Welcome to the Official Website of the Silver Spring Fire Department

Silver Spring Volunteer Fire Department, known as the Silver Spring Fire Department (SSFD), is an organization of volunteer personnel providing emergency medical, fire and rescue services to the greater Silver Spring area. This is done in partnership with Montgomery County's  Division of Operations paid staff.

This past year (2011) units from Silver Spring's three fire stations (1, 16 and 19) responded  to just under 15,000 unit calls. These responses were for  EMS, fire and other emergencies.  These services are provided by firefighters and emergency medical technicians (BLS&ALS) who have been trained and certified according to Maryland State and Montgomery County standards.

Volunteers provide significant support in providing these services. SSFD has a Student Live-In Program. If your college plans are for this area you can live-in our stations. Check our membership page. With dedication and training, you too can join us in the exciting work of serving the community and providing help during the most desperate times. To volunteer you must be at least 18 years old, pass a physical examination and criminal background check, and be willing to complete the appropriate level of training (there is a cadet program for those under 18). We provide uniforms, protective clothing and training at no cost to you. For more information, please go to our Membership Page or email us at InfoSSFD@silverspringvfd.org.

On Thursday nights SSFD members participating in the County Volunteer Basic Orientation Class (VBOC) conduct review training; members of other County LFRDs are invited to participate. Contact us (InfoSSFD@silverspringvfd.org) for times and locations.

Hope you've enjoyed our website; please sign the GUESTBOOK.

The Silver Spring Volunteer Fire Department is committed to reducing injuries in our community. If you or your organization is interested in learning more about what we do or participating in a Life Safety Program please contact the director at lifesafety@silverspringvfd.org.

Heads Up: Concussion in Youth Sports MAY 08 - Spring is sports season and across the country children of all ages are playing ball or biking or hitting the playground. But as our children become more involved in these activities, they are more vulnerable to injury especially concussion, an injury to the head and brain that can be caused by even a mild blow or bump. According to the Center for Disease Control: • Each year, U.S. emergency ... (Full Story & Photos)

Services Held for Chief Heltzel APRIL 17 - Silver Spring Volunteer Fire Department members, young and old, gathered this past Saturday at the Luther Rice Baptist Church in Silver Spring, to remember Fire Chief Emeritus Hunter Heltzel who died March 17 in Hagerstown. Those attending drove through an arch provided by Silver Spring Truck 716 and Kensington Truck 725. Members of the Montgomery County Firefighters Pipes and Drums provided fitting ... (Full Story & Photos)

Memorial Service set for Chief Heltzel APRIL 08 - Fire Chief Emeritus Hunter P. Heltzel, 77, of the Silver Spring Volunteer Fire Department died March 16, 2012 in Hagerstown, MD following a long illness. A native of the Washington area Chief Heltzel joined the Silver Spring VFD in September 1954. Over the years he served in every rank, including volunteer and paid fire chief. From 1955-57 he was a paid member of Silver Spring VFD, leaving ... (Full Story & Photos)

South DuPont Circle Metro Entrance to Close for Repairs JANUARY 30 - Metro is closing the Dupont Circle South entrance (at 19th Street NW) to replace all three escalators leading into and out of the station this Wednesday, February 1, 2012. While the work is taking place, customers are advised to use: • Dupont Circle Q Street entrance, located one block north of Dupont Circle • Farragut North L Street entrance, located at the corner of L Street NW & Connecticut ... (Full Story & Photos)

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From Chief Alan Brunacini (ret), Tactical Tidbits, June 2010 Fire Engineering:

"Don't expect the devil to show you the way to heaven."

From Gary Briese,  "Find a mentor. There's a lot to learn in each new position and at first you may have many questions. A true mentor will tell you when you are screing up and help you find an answer."