The Burbank Fire Corps Guide to

Membership Renewal

We're glad you're choosing to stick with us! If you've been gone for a while, Welcome Back! Whether you're only on call for major disasters, or ready to take part in regular operations, your experience and willingness to face challenging circumstances help make Burbank a safer, more resilient community. In whatever capacity you choose to volunteer, we're grateful to have you aboard.

The renewal process is fairly straightforward, though there have been some changes from the previous routine. With a little preparation, you should be able to sail right through it. The following guide can help you prepare.

  1. How long have you been a member?
    1. If you became a Burbank Fire Corps member, rather than a CDV member, you went through the application process in or after January, 2010. You're probably going to have a super-fast renewal, but first check your ID card. If it has an approved DSW classification (i.e.: Communications, CERT, Human Services, Logistics, Medical & Environmental Health, Safety Assessment or Search & Rescue), you're in good shape. If not, we regret that you were given an old applications and you'll have to reclassify your DSW status.
    2. If you were CDV member, even if you had one of the approved classifications, you'll still need to reclassify your DSW status. Review the list of Burbank-accepted DSW classifications and, if you qualify for a particular category, bring a copy of your credentials to bring in to the Live Scan office. If none of the categories fit, don't worry: the default category is "logistics" and requires no additional qualifications.
    3. Additionally, former CDV members will need to reorient themselves to the program (more than the name has changed), and update their information, both with the City Management Services Department and with the Fire Department.
      • The orientation process is done at your own pace. You can either pick up a Volunteer Orientation Packet at the Live Scan office, or download it here, and review it. If you download it, note that the second-to-last page is an Orientation Acknowledgement. As you read the orientation, initial the Acknowledgement as you complete the sections, then sign, date and bring the form with you to the Live Scan office.
      • Update your information for Management Services. There are two separate sets of records. The City requires a slightly different collection of personal information, so if you have access to a printer, print out an Application Form, fill out your name and any changes to personal information, and write "RENEWAL" across the top. Additionally, your DSW reclassification is noted on this form.
      • Update your information with the Fire Department. The last page of the Orientation Packet is an Internal Database form. Fill that out, note "RENEWAL" across the top, and give special attention to the option to get onto the Fire Corps mailing list. This authorizes us to contact you via email when special events or exercises come up that you may be interested in. This, and all of your personal information, is strictly confidential.

  2. Contact the Live Scan Office.
    1. If you've got a printer, you've got the possibility of going in very prepared. That should make the experience that much shorter. If not, don't worry: the Live Scan office has all the necessary documentation. The only thing you'll need to bring with you is the credentials for any DSW classification your requesting. It's okay to bring originals (the Live Scan Officer can make a photocopy).
    2. The Live Scan public hours are listed below. An appointment isn't necessary but it is advisable; there can sometimes be a wait. To schedule an appointment, call Chuck Bishop at (818) 238-5340. When you're ready to go, you'll find it 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, just a little past and to the left of the elevator. Once inside, turn left after you've gone up the steps. Live Scan is at the end of the hall, on the right hand side.
      • MONDAY: CLOSED
      • TUESDAY: 1pm-5pm
      • WEDNESDAY: 9am-1pm
      • THURSDAY: 1pm-5pm
      • FRIDAY: 9am-1pm
    3. If you're renewing a CDV membership from way back, and didn't go through a Live Scan back then, you'll need to go through one now. It's a simple process, but it takes about 10 minutes to do and returns results in 7-10 days.
    4. If you didn't have the chance to download and pre-fill the forms, you can either fill them out there in the office, or take them home and return them when ready. They're not very long, so assuming you've got your DSW credentials (or are taking the "logistics" classification), the Live Scan Officer can lend you a chair and clipboard.
    5. Assuming there are no complications with your background status, the Live Scan Officer will issue you an updated vehicle placard and clear you to contact the Management Services Recruitment Clerk to receive your new Burbank Fire Corps ID.

  3. Receive your Fire Corps ID.
    1. After you're updated and reregistered, the Live Scan Officer will clear you to contact the Management Services Recruitment Clerk. You may be able to get your ID card immediately, though this is entirely dependent on how busy the Recruitment Office is that moment. If they're jammed up, you'll need to schedule another time. 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 Renewal Questions

  • Q: I was at the January 2010 meeting and did all sorts of orientation paperwork back then. Do I need to do all of that again?
  • A: Fortunately, no. If you're on this list, the credentials for your new DSW classification have been confirmed and your updated information has already been given to Management Services. You may call Kris Shedarowich directly at (818) 238-5044 (City of Burbank Management Services) to schedule an appointment for a new ID.
  • Q: My regular work commute involves sherpas during the second leg of the trip. Suffice it to say that I have problems getting in during regular business hours. How can we work around that?
  • A: The Recruitment office has some flexibility in its hours. Call them first and see if they can accommodate making a custom arrangement. If there are intractable issues, contact the Fire Corps Volunteer Coordinator to alert the Fire Department. We'll work together to find a solution.
  • Q: What do I do if something serious happens before I can get my new ID card?
  • A: If you're an otherwise active disaster volunteer, present your card normally. The Burbank Police Department is aware of the changeover and should let you past checkpoints, if otherwise authorized. If reporting to staging areas in municipalities outside Burbank, the DSW language of the card is the same, making the only important thing (in the eyes of a neighboring PD and the DSWVP) whether the card is current. If you've still got a CDV badge, but it's not expired, you should be fine.
  • Q: My card expired! Am I going to have to go through the Live Scan again and that whole process?
  • A: Probably not. If you're in the system, and have been an active disaster volunteer within the last three years or so, you're probably still classed as an active member. When you contact Live Scan for your renewal, they'll be able to tell you if you'll need to resubmit to a Live Scan.
  • Q: My card expired... a long time ago. Will I have to go through the Live Scan again?
  • A: Probably. It will depend on how long ago it expired, whether the Management Services Department still has a record of original Live Scan, and what the current status of your background is.
  • Q: It seems like getting a new ID card is really kind of a low priority. Should I even bother?
  • A: Definitely. We don't want to create a mad rush on the Recruitment Office, but the critical motivator here is DSWVP regulations. You have to fit within the criteria of an active DSW in your registering Disaster Council to be eligible for State DSW coverage. Meaning you have to be current to be covered.
  • Q: How long is the renewal good for?
  • A: Three years from the date you are issued your new ID.
  • Q: I wanted to get my card renewed ages ago, but heard I couldn't. What happened?
  • A: Several things. Call it the Orange Grove Series of Unfortunate Events.
    • 11/09: ID card templates for Fire Corps submitted to Management Services (Recruitment) for processing.
    • 01/10: Computer virus disables Management Services computers.
      NOTE: It was just recently learned that all Burbank ID card information was lost. Whether that was a result of the virus or some later development is unknown, but it turns out that everybody that is issued a Burbank ID, whether they're police, fire, BWP, librarians... all have to reenter their ID card information and get a new picture.
    • 02/10: After bringing Management Services computers back online, IT discovers that the software package had all the currently used templates pre-installed... and no way to install new ones. The last pre-installed ones were arranged by the software vendor that sold Burbank the system. This was around 10 years ago and that software is no longer supported.
    • 03/10: The determination was made that the ID card system was going to have to be updated, but this was going to require a new budget item, installation, training, etc.
    • 04/15: Ando Ovasapyan, hero of the City IT Department, installed a new EPI software suite on the Management Services computer that handles printing ID cards. With a few days to learn the system and work the bugs out, volunteers should be able to contact Management Services to make an appointment.
  • Q: I've been waiting to join Fire Corps until the new ID cards are ready. Is there anything I still have to wait for or is it okay for me to go in?
  • A: Go in! It should be a smooth process at this point. You definitely want to get in the system sooner than later, simply to be preregistered as a Disaster Service Worker through Burbank. You'll be able to do more when it matters most.
  • Q: I used to be active, but I just haven't had the time for it lately. Is it okay if I get a new ID card, but only activate on the Big Emergencies?
  • A: Absolutely. You can specify your activation and contact preferences on the Internal Database form. If you don't want to be contacted for regular operations, no problem. However, if the Big One hits, it'll be good to know that you'll be both ready – and able – to help out.
  • Q: Back in the day, we got regular reminders that our ID cards were about to expire. Is that not happening anymore?
  • A: With our Internal Database coming online, we're hoping to be able send reminders. However, that was once the purview of the Management Services Department. With budget cutbacks, there simply isn't the manpower to be able to keep current. As such, it is the responsibility of the volunteers to keep their ID cards current.
  • Q: I read something about "complications with your background status." How much do I have to be worried about?
  • A: Probably not much; we're not looking to see if you've picked up a parking violation. What we are looking for is an unfavorable pattern of behavior that could jeopardize the Program or the sometimes-vulnerable people it interacts with (such as victims in the wake of a disaster). If you've just spent 90 days for a repeat offense, that would qualify as "complications with your background status."