We're looking for people just like you to become members, both operational and administrative! Though not on the front lines of medical care or firefighting, administrative members are as vital as operational members to our success. If you want to serve your community by donating your time and talents, there are a range of ways to help on the administrative side. And operational members can take on a range of challenges, from ambulance operations all the way to firefighting and special rescue.
If you're interested in joining, review our application procedures and requirements here on the website. If you still need more info, page Assistant Chief Gary Gaal at 703-213-1932. You can also email our Webmaster.
Firefighter or EMS-Only
As an operational member, you can follow one of two paths, Firefighter or EMS-only. Firefighters are trained EMTs (Emergency Medical Technician), as well as trained in all fire suppression operations. They are qualified to participate on any apparatus (medic, ambulance, engine or truck) as a support person. Those who chose to be EMS-only volunteers participate in EMS-only operations (support role on medic unit or ambulance). We encourage both volunteer career paths.
Member Benefits
- Civic Contribution - You will have the opportunity to help others in their most dire time of need and make an immediate and significant impact on their lives. The personal reward you gain from volunteering is more than you will get from any other experience. Administrative members provide the necessary support that makes it possible for operational members to complete their duties as EMS providers and firefighters.
- Training - You will be provided with the highest caliber of training. Fairfax County's Fire and Rescue Academy is known as one of the top training facilities of its kind in the country. Instructors complete a rigorous training program and bring years of experience to the classroom and practical activities.
- County Recreation Centers - Operational members are entitled to use any Fairfax County recreation center while on duty. In addition, Station 5 and 37 provide strength training machines, free weights and cardiovascular equipment to career staff and members.
- Physical Exam - Members are provided an initial thorough physical exam from the Occupational Health Center (hyperlink) and once per year thereafter.
- Uniform - After your initial purchase of a uniform (blue pants, T-shirt, black belt and steel-toed black shoes), the station will replace your station T-shirts, pants or station shoes, as needed (with some limitations).
- Insurance - You will be covered under Fairfax County's insurance any time you are participating in operations or in training programs.
Time
You are about to embark on a very rewarding but demanding career. It requires a major commitment of time, especially in the first year. EMT training and fire school classes are generally held two weeknights per week and at least one weekend day. EMT training takes approximately 4 months and firefighter training takes approximately 6 months. Attendance is mandatory for all classes. The training schedule is rigorous and if your job or school will not permit you to devote the required time and effort to this endeavor now, you may want to consider applying at a later time. Because of our investment in time and taxpayer's money, we want a minimum 2-year commitment from our members. Of course, most stay longer.
If your schedule does not permit immediate enrollment in the training program, we encourage you to join as an administrative member, which allows you to participate in Station activities, as well as get to know other members and career staff.
Volunteers are required to ride (act in a support role to career staff on apparatus) at least 20 hours per month and attend at least half of all drills. Drills are usually held two Monday evenings per month for about 2 hours. There are additional continuing education requirements for each certification (EMT, paramedic, etc.). All members are required to attend monthly meetings.
Volunteers provide EMS coverage to many County events, including the Fairfax Fair, Bull Run Jamboree, Wolf Trap events and high school athletic games. You will be called upon to participate during these activities. Your participation counts towards your 20 monthly hours.
Bingo
This is our major source of income. All apparatus and equipment, as well as the building are paid for with bingo revenue. It is imperative that all members participate. Members are assigned to one of four bingo teams that work one consecutive Wednesday and Saturday evening every four weeks. If you miss two bingos, your riding privileges will be suspended until you make up the time.
Working with Career Staff
We have a very good working relationship with our career staff. You will find working with them very rewarding and educational. We require that all volunteers be cooperative and assist the career staff as directed.
Physical Fitness
Firefighters are considered industrial athletes. Physical fitness is essential not only to your being accepted into Fairfax County's volunteer program, but your successful completion of Fairfax County's Fire and Rescue Academy firefighter training. We have firefighters of all statures, you need not be a world-class athlete but you must be in reasonably good shape. It is highly recommended that volunteers embark on a physical conditioning regime prior to entering the Fire Academy. This will not only help ensure your successful completion of the training but will allow you to enjoy the education process more.
Uniforms and Gear
We'll issue you your first blue Station 5 uniform T-shirt. Initially, you will be required to buy blue work pants and a pair of steel-toed black boots or work shoes. These items will be replaced at station expense as they wear out. The County will provide you with all necessary Personal Protective Equipment.
Application Process
To apply at the Franconia Volunteer Fire Department, come by the station before our monthly meeting. Monthly meetings are held the first Monday of every month. Try to arrive by 7 p.m. and ask to speak with a volunteer, or whomever you can find, and tell them you wish to become a member. Complete an application form. You will need to bring with you a recent copy of your driving record (obtained from DMV) and a $10 application fee. Additionally, please bring contact information for several professional references, as well. These should be from employers, teachers, supervisors, etc. We do not accept personal references (family, friends, etc.). Your reference information should include full name, address and phone number.
Upon our receipt of all the above information, your application will be read at the monthly station meeting. You will be asked to briefly address the membership to provide a little personal background; describing why to want to join Station 5; your EMS/firefighting background, if any; and any other information you may want to provide. You will then be dismissed until the next meeting.
Between the first and second reading, we will check your references and verify your application information. You will attend the next monthly meeting and be voted upon at that time.
Physical Exam
You will be given a physical package once you successfully complete the Station 5 application process. Make an appointment at the Occupational Health Center (OHC) as soon as possible and keep it. You cannot attend the Academy until we have the results. Firefighting is physically demanding work and requires that you be in reasonably good shape. If you are overweight or lack upper body strength you will need to work on these deficiencies through a personal conditioning program. If you are considerably overweight, you will not pass the physical.
Fairfax County will give every applicant a physical prior to the beginning of training. Volunteers must receive a "Category A" rating on the physical exam in order to ride or participate in any training. The following conditions will disqualify you from active firefighting and EMT activities:
Heart/Lung Conditions - Congenital heart defects/conditions; electrical conduction problems (WPW, bundle branch block); organic heart/valve disease; high blood pressure, even if controlled by medication; any type of asthma with symptoms after the age of 15.
Weight - More than 10 percent over the maximums on the County charts is disqualifying unless the individual is under 18 percent (men) or 24 percent (women) bodyfat.
Vision - Uncorrected vision (without glasses worse than 20/200 in each eye); corrected vision (with glasses) worse than 20/40 in each eye; inability to distinguish red, green and blue.
Medical Conditions - Diabetes; seizure disorders; neuromuscular disorders.
Psychological Conditions - Current psychological treatment or use of prescribed medication for stress, depression or emotional disorders.
Orthopedic Conditions - Arthritis, even if controlled by medication; any serious back injury (slipped discs, fractures, etc.) as well as degenerative conditions and scoliosis (unless mild).
Injuries - For all injuries involving bones or joints, the medical exam unit will require a history of the injury and treatment, including a current evaluation. The medical exam unit may also require additional information for many medical conditions. Provision of this information is the responsibility of the applicant. VISIT (Volunteer In Station Training)
This is an in-station orientation program to familiarize new members with our station, equipment and procedures. In addition, several subjects are taught at the Academy. This program must be completed before you can ride on any apparatus.
Level 1 Training
This training is provided by the County at the Academy. It provides basic operational training and takes approximately 3 weeks to complete.
Operational Member Categories
Red Hat
Upon successful completion of your physical, VISIT and Level I training, you will be able to ride as a "Red Hat." These probationary members ride on all apparatus but are limited in their participation. Your primary responsibilities as a Red Hat are to observe and learn. In time, you may be called upon to assist other members and career staff. You will remain a Red Hat until successful completion of Firefighter II, or EMT for EMS-only volunteers.
EMT and Firefighter I/II
The EMT and firefighter programs for volunteers cover the same training as provided to career staff. EMT training is taken first. If you already have EMT certification (approved by Fairfax County and the Commonwealth of Virginia) you will still be required to attend several classes on Fairfax County-specific subjects at the Academy. The EMT course takes approximately 4 months and the Firefighter I-II program takes approximately 6 months. Both EMT and FF I-II should be completed within a 2-year timeframe. For more information on EMT or firefighter training see the Training Section.
EMS Only
This is a program for people interested only in participating in EMS operations. You must obtain your EMT certification, and EVOC (Emergency Vehicle Operator's Course).
Minimum Staffing
Once you complete FF II, or EMT for EMS-only volunteers, you will need to successfully complete EVOC. Upon successful demonstration of your skills and abilities, you will then be assigned "minimum staffing" status. Minimum staffing personnel are qualified to fill in for career staff when needed.