How often do I need to be at the station?
Operational members provide emergency Fire and Rescue services to the citizens of Prince William County Monday through Friday from 1800 p.m. to 0600a.m., all weekends and holidays.
How old do I have to be to join?
You must be 18 years or older and in good health to join.
- Some departments accept Junior members, ages 16 and 17, please contact your department of interest to learn more.
How much initial training is involved?
CORE CLASSES – During Red Hat, the new member will sign up for required classes known as Core Classes. You will take these classes during your Red Hat portion of training. They consist of:
- CPR – Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (8 hours)
- Infection Control (8 hours)
- Hazardous Materials Awareness (8 hours)
- Critical Incident Stress Management (4 hours)
EMT-B CLASS – (150+ hours) – If you decide to become an EMT (Emergency Medical Technician), classes run about 5 months and are Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays/Sundays or Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays/ Sundays. The weekday classes are from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. and the Saturday classes are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. These classes are offered throughout the year.
FIREFIGHTER CLASS – (140 hours) – If you decide to become a Firefighter, classes run about 3 1/2 months and are Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays/Sundays or Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays/Sundays. The weekday classes are from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. and the weekend classes are from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. These classes are generally offered about every four months.
What benefits will I receive?
- Free fire and rescue training classes provided at no charge
- L.O.S.A.P. – Length of Service Awards Program
- For every year you are a member, you will receive $10 per month when you reach retirement age. For example, if you are a member of SJVFD for 20 years, you will get $200 a month after you reach age 60. It is vested 50% after 5 years and 100% after 10 years.
- Station Uniform and Personal Protective Equipment provided
- Personal Property Tax
- If the title is in your name, you can choose one vehicle to be tax-free in Prince William County, Manassas City of Manassas Park. You will also receive a free county sticker if you live in Prince William County.
- Chance to develop valuable life & job skills
- Chance to meet new people
- Make a difference in your community
What is the difference between Operational and Administrative Members?
If you are applying to be an Operational Member (Running), you will be required to attend duty crews, required trainings and classes, and become either an EMT and/or Firefighter.
If you are applying to be a Administrative Member (Non-Running), you will be helping to keep the station running smoothly from day to day. Generally, it is whatever you feel you can contribute and applying any special skills that you may have. Some examples of what our Administrative Members do are:
- Organizing the Departments quarterly events.
- Planning and running fundraisers.
- Helping with mailings for Membership drives.
- Helping to find grants for our Department.
What is a Probationary Member?
Upon being voted in you will be on probation. After six months the membership will vote on whether or not to accept you as a full member.
While on probation, you will not be able to vote during company meetings or drive any department vehicles.
Are there any health/medical requirements?
You do not have to be able to run a marathon to join our department, but you do need to have a certain amount of stamina and agility to be able to become an EMT and/or a Firefighter.
Upon becoming a member, you will be asked to go to complete a medical physical during your probationary period.