Volunteering FAQs

18 is the minimum age to be a fully functional operational (firefighter/EMT) volunteer. We offer a junior volunteer program for 16-17 year olds (https://ashburnfirerescue.org/volunteer/junior/).  Administrative volunteers can join at age 16.

We all have families, jobs and even like to take a vacation once in a while.  If you can’t make it to your assigned duty crew, you are responsible for finding another member with the same or higher qualifications to cover your shift.  Notify your officer and make every effort to find a replacement.  We have minimum staffing requirements and your absence may put an apparatus out of service for the night.

Our volunteers come from all walks of life. By day, we’re dentists, accountants, mechanics, nurses, former military personnel, students, homemakers, sales representatives. We’re parents and grandparents. One night a week, we fulfill our role as volunteer firefighters and EMT’s calming fears, easing minds, saving lives. We won’t lie to you; volunteering takes time. Everything worthwhile does.

No. Contact us at eventhelp@ashburnfirerescue.org if you are interested in working an event.

Complete our Online Application Form and someone will contact you soon. We also have a Volunteer Interest Meeting on the last Tuesday of every month, starting at 7:00 p.m. at Station 6. Please come to ask questions and get more information.

The process is explained in detail on the Steps to Join Our Team page. To start the first step, complete the Online Volunteer Application.

Yes, you can ride other apparatus, but you can only perform duties that you are qualified for (e.g. an EMT that is not a certified Firefighter cannot go into a burning building if they are riding on the Engine).  Firefighters are encouraged to become certified Emergency Medical Responders (EMR) or Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) and as such could be qualified to staff an ambulance.  Firefighters can also be released as ambulance drivers.

Once you complete Volunteer Recruit School (VRS), you are allowed to ride an engine or ambulance.

Currently, the county will pay for property tax on one vehicle provided you fulfill the requirements for the tax break and live in Loudoun County. The requirements are based on the number of hours spent volunteering and attendance at monthly station meetings.

If you are injured while performing volunteer duties, you are covered by worker’s compensation.

Yes. Within the department, we have Chief, Assistant Fire Chief, Assistant Rescue Chief, appointed Captains, Lieutenants and Sergeants.

No. The station has a bunk rooms for you to sleep. When a call comes in, an alarm goes off to wake you up.

All volunteers must pass a criminal history check and driving history check. Operational members must also complete a physical exam, drug screening, and be fluent in the English language.  EMTs must have a high-school diploma or GED.

Yes, you must be at least 16 years old. Volunteers who are 16 or 17 years of age are considered Junior Members.

Both are offered at no cost to members. The county and department cover the costs of training and personal protective gear.  Most uniform items will be provided but some items may need to be purchased by the members.

You will be. The station and the county provide free training in emergency response skills. Before you are released as a firefighter or EMT, you’ll have to complete the training and pass a test. In addition, duty crews run training drills and practice scenarios to constantly reinforce these skills.

You don’t have to quit your day job. Our volunteer firefighters and EMTs serve on a duty crew one night a week, from 18:00 to 06:00. You are also required to attend a Saturday shift every six weeks. In addition, training is provided on evenings and weekends so as not to interfere with work schedules. Administrative volunteers help staff weekend events and perform other duties as needed, often on a flexible schedule.

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