Recruitment Qualifications 

Basic requirements to become a Bedford Fire Department member

A person must be of at least 18 years of age to become an Active Firefighter and must live in the Bedford Fire District or are able to render service on a regular basis to the District pursuant to Town Law 176B. 

Active Firefighter Defined

A person who has completed the probationary period and maintains all requirements set forth by the District and any other regulatory bodies.

Rights and Responsibilities of

Active Firefighters:

1. Active Firefighters must meet all mandated training and physical requirements as set out by the State, Federal Government and the Board of Fire Commissioners.

2. Active Firefighters are expected to respond to all calls when they are available.

3. Active Firefighters must obey reasonable orders of their superior officers.

4. Active Firefighters are entitled to a pager, turnout gear, and a parade uniform. All uniforms are to be maintained in good condition. An Active Firefighter maybe responsible for damage to the uniform.

5. Active Firefighters are entitled to attend all social functions.

6. Active Firefighters are encouraged to attend ongoing training courses as approved by the Chief.

7. Active Firefighters are encouraged to join the Volunteer and Exempt Firemen’s Benevolent Association of Bedford, NY in order to avail themselves of the benefits of this organization.

8. Any Active Firefighter not participating in monthly drills or monthly meetings, poor attendance at fires or other emergencies, and non-attendance at regular department functions, upon the recommendation of the department line officers and a 2/3 vote of the Active Firefighters and Life Members present and voting, will be dropped from the rolls. 

Active Firefighter on Probation

Any Active Firefighter who is new to the Department shall be on probation for a period of six months. The probationary term may be extended with cause at the will of the Chiefs.  An Active Firefighter on probation may be terminated with cause by the Chief and line officers, subject to Sec 209 of the General Municipal Law.   

Rights and Responsibilities of an Active Firefighter on Probation:

New Probationary Active Firefighters must complete Basic Firefighter or EMT training before the completion of their probationary period.

Probationary Active Firefighters may assist at fire scenes and training with approval from the officer in charge.

Probationary Active Firefighters are entitled to admission to the firehouse, a building key, a pager as available, and may bring up to one guest into the building.

Probationary Active Firefighters may attend departmental meetings but may not vote on any action, election, motion, or membership vote.

Probationary Active Firefighters may attend social functions.

Application Process

Active Firefighter Membership

Application for Active Firefighter membership shall go directly to the Chief of the Department. A background check will be performed on the applicant as well as any other checks required by law. The application then shall be received at the next regular meeting of the Department and read at that meeting. An applicant must be a resident of the fire district for ninety (90) days except if applying for an out-of-district membership. A Membership Committee consisting of nine (9) Active Firefighters and/or Life Members shall be appointed annually by the President. The Membership Committee shall meet with the applicant before the next regular departmental meeting after the application is received and deemed complete. After meeting with the Membership Committee the application shall be put before the floor at the next regular meeting. A simple majority of those members present and voting is required for membership. Voting shall be by secret ballot. The application is then subject to approval by the Board of Fire Commissioners. All applicants for Active Firefighter membership will be judged on their qualifications regardless of sex, race, color, creed or national origin.