Join Our Team

Requirements for Firefighters

To become a member of the fire department, applicants must live within our response district and successfully complete an agility test. The test involves handling, moving, setting, and climbing ladders, and dragging a 165lb dummy. The test is generally administered on Wednesday evenings during routine clean-up sessions and will be conducted by a fire line officer.

Firefights are expected to attend a majority of monthly fire training sessions, weekly clean up/checkout sessions, and respond to as many calls as possible.

Fire members must also agree to attend a Firefighter 1 class and an Emergency Vehicle Operator’s Course (EVOC) within the first year.

Requirements for EMS

In order to become a member of the rescue squad, applicants must hold a valid Virginia or nationally registered EMT certification, or be enrolled in an approved EMT class. Anyone interested in joining the rescue squad who is not currently an EMT should contact our EMS Training Officer (emstraining@gvfrs.org) for information on upcoming EMT classes. Three or four classes are offered in the area each year.
Rescue squad members are also required to pull 24 hours of duty per month. This is generally done by running with a squad that pulls call each 6th night. Members must also attend at least 6 monthly training sessions each year (or other approved training).

Rescue members must also agree to attend an Emergency Vehicle Operator’s Course (EVOC) within the first year.

Step 1 – Application

The first step is to complete our application package. An application package may be picked up from Station 1 on Main Street. The package contains application forms with information about the applicant, instructions for obtaining fingerprints for a background check, and an authorization to obtain DMV records.

The completed application must be returned to Station 1.

Step 2 – Fingerprints & DMV

All applicants to a Fire and EMS organization are required by state law to submit fingerprints for an FBI background check. The State of Virginia is using a digital process to collect fingerprints which is available at select locations. Your application package contains specific instructions to completing this task that must be followed exactly. If you have questions about the process, please call the number on the instructions.

Background check results are normally returned to us with a couple of weeks. But they have been known to take up to 3 months.

GVFRS will request your DMV records. These are normally returned to us in 2 to 3 weeks. Out of state licenses often take much longer.

The application process cannot continue until the background check results and DMV records have been returned to us.

Step 3 – Interview

Once we have received your background check results and your DMV records, we will schedule an interview with our Board of Directors. This is an informal process conducted during our regularly schedule Board meeting and typically lasts 10 to 15 minutes.

Step 4 – Present to Membership

If your background check and interview meet our minimum requirements, your Application will be presented to our membership at the next monthly business meeting. You need to be present for your application to be presented. Your name will then be under consideration until the next regular monthly business meeting.

During the month your application is under consideration, you are encouraged to visit the stations to meet the members. Instructions for this will be provided when you are presented.

Step 5 – Voting on your Application

To become a member, the membership must vote on and approve your application. You must be present for your application to be voted on. If your application is approved by the membership, your membership will begin immediately. You will be asked to meet with the appropriate officers after the meeting to obtain equipment, squad assignments, and other information.