VOLUNTEER
Recruitment and retention of volunteers is one of the biggest challenges facing Bedford County Department of Fire & Rescue (BCoFR) and emergency services nationwide today. Bedford County has numerous agencies that offer opportunities for YOU to serve your community as a first responder. We would LOVE to tell you more about the amazing things our volunteers are doing every day! If you have time and would like to lend a hand to your local fire or rescue agency, please click on the following link to fill out a volunteer application with BCoFR:
What can you expect after you apply? Once your application is received it will be processed by our staff and your information will be processed through Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles and Virginia State Police for a thorough background check. Applications successfully completing the background checks will be forwarded to the appropriate fire or rescue agency. The agency will then be in contact with the candidate.
Commitment:
Agencies are committed to aiding BCoFR in continually meeting the mission:
To protect the lives and property of the citizens and visitors of Bedford County while providing safe, timely, compassionate, effective and efficient services.
In order to meet the mission, members must be willing to give of their time as outlined by their particular agency. Most agencies require a minimum level of participation in order for members to remain 'active', this may mean that you as a volunteer have to dedicate a certain number of hours per week or month. If you are a certified responder you may be required to run a certain percentage of calls in which the agency responds; regardless of the particular agency guideline, understand that you may be called into action at various times of day or night.
Non-certified volunteers:
Agencies throughout the county have a need for volunteers that are non-certified members. These members may assist with tasks like fund raising, community outreach, support services, and business operations.
Certified Volunteers:
Agencies throughout the county require that primary responders be certified to a minimum level within one year of membership. Basic training for fire department personnel includes becoming certified as a VDFP-Firefighter I- this is a course that is offered annually free of charge to county volunteers. Basic training for emergency medical personnel includes becoming certified as a Emergency Medical Technician-Basic (EMT-B) this is a course offered annually free of charge to county volunteers.
We hope you consider becoming a volunteer within our community. If you have additional questions about volunteering, please feel free to contact Deputy Chief Janet Blankenship at 540.587.0700.