📅 2026 Update: Changes in Volunteer Fire Department Procedures

Since the original article was written, there have been significant updates related to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and its fees for criminal history searches. These changes impact volunteer fire departments and other organizations that may need to conduct background checks. The earlier article continues further down this page.

💵 Texas DPS Fee Changes

Effective October 1, 2026, the FBI increased the fingerprint transmission fee from $12.00 to $15.00. The FBI Volunteer Fingerprint fee also rose from $10.00 to $13.00. These changes can affect the overall costs for volunteer fire departments when they need to perform background checks on new members.

📜 Criminal History Search Costs

The cost for a Texas DPS Criminal History Search credit is now $1.00. Additionally, there is a 2.25% fee per credit and a $0.25 transaction fee. Volunteer departments should factor in these fees when budgeting for background checks.

🖥️ Account Creation Process

To conduct searches, users need to create a CRD Secure Website Account. This is a new requirement since the original article, ensuring that only authorized entities can access sensitive information.

⌛ Processing Times

Processing times for criminal history searches can vary. The Texas DPS does not provide specific timeframes for these searches. Volunteer fire departments should plan accordingly, allowing enough time for processing before they need the results.

📞 Support Options

For assistance with the Texas DPS services, users can call 1-855-481-7071 or email securesite@microassist.net. This support can help with account creation, troubleshooting, and any other issues.

📌 Key Points Summary

  • 💵 Increased fingerprint fees effective October 2026.
  • 📜 Criminal history search credits cost $1.00 plus fees.
  • 🖥️ Account creation is mandatory for searches.
  • ⌛ Processing times are variable and unspecified.
  • 📞 Support available via phone and email for user assistance.

💡 Tips for Volunteer Fire Departments

Reviewing your specific situation with an attorney is essential for understanding legal obligations related to background checks.

🖥️ Create a Secure Account

To perform criminal history searches, follow the steps to create a CRD Secure Website Account. This account is necessary for accessing sensitive information about potential new volunteers.

💳 Budget for Fees

When planning for background checks, remember to include the $1.00 credit fee, the 2.25% transaction fee, and the $0.25 fee. These costs can add up, so it's advisable to budget accordingly.

⏰ Allow for Processing Time

Since processing times can vary, factor in extra time when you request background checks. This ensures you have results when needed, especially during recruitment drives.

📞 Use Available Support

Don’t hesitate to reach out to the Texas DPS for assistance. Their support can help troubleshoot any issues with account creation or searches, ensuring you can complete them efficiently.

📄 Monitor Search History

Keep track of your searches and credits from the 'My Account' page on the CRD Secure Website. This helps manage your budget and track usage accurately.

🏆 Volunteer Fire Department Services Ranked by User Reviews (2026)

This section covers services relevant to volunteer fire departments, particularly those needing security and monitoring. The list is based on Trustpilot data checked in October 2026. Ratings can change over time, and while these scores offer insight, remember that unhappy customers tend to leave more reviews.

🥇 1. ADT

ADT has been rated **1.0. Known for home security systems and 24/7 monitoring services, ADT is a major player in the security industry. However, it has received complaints about poor customer service and installation issues, which can affect its reliability for volunteer fire departments seeking dependable security solutions.

🥈 2. SimpliSafe

SimpliSafe holds a **4.0 rating. The service is known for its DIY home security systems and affordable monitoring plans. However, users have noted limited customer support and concerns about false alarms.

This balance of affordability and service quality can be appealing for volunteer fire departments on a budget.

🥉 3. SafeStreets

SafeStreets has a **5.0 rating. As an ADT authorized dealer, it specializes in home security installations. Despite its high rating, some customers have reported installation delays and billing issues.

Volunteer fire departments may find SafeStreets' services valuable, given its strong reputation.

🆓 Free Government Support

Volunteer fire departments can utilize free government options for background checks through the Texas DPS. This includes accessing the CRD Public Website for public criminal records and other applications. These resources can help save costs while ensuring compliance with safety regulations.

🔎 Choosing the Right Security Service

  • 🔍 Review star ratings to understand overall customer satisfaction.
  • 💬 Read user comments for insights into specific issues.
  • 🗣️ Consider customer support quality for troubleshooting.
  • 💰 Compare costs against your budget and needs.
  • 🚀 Evaluate installation timelines to ensure prompt service.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

❓ What are the new fingerprint fees?

The FBI increased the fingerprint transmission fee from $12.00 to $15.00 and the Volunteer Fingerprint fee from $10.00 to $13.00 as of October 1, 2026.

🕒 How long do criminal history searches take?

Processing times for Texas DPS criminal history searches vary, but specific timeframes are not provided. It is essential to plan for potential delays.

📞 How can I get help with account issues?

For assistance with account creation or issues on the Texas DPS platform, users can call 1-855-481-7071 or email securesite@microassist.net.

💳 What are the costs associated with criminal history searches?

Each search credit costs $1.00, with an additional 2.25% fee per credit and a $0.25 transaction fee. These fees can accumulate quickly, so budgeting is crucial.

📜 Who can access the CRD Secure Website?

Access to the CRD Secure Website is restricted to legislatively authorized government entities and criminal justice agencies. Volunteer fire departments must ensure they meet these eligibility requirements.

📄 Can I track my search history on the DPS site?

Yes, users can view and download their search history and monitor credit usage from the 'My Account' page on the Texas DPS CRD site.

⚖️ Recent Cases Related to Volunteer Fire Departments

Recent court rulings affect the operational procedures for volunteer fire departments, particularly regarding background checks and security protocols.

For further insights into these developments, feel free to browse more rulings on the news page.

End of October 2026 Update





The majority of fire department jobs in the United States are on a volunteer basis. While some fire departments do employ full time fire fighters who have made employment in a fire department a career, most fire fighters work on a voluntary basis. A volunteer fire department is a fire department that operates using individuals who volunteer their time and energy, and receive no income for their assistance. In some instances, the term volunteer fire fighter will be used to describe on-call fire fighters. However, these two types of fire department jobs have important differences. 

There are individuals who work at a volunteer fire department for no compensation. An on-call fire fighter will receive compensation for the time that he/she works. These individuals do not receive the income that professional fire fighters acquire, but they are compensated for their time. Generally, an on-call fire fighter will maintain a separate full time job and carry a beeper when he/she is on call. If he/she is needed during this period, he/she will respond to the call.

The fire stations that are located in small towns are often volunteer fire departments. These stations provide fire suppression services and other emergency services to communities in the surrounding area. Becoming a fire fighter requires extensive training. When an individual's training is complete, he/she will continue to take part in regular training drills and will also be expected to partake in equipment maintenance procedures and fundraising events. A volunteer fire department will depend upon fundraisers and taxes to maintain the fire house and obtain necessary equipment. 

Basic Facts About A Volunteer Fire Department