16 is the minimum age to volunteer with LC-CFRS. We call volunteer members under 18, Junior Members. Not all volunteer companies have Junior member programs. Junior members have additional restrictions, limitations, and supervision, as a result most volunteer companies limit the number of spaces in their junior member program. Junior member programs tend to fill up quickly, contact us for more information about volunteering as a junior member.

All volunteer companies accept members starting at 18 years of age. 18 is also the minimum age to be a fully operational (firefighter and/or EMT) volunteer.

Once you have been referred to one of our volunteer companies, their membership coordinator will contact you to go over the next steps, which includes a background check and coming in to have your fingerprints checked. For those becoming an Operational or Support Services Member a Physical examination and a mask fit testing are also required. Once you have completed your background check and any volunteer company requirements you can be voted in as a member. All new members are required to attend New Volunteer Orientation, where we will set you up on our IT systems, provide important initial trainings, go over benefits and key policies, and more.

The costs of training and personal protective gear are covered at no cost to members.  Trainings are primarily done internally through our accredited Training Academy, although there are many other free certifications and trainings that are offered to our members through our partners as well.

The initial courses an Operational Member will take through the Training Academy are Fire School (if becoming a firefighter) and EMT School.

Most uniform items are provided to members, but some items may need to be purchased.

We have over 30 different benefits for volunteer members. Some of our benefits include a Length of Service Award Program (LOSAP), a personal property tax reduction, a license fee waiver, business discounts, annual flu vaccine, Loudoun Credit Union participation, Notary Services, Scholarships, tuition reimbursement, behavioral health support, access to our Health and Wellness Center, and more.

Yes! If emergency response is not for you, there are plenty of other ways you can help as an administrative member. We need people with skills in areas such as accounting, logistics, recruitment, business management, event planning, design, education, information technology, photography, videography, marketing and more. We’ll find a way to use your talents.

You don’t have to quit your day job. Our operational volunteers are assigned to volunteer on nights and weekends. Each volunteer company has different requirements. Once we connect you with a specific volunteer company, your membership coordinator will be able to provide additional information about volunteering with that company and how the operational volunteer schedule works.

Training classes are generally provided in the evenings and on weekends, so as not to interfere with work schedules. Although we do offer some classes during the summer during the day to better accommodate students trying to complete a course during the summer.

Administrative volunteers help staff events normally on the weekend and perform other duties as needed. Administrative members often have a flexible schedule.

If you are looking for a change of career, we have volunteers from every possible career path. This is a great place to network and open new doors to career opportunities.

Our volunteers come from all walks of life. By day, we’re dentists, accountants, mechanics, nurses, former military personnel, students, homemakers, sales representatives, parents and grandparents. We fulfill our role as volunteer firefighters and EMT’s calming fears, easing minds, saving lives. We won’t lie to you; volunteering takes time. Everything worthwhile does.

No prior experience or previous training is necessary to begin your volunteer journey. We will teach you everything you need to know to be a safe and strong contributor to our team.  You will receive a combination of on-the-job training and formal instruction.  Safety is our #1 priority, and we will not put you into a position until you are ready for what is required.  You’ll find that you get out of it what you put into it – we will help you focus your learning on the areas that will be most impactful for your development. 

Volunteer companies are looking for an ongoing commitment to serve the community. Departments may choose to onboard individuals who are only in the area for the summer, but it usually takes individuals 2-3 months to complete the onboarding process, as a result individuals who are only looking to volunteer one summer are typically not accepted.

Individuals are not able to register for Fire School or EMT School until they are members. Fire School takes 5-6 months to complete and EMT School takes 3-4 months to complete. Those wishing to volunteer multiple summers or during school breaks often are still onboarded, especially if they already have Fire or EMT certifications.

For more information about volunteering around a school commitment or at specific times of the year, please reach out to us.