Volunteer Today

RECRUITMENT

SVFC holds monthly orientations for prospective members. Orientations are typically the last Sunday of the month, begin at 7pm and are at fire station 18 (46700 Middlefield Drive Sterling VA 20165). They are held the 2nd to last Sunday when holidays conflict. E-mail for more info:
membership@sterlingfire.org

2010 Scheduled Orientation Dates:
Sunday 9/26/2010
Sunday 10/24/2010
Sunday 11/21/2010
Sunday 12/19/2010

Thinking of Joining the Sterling Volunteer Fire Company?
There are different levels in the operational membership class. These are determined by certifications obtained through various training programs. SVFC is currently recruiting for two classes of volunteer membership:
• Operational members
• Associate members

OPERATIONAL MEMBERS
Operational members are assigned to a firefighting duty crew and participate directly in emergency response activities. These individuals serve on the front line of the busiest and most professional volunteer fire department in the Washington metropolitan area. Individuals interested in this class of membership must complete the Department’s application process, a Loudoun County physical examination, and a range of firefighting training courses, including:
• SVFC in-house recruit training program
• SVFC recruit probationary coursework
• NFPA hazardous materials operations course
• Virginia Emergency Medical Service (EMS) First Responder (FR) or Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification
• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Firefighter 1 course

SVFC maintains the highest standards for continuous training and professional certification. SVFC conducts additional in-house training and coordinates with Loudoun County’s fire and rescue system to provide advanced training for each of its operational members.

ASSOCIATE MEMBERS
Associate members perform a wide range of administrative support roles and activities. These members do not participate directly in emergency response activities, but instead, support the overall mission of the organization. Individuals interested in this class of membership must complete the Department’s application process and then work with the Department’s senior administrative staff to define their role and level of commitment. Examples of current associate member functions include:
• Administrative station staffing
• Fire ground canteen support
• Information technology support
• Infant/child seat installer
• Department photographer/videographer
• Department Chaplain

Basic Requirements
So, do you think you have what it takes to become a volunteer? Here are the minimum requirements to become a volunteer with the SVFC:
• Minimum age of 16 years;
• Attend one of our monthly orientations (Next orientation date is 6/27/2010 at 7pm. Call or e-mail for more info on what to bring with you);
• Complete application which includes a background investigation and physical evaluation;
• Complete Volunteer Recruit School, (Operational Member Only)
• Complete Firefighter I within 18 months of joining. (Operational Member Only)
• Attend department sponsored training sessions and meetings.

The personal rewards and satisfaction received from the volunteer fire and rescue service are beyond description. There is a sense of accomplishment after controlling a building fire, joy when a rescue is made, compassion for accident victims, and pride in teaching fire safety to the community. In addition to a desire to help people, you also need dedication, assertiveness, and a willingness to face new challenges.

Membership Benefits
SVFC provides its members with a family-like environment for everyone. Our members are students at local high schools, universities and colleges, are certified professionals in a multitude of industries, and work for both public and private organizations. Our members also come from many different backgrounds. Our stations are equipped with the latest computing tools, that are configured to meet the training and educational needs of all our members. Additional benefits to joining include:
• Virginia Automotive tax deduction.
• Free Fire and EMS training.
• Length of Service Awards Program (Retirement).
• Up to $4000 in tuition reimbursement.
• Sense of community involvement.
• Opportunities for advancement, both operationally and administratively.
• New, state-of-the-art fire equipment.
• Computing facilities.

How to Join?
So, are you interested in joining the SVFC? Please contact us through our E-mail: membership@sterlingfire.org. A membership committee representative will be in touch with you shortly. Thank you for your interest in the Sterling Volunteer Fire Company.