Become a Firefighter
WHO CAN APPLY?
We welcome any person with a strong work ethic, positive attitude, and love for their community to join us at the Middlebury Fire Department (MFD).
In order to apply to the MFD, you must:
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Reside in Middlebury, VT
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Be at least 18 years of age (we welcome cadets 16 years of age or older)
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Be physically and mentally fit
You do NOT need any prior EMT or fire experience.
Click here if you are a Middlebury College student
APPLY NOW
Apply online, or print an application and mail to:
Mike Mayone
8 Case St.
Middlebury, VT 05753
Want to learn more? Anyone is welcome to attend our monthly meetings or trainings as a guest. Contact Chief David Shaw for more details:
Chief David Shaw
(802) 989-3456
PROBATIONARY PERIOD
As a new member, you can expect to undergo a 1 year probationary period ensure that you are a good fit for the Department and vice versa.
Probationary members:
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attend monthly trainings and meetings, but are not full voting members
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respond to calls to receive on-the-job training and assist as directed
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help with non-emergency tasks and events like fundraisers, parades, fire safety education, etc.
New members typically complete their Firefighter I training during the 1 year probationary period (see below).
At the Middlebury Fire Department we take pride in our professionalism, comradery, and high level of training.
Members have access to a wide variety of training opportunities, including:
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Firefighter certification through the Vermont Fire Academy
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Monthly department trainings in fire behavior, firefighting techniques and equipment, and emergency response procedures
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Technical rescue training, including high-angle rescue and water rescue
TRAINING & COMMUNITY
Following a rigorous application and interview process, a select group of Middlebury College students have the honor of serving the department and the community as firefighters. The MFD expects the same dedication from students as it does from other town residents who choose to serve, but will work with you to manage your commitments.
No previous firefighting or emergency medical experience is required.
Middlebury College students are not eligible to apply to the department directly via this site and should instead contact the fire department faculty and student liaisons below to apply:
August Stauffer (student): email
Jeff Carpenter (faculty): email
MIDDLEBURY COLLEGE STUDENTS
Becoming an MFD Firefighter
1
Ensure you meet the prerequisites for application
In order to apply to the MFD, you must:
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Reside in Middlebury, VT
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Be at least 18 years of age (we welcome cadets 16 years of age or older)
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Be physically and mentally fit
You do NOT need:
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Any prior EMT or fire experience
Think you're a good candidate for the fire service? Apply to the MFD now! We accept new applications year-round.
2
Probationary Period and Firefighter 1 Class
Once accepted, new members can expect to undergo a 1 year probationary period with the MFD. Before becoming full members, all probationary Middlebury firefighters should complete a Firefighter 1 (FF1) course. This certification, provided by the Vermont Fire Academy, consists of ~200 hours of classroom and hands-on training that generally runs from September to May. FF1 certification is designed to provide trainees with all of the basic knowledge they need about operations and methods on a fire department.
3
Life as a Full Member
Members are required to attend bi-monthly trainings and department meetings, unless explicitly excused. In addition, members must retain relevant certifications and meet minimum yearly training hour requirements. All MFD volunteer firefighters enjoy benefits from membership such as compensation for call attendance, access to the station gym and lounge, regular social events, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, NVFC membership, and complimentary yearly physicals.