You always hear about the police officers there to save the day whenever you call 911, but other heroes help more behind the scenes. In television shows, firefighters are portrayed to be getting kittens out of trees and putting little fires out here and there, but it’s far more than that. To be a Firefighter you have to be able to face fifteen-foot tall flames towering over you as you’re boiling inside your 60 pounds of gear, as the building surrounding you could collapse at any moment. You have to have the courage to push through the flames, glass, and destruction that’s in your way. You have to be able to be strong to lift heavy objects and people to bring them to safety. You think it would be easy but it’s not. You have to be determined, ready to work, and ready to save lives.

“A few years ago, during a thunderstorm a home close to mine was struck by lightning during the middle of the night and engulfed in fire. The fire trapped the occupants of the home on a second-story balcony. Working together, Fauquier County Career Fire Rescue personnel and volunteer members were able to assist the trapped occupants to safety and successfully extinguish the fire. The training I have received over the last 40 years enabled me to assist with this positive outcome for all involved.” said firefighter, Mr. Tarr. Fauquier Country holds a volunteer firefighter system and they need you. The volunteer rate has dropped in Fauquier County Fire departments. There are many reasons to volunteer, like giving back to your community, or the fact that being able to help someone who could be at their worst. There is free training provided to people, and when you choose to volunteer you become part of a huge family. The fire and rescue service is known for its family-oriented atmosphere and the ability to learn new skills and challenge yourself.

To volunteer you need to be at least sixteen years of age, and you need to complete and pass a country-provided medical physical. And successfully pass a criminal background check. If you are interested in volunteering with Fauquier County Fire Rescue you can contact the fire rescue station that you wish to join directly. You can email the Fauquier County Volunteer Fire Rescue Volunteer Coordinator at [email protected] Or you can visit the website at www.fauquierrescure.org. Once you have reached out through any of the sources, you will speak with a volunteer recruiter from the station you want to join. They will sit down and have a talk with you, explaining what is expected of you. You will then have to complete an application for a membership. Next, you will have a background check completed and participate in a medical physical examination. The onboarding process normally takes approximately thirty to forty-five days. 

The acceptance rate is ninety-eight percent. Most membership denials are due to someone not successfully passing the criminal background check and the required drug screening. The fire science program is offered to Fauquier High School, Kettle Run High School, and Liberty High School students. The class takes place at the Fauquier Fire Rescue Training Center located at 210, Hospital Drive, Warrenton VA. A mode of bus transport is provided from each of the county high schools. 

You have to be a member of the Fire Rescue Department before the first day of class. By being a member, you will be issued your Personal Protect Equipment also known as a “PPE” covered by the County insurance policy. There are many reasons you should join the class program. You are preparing yourself for a rewarding career. You can achieve your Virginia State Firefighter-1 and Hazmat Awareness certifications. You can learn new skills that will prepare you to help a community member or a neighbor in a time of need. to be a part of something bigger.