Volunteer
Join BFD
Serve your neighbors, train with purpose, and become part of a Bergenfield tradition that has protected the borough since 1905.
Why Join
Volunteer firefighters serve the community when people need help most. You will train with experienced members, learn practical emergency skills, work as part of a disciplined team, and grow into a role that builds leadership, confidence, and responsibility.
Joining BFD also means joining a 120-year tradition of neighbors protecting neighbors with valor, fidelity and duty.
Who Can Apply
Adults 18 and older may apply if they live in Bergenfield or in a contiguous town that borders Bergenfield.
Junior Firefighter membership is available for ages 16-18. Junior members train internally and learn the department before they are eligible for fire academy enrollment.
How to Start
Most applicants start with the closest firehouse, but you can visit any company on drill night. The officers there will answer questions and point you in the right direction.
You can also use the protected form below to ask a question before stopping by.
Visit a Firehouse
Stop by on drill night and ask to speak with the captain, lieutenant, or another company officer about joining.
Alert Fire Company
61 West Church Street
Just west of the railroad tracks.
Drill night: Tuesday starting at 7:30 p.m.
Fire Company No. 2
8 Home Place
Directly behind the TD Bank located on North Washington Avenue.
Drill night: Wednesday starting at 7:30 p.m.
Prospect Fire Company
238 West Clinton Avenue
Directly across from Bergenfield High School.
Drill night: Friday starting at 7:30 p.m.
What Happens Next
- Talk with a company officer about membership, expectations, training, and the time commitment.
- Complete a membership application and provide proof of identity, residency, or eligibility.
- Complete a background check as part of the review process.
- The company reviews the application.
- If accepted, new members begin as probationary firefighters.
Training Academy Expectations
New firefighters complete more than 150 hours of academy training, usually at the Bergen County Fire Academy in Mahwah. Day classes are typically Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Night classes are typically Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Junior Firefighters cannot attend the academy unless they will turn 18 by the time they finish the class. Regardless of academy enrollment, members train internally every week with their company.
Calls, Alerts, and Time Commitment
Calls are dispatched and members respond when available. A paid crew responds from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Volunteers provide additional support during weekday calls and handle all calls during nights and weekends.
Members should expect weekly drills or classes, one Sunday drill per month, one company meeting per month, and three department meetings per year.
Ask a Recruitment Question
Use this form if you have a question before visiting a firehouse. Your message is sent to the recruitment team, and you will receive an automatic confirmation.
FAQ
Do I need prior experience?
No. Training is provided. New members learn through internal company training and formal academy instruction.
Does it cost anything to join?
Training and gear are provided at no cost to members.
Can I join if I work full time or have family commitments?
Yes. Members respond when available and are expected to make a good-faith commitment to drills, meetings, training, and calls.
Do I need my own gear?
No. Approved protective gear is issued through the department.
How does the Junior Firefighter program work?
Junior Firefighters ages 16-18 train internally, learn department operations, and build experience before they are eligible for fire academy attendance.
Is it dangerous?
Firefighting has real risks, which is why members train regularly, use protective equipment, and operate under department procedures and officer supervision.
Do I need medical or physical clearance?
Medical and physical requirements are handled during onboarding and before members perform duties that require clearance.
Can I join if I live in a nearby town?
Adults may apply if they live in Bergenfield or in a contiguous town that borders Bergenfield.
Department Mailing Addresses
The mailing address for the Bergenfield Volunteer Fire Department is P.O. Box 45 in Bergenfield, NJ 07621. General correspondence should be sent to this address.
The address for the career staff of firefighters governed by the Borough of Bergenfield is 198 North Washington Avenue in Bergenfield, NJ 07621. Matters dealing with the career staff should be sent to this address.