Apply to Join — Bensalem VFD

Personal Information

Tell us about yourself. All fields marked with * are required.

First Name *

Last Name *

Email *

Phone *

Date of Birth *

Social Security Number *

Required for the Bensalem Township background authorization. Stored encrypted; only visible to authorized personnel.

Address Line 1 *

Address Line 2

City *

State

ZIP *

Driver's License Number

DL State

Experience & Background

Tell us about your work experience and why you'd like to volunteer.

Current Employer

Occupation

Preferred Role *

Prior Fire / EMS Experience

Certifications Held

Why do you want to join BVFD? *

Personal References

Provide two personal references (non-family members).

Reference 1 Name *

Phone *

Relationship *

Reference 2 Name *

Phone *

Relationship *

Documents & Clearances

Upload your PA State Police background check, child abuse clearance, and any relevant certifications.

How to Obtain Your PA State Police Background Check

Visit the Pennsylvania Access To Criminal History (PATCH) portal.
Click "Submit a New Record Check" and select "Volunteer" as the reason — this makes the check free of charge.
Fill in your personal information exactly as it appears on your government-issued ID.
Submit the request. Results are typically available immediately for most individuals.
Download or print the results as a PDF, then upload it below.

Your background check is stored securely and only accessible to BVFD board members during the review process.

PA State Police Background Check (PDF) *

Drag & drop your file here, or click to browse

PDF, JPEG, or PNG — Max 10 MB

How to Obtain Your PA Child Abuse History Clearance

Visit the PA Child Welfare Information Solution (CWIS) portal.
Create an individual account if you don't already have one (you'll need to verify your email).
Once logged in, select "Create Clearance Application" and choose "Volunteer" as the purpose — this makes the clearance free of charge.
Fill in your personal details and submit the application.
Results are typically available within a few minutes to 24 hours. You'll receive an email when ready.
Download the clearance letter as a PDF, then upload it below.

This clearance is required by Pennsylvania law for all volunteers who work with children or vulnerable populations.

PA Child Abuse History Clearance (PDF) *

Drag & drop your file here, or click to browse

PDF, JPEG, or PNG — Max 10 MB

Certifications (optional)

Upload copies of any certifications you hold (CPR, EMT, Firefighter I/II, Hazmat, etc.).

Drag & drop files here, or click to browse

PDF, JPEG, or PNG — Max 10 MB each — Multiple files allowed

Review & Submit

Please review your application before submitting. Click any section header to go back and edit.

6-Month Probationary Period

If accepted, all new members serve a six (6) month probationary period beginning on their start date. During this period, your participation, training progress, and conduct will be reviewed by the membership before you are voted to full member status.

Authorization for Release of Information

This authorization is required by the Bensalem Township Police Department to conduct the criminal background investigation that is part of the membership process. Page 7 of the official packet — your typed name below serves as your electronic signature under the federal E-Sign Act and Pennsylvania’s Uniform Electronic Transactions Act.

I am a candidate for membership with the Bensalem Volunteer Fire Department (PO Box 778, Bensalem, PA 19020). In order to assure that I am qualified for membership, the Bensalem Volunteer Fire Department, the Bensalem Township Fire Rescue Department, and the Bensalem Township Police Department require access to all of my employment and personal history information.

I hereby authorize the Bensalem Township Police Department bearing this release to obtain any information in your files pertaining to my employment records, work records, background and reputation, military service records, financial status, criminal history (including any arrest records or police contacts), investigatory files, attorney records, polygraph examinations, internal affairs investigations and discipline, and any files which are deemed to be confidential and/or sealed.

I release the Bensalem Township Police Department, the Bensalem Township Fire Rescue Department, the Bensalem Volunteer Fire Department, and all custodians of records from any liability or damage that may result from providing the information requested.

I understand my rights under Title 5 U.S.C. § 552a (Privacy Act of 1974) and waive those rights with the understanding that information furnished will be used by the Bensalem Volunteer Fire Department in conjunction with the membership process. I agree that a photocopy or FAX of this release is valid as an original. This waiver is valid for thirty (30) days from the date of my signature below.

Information on file

Type your full legal name to sign *

Must match the legal name provided in Step 1.

I certify that the information provided in this application is true and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that any misrepresentation may result in disqualification or removal from the Bensalem Volunteer Fire Department. * I authorize Bensalem Township, the Bensalem Township Police Department, the Bensalem Volunteer Fire Department, and their authorized representatives to obtain, review, and verify any information related to my background, including but not limited to criminal history, driving history, child abuse clearances, employment, education, and personal references, for the purpose of evaluating my application for membership. I release Bensalem Township, its agencies, the Bensalem Volunteer Fire Department, and all persons or entities providing such information from any and all liability arising from the release or use of this information. *

Application Received

Personal Information

Experience & Background

Personal References

Documents & Clearances

How to Obtain Your PA State Police Background Check

How to Obtain Your PA Child Abuse History Clearance

Review & Submit

Authorization for Release of Information

Parent / Guardian Authorization

Application Received

Personal Information

Experience & Background

Personal References

Documents & Clearances

How to Obtain Your PA State Police Background Check

How to Obtain Your PA Child Abuse History Clearance

Review & Submit

Authorization for Release of Information

Parent / Guardian Authorization

Application Saved!