Membership Information

The BVFD is comprised of men and women who provide fire protection and emergency medical service to the town of Bristol on an all-volunteer basis.

We are always looking for additional members to serve as firefighters, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), ambulance drivers, and other help, particularly during the day. If fire fighting or emergency medical activities do not interest you, perhaps you can provide child care while our members are on a call; or perhaps you can give a hand at some of our fund raising activities. There are many tasks that need to be done besides fighting fires or bandaging wounds.

If you have ever thought about joining the fire department, or becoming an EMT, read on - you’ve come to the right place.

Types of Membership

Membership in the Bristol Volunteer Fire Department is open to residents in and around the Town of Bristol. We have several classes of membership, including:

  1. Active – for those wishing to participate fully in firefighting and EMS activities;

  2. Active Service – for service in non-emergency roles, work on fundraisers, prepare refreshments during and after large incidents;

  3. Junior members – for youths 14 to 17 years of age, who receive basic training in firefighting and rescue skills in preparation for becoming Active members

Application Process

You can become a member of the BVFD by following these steps:

  1. Obtain an application by stopping at Station 1 on Route 64 any Monday night, or by downloading the application form (PDF). You must provide all information requested on the application in order for us to consider you for membership.

  2. Once your application is received, you will be called to meet with the Membership Committee on a Monday night. At this meeting you will be asked to complete an Arson Background check form, which is required by New York State law for all applicants.

  3. After meeting with the Membership Committee, and favorable reference and arson background check results are received, your application will be brought up before the general membership at the next monthly meeting. New members are accepted by a majority vote of the members at the meeting.

  4. You will be notified after the meeting of your acceptance as a member. Membership is effective upon the payment of dues, which are $5.00 per year.

You will then be issued personal protective equipment and radio. Your equipment must be kept at the firehouse until you are cleared for active duty.

We provide all of the necessary training! All new active members must complete a total of 15 hours of initial training as specified by the Fire Chief before being cleared for active fire and EMS duty. Subsequently, all active members must complete a minimum of 8 hours of OSHA training annually in order to remain active.

If you have further questions, please stop by our Station 1 on Route 64 or call 229-5505 any Monday night. We’ll be happy to give you a tour of the fire house and apparatus, and answer any questions you may have.