The Ballston Lake Fire Department is seeking new members.  We welcome any district resident 16 years of age and older. No experience is necessary, free training is provided.  If you are interested in being part of our team we'd love to talk to you about it. 

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1. Department-Level Incentives

• Initial Training Stipend: BEFO $750 / IFO $1250 ($2,000 total)

• Department-provided Clothing/Uniform after 1 year of service

• Department College Scholarship Program

• Cell Phone Discounts (Verizon business plat at $40/mo/line, AT&T $45/mo/line)

• Free Yearly Physical

• Length of Service Awards Program (LOSAP) – $1,200/year

• Free rental of meeting room & pavilion

• Basic Wildland Fire Training Stipend: $250

• Fire Officer I Training Stipend: $1,000

• Countless First Responder discounts to include but not limited to: Cabela’s/Bass Pro (10%), Yeti (20%), Adidas (10-30%), Under Armor (10-30%), Puma (10-30%), Carhartt (10-30%), Reebok (10-30%), Samsung (up to 30% off electronics and appliances, Sam’s Club (up to 60% off membership)

 

2. New York State Incentives

• Volunteer Firefighters’ Benefit Law (VFBL): Workers’ comp, medical care, income protection, survivor benefits

• NYS Training Stipend Program: $250–$2,000 per qualifying course

• NYS Volunteer Firefighter Cancer Benefit Program (lump sum, income protection, death benefit)

• State Income Tax Credit: $400/year (single) or $800 (joint filers) after 4 years of service

• NYS Tuition Reimbursement (FASNY HELP Program) – up to 100% for qualifying student-volunteers

• Survivor Lump-Sum Benefit ($56,000 to spouse or estate in LODD cases)

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3. Local/Community Incentives

• Property tax exemptions for active volunteers (where approved by town/county)

• School tax reductions for active volunteers (10% for Burnt Hills)

•  County-sponsored free EMT/Paramedic tuition programs

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4. Association & Membership Incentives

• FASNY membership perks: accidental death & dismemberment insurance, training, webinars, museum access

• FASNY scholarships and tuition programs

• Discount programs (Dell, Amazon Business Prime, hotels, car rentals, etc.)

• Access to state and national firefighter networking and advocacy resources

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5. Recognition & Non-Monetary Benefits

 

     PERSONAL GROWTH

• Leadership Development: learning to lead under stress, supervise crews, and make decisions when it counts.

• Confidence Building: Facing emergencies builds resilience and self-belief.

• Skill Mastery: Problem solving, communication, and technical skills you can use anywhere.

• Sense of purpose: Knowing your actions directly protect lives and property.
  
  BROTHERHOOD & COMRADERY

• Family Atmosphere: Belonging to a team that feels like extended family.

• Shared Experience: Bonds built through training, calls, and firehouse life that few outsiders understand.

• Tradition and Pride: Being part of a respected institution with deep community roots.

• Mentorship: Learning from seasoned firefighters and passing it down to the next generation.
  
  COMMUNITY IMPACT

• Neighbors Helping Neighbors: Direct, visible difference in your hometown.

• Role Model Status: kids and residents look up to you as a trusted protector.

• Community Connection: Closer relationships with people and organizations around town.

• Legacy: Leaving behind a mark of service and tradition for future generations.
  
  MENTAL & EMOTIONAL REWARDS

• Adrenaline and Excitement: Unique, High-intensity experiences no desk job offers.

• Satisfaction of Service: Knowing someone is safe tonight because of your actions.

• Belonging: being part of something bigger than yourself.

• Perspective: exposure to life-and-death situations that sharpen gratitude and focus.
  
  LIFELONG OPERTUNITIES

• Career Pathways: Fire, EMS, Law Enforcement, Emergency Management, Healthcare.

• Networking: Friendships and connections that last a lifetime.

• Personal Discipline: Learning time management, responsibility, and accountability.

• Continuous Learning: Always new techniques, tools, and certifications to pursue.

 

• Length of Service pins, plaques, jackets

• Annual awards banquet & family appreciation events

• Top Responder perks

• Strong station culture and family-oriented atmosphere

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Questions? We've got answers! Click here to view our membership Q&A

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Wondering about our membership process? Click here!

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The quickest and easiest way to join our department is to fill out our Online Application

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If you prefer, you can download and fill out our paper application, print it out and drop if off at the station

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If you have questions use our "contact us" feature or send an email to info@ballstonlakefire.com.  We will get back to you promptly!