As you might suspect, membership in the CVFD requires a substantial commitment of time and energy, but as a member you are likely to find this aspect of your life to be among the most personally rewarding. Before committing to membership we want you to be comfortable with all that might be involved and with all that might be asked of you. You probably have lots of questions. Here are some answers to some of the ones you may, or may not, have thought about yet. We encourage you to contact us and with any questions we may not have thought to answer.

The first step in the membership process is attendance at one of our recruiting meetings:

This is an informal orientation to the Centreville Volunteer Fire Department. We will expand on the information contained here on our website, give you an opportunity to fill out a Membership Application, provide you with a tour of our facility and apparatus, and answer any questions you may have about membership in the Department. These meetings generally last about an hour-and-a- half. If you choose to fill out an application at this time we will also collect your application fee of $5.00, which also pays your first year's dues.

The next step is to attend a monthly general membership meeting and be introduced to our members. These meetings are normally held on the first Monday evening of the month in our Bingo Hall. The meeting starts at 7:00 p.m., but you should try to be there by 6:45, at least for this first time.

After you are introduced to the membership, you will be scheduled for your background interview with one of our investigators and will visit FRD headquarters in Fairfax for fingerprinting. Your membership with the CVFD is contingent on successful completion of a comprehensive background check.

Upon successful completion, you will be able to attend the next company meeting and be voted into probationary status.

New members remain in probationary status for six months. During probation you have all the privileges of membership except voting and holding office. Operational members take a physical, are issued equipment, and begin training during this time.

Assuming you meet the requirements of probation, at the end of the six months you will be eligible to be voted into full membership including the ability to vote and hold office.

All members are asked to attend at least six monthly membership meetings per year.

Administrative members must work at least two Bingo sessions per month. Operational members must work at least one Bingo session per month.

Active members must provide at least 240 volunteer hours per year. Bingo, training, meetings, and all "logged" activities count towards this annual 240-hour "minimum".

How long does all this take? Frankly, it varies, and a lot depends on you, and how much time you can commit. If you want to be a Fire Fighter and you are diligent,and willing to work hard, you should plan on it taking about two years from the time you join the CVFD until you are awarded your "Yellow Helmet". If you want to be an EMS-Only member, it will probably take at least a year to complete your EMT Training and gain the experience necessary to become a BLS Aide.

You're probably anxious to get "out in the field" and may be discouraged to hear that it takes a year or two to train. We know the feeling and so along the way you'll have many opportunities to "ride" with us and supplement your formal training with lots of practical experience and observation.

Steps to Join