Operational. You have choices.

Volunteers can become either Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), or Firefighter/EMTs.  Once trained, members staff all-volunteer ambulances and fire engines, and respond to emergency calls throughout the Town of Vienna and Fairfax County.  Volunteers can also work side-by-side with career Firefighters by riding career-staffed fire engines, medic units, ladder trucks, and heavy rescue squads at any station in Fairfax County.

The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Academy provides all initial EMS and Fire Suppresion training free of charge.  Prospective EMTs will earn EMT-Basic certification, and Firefighters will earn EMT-Basic and Fire I/II.  Volunteers who join solely to be EMTs can later decide to train as Firefighters.  While the Academy does not provide Paramedic training, volunteers trained as National Registry Paramedics can practice in Fairfax County after an internship period.

For applicants with prior certifications: Fairfax County recognizes all current Virginia EMT-Basic certifications, and EMT-Basic certifications from those states to which Virginia grants reciprocity.  We accept Pro-Board Firefighter I/II certifications from other jurisdictions, but additional fire suppression training will be required, varying on a case-by-case basis.

The path to becoming a Firefighter is extremely physically demanding, and requires a large time commitment.  To help ensure physical fitness, Firefighter candidates must pass the Candidate Physical Aptitude Test (CPAT) before they can be enrolled in Fire School.  The CPAT is administered by the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department several times during the year.  You do not need to pass the CPAT prior to joining the VVFD.

Requirements.
  • Minimum age is 18 years*  (We accept a limited number of 16-17  year old members as EMTs on a case-by-case basis, provided they can serve for a minimum of 2 years and meet other eligibility requirements.)
  • Must pass Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Dept. physical.
  • Attend all regular departmental meetings.
  • Work assigned Bingo night (about once every six weeks).
  • Must volunteer 20 hours per month.
  • Must complete 48 hours of training each year.

Training Schedules.

Read through the training schedules and see what might fit into your lifestyle.

Operations not for you?

Check out other types of membership.

More Information.

Are you still interested in joining after reviewing membership requirements?