Types of Volunteer Memberships
Operational
Operational Members are those that provide emergency services to the public. They are required to become certified EMTs, Firefighters, or Emergency Vehicle Operators, attend required training classes to maintain their certifications, and be present at their assigned duty times.
Firefighting
Firefighters in Loudoun County are trained to perform many duties besides putting out fires. Training will prepare you to be able to respond to a variety of unique fire suppression and rescue situations. Firefighters respond to a wide range of calls from minor car accidents to emergencies on the river and in the mountains. Once you complete basic firefighting training you will have the opportunity to specialize in water rescue, confined space, technical rescue, high angle, and others.
Emergency Medical Services
Emergency Medical Technicians in Loudoun County are trained to provide high level emergency medical care. Initial training certifies you at the basic life support level. Loudoun County offers training up to the Paramedic level. In addition to responding to medical emergencies EMTs are trained to assist on fire and rescue scenes, and public education.
Administrative
Every volunteer fire and rescue department need more than just firefighters and EMTs to respond to calls. Each department relies on their administrative members to keep the department running smoothly from day to day. Areas in which administrative members serve include: fundraising, public service events, marketing, public education events, legal, event planning, logistics, website development, facilities, social networking, procurement, fleet management, food preparation, database management, technology development, chaplain services and accounting. Everyone has a talent and we encourage you to use it to help your local fire-rescue department.
Support Services
Some stations have a support services component that can provide food and drinks to firefighters and EMTs on a long duration emergency scene. In these instances, support services members respond to the scene in special vehicles containing food and drinks. Chaplains are another type of support services members. Chaplains offer non-denominational, non-sectarian spiritual aid, comfort, and help to citizens and to first responders and their families.
Volunteer Requirements
A background check to include fingerprinting and a criminal and traffic check must be completed.
Operational Members must pass an NFPA 1582 physical health check
Volunteer Benefits
As a volunteer there are benefits you may take advantage of including:
- $4,000 per year in tuition reimbursement
- Personal Property tax break
- Vehicle License Fee Waiver
- Scholarships/Tuition reimbursement
- County retirement program
- Discounts at participating businesses
- Comradery, skills and confidence building, opportunity to help your community
- Many More!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum age to volunteer?
18 is the minimum age to be a fully operational (firefighter/EMT) volunteer. Some stations do take junior members starting at age 16. Contact us for more information about specific station requirements.
What is the process to be a member?
Once you have been referred to one of our stations, their membership coordinator will contact you to go over the next steps, which includes a background check, a Physical examination (operational and support services only), getting voted in as a member and attending New Volunteer Orientation.
How much do I have to pay for training and gear?
Both are offered at no cost to members. The costs of training and personal protective gear are covered. Most uniform items will be provided but some items may need to be purchased by the members.
What benefits are there for volunteering?
Eligible volunteers can qualify for benefits including the Length of Service Annuity Program (LOSAP), a personal property tax reduction, a license fee waiver, business discounts, and access to our Health and Wellness Center.
Can I volunteer without assisting in fire or EMS emergencies?
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 such areas as accounting, logistics, recruitment, business management, event planning, design, education, information technology and more. We’ll find a way to use your talents.
Do I have to change careers to become a volunteer?
You don’t have to quit your day job. Our volunteer firefighters and EMTs generally serve during evening hours. Some departments may require weekend staffing as well. In addition, training is provided in the evenings and on weekends so as not to interfere with work schedules. Administrative volunteers help staff weekend events and perform other duties as needed, often on a flexible schedule.
How will I find the time to volunteer?
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.
Do I need prior training or experience to volunteer?
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.
Can I volunteer during the summer?
Most departments 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 take 2-3 months to be fully onboarded into a department.
Volunteering with the Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System 