Live-In Program

The Experience of a Lifetime
Share

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!

Benefits

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 “Permanent Sleeper” 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.
  • Permanent Sleepers 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 Permanent Sleeper is expected to remain current on whether they are meeting their minimum staffing requirements for purposes of the stipend.

Requirements

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

Live-In

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

Permanent Sleeper

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

Do “Live-In” members have to ride more than “Permanent Sleeper” members?
Yes.  Live-In members are required to ride at least 48 hours/week, including at least three overnight shifts (2300-0700 hours). Permanent Sleepers, on the other hand, are  required to ride at least 36 hours/week, including at least three overnight shifts (2300-0700 hours).

What is the difference in living space between “Live-In” and “Permanent Sleeper” members at BCCRS?
Permanent Sleeper 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 Permanent sleepers 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 Permanent sleeper 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 Permanent sleeper 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 Permanent sleepers must meet the minimum riding requirements (48 hours/week and 36 hours/week, respectively) to qualify for the living spaces and the stipend.   Just because a Live-In or Permanent Sleeper 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 Permanent Sleepers demonstrate and appreciate when they ride more than the minimums.

Share