Become a Volunteer

ADMINISTRATIVE MEMBERS are the backbone of the department. They focus on fundraising, station and equipment management, department leadership, business development, community relations, fire prevention, health screening, recruiting and teaching—the latter includes CPR, Stop The Bleed, basic first aid, and fire safety and prevention classes. Administrative membership is an excellent opportunity for individuals who want to be part of the team and serve their larger community in a variety of ways.

For those currently not able to qualify as operational members, joining and learning the ropes administratively is a great way to get a jump start for when one can apply as operationally. Administrative members go through much of the same initial training as operational members do. Such training in general operations, patient privacy, and practical education is useful and can be applicable in one’s life and service to others.

All volunteers are required to participate in fundraising including local events, community outreach, and hall rentals. Lorton VFD does not conduct Bingo fundraisers, however, other volunteer departments within Fairfax County do (including stations 2, 5, 8, 13, 22). 

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OPERATIONAL MEMBERS are well-trained EMTs and Fire Fighters who respond to emergencies in the Lorton community and across the county. They are trained through the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Academy in the same courses as the career staff and are required to maintain the same certifications as professional Firefighters and EMTs. Completing the initial probationary period takes approximately 12-14 months, where individuals complete initial training and certification as an EMT-basic, however, recruits can start field training within 2-4 months. The curriculum is challenging but the work is incredibly rewarding. 

To support our administrative department, all operational members are also required to participate in fundraising including local events, community outreach, and hall rentals.

There are two types of operational membership:

• EMS only:  Learn and provide Basic Life Support services as supplemental staff to a professional paramedic units and/or as primary staff on an Ambulance, as the Ambulance Driver, BLS Unit Officer, or EMT. The EMT-B certification can be earned by operational members through the department as a matter of basic training provided free of charge.

• Firefighter + EMS: Provide both fire suppression and Basic Life Support services as a supplemental minimum staffing fire fighter and BLS provider on professional fire apparatus, paramedic units, and ambulances. A current EMT-B certification is mandatory before applying to the Fire Academy, also free of charge.

To be considered eligible to apply for and maintain administrative

 membership, you must:

• Be a U.S. citizen or current legal resident with at least 24 months of U.S. residency (documentation may be required)

• Be able to successfully pass a background investigation

• Be 18 years of age at the time of application

• Volunteer at least 10 hours per month, in an administrative capacity

• Attend regular department meetings

• Plan to live in the local area and maintain membership for a minimum of 3 years (Lorton VFD is proud to have active duty members on our staff and understand the uncertainty of military assignments)
  
  

To be considered eligible to apply for and maintain operational 

membership, in addition to the administrative requirements you must:

• Pass an annual Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department physical

• Volunteer at least 20 hours per month, in an operational capacity

• Volunteer at least 5 hour per month, in an administrative capacity

• Complete a minimum of 48 hours of training each year

• Complete all relevant, mandatory re-certifications each year

The following are just some of the personal benefits enjoyed by the Lorton Volunteer Fire Department's volunteers:

• Free and easy-to-access, world-class training in emergency medical care, fire suppression, hazardous materials response, leadership, community organization, disaster response, volunteer organization, and a wide variety of other topics available to both operational and administrative members.  

• Property tax exemption available for a personal vehicle registered within Fairfax County (as long as minimum requirements are met.)

• Eligibility to receive Fire Fighter, EMT, or Rescue Squad license plates for your personal vehicle. 

• Free access to any of the many Fairfax County recreation centers, their multitude of classes, and adjoining facilities.

• Professional development and educational opportunities that can apply your career and future endeavors.

• Leadership experience for both administrative and operational members.

• Free, comprehensive annual physical including immunizations, pre-screening, and follow-up care.

• A wellness program and access to the in-station gym and exercise equipment 24 hours per day.

• Social functions and events scheduled exclusively to show appreciation for the hard work our volunteers do every day.

• Discounts offered by businesses to fire and rescue volunteers, in Fairfax County and across America.

• On-duty insurance including life, injury, and disability insurance.

• The respect and thanks of a deeply grateful community. As a volunteer you identify yourself as someone who cares more about giving than about getting. The members of both the Lorton community and the county at large know to appreciate all that you will do for them.