Volunteering

Roanoke County Fire and Rescue Department is a combination system. We have both career and volunteer personnel providing fire and rescue services for the citizens of Roanoke County.

Our Fire and Rescue Department includes 12 stations strategically located throughout Roanoke County. We have 15 fire and rescue volunteer organizations with about 200 active volunteer personnel who serve as either firefighters, emergency medical technicians or rescue drivers.

Being a Volunteer Firefighter

Volunteers typically serve during the hours of 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. weekdays and 24 hours on weekends and holidays. Our volunteers have 18 months from acceptance to become certified as an emergency medical technician/Basic, Emergency Vehicle Operator Course (EVOC) rescue driver or Firefighter 1. Volunteers meet ongoing training requirements in order to remain certified and skilled.

Requirements

Our typical volunteer is at least 18 years of age. Some of our organizations do offer a junior program for 16- and 17-year-olds with parental permission. All volunteers go through an application process that includes a Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and State Police criminal history screening, Department of Motor Vehicle screening, and reference checks. Volunteers who are 21 years of age may become certified to drive emergency vehicles if they have a favorable driving record.

Benefits

We appreciate and honor our volunteers every chance we get. Roanoke County provides our volunteers with:

• Free annual Vehicle License Fee Voucher valued at $20
• Personal protective gear
• Volunteer Incentive Program (VIP) valued at up to $500 annually
• Workers compensation coverage
• Other fun and rewarding recognition events

If you are interested in volunteering and would like more information, please complete the Volunteer Interest Form and watch our Volunteer Recruitment Video.