Answers to Some Frequently Asked Questions about Volunteering
What is the minimum age to volunteer? The minimum age to volunteer is 16 years of age to begin volunteering and attend all training sessions.- How can I volunteer with a full-time job or being a student? Our volunteer members come from all sorts of backgrounds. The day jobs of our members consist of various professions such as accountants, mechanics, doctors, nurses, former military personnel, students, homemakers, sales representatives, business managers, etc., and some are parents and grandparents. We are not going to hide the truth that volunteering does take time, but all we ask is that you be able to provide one night a week after your basic training to be able to fulfill the role as a volunteer firefighter/EMT making what you do worthwhile!
- What if I need to miss a night on duty crew? We understand that everyone have other commitments, families, jobs, and even like to take a vacation once in a while. If you have a conflict and cannot attend your assigned duty crew night, it’s ok! You just need to make arrangements with another member with the same or higher qualifications to cover your shift or trade shifts with them as well as notify your officer and make every effort to find a replacement.
- How do I become a volunteer member with PVFC? Visit the Join Us page on our website for all information regarding becoming a member as well as to fill out the online application.
- What are the benefits of being a volunteer firefighter/EMT or associate administrative member? There are many benefits including retirement, tax relief, tuition reimbursement and more. Visit the Volunteer Benefits page on our website for all information regarding volunteer benefits.
- What if I am injured while volunteering? If you are injured while volunteering, you are covered by workers compensation provided by Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System (LC-CFRS) and PVFC.
- Can I drive the fire apparatus or be an officer? We encourage all of our members to train and take additional classes to become certified and qualified to become engine and ladder truck drivers as well as officers within our organization.
- You work 12 hour shifts at night. Where do I eat and sleep? We typically work from 6pm to 6am each night. During this time, we eat together as a duty crew in the kitchen, or we go out and visit one of the local restaurants. All meals are paid for by PVFC so there is no cost to our volunteer members. We also provide bunkrooms, showers, and restrooms for our members to use while they are working on shift.
- Do I need to pay for the training to become a volunteer firefighter/EMT? All training is free of charge and provided either by the Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System (LC-CFRS) or by PVFC.
- Can I join and become a volunteer firefighter/EMT without having any training or experience? YES! We have some members who come to us with experience and certifications, however, a good majority of our members have little to no experience or certifications when they first joined. Every volunteer member will be provided the opportunity to be trained and certified as a firefighter/EMT and you will gain experience by running on the required duty crew as well as future training you may take.
- How do I volunteer or take training classes when I work during the day? Operational volunteer firefighter/EMT’s serve on a duty crew one night a week, from 6pm – 6am on a rotational basis. In addition, all training is provided during the evenings and weekends, so it does not interfere with daytime work schedules. Associate administrative volunteers normally perform other duties as needed, often on a flexible schedule.