How Do I Join?
Few things are as rewarding as protecting the lives and property of
your friends, neighbors, and even your family. If that statement rings
true for you, we can offer you a way to do just that.
The Arlington Volunteer Fire Department, Station 1, has
a few positions open for intelligent, enthusiastic, energetic individuals.
If you think you have what it takes, please look through the materials
below. Then contact us using the form at
the bottom. Once you have submitted the form, a member of our association
will contact you about volunteer possibilities.
No experience is required to join
Station 1, but you will need the following:
- Medical Certification (only for operational Firefighters/ EMTs)
- No criminal record
- Good driving record
- Solid commitment and lots of ENERGY!
Membership is obtained by first becoming a member of Station 1
and then applying for Arlington County Fire & Rescue membership.
All of the forms that you need are located in the "Related Links"
section of this page. You may want to download those and begin filling
them out to initiate the process.
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What better way to serve the community than to be
a volunteer Firefighter/EMT?
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Simply fill out the form below if you are interested in learning more
about joining AVFD1 or one of the member companies.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What role do volunteers play in the Arlington County
Fire Department?
Arlington County Fire Department Station 1 is staffed 24 hours a day,
seven days a week, by career firefighters and paramedics. Volunteers ride
with career crews, working alongside county personnel and assisting as
members of the crews in whatever capacity is needed. Volunteers do not
count as minimum staffing and therefore do not take the place of career
personnel on a shift. When situations dictate, volunteer units may be
placed in service to supplement existing county resources. For example,
volunteers routinely staff a Basic Life Support Ambulance, especially
when call volume is high.
In addition to responding to emergency incidents, volunteers
perform public education demonstrations, fund raising activities, public
event standbys, apparatus maintenance, and many other services.
I want to volunteer, but I am unable or uninterested
in performing in emergency operations. Can I still help?
Absolutely! Administrative membership is intended for citizens who are interested
in assisting our Department, but lack the physical ability or the desire
to participate in emergency operations. Administrative members assist in
a variety of Department functions, including fundraising, record keeping,
and fire prevention.
What type of training is required?
Volunteers must attend a 22-session indoctrination class that is offered
either once or twice a week. The class includes information about Firefighting,
EMS, and general administrative topics. The course is designed to provide
our new volunteers with the minimum skills needed to participate in Fire
Department operations safely.
The class meets weeknights, generally from 7:30 PM-10:30
PM. Both written and practical examinations are provided at the conclusion
of the course. Members who pass the class are permitted to ride fire apparatus
and can perform several, but not all, firefighting functions.
Indoctrination training is offered throughout the year and new classes
are held on an as-needed basis.
Are additional Qualifications Required?
To ride on an ambulance or medic unit members must obtain Virginia EMT-B
certification. This certification is in addition to the indoctrination training
described above. This certification is offered at a variety of colleges
and universities in the area and most of the course expense is reimbursable
by the ACFRA.
Volunteers interested in firefighting can also obtain certification
as a structural firefighter. This training is offered periodically
by the volunteers in a 300 hour class.
I'm interested in EMS, not firefighting (or vice versa).
Do I have to learn about both?
EMS and firefighting are very closely linked in Arlington County and volunteers
must complete indoctrination training in both specialties when they join
the organization. After this initial training a volunteer may elect to specialize
in one area, however, members are strongly encouraged to cross-train in
both topics.
What are the ongoing minimum requirements?
To remain a member in good standing, Operational members must meet the following
minimum requirements:
- Ride the apparatus 10 hours each
month
- Complete 72 hours of training annually
- Attend monthly
business meetings (Held the first Wednesday of every month at that
station)
- Attend monthly training drills
- Maintain
valid CPR certification (renewable through the volunteers)
Beyond
this, some members contribute substantially more time and resources
to the department depending on other obligations, special skills,
and interest. Nearly all of our volunteers have full-time jobs
in addition to their commitment to the department.
I don't live in Arlington County. Can I still join?
This is not usually a problem. However, prospective members are encouraged
to seek volunteer Fire/EMS opportunities in their area and choose the
department that suits them best. Our Volunteer Recruitment Coordinator
can assist you in locating Fire/EMS agencies in your area. To get information
on joining one of the seven volunteer stations, please contact
us.
I don't know how long I will be in the area. Can I still join?
New members are asked to commit a minimum of two years to the organization.
Taking into account all of the necessary training, this is the minimum
amount of time that will provide you with a truly rewarding experience. |
