. Investigation and vote: Your application will be reviewed and you may be invited to the next regular monthly business meeting for an interview, after which the members will vote on whether to accept you as a probationary member.
3. Notification: You’ll be informed of the vote’s outcome.

Probationary Period:

• Evaluation: If accepted, you’ll be on probation for at least six months. This allows the officers and members to assess your performance, give you a chance to learn the basics, and decide if being a volunteer firefighter is a good fit.
• Mid-point review: After three months, the officers will meet with you to discuss your progress and suggest any areas for improvement.
• Final vote: At the end of the probationary period, the members will vote on whether to grant you permanent membership.
• Drug screenings: Be prepared to undergo random drug tests throughout your membership.

Family Considerations:

Being a firefighter demands a significant time commitment and can be stressful. It’s crucial to discuss this with your spouse or partner. If they’re not supportive of you joining, it’s strongly recommended that you reconsider applying.

Before you apply online, please make sure you’ve read and understood all the information on this page. By clicking the link below, you’re confirming that you agree with everything and that your family support your decision to join the fire department.