Volunteer firefighters and emergency medical technicians have served the citizens of Arlington since 1898.  Today, our volunteers work alongside of Arlington County Fire Department paid firefighters in a combination paid/volunteer system.  Volunteering provides exciting and rewarding opportunities.  Cherrydale volunteers provide additional staffing to Engine 103 and Engine 108 as well as own and operate Light & Air 103, which responds to most working fires in the County.

Volunteer Opportunities

Firefighter
These members supplement career firefighters on engines and ladder trucks. They also operate Light & Air 103 on a call-back basis.  Members must complete a 187-hour Arlington County Indoctrination program and within two years, a state certified Firefighter I/II course.

Emergency Medical Technician
Volunteers who have completed the state 120-hour EMT-Basic course can staff the all-volunteer basic life support ambulance which operates on weekends.  They also can supplement career paramedics as the third person on an advanced life support medic unit.

Administrative Membership
These members provide administrative support for day to day operations.  Administrative members can serve on the board of directors and assist with fund raising, treasury, station and equipment maintenance, and other essential duties.

Volunteer Firefighters and EMT's today

The fire and rescue service is one of the most diverse and challenging professions today.  It is the diversity that inspires most men and women to enter the service both as volunteers and career employees.  Imagine having to train to prepare yourself to cope with situations which range from building fires to childbirth to hazardous chemical spills to heart attacks, and almost any imaginable emergency situation in between.  This diversity is coupled with the fact that these skills may be needed at any time of day, seven days a week, in any kind of weather, and very often under potentially stressful and emotional circumstances.  These challenges contribute to our profession being personally rewarding.

This business is not for everyone. You need more than just a desire to help people.  You need courage and dedication, assertiveness, and a willingness to learn new skills and face new challenges.  And you need to have the time, for training sessions, meetings, emergency calls, maintenance of equipment, and other duties. The fire and rescue service is not for the meek or timid for those who lose control during times of crises.  Our service is one which calls on its members to perform hot, sweaty, dirty, and strenuous work, often in uncertain and hazardous environments.

The personal rewards and satisfaction received from the fire and rescue service are often beyond description.  There is a sense of accomplishment after controlling a building fire, joy and elation when a child is born, compassion for accident victims, and fulfillment in teaching fire safety.  This list goes on and on.

To find out more

Frequently Asked Questions

Requirements and Application Process