- 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.
- Your initial training takes place at Station 17. It is called
Volunteer In-Station Training, or "VISIT". You might also
hear it referred to as "20-hour" training. It takes place at
Station 17 over several evenings. VISIT is a familiarization
program where you will learn more about the CVFD, the
Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Department, and how we "fit"
together. All operational members are required to take this
training. Administrative members are encouraged to do so.
- Once you have successfully completed VISIT you will
attend "Level I" training at the Fairfax County Fire &
Rescue Academy. This is a 40-hour program scheduled over
several evenings, with a couple of weekend sessions too.
You'll learn how to protect yourself from a number of
hazards you might encounter in your fire service "career".
You'll also learn CPR, more on how the Fire Department
"works", and so on. Level I is required for all operational
members and optional for administrative members.
- Emergency Medical Technician - Basic (EMT-Basic) Training
is the next step for operational members. This course is
also held at the Fire & Rescue Academy. It takes
approximately 15 weeks and consists of about 140 hours
of classroom and practical work. Sessions usually meet two
weeknights and one weekend day per week. All operational
members attend EMT-B (or Level II) Training.
- If you want to be a Fire Fighter you then go on to Fire
Fighter (or Level III) training. This program takes about 20
weeks, with sessions meeting two weeknights, and usually
on Saturday and Sunday too. This is an intense and
rigorous program designed to thoroughly prepare you for
the challenges associated with fire suppression.
- To be a minimum staffing Fire Fighter, Basic Life Support
(BLS) Aide, or an Ambulance Driver, you must also attend
the Emergency Vehicle Operators Course (EVOC, or Level
IV). This is normally conducted as two weekday evening
sessions, plus a practical session (including a road test)
on a weekend day.
