VOLUNTEER - Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Member

Salary: $0.00 Annually
Location : Varies, different locations in Hanover County, VA
Job Type: Volunteer
Job Number: 202600014
Department: Fire/EMS - Volunteers
Opening Date: 01/15/2026
Closing Date: Continuous


Description
General Description:

• The Community Emergency Response Team ("CERT") is a group of specially trained, non-operational civilians who provide support to the Department's response team during times of disaster relief. All CERT members must undergo a background investigation conducted by Department administration and be approved for membership by the Chief. All CERT members serve at the discretion of the Chief.
• Members support training of county residents in basic emergency preparedness with classes and outreach at events.
• Members support events at the request of county departments, the Town of Ashland, and mutual aid partners in various roles to maintain public safety.
• Members may be deployed during incidents, supporting first responders, local law enforcement, and other county departments in the form of administrative or other duties as assigned by the Emergency Manager.

Essential Functions:

• This position requires taking the CERT Basic course prior to completing the online application, and then the applicant will be designated as "active" within the Unit.
• Perform tasks according to ability during events and incidents. Tasks vary depending on the assignment and can range from data entry to pedestrian safety to victim role play.
• Maintain good standing and training with the team as prescribed by the bylaws.
• Advanced level certification is available with higher duties and training opportunities.

Special Conditions:
• Must be at least eighteen (18) years old
• Valid Commonwealth of Virginia Driver's License and Driving Record
• Criminal Records Check

Supplemental Information


Hanover County is proud to provide the following benefits to volunteer emergency responder

• Free basic training in both fire and EMS disciplines
• Uniforms (as available) and personal protective equipment
• Personal Property Tax Relief for the vehicle the volunteer uses for response

(Applies to motor vehicles owned or leased by volunteer rescue squad or fire company members.
One motor vehicle which is owned by each volunteer rescue squad member or volunteer fire company member, or leased by each volunteer rescue squad member or volunteer fire company member if the member is obligated by the terms of the lease to pay tangible personal property tax on the motor vehicle, may be specially classified under this section, provided the volunteer rescue squad member or volunteer fire company member regularly responds to emergency calls.

The volunteer shall furnish the commissioner of revenue with a certification by the chief or head of the volunteer organization, that the volunteer is a member of the volunteer rescue squad or fire company who regularly responds to calls or regularly performs other duties for the rescue squad or fire company, and the motor vehicle owned or leased by the volunteer rescue squad member or volunteer fire company member is identified. The certification shall be submitted by January 31 of each year to the commissioner of revenue; however, the commissioner of revenue shall be authorized, in his discretion, and for good cause shown and without fault on the part of the member, to accept a certification after the January 31 deadline. A replacement vehicle may be certified and classified pursuant to this subsection when the vehicle certified as of the immediately prior January date is transferred during the tax year.
Hanover County Code: Sec. 22-50. - Other classifications of tangible personal property for taxation.)
Hanover County is proud to provide the following benefits to volunteer emergency responder

• Free basic training in both fire and EMS disciplines
• Uniforms (as available) and personal protective equipment
• Personal Property Tax Relief for the vehicle the volunteer uses for response

(Applies to motor vehicles owned or leased by volunteer rescue squad or fire company members.
One motor vehicle which is owned by each volunteer rescue squad member or volunteer fire company member, or leased by each volunteer rescue squad member or volunteer fire company member if the member is obligated by the terms of the lease to pay tangible personal property tax on the motor vehicle, may be specially classified under this section, provided the volunteer rescue squad member or volunteer fire company member regularly responds to emergency calls.

The volunteer shall furnish the commissioner of revenue with a certification by the chief or head of the volunteer organization, that the volunteer is a member of the volunteer rescue squad or fire company who regularly responds to calls or regularly performs other duties for the rescue squad or fire company, and the motor vehicle owned or leased by the volunteer rescue squad member or volunteer fire company member is identified. The certification shall be submitted by January 31 of each year to the commissioner of revenue; however, the commissioner of revenue shall be authorized, in his discretion, and for good cause shown and without fault on the part of the member, to accept a certification after the January 31 deadline. A replacement vehicle may be certified and classified pursuant to this subsection when the vehicle certified as of the immediately prior January date is transferred during the tax year.
Hanover County Code: Sec. 22-50. - Other classifications of tangible personal property for taxation.)
01


Date of Birth (MM/DD/YYYY)
02


Social Security Number (xxx-xx-xxxx)
03


Phone Carrier for Emergency Response (Verizon, T-Mobile, etc.)
04


Are you at least 18 years old?

• Yes
• No

05


Have you ever applied for a position with Hanover Fire EMS?

• Yes
• No

06


How many hours a week are you interested in volunteering?

• 0-5
• 6-10
• 11-20
• 20+

07


Please tell us about any prior volunteer experience you may have:
08


Please tell us about any prior Fire-EMS or Emergency Response experience you have. Include the County and State of those organizations:
09


Tell us what interests you about becoming a member of the Hanover Fire-EMS Department and how did you hear about this opportunity?
10


What qualities do you possess that would make you an asset to this organization?
11


Why are you choosing our Hanover County CERT Program versus other regional Volunteer Opportunities?
12


Have you been convicted in the last five (5) years of any criminal violation(s)?

• Yes
• No

13


If yes, please list year(s) and type of violation(s):
14


I hereby authorize Hanover Fire-EMS to conduct a background investigation in connection with my Volunteer application to determine my suitability as a Hanover Fire-EMS Volunteer. This investigation may include information regarding my residential history, schools attended, present employer, previous employers, previous applications to public safety agencies, personal references, professional references, financial status, criminal history, Division of Motor Vehicle records, physicians, medical records, and other appropriate sources. I understand my personal information will only be disclosed to the extent needed to conduct this background investigation. I authorize the release of any information that Hanover Fire-EMS may request from the above sources, for the purpose of conducting this background investigation. A copy of this release shall be as valid as the original document. I also understand and agree that all information received by Hanover Fire-EMS in connection with this application and background investigation is confidential and shall not be disseminated, except in compliance with the Government Data Collection and Dissemination Practices Act, Virginia Code § 2.2- 3800 et seq., or as otherwise required by law.I understand that any misrepresentation of facts in this application will be considered just cause for dismissal at the discretion of Hanover County Fire-EMS. In the event that I am allowed to volunteer, I understand that I am required to abide by the policies and procedures of Hanover County and Hanover County Fire-EMS.By typing in my INITIALS BELOW, I certify that I have read and agree with these statements.
15


All applicants shall read the Hanover County Fire-EMS Mission and Vision Statement, Honor Code, and Department Values listed below.Training requirements may vary depending upon membership you are applying for.Mission StatementOur mission is to provide elite service with compassion for a safer community.Vision StatementOur vision is to be a high-performance emergency response and mitigation system that meets the current and future needs of the citizens of Hanover County in response to all emergencies, accidental, natural, or manufactured. Honor CodeAs a member of Hanover Fire-EMS, I will not lie, cheat, steal, nor tolerate those who do.Department ValuesPride - The quality or state of being proud of one's achievements or the achievements of those with whom they are closely associated.Members shall be held to high standards with attention to detail, accuracy, professional appearance, treatment of citizens, customers, and coworkers, accountability, growth, willingness to learn, and work ethic, and will be expected to behave in a manner that represents strict adherence to moral and ethical values.Accountability - An obligation or willingness to accept responsibility or to account for one's actions.Members shall display self-respect. They shall treat others as they wish to be treated. They shall hold great regard for all they serve and protect their dignity by admitting mistakes, using time wisely, knowing their position, apologizing when necessary, taking ownership by being honest, and having strong ethics and character.Courage - Mental or moral strength to venture, persevere and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty.Members shall hold others accountable, ask appropriate questions, and speak succinctly and with candor. Members shall take the initiative to stand up for these values, combat complacency and act as strategic advisors. Teamwork - The combined action of a group of people, especially when effective and efficient.Members shall help others
16


Please list your emergency contact's name, phone number, and relationship to contact.
17


Beneficiary Designation (Hartford Form PA-2218-5) NAMING THE BENEFICIARY: It is important that your beneficiary designation be clear so that there will be no question as to your meaning. Please state beneficiary name and relationship of each beneficiary.
Required Question