Join Us
Become a Volunteer Firefighter or EMT with the Cherrydale Volunteer Fire Department!
Since 1898, volunteer firefighters and emergency medical technicians have proudly served the citizens of Arlington. Today, our dedicated volunteers work alongside the Arlington County Fire Department (ACFD) in a combination paid/volunteer system, providing exciting and rewarding opportunities. Cherrydale volunteers not only supplement staffing throughout Arlington County but also own and operate Support 103 and Utility 103, both of which respond to most working fires in the county.
Volunteer Opportunities
Administrative Membership
Administrative members play a crucial role in the day-to-day operations of the CVFD. They can serve on the board of directors and assist with community outreach, fundraising, treasury, station and equipment maintenance, and other essential duties. We are especially in need of individuals with fundraising or grant writing experience. Your skills can make a significant impact!
Firefighter / EMT
Our Firefighter / Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) volunteers supplement career firefighters and EMTs on engines, ladder trucks, rescue units, and medics. They also operate Support 103 on a call-back basis and staff Utility 103 during storms and special events. To join, members must complete the Arlington County Fire and Rescue Association Orientation program and, within two years, both a state-certified Firefighter I/II course and an EMT course. At CVFD, we require our volunteers to acquire both FF I/II and EMT certifications.
Why Volunteer?
The fire and rescue service is one of the most diverse and challenging professions today. This diversity inspires many to join, both as volunteers and career employees. Imagine training to handle situations ranging from building fires to childbirth, hazardous chemical spills to heart attacks, and almost any imaginable emergency in between. These skills may be needed at any time, day or night, in any weather, often under stressful and emotional circumstances. These challenges make our profession incredibly rewarding.
Volunteering with the CVFD is not for everyone. It requires more than just a desire to help people. You need courage, dedication, assertiveness, and a willingness to learn new skills and face new challenges. You also need to commit time for training sessions, meetings, emergency calls, equipment maintenance, and other duties. The fire and rescue service is demanding, requiring members to perform hot, sweaty, dirty, and strenuous work, often in uncertain and hazardous environments.
However, the personal rewards and satisfaction from this service are 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. The list goes on and on.
Join us and experience the profound impact you can make in your community. Your journey with the Cherrydale Volunteer Fire Department starts here!