We are now accepting applications!

Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company offers a Live-In Program to interior firefighters who are looking to be a part of a full-spectrum life safety agency. This opportunity provides members with free housing in exchange for being available for responses a set number of hours per week, attending trainings and Duty Crews, and performing other tasks as needed.

Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company is located in Worcester County on the eastern shore of Maryland.  We provide emergency services to the 10 & 1/2 mile stretch of beach area in the Town of Ocean City, West Ocean City, and also provide mutual aid to Worcester County, Maryland and Sussex County, Delaware.  We respond to over 1500 fire/rescue calls each year.  EMS is handled by the Career Division.  The department handles fire suppression, rescue, motor vehicle crashes, water related emergencies (dive team/surf rescue), and assists the Career Division with medical emergencies.

Training at Ocean City Fire Department includes in-house, state, and national training, and is paid for by the department.  Headquarters is equipped with two door props, a self-survival maze, and a roof prop. Training is held on Tuesday evenings.  

Currently our department has 10 private, dorm-style rooms dedicated to the Live-In Program; 3 Rooms at Headquarters, 4 Rooms at Station 4, and 3 Rooms at Station 5. Applications are accepted for the Live-In Program each year for any vacant positions:

If I'm accepted into the live-in program, where might I be living?

Headquarters - 1409 Philadelphia Avenue

Headquarters houses Engine 1, Engine 1-1, Tower 1, Heavy Rescue 1, PM 1, PM 1-1, and the Shift Supervisor.  The private rooms are equipped with a bed, desk, and closet, TV (cable provided), wifi. There are two shared bathrooms dedicated to the Live-Ins.  The station offers amenities which include regular washer/dryers for personal use, a fully equipped kitched, a day room with half kitchen, computer room, training room, and meeting room. A bunk room is available if all 3 rooms are full, which can hold 16 additional members. Headquarters is two blocks to the beach and boardwalk. 

Station 5 - 10124 Keyser Point Rd. (West Ocean City)

Station 5 houses Engine 5, Engine Tanker 5, Tower 5, Tanker 5, Brush 5, Rescue 5, PM 5, Utility 32 and Canteen 25.  The private rooms are equipped with a bed, desk, and closet, TV (cable provided), wifi, and have a separate day room, kitchen, and bathroom for the Live-Ins. The station offers amenities which include a gear washer and a regular washer/dryer for personal use, a fully equipped kitchen, two day rooms, and a fully-equipped gym.  A bunk room is available if all 3 rooms are full, which can hold up to 6 additional members. Station 5 is a 10 minute drive to the beach.  

Station 4 - 12925 Coastal Highway

Station 4 houses Engine 4, Tower 4, PM 4, PM 4-1, and a Utility Vehicle.  The private rooms are equipped with a bed, desk, closet, TV (cable provided), and wifi. There is a day room, kitchen, and a shared bathroom dedicated to the Live-Ins.  The station offers amenities which include a regular washer/dryer for personal use, a fully equipped kitchen, a day room, a full gym, and a rooftop deck with table seating.  A bunk room is available if all 4 rooms are full, which can hold additional members.  Station 4 is two blocks to the beach.

Frequently Asked Questions:  

I want to go to college while I live-in - how close am I to those establishments?

Within driving distance are many post-secondary educational schools which include Salisbury University, Wor Wic Community College, Delaware Technical and Community College - Owens Campus, and University of Maryland - Eastern Shore.  

How easy is it to get around? Can I easily travel while I live-in?

The Town of Ocean City has public transportation in the area and the town has easy access to Route 50, Route 90, Route 113, and Coastal Highway.  Ocean City is also close to three major airports: Salisbury-Ocean City Wicomico Regional Airport (40 minutes), Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (2.5 hours), Philadelphia International Airport (2.5 hours). We can provide you with parking for your personal vehicle at any station.

What is there to visit or what events are available to me while I'm in Ocean City?

Many of our stations are within walking distance to the beach and the town's famous 3-mile boardwalk. Assateague and Chincoteague Islands as well as the Delaware Beaches are also a short drive away.  Ocean City hosts many major events including Springfest, Cruisers Week, OC Airshow, White Marlin Open, Jeep Week, Bike Week, and Sunfest.

Interested individuals must meet the following requirements:

-18 years of age or older

-Maryland Firefighter I Certification or equivalent

-Valid Driver's License

-Emergency Vehicle Driver Certification (Class B & EVO/EVDIS must be obtained within 6 months)

If you are interested in our Live-In Program or have questions about certifications and eligibility, please contact the volunteer fire company business secretary @ 410-289-4346 or use the contact form below to submit a question.

Ride-Alongs are also available. For more information click here.