Choose your path.
VVFD volunteers can become EMTs,Firefighter/EMTs, and even Paramedics. Once trained, you’ll staff volunteer ambulances and fire engines with other volunteers, or ride alongside career personnel on Fairfax County staffed engines, ladder trucks, medic units, and rescue squads.
The training is free. The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Academy provides all initial EMS and fire suppression courses at no cost.
Already certified? No problem!
We accept Virginia EMT-B and Pro-Board Firefighter I/II certifications (some additional training may be required and is handled on a case-by-case basis).
Interested in being a Firefighter? Physical fitness matters!
Firefighter candidates must be able to pass the CPAT (Candidate Physical Aptitude Test) before enrolling in Firefighter I/II courses, but it’s not required to join the VVFD.
Minimum Requirements
- Must be at least 18 years old (some 16-17 year old junior members may be accepted as EMTs).
- Pass a background check.
- Pass a Fairfax County Fire & Rescue physical.
- Attend monthly departmental meetings.
- Volunteer at least 20 hours per month.
- Work a Bingo night every 6 weeks, and assist with other administrative, fundraising, or outreach tasks.
- Complete 24 hours of training annually.
EMS Members
Not interested in firefighting? No problem. Our EMS-only program lets you train strictly as an EMT. Our EMS members regularly respond to medical emergencies staffing ambulances and medic units. Many members begin here and later decide to pursue firefighter training. VVFD EMTs also can go on to obtain advanced training and become paramedics.
Training Path
- VISIT (Volunteer In-Station Training): Learn about our equipment, our department, and our station procedures.
- Intro to Fire & Rescue: Initial county course introducing Fairfax County Fire Rescue Department operations, taught on evenings and weekends.
- Physical Exam: A full health screening at Fairfax County’s Occupational Health and Safety Center.
- EMT-Basic Course: 120-hour program covering vital signs, trauma care, stabilization techniques, and more.
- EVOC (Emergency Vehicle Operators Course): Learn to safely drive emergency vehicles.
Fire/EMS Members
If you’re ready for a physically challenging yet extremely rewarding path, become a Firefighter/EMT. Once certified, you’ll respond to both fire and EMS emergencies, staff public events, and even step in to support career crews when needed.
Training Path
- VISIT (Volunteer In-Station Training): Learn about our equipment, our department, and our station procedures.
- Intro to Fire & Rescue: Initial county course introducing Fairfax County Fire Rescue Department operations, taught on evenings and weekends.
- Physical Exam: A full health screening at Fairfax County’s Occupational Health and Safety Center.
- EMT-Basic Course: 120-hour program covering vital signs, trauma care, stabilization techniques, and more.
- EVOC (Emergency Vehicle Operators Course): Learn to safely drive emergency vehicles.
- Achieve a passing score on the CPAT (Candidate Physical Aptitude Test).
- Firefighter I/II: 6-month national certification covering ropes, ladders, extrication, hazmat, and more.