VOLUNTEER- Fire-EMS

Salary: $0.00 Annually
Location : Hanover Courthouse, Hanover, VA
Job Type: Volunteer
Job Number: 202600013
Department: Fire/EMS - Volunteers
Opening Date: 01/15/2026
Closing Date: Continuous


Description
General Description: This is a skilled, technical position. The incumbent performs routine and complex tasks to provide emergency services to include fire suppression and emergency medical care. Under direct supervision, responds to fire alarms and other emergency calls to protect life and property; combats extinguishes, and prevents fires; drives emergency apparatus, including a life support unit; participates in rescue extrication operations and provides emergency medical care to the sick or injured; stocks and distributes firefighting and emergency medical supplies and equipment; and performs related work as required.

Essential Functions:

• Responds to fire alarms and a variety of emergency calls;
• Connects hose to hydrant, and pulls and deploys pre-connected hose lines;
• Wearing self-contained breathing apparatus and protective clothing, enters burning buildings with hose lines;
• Operates a nozzle and places a stream of water on a fire;
• Mounts and operates master stream appliances from an aerial ladder or elevating platform;
• Ventilates burning buildings by opening windows/skylights or by opening holes in roofs/floors;
• Positions ventilation fans to safely inject fresh air and exhaust heat, smoke, and gases;
• Performs salvage operations (e.g., removes fire debris and water, locates hidden fires, and operates shut-off valves for gas, electricity, oil, and water);
• Operates chemical and hand extinguishers;
• Raises, lowers and climbs ladders;
• Uses radio and computer-aided dispatch equipment;
• Drives motorized apparatus in emergency and non-emergency conditions;
• Operates fire pumps at proper pressures and flows;
• Searches for victims in burning, smoke-filled buildings or other hazardous environments; Removes persons from danger; Performs heavy rescue operations;
• Administers first aid to injured persons;
• Takes vital signs and stabilizes patient;
• Collects pertinent information for patient assessment, including the patient's medical history;
• Conducts assessment for treatment of a patient with trauma-induced injuries;
• Performs water rescues from land and boats;
• Assists in the search and recovery of drowned victims;
• Operates emergency lighting appliances;
• Operates self-contained breathing apparatus in hazardous environments and confined spaces;
• Identifies and protects flammable or hazardous materials at fire scene;
• Restores apparatus and equipment to service after use;
• Refills self-contained breathing cylinders;
• Maintains specialized fire equipment and protective gear;
• Studies area geography, street names and locations, target hazards, pre-plans, water supply, and other firefighting resources;
• Studies building construction to identify structural weaknesses and fire behavior;
• Instructs citizens in fire prevention and life safety techniques;
• Examines building plans for pre-fire planning purposes;
• Pre-plans for fires in residential areas to provide information regarding hydrant locations, exposures, types of occupancy, and areas of high life or monetary loss risk;
• Pre-plans for fires in industrial and commercial buildings to provide information regarding the location of hydrants and standpipes, building layout, hazardous material storage, occupancy patterns, and structural information;
• Participates in the inspection of businesses and public places for fire and life safety hazards;
• Inspects wiring and heating systems, basements, and attics of residences, and recommends ways to eliminate fire hazards;
• Inspects storage of hazardous and flammable materials and refers unsafe practices to the Fire Prevention Division;
• Inspects heating, cooling, ventilating, and electrical systems in commercial buildings and refers unsafe practices to the Fire Prevention Division;
• Inspects exits at public assemblies to ensure they are clearly marked, operate properly, and are clear of obstructions;
• Prepares inspection reports; Recognizes and preserves evidence on the causes of fires;
• Performs public relations duties (e.g., teaching school children about fire safety).
• Drives a Basic Life Support Unit or Advanced Life Support Unit in response to emergency calls, transporting victims to a medical facility;
• Conducts primary and secondary patient surveys;
• Provides and assists in rendering emergency care, such as opening and maintaining a victim's airway, giving positive pressure ventilation and cardiac resuscitation in a pulseless, non-breathing patient, controlling hemorrhages, treating for shock, immobilizing fractures, bandaging wounds, assisting in childbirth, and initiating poison and burn treatments;
• Performs triage assessment in a multi-casualty incident;
• Inspects scene of poisoning or drug overdose to determine the nature of poison, and identify antidote or treatment procedure;
• Treats a range of injuries requiring emergency care techniques within the scope of an Emergency Medical Technician -Basic (EMT-B);
• Assists in the extrication of entrapped victims, using prescribed techniques and appliances for removing the patient safely;
• Assures prompt medical care on delivery by reporting via radio, directly to the emergency department or control center, the nature and extent of injuries or the medical situation, as well as the estimated time of arrival;
• Performs routine preventive maintenance on the rescue vehicle;
• Stocks and maintains and participates in the inventory of supplies and medical equipment in the vehicle;
• Participates in medical equipment checks.
• Must volunteer a minimum of 12 hours per month/36 hours per quarter to active member status.

Working Conditions:

A. Hazards

• Chemicals/carcinogens - May be exposed to conditions, including routine exposure to severe weather, dust, smoke, noise, and fumes.
• Exposure to bloodborne pathogens
• Exposure to extreme temperatures and Immediately Dangerous to Life & Health environments
• Exposure to extreme physical and mental stress consistent with emergency environments
• Exposure to potential acts of violence
• Exposure to potential high-velocity impacts while working on roadways

B. Environment

• Field

C. Physical Effort

• Must be able to perform physically demanding tasks in all weather situations.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:


(The knowledge, skills, and abilities listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list.)

• Knowledge of laws, rules, regulations, departmental policies and procedures, standard operating procedures, training manuals and safety bulletins
• Knowledge of the purpose and operating characteristics of various nozzles, hose connections, and master stream devices;
• Knowledge of the friction loss/carrying capacity characteristics of various fire hose sizes/types;
• Knowledge of the chemistry and physics of fire, fire hazards, fire causes, and fire suppression;
• Knowledge of fire behavior, especially involving the likelihood of extension
• Basic knowledge of mechanics and hydraulics
• Basic knowledge of the chemical and physical properties of fire, smoke, and heat;
• Ability to understand and use a variety of modern firefighting and emergency medical techniques;
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written directions;
• Ability to apply judgment and deductive reasoning to information about fire situations, recognize the relevancy of each item of information, reach logical conclusions, and adopt an effective course of action using accepted techniques;
• Ability to define operational problems and devise appropriate solutions;
• Ability to remain composed in difficult or stressful situations requiring emergency action, and to make sound decisions promptly under emergency conditions;
• Ability to communicate clearly and accurately, both orally and in writing;
• Ability to organize ideas and present them effectively;
• Ability to read, understand and apply job-related, written material;
• Ability to learn streets, hydrant locations, location of target hazards, geography, and similar information concerning the response area to which assigned;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others;
• Ability to accept constructive criticism;
• Ability to utilize computers, the computer-aided dispatch system, and related equipment;
• Sufficient hand-eye coordination and dexterity to operate and regulate Fire Department pumps and perform physical firefighting tasks that involve tying knots, raising and climbing ladders, and connecting and disconnecting hose couplings and other hose appliances;
• Ability to drive pumping apparatus and perform firefighting tasks that involve pulling, lifting, and carrying;
• Ability to do strenuous firefighting work for occasional extended periods, and to change from a state of rest to a state of strenuous activity in a short period;
• Ability to effectively use the Electronic Patient Care Report (ePCR) handheld device.
• Attends training sessions and participates in drills
• Performs housekeeping tasks in fire stations and on the grounds of fire stations;
• Utilizing computers and other related equipment, maintaining records as necessary, and completing incident reports;
• Participates in firefighting, rescue, and emergency medical service duties.

Education, Experience, and Training: High school diploma or equivalent required with related education, experience, and training desired. Any equivalent combination of education, experience, and/or training sufficient to demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities is acceptable. (Volunteer High School Program excluded)

Special Conditions:

• Commonwealth of Virginia Driver's License Number (if applicable)
• Criminal Records Check, including fingerprinting
• Pre-membership Physical Examination/Drug test/Alcohol Screening, and repeated by policy thereafter (for operational personnel only)
• Shift Work, including weekends, holidays, and nights, and work beyond the normal work schedule
• Must wear the uniform, including safety equipment

• Junior members shall be enrolled in high school or junior high school, as required, and shall maintain a minimum grade of "C" in each class taken, as evidenced by copies of grade reports submitted by prescribed Standard Operating Procedures. Failure to maintain a "C" grade in each class shall result in suspension from the Department until the next scholastic grading period or receipt by Department administration of an interim report to provide proof the grade has been improved.

Revised Date: Jan 2025
Special Instructions to Applicants
PHYSICAL EXAM PROTOCOL REQUIREMENTS FOR OPERATIONAL VOLUNTEER APPLICANTS

Purpose: This protocol intends to provide Hanover Fire EMS Operational volunteer applicants an entry or non-entry physical, as part of the application process to become a full member at the Fire Station or Rescue Squad. Non-operational administrative members are not required to have physicals unless their membership status changes to Operational. The life safety of all volunteer members is paramount, and this protocol will provide the initial step in ensuring the well-being of department members.


Procedure: When being onboarded, the applicant must pass all other steps before conducting the physical exam. The Volunteer Membership Coordinator will contact him/her about setting up a physical appointment at Hanover's Occupational Health Provider. It is the station's responsibility to notify the Volunteer Membership Coordinator the prospective member is ready for an entry or non-entry physical. Those applicants planning to attend the fire academy will require an entry physical. The entry and non-entry exams include the following tests for prospective members:


ENTRY: complete physical examination and history; urine drug screen/urinalysis; spirometry/Pulmonary Function Test (PFT); Electrocardiogram (EKG); and Tuberculin Skin Test (PPD).


NON-ENTRY: complete physical examination and history; urine drug screen/urinalysis; and Tuberculin Skin Test.


All parts of the physical must be complete for the Occupational Health Provider to provide written clearance to Hanover Fire-EMS. The prospective member will not receive final approval until this notification is received. Should an applicant be under the age of eighteen, a parent or legal guardian must accompany to the physical; or be available by phone to provide personal information and permission.


1. The Virginia Office of EMS (OEMS), for EMS ONLY Volunteers, requires all applicants to be fingerprinted for a criminal background check. Fingerprinting will be coordinated through OEMS and instructions will be given during onboarding from the Volunteer Membership Coordinator.

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


Are you currently in the High School Fire program or will you be attending in the upcoming school year?

• Yes
• No

06


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

• Yes
• No

07


Which Volunteer Fire Company or Rescue Squad do you wish to join? (Check all that apply).

• Ashland Co. 01 - 501 Archie Cannon Road, Ashland, VA 23005 (FIRE ONLY)
• Beaverdam Co. 02 - 16150 Trainham Road, Beaverdam, VA 23015
• Eastern Hanover Co. 03 - 4428 Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville, VA 23111
• Courthouse Co. 05 - 13326 Hanover Courthouse Road, Hanover, VA 23069
• Henry Co. 06 - 9634 Chamberlayne Road, Mechanicsville, VA 23116
• Mechanicsville Co. 07 - 7161 Stonewall Parkway, Mechanicville, VA 23116
• Montpelier Co. 08 - 16861 Mountain Road, Montpelier, VA 23192
• Chickahominy Co. 10 - 10414 S. Leadbetter Road, Ashland, VA 23005
• Farrington Co. 11 - 14582 Mountain Road, Glen Allen, VA 23059
• Black Creek Co. 12 - McClellan Road, Mechanicville, VA 23111
• Ashcake Rescue 13 - 8375 New Ashcake Road, Mechanicville, VA 23116 (EMS ONLY)
• East Hanover Rescue 14 - 8105 Walnut Grove Road, Mechanicsville, VA 23111 (EMS ONLY)
• West Hanover Rescue 15 - 17005 Beaverdam Road, Beaverdam, VA 23015 (EMS ONLY)
• Ashland Rescue 16 - 203 Duncan Street, Ashland, VA 23005 (EMS ONLY)
• Flexible on the Fire Station within Hanover County

08


Which duty shifts would you be most interested in? (check one)

• Daytime
• Evening
• Weekends
• Varied/Flexible Schedule

09


How many hours a week are you interested in volunteering?

• 0-5 hours
• 6-10 hours
• 11-20 hours
• 20+ hours

10


As a member, which would you be most interested in? (Check all that apply).

• Entry - Firefighter
• Entry - Junior Firefighter (must have certifications)
• Non-Entry - Emergency Medical Services (EMT)
• Non-Entry - Junior Emergency Medical Services (EMT)
• Non-Entry - Administration

11


Please tell us about any prior volunteer experience you may have:
12


Please tell us about any prior Fire-EMS or Emergency Response experience you have. Include the County and State of those organizations:
13


Tell us what interests you about becoming a member of the Hanover Fire-EMS Department and how did you hear about this opportunity?
14


What qualities do you possess that would make you an asset to this organization?
15


Why are you choosing our Hanover County Fire-EMS versus other regional Volunteer Opportunities?
16


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

• Yes
• No

17


If yes, please list year(s) and type of violation(s):
18


Training Certifications. Please check any current Virginia Fire-EMS certifications that you hold:

• FF1
• FF2
• Mayday FF Down
• HazMat Awareness
• HazMat Ops
• EMT-B
• EMT-E
• EMT-I
• EMT-P
• Fire Instructor I
• Fire Instructor II
• Fire Instructor III
• Officer I
• Officer II
• Officer III
• EVOC Class I
• EVOC Class II
• EVOC Class III
• None

19


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.
20


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
21


Members under eighteen (18) years of age must have LEGAL PARENT OR GUARDIAN PERMISSION.To Whom It May Concern:By SIGNING below, I acknowledge that I am the legal parent or legal guardian of said applicant and give permission for him/her to pursue membership and participate in the authorized level according to guidelines and policies of Hanover County Fire-EMS Department. I also give permission for said applicant to complete the required department physical.INSERT, Legal Parent Email & Phone Number Entries
22


Please list your emergency contact's name, phone number, and relationship to contact.
23


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