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Uniform Policy

The Burbank Fire Corps (BFCP) uniform is a vital part of maintaining a professional and unified appearance. Uniforms help members present a consistent image that reflects positively on the program, the City of Burbank, and the Burbank Fire Department.

Uniforms, including T-shirts and patches work shirts, are issued only to valid BFCP members. They are to be worn exclusively for official duties and events. Shirts may be worn while traveling to and from assignments, but they are not to be used as casual attire. Uniforms are strictly prohibited in establishments whose primary business is the sale of alcohol, except when representing the BFCP in an official capacity. Additionally, consuming alcohol while wearing the uniform is not allowed.

BFCP-branded outerwear and apparel intended for off-duty use may be worn casually. However, members must be mindful that wearing any BFCP-logoed item still represents the program and its mission. Care must be taken to portray the organization in a positive light.

The BFCP uniform consists of navy blue pants, a gray BFCP T-Shirt, and a Dickies silver button-up work shirt. Navy blue pants must be professional in appearance, such as tactical or uniform-style work pants, and must be clean, properly maintained, and free of rips or excessive wear. Denim or jeans-style pants are not permitted.

The gray BFCP T-Shirt features the BFCP seal on the front left chest and across the back and is issued to volunteers upon achieving Level I. Similarly, volunteers are issued the appropriate BFCP patches for their training level to be affixed to the uniform.

The Dickies silver button-up work shirt is an essential part of the uniform but is not issued by the program. Volunteers are responsible for purchasing the Dickies work shirt independently and ensuring it meets the program’s standards.

Short Sleeve (D15740SV): Dickies Short Sleeve Work Shirt
Long Sleeve (D5740SV): Dickies Long Sleeve Work Shirt

The CERT uniform is specifically designated for members who are approved Proctors or Instructors and is to be worn exclusively during BFCP CERT classes. Contact the Training Coordinator to determine eligibility to wear this uniform before purchasing.

It consists of black pants, a forest green CERT T-shirt, and an optional Dickies forest green button-up work shirt. Pants must follow the same professional standards as those outlined for the BFCP uniform, with black being the designated color.

The forest green CERT T-Shirt, featuring the CERT logo on the front left chest and “CERT” printed across the back, must be purchased at the volunteer’s expense.

The Dickies forest green button-up work shirt is optional for CERT-related activities and must also be purchased by the volunteer. Volunteers are responsible for ensuring that all uniform components meet the program’s standards.

Short Sleeve (D15740GH): Dickies Short Sleeve Work Shirt
Long Sleeve (D5740GH): Dickies Long Sleeve Work Shirt

Outerwear worn with the uniform must maintain a professional appearance. The standard BFCP jacket is a dark navy Dickies Eisenhower jacket with the BFCP logo on the left chest. In cooler weather, members may also wear plain black jackets that do not feature any designs or logos.

Rain jackets or ponchos are permitted during inclement weather, provided they do not feature inappropriate imagery or advertising. Members should ensure that all outerwear aligns with the overall uniform standards.

Headwear may include navy blue hat featuring the BFCP logo. Alternatively, members may wear plain navy blue or black baseball caps or bucket hats, provided they do not display any logos or designs unrelated to the program. Hats must be worn with the brim facing forward to maintain a consistent and professional look.

For members wearing the CERT uniform, a green or black hat with the CERT logo or Text is also permitted as part of the standard attire.

Patches and rockers are issued to volunteers upon achieving specific milestones within the program and must be affixed to the designated locations on the Dickies work shirt.

  • Volunteer Level I – Upon achieving Level I, volunteers are issued a BFCP patch to be sewn on the left chest of the Dickies work shirt. The patch is centered left to right and positioned ½ inch above the pocket. For CERT uniforms, this patch is replaced with the CERT logo, which is sewn in the same position.
  • Volunteer Level II – Upon achieving Level II, volunteers are issued another BFCP patch for the left sleeve of the Dickies work shirt. This patch is centered and sewn two inches below the shoulder seam.
  • Volunteer Specialist – Upon achieving a Specialist level, volunteers are issued a “Specialist” rocker. This rocker is sewn directly beneath the BFCP patch on the left sleeve.

These patches and rockers serve as visible markers of achievement and role designation within the BFCP program. Volunteers are responsible for ensuring that all patches are sewn securely and neatly. Members requiring more than one Uniform shirt can request additional patches from the Training Coordinator.

Wearing ribbons is optional. If worn, they must be displayed on the left chest pocket flap, directly below the BFCP or CERT patch. Ribbons should be arranged in the order they appear below, with the highest-ranking awards in the most prominent position. They must be mounted flat, evenly spaced, and secured to prevent misalignment. Rows may contain up to three ribbons, with a maximum of two rows; if uneven, the shorter row is placed on top. Placement details can be found in Annex II – Uniform Information.

The following ribbons recognize significant achievements, milestones, and service contributions by volunteers:

Ribbons

Volunteer of the Year Award

This ribbon is awarded annually to a volunteer who has demonstrated exceptional dedication, leadership, and service to the BFCP program. Recipients of this award have gone above and beyond in their contributions to the program and the community.

Nancy Mathews Community Service Award

This ribbon honors a volunteer who has made outstanding contributions to the community outside of the BFCP program. It is named in recognition of Nancy Mathews, whose legacy of community service continues to inspire volunteers.

200 Hour Service Award

This ribbon is presented to volunteers who have logged 200 hours of service with the BFCP program. It recognizes the significant time and effort dedicated to supporting the program’s mission and activities.

100 Hour Service Award

This ribbon is presented to volunteers who have logged 100 hours of service with the BFCP program. It recognizes the significant time and effort dedicated to supporting the program’s mission and activities.

Longevity Award (5 Years of Service)

This ribbon is awarded to volunteers who have completed five consecutive years of service with the BFCP program. It acknowledges their long-term commitment and dedication to the program and the community.

Duty Officer Ribbon

This ribbon is presented to volunteers who have successfully completed one full year of rotation as a Duty Officer. It recognizes the responsibility, leadership, and commitment required to fulfill this critical role within the program.

Ribbon Attachments

To further recognize volunteers who achieve the same award multiple times, attachments may be applied to the ribbons. These attachments are designed to signify the number of times an award has been earned and are worn directly on the ribbon.

Gold Numeral (2–9): 

A gold numeral is awarded to signify that the recipient has earned the same award more than once. The numeral reflects the total number of times the award has been achieved (e.g., a “2” for earning the award twice, a “3” for three times, and so on, up to “9”).

Silver Diamond: 

A silver diamond is awarded to signify that the recipient has earned the same award 10 or more times. Once a silver diamond is awarded, no additional attachments are given for subsequent achievements of the same award.

Volunteers will only be issued one ribbon for each award. Volunteers are responsible for ensuring that ribbons and attachments are worn in accordance with the placement requirements outlined in Annex II – Uniform Information.

Example placement:

Wearing ribbons is optional, but if you choose to, follow these guidelines for a uniform and professional appearance. Ribbons represent your dedication and achievements within the Burbank Fire Corps Program. See section 7.7.2 of the BFCP Policies & Procedures Manual for more information.

The ribbon bar should be securely attached to the left breast pocket flap of your uniform shirt. Think of your ribbons as a visual representation of your accomplishments, arranged in order of importance. The ribbons are worn in a specific order, with the most important awards displayed first. 

The order of the ribbons is read from left to right, and then top to bottom, like reading a book. The highest-ranking ribbon should be in the top-left position. If you haven’t earned a particular ribbon, simply skip that position and place the next highest ribbon in that spot. Arrange your ribbons in rows of no more than three ribbons across, with a maximum of two rows. If you have an uneven number of ribbons and therefore uneven rows, the shorter row should be on top. Mount the ribbons flat and evenly spaced to maintain a neat appearance. If your ribbon has attachments like gold numbers or silver diamonds, make sure they are centered on the ribbon and securely fastened.

The order of the ribbons is as follows:

  • Volunteer of the Year Award
  • Nancy Mathews Community Service Award
  • 200 Hour Service Award 
  • 100 Hour Service Award 
  • Longevity Award
  • Duty Officer Award 

Examples of arrangement options