***Due to COVID-19 we have temporarily suspending recruitment. Our next Information Session will be held in early June. To be added to our recruitment email list, click here and complete the information***
Volunteering at Burke Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department (BVFRD) is an opportunity to serve the community but it is also a place to challenge yourself as an Operational Member (EMT or Firefighter) or an Administrative Member (committees, fundraising, community outreach. etc.).
We are currently recruiting for both Operational (EMT/Firefighters) and Administrative Members. Our Administrative Members help us with our fundraising initiatives (Bingo and Hall Rentals) and assist with the daily operations of running the department.
Operational Members typically serve a minimum of 240 hours a year/20 hours a month by attending membership meetings, fundraising, and serving at community service events, in addition to their required training and riding time.
We are especially looking for folks familiar with grant writing who might be willing to help us draft and submit proposals to State, Local and Federal funding agencies. In addition to grant writing, we are looking for members to assist with Website/Social Media and Public Relations needs.
We hold information sessions every other month, and attendance at an information session is the mandatory first step in the application process.
Click here to receive an email inviting you to the next Information Session.
During the Information Session, you will learn about the process of becoming a volunteer member, time and training commitments, as well as alternatives for participation (Fire, EMS, administrative, etc.). The information session will last approximately an hour. If you are unfamiliar with the fire station, we are located at 9501 Old Burke Lake Road, Burke, VA, 22015. When arriving at the station, you will need to take the service road between the station and the post office. There is a large parking lot in the back of our building. You will then enter the station through the double glass doors that face the post office, next to the flagpole.
If, after the information session, you are still interested in volunteering, the first of a series of one-on-one personal interviews with you will be scheduled. Please note that in order to have your initial interview, you will need to have a copy of your driving record from the DMV. Please also bring your driver’s license, social security card, and names for two personal references with phone numbers to your interview.
Timeline for becoming a volunteer Operational Member:
- Attend Information Session
- Complete the Station Interview Process
- Application sent to the Professional Standards Office for background check (3-8 weeks)
- BVFRD Board of the Directors Vote once the background check is complete (vote first Monday every other month)
- Attend VISIT (our in-house station training approximately two half day Saturdays)
- Attend Level I Training at the Fire Academy (approximately one month)
- Physical Examination
- Complete online ISC courses
- EMT Training classes (three months)
Approximate time from start to finish becoming a full member is one year to a year and a half.
