Frequently Asked Questions

Membership in SFFMA

Can a person be a an SFFMA member without being associated with a fire department or other fire protection organization?

Any individual can be a member of SFFMA. You don’t have to belong to a fire department or be in the fire service at all. Individual membership dues are $50 per year. An individual member not associated with a fire department or other fire protection organization is entitled to all SFFMA membership benefits except participation in the association’s certification program and the ability to obtain the optional NVFC (National Volunteer Fire Council) membership and its member insurance policy.

An individual SFFMA member who is on a fire department roster may also participate in the association’s certification program through the department and obtain the optional NVFC membership as well. Although not required, many fire departments offer to pay an individual’s annual SFFMA dues as an incentive to participate in the department and serve their community.

Having SFFMA membership and being a part of a local fire department are separate things. We strongly encourage everyone on a fire department roster become an SFFMA member, but it’s not required. Individuals are welcome to join at any time!

Can an organization be a member of SFFMA?

There are several types of membership for organizations, depending upon the type of organization: fire department, industrial facility, EMS organization, vendor, and others. Please see the various organizational membership types and associated benefits in the Membership section of the website.

If a person drops out of my fire department after we already paid their annual SFFMA individual membership dues, can we just add someone in their place?

No. Individual membership in SFFMA follows the individual, regardless of whether they are associated with a fire department or other fire protection organization. Memberships are not transferrable from one person to another.

What if I join in the middle of the year? Will you pro-rate my dues?

A recently approved policy by the SFFMA executive board now allows for a prorated amount to be paid for a new SFFMA individual member for the remainder of that first year. This opportunity applies only to individuals who have not previously been a member of SFFMA. This particular benefit commenced with the launching of the association’s new data management system in 2023.

Can an organization send separate checks for the organization and the individual members to pay for dues?

Yes. If you are planning to print your invoice and mail it to the SFFMA office rather than paying online, separate checks are acceptable if necessary.

We are a new fire department. How can we become members?

The starting place is for us to have your department information on file, which can happen through the submission of a department membership application. You can join as a department regardless of whether you have individuals in your organization who are currently SFFMA members. We will create a department account and identify administrators such as the fire chief and training coordinator. These and other identified individuals will then have access to the SFFMA PORTAL, which is our online membership system.

Depending upon their authorization, those identified individuals will be able to manage the department’s personnel roster, submit training for their personnel, apply for individuals’ SFFMA certifications, pay SFFMA membership dues invoices, and other administrative activities.

How long will it take to process my individual membership application?

Although processing time for a membership application in the current system can vary depending upon the time of year, the processing time in the new data management system being developed by SFFMA is handled completely online. Membership generally is approved immediately upon entry of the required information and payment unless there is a question regarding the individual’s submitted information, or the payment.

What if I don't know or remember my SFFMA username or password?

If you’re having trouble logging into your SFFMA account for any reason, please send an email to membership@sffma.org for help. You can access the SFFMA PORTAL using this link. You are now able to reset your password without contacting the SFFMA office. IMPORTANT: THE EMAIL ADDRESS WE HAVE ON FILE FOR YOU IS WHERE THE RESET EMAIL WILL GO. THIS IS WHY WE ASK FOR YOUR CURRENT, VALID EMAIL ADDRESS.

NOTE: your email is NOT your username for PORTAL.

What is the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) membership?

SFFMA has partnered with the National Volunteer Fire Council to offer additional benefits to individual members who are associated with a fire department or other organization. In addition to the standard AD&D and LODD policies that come with membership, we also offer supplemental NVFC membership, which insures members for an added $10,000 and $20,000, respectively. NVFC membership includes its own subscriptions and membership cards, as well as updates and discounts for its members. Normally, membership to NVFC is $30, but if you’re a member through SFFMA, the fee is only $21.

What is the Volunteer Firemen's Insurance Service (VFIS) extended policy?

In addition to the insurance provided to every SFFMA member as part of their basic membership, SFFMA also offers supplemental (optional) AD&D insurance through VFIS. This program adds to the basic benefits, and provides even broader coverage. For $10 additional per year, your beneficiary will receive a $40,000 benefit in the event of your on-duty accidental death (including travel to and from authorized activities). In the event of an off-duty accidental death, a $20,000 benefit will be paid.  This valuable coverage is extremely important, considering that accidental death remains the number one cause of death for working-age people.

Does everyone on a fire department roster have to purchase the NVFC and/or VFIS extended policies?

No. NVFC and VFIS are optional benefits available to any department-affiliated individual members. These do not have to be purchased for the whole department.

Where will I receive my membership materials?

If you are associated with a fire department, hard-copy membership materials are sent to your department. As a benefit of your membership in SFFMA, you will receive our monthly e-InfoFIRE newsletter via email (another good reason to keep your current valid email on file). This will help you stay current on what’s happening, learn about what’s new, and see updates from the SFFMA Board President. You’ll also find cool stories, upcoming training and testing schedules and much more.

What benefits are included with SFFMA membership?

SFFMA offers several member benefits. The biggest are typically training and certification. Other important benefits are the $10,000 AD&D and $20,000 LODD insurance policies. Your membership also brings with it discounts on services and discounts on health care policies. Please visit our Benefits webpage to learn about what SFFMA offers our members.

How do I update my organization’s information online?

Information can be updated online in your organization’s account, provided you have been given with the authorization to do so. If you need to add someone to your account as a authorized user, please send an email to membership@sffma.org.

Need more help?

Further questions regarding membership can be directed to: membership@sffma.org.

Questions about the SFFMA Store can be sent to this email address.

Need help with Testing & Certifications? Contact Kevin Creamer.

Want to learn about advertising opportunities with SFFMA? Email Kim Hilsenbeck.