Live-In Program

In 2019, our live-in area underwent a major renovation, including the addition of a private lounge and kitchenette. To see pictures of the space, check out the pictures below!Here are the benefits of live-in membership:

• Experience with a busy and training-oriented rescue squad in the National Capital Region, including one of the only stations with heavy rescue and EMS (both ALS and BLS) operations.
• Semi-private rooms with dedicated lounge and kitchenette available only to live-in members.
• Blocks away from the Metro (Bethesda station).
• Free training opportunities in-station and via Montgomery County and Maryland state training programs.

In addition, BCCRS now offers stipends to both “Live-In” and “Extended Stay” members!

• Live-In members who complete their minimum duty requirements and are otherwise in good standing are entitled to a stipend of $1,000 per quarter.
• Extended Stay members who complete their minimum duty requirements and are otherwise in good standing are entitled to a stipend of $750 per quarter.
• Hours are tracked via the Rescue Squad’s staffing software, and each Live-In or Extended Stay member is expected to remain current on whether they are meeting their minimum staffing requirements for purposes of the stipend.

At BCCRS, we have two categories of members in the residential program: “Live-In” and “Extended Stay”.  The requirements of each are detailed below.

Live-In

• Must ride 36 hours per week, 24 of which must be at night

Extended Stay

• Must ride 24 hours per week, 12 of which must be at night

Do “Live-In” members have to ride more than “Extended Stay” members?
Yes.  Live-In members are required to ride at least 36 hours/week, including at least three overnight shifts (2300-0700 hours). Extended Stay members, on the other hand, are  required to ride at least 24 hours/week, including at least two overnight shifts (2300-0700 hours).

What is the difference in living space between “Live-In” and “Extended Stay” members at BCCRS?
Extended Stay space is separate from, but adjacent to, the main bunk room where other volunteers spend the night, offering more privacy. In contrast, Live-In members have the most privacy in semi-private quarters in a newly renovated suite area that is completely separate from other areas of the station.

What operational qualifications are required for Live-In members?
The program for Live-In and Extended Stay members is designed to attract and retain fire/rescue personnel with the skills needed to meet the Squad’s staffing requirements, particularly at nights and weekends.  We are looking for Live-In and Extended Stay applicants who are Maryland EMTs and have at least one other operational qualification (e.g., emergency ambulance or heavy apparatus driver, paramedic, or firefighter) or who have similar qualifications in other states for which reciprocity is likely to be granted.  Requirements also may vary depending on the availability of Live-In and Extended Stay spaces.  All interested parties are  encouraged to submit an application. Potential applicants can also always ask a question by emailing us at applicants@bccrs.org.

Will I be required to ride or staff apparatus if I’m in the station but not assigned to apparatus?
Live-In and Extended Stay members must meet the minimum riding requirements (36 hours/week and 24 hours/week, respectively) to qualify for the living spaces and the stipend.   Just because a Live-In or Extended Stay member is in the station, they are not required to staff apparatus or run calls.   Of course, we welcome the dedication and commitment that many of our Live-In and Extended Stay members demonstrate and appreciate when they ride more than the minimums.