ACFRA - Membership Information

Membership



If you feel you have what it takes to meet the challenges of our business, we welcome you to join us. We have provided a list of frequently asked questions to help you learn more about membership in our organization.

What role do volunteers play in the Arlington County Fire Department?

Arlington County Fire Department is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by career firefighters and paramedics. Volunteers ride with career crews, working alongside county personnel and assisting as members of the crews in whatever capacity is needed. Volunteers do not count as minimum staffing and therefore do not take the place of career personnel on a shift. When situations dictate, volunteer units may be placed in service to supplement existing county resources. For example, volunteers routinely staff a Basic Life Support Ambulance, especially when call volume is high.

In addition to responding to emergency incidents, volunteers perform public education demonstrations, fund raising activities, public event standbys, apparatus maintenance, and many other services.

I want to volunteer, but I am unable or uninterested in performing in emergency operations. Can I still help?

Absolutely! Administrative membership is intended for citizens who are interested in assisting our Department, but lack the physical ability or the desire to participate in emergency operations. Administrative members assist in a variety of Department functions, including fundraising, record keeping, and fire prevention.

What type of training is required?

Volunteers must attend a 22-session indoctrination class that offered either once or twice a week. The class includes information about Firefighting, EMS, and general administrative topics. The course is designed to provide our new volunteers with the minimum skills needed to participate in Fire Department operations safely.

The class meets weeknights, generally from 7:30 PM-10:30 PM. Both written and practically examinations are provided at the conclusion of the course. Members who pass the class are permitted to ride fire apparatus and can perform several, but not all, firefighting functions.

Indoctrination training is offered throughout the year and new classes are held on an as-needed basis.

To ride on an ambulance or medic unit members must obtain Virginia EMT-B certification. This certification is in addition to the indoctrination training described above. This certification is offered at a variety of colleges and universities in the area and most of the course expense is reimbursable by the ACFRA.

Volunteers interested in firefighting can also obtain certification as a structural firefighter. This training is offered periodically by the volunteers in a 300 hour class.

I’m interested in EMS, not firefighting (or vice versa). Do I have to learn about both?

EMS and firefighting are very closely linked in Arlington County and volunteers must complete indoctrination training in both specialties when they join the organization. After this initial training a volunteer may elect to specialize in one area, however, members are strongly encouraged to cross-train in both topics.

What are the ongoing minimum requirements?

To remain a member in good standing, Operational members must meet the following minimum requirements:
Beyond this, some members contribute substantially more time and resources to the department depending on other obligations, special skills, and interest. Nearly all of our volunteers have full-time jobs in addition to their commitment to the department.

I don’t live in Arlington County. Can I still join?

This is not usually a problem. However, prospective members are encouraged to seek volunteer Fire/EMS opportunities in their area and choose the department that suits them best. Our Volunteer Recruitment Coordinator can assist you in locating Fire/EMS agencies in your area.

I don’t know how long I will be in the area. Can I still join?

New members are asked to commit a minimum of two years to the organization. Taking into account all of the necessary training, this is the minimum amount of time that will provide you with a truly rewarding experience.

How do I join?

Membership is obtained by becoming a member of any of the seven member companies of the Arlington County Fire and Rescue Association.

If you are interested in learning more about joining one of the member companies, simply fill out the form below and click "submit". A member of our association will contact you to discuss volunteer opportunities in your area.

Enter your name:
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The application for volunteer membership is available in Adobe Acrobat format by clicking HERE.

If you should have questions, please feel free to email us at Membership@acfra.org. Thank you for your interest in our organization!