New Member Recruitment

Requirements for entry into the Burbank Fire Corps Program are simple, and no special skills are required, yet the process itself can seem daunting. With a little preparation, though, it can be a breeze. Here, you'll see the exact steps, in order, and what to expect during the process.

  1. Submit an application.
    1. Meet the requirements. While entry into the Program is pretty easy, you have to meet requirements that are set by both State of California law and Burbank City municipal code.
    2. Fill out an application. There are a couple of ways to do this. If the computer you're on has a printer, you can download the Application Form, print it, fill it out, and bring it in (saving you time standing behind a counter). If you don't have access to a printer, don't worry – there are forms at the Live Scan office. You can pick one up there and either return after you've filled it out, or fill it out and submit it in the same visit.
    3. Choose an appropriate DSW classification. Part of the application process is picking which DSW category is right for you. The advantage you've got, as you read this, is being able to read more on the DSW classifications and, if you qualify for a particular category, being able to bring in the credentials to the Live Scan office. If none of the categories fit, don't worry: the default category is "logistics" and requires no additional qualifications.
    4. Visit the Live Scan office. An appointment isn't necessary but it is advisable. The Live Scan office is open to the public during the hours below, but there can sometimes be a wait depending on other circumstances. To schedule an appointment, call Chuck Bishop at (818) 238-5340. Even if you're bringing in a pre-filled application, block out about 10 extra minutes for the Live Scan process itself.
      • MONDAY: CLOSED
      • TUESDAY: 1pm-5pm
      • WEDNESDAY: 9am-1pm
      • THURSDAY: 1pm-5pm
      • FRIDAY: 9am-1pm
    5. Live Scan location. The Burbank Live Scan office is located in the Burbank City Hall. We recommend you park in the lot behind City Hall, just off Orange Grove. The building's rear entrance is clearly marked, then turn left once you've gone up the steps. Live Scan is at the end of the hall, on the right hand side.

  2. Undergo a Live Scan background check.
    1. A "Live Scan" background check is pretty easy. All it entails is submitting your fingerprints, which are scanned electronically at the Live Scan office. No ink!
    2. If you're coming in on your lunch break, note that the process takes about 10 minutes.
    3. If you've undergone a Live Scan before, you'll know what to expect – though with Fire Corps, there's one great, big bonus: since this is volunteer work, the City picks up the bill. To check the average price of what you don't have to pay, click the Live Scan link above and review their list.
    4. Live Scan results can return in as little as 18 hours, but the average is 7-10 days. When the approval comes back, the Live Scan officer will contact you to make a return appointment.
    5. During the Live Scan wait, Fire Corps candidates are encouraged to read their orientation packet.

  3. Initial, sign and return an Orientation Acknowledgement.
    1. Usually, the best time to return the Acknowledgement is when you return to the Live Scan office after approval has come back. However, if you want to tie that loose end off early, feel free. It will be kept in your file until you return.
    2. Similar to the application, there are a couple of ways you can do this. You can download the Burbank Fire Corps Orientation packet or you can pick up a copy at the Live Scan office. Either way, the second-to-last page is an Orientation Acknowledgement. Read the orientation, initial the Acknowledgement as you complete the sections, then sign, date and return the form.
    3. Even if you print your own Acknowledgement and bring it in, we recommend you print the entire packet and keep it in a safe place. The orientation packet is a volunteer reference guide, including key maps – and printed materials operate well even when the power has been knocked out...

  4. Fill out and return an Internal Database form.
    1. For your convenience, do this the same time you do the Orientation Acknowledgement.
    2. Similar to the Orientation Acknowledgement, the Internal Database form is part of the Burbank Fire Corps Orientation packet. You'll find it as the last page.
    3. The database information overlaps the application, but omits certain questions. While the application is retained the Management Services Department (just like City employees), the Internal Database is maintained by the Burbank Fire Department, Fire Corps Program. For your privacy and protection, your personal information is confidential and compartmentalized.

  5. Take the Disaster Service Worker Loyalty Oath.
    1. After your Live Scan has cleared and you've returned a completed Orientation Acknowledgement and Internal Database form, you'll be ready to take your Disaster Service Worker Loyalty Oath. This is the threshold at which you actually become a Burbank Fire Corps volunteer.
    2. The Live Scan Officer will administer the oath.
    3. Congratulations!
    4. The Live Scan Officer will issue you a vehicle placard. Keep this placard secure and be prepared to put it in the window of your vehicle under certain circumstances.

  6. Receive your Fire Corps ID.
    1. After you've taken your oath, the Live Scan officer will clear you to contact the Management Services Recruitment Clerk. With some luck, you'll be able to get your ID card immediately. More often than not, you'll need to schedule a time to visit the Recruitment Office. To schedule an appointment, call Kris Shedarowich at (818) 238-5044.
    2. The Management Services Recruitment Clerk will issue you your Burbank Fire Corps ID card. When you visit to receive your BFCP ID Card, you'll need to bring and present your California Driver's License or Photo ID.
    3. The Management Services Recruitment Office is in the Administrative Services Building, across 3rd Street from City Hall. Parking is best accessed from the Olive Avenue lot entrance. The office is on the second floor (turn left when you step out of the elevator).
    4. If your Fire Corps ID card is lost, stolen or otherwise destroyed, contact the Management Services Recruitment Clerk to arrange for a replacement.


Frequently Asked Recruitment Questions

  • Q: I'd love to volunteer, but the thought of getting fingerprinted and having a Live Scan background check is a little invasive. Is that really necessary for a volunteer?
  • A: For better or worse, it is. While it's not required by the DSWVP, although there are provisions for it, it is required to be a volunteer for the City of Burbank. Think of it this way: when you're deployed, you actually become a representative for Burbank, and likewise, the City is liable for your actions. The Live Scan is just one thin layer of protection against people that might otherwise have bad intentions. If it makes you feel any better, even firefighters and police that have been on the force for years are regularly required to submit to Live Scans.
  • Q: I read on the Live Scan website that our fingerprints may be transmitted electronically to the California DoJ and/or the FBI. Like my social security number and other personal identifiers, I'm a little possessive about my fingerprints... where are they going exactly?
  • A: Volunteer background checks are routed through the State of California Department of Justice.
  • Q: I've never had a background check in my life. What in the world are you looking for?
  • A: Any criminal record that includes violent and/or sexual offenses, as well as any repeat drug offenses that indicate a certain pattern of behavior. While every volunteer is reviewed on a case-by-case basis, these are significant red flags.
  • Q: What exactly is a "loyalty oath"?
  • A: Without getting too philosophical, a loyalty oath is both a psychological threshold and a kind of contract. It's one way to give some reassurance that the person who is being given certain responsibilities has the best interests of the public at heart. In this case, it is a DSWVP requirement. To learn why, check the DSW page.
  • Q: Is this oath just for volunteers?
  • A: No. Volunteers actually take a shortened version of an oath that is administered to members of the California Legislature, and all public officers and employees, executive, legislative, and judicial, except such inferior officers and employees as may be by law exempted.
  • Q: My religion is prickly about oaths. Can I read this oath in advance?
  • A: Sure.
    "I, ______, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of California against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of California; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties upon which I am about to enter."