Volunteer Opportunities
Whether you're an adult or a teenager interested in volunteering, the Virginia Beach Fire Department has a role for you!
Volunteer opportunities are available for adults as Support Technicians and teenagers (age 14-18) as Fire Cadets. Continue reading to learn more about each program and how to apply.
Volunteer Support Technicians (VST) support firefighters with on-scene operations in the City of Virginia Beach. They staff the volunteer support trucks and provide the required air, lighting, and specialized equipment that are necessary to support firefighting.
Support Techs also assist in hose packing, equipment placement, scene accountability, firefighter rehabilitation, and other non-hazardous duties assigned by the Incident Commander.
The VST course is an 8-week training program. Applications are available year-round.
Volunteer Support Technician Application Process
Candidates who successfully complete the physical ability assessment will move forward to the background investigation phase. Fire Human Resources will review applications, DMV driving records, references, and state and federal background check results.
Candidates with satisfactory background results will move to the final step: a Safety Sensitive Physical (to be completed at the candidate’s expense).
Those deemed medically fit for duty who clear these final steps will be able to attend the Volunteer Support Technician training program.
Minimum Application Requirements:
- Must be 18 years old by the first day of the training program
- Must have a high school diploma or GED at the time of application
- Must have a valid United States driver's license at the time of application
- Must be eligible to work in the United States at the time of application
Additional Process Requirements:
- Must be able to lift, bend, and walk while carrying a minimum of 60 lbs
- Must comply with Fire Department's minimum disqualifiers
- Must pass a Safety Sensitivity Physical conducted by a licensed physician
- Must attend all scheduled training*.
*NOTE: Classes will include physical fitness activity, classroom instruction, and practical exercise.
Program Requirements:
- Successfully complete the Emergency Vehicle Operator Course (EVOC)
- Maintain current CPR and Basic First Aid certifications
- Volunteer a minimum of 36 hours per month (this may include training and meetings)
- Adhere to uniform and grooming guidelines for VSTs.
- Must not have any of the disqualifiers listed for career firefighters.
The Fire Cadet program is a hands-on, career-based program offered through the Virginia Beach Fire Department and the Office of Volunteer Resources.
The Cadet program is open to young men and women ages 14 (and completed the fourth grade) to 18 years old (in 12th grade) with an interest in learning more about a career in the field of fire and emergency services.
The VBFD Fire Cadet program exposes participants to many career experiences, leadership opportunities, and community service activities. Cadets meet the first and third Monday of each month and at the Harry E. Diezel Fire Training Center, 927 S. Birdneck Road. The program provides firefighting training, ride-alongs, career achievement, proficiency awards, training scenarios, and scholarship opportunities.
The primary goals of the program are to help young adults choose a career path within fire and emergency services and to challenge them to become responsible citizens of their communities and country.
Cadets of the Virginia Beach Fire Department was first organized on Sept. 11, 2012, as Fire Explorers. Cadets' core purpose focuses on assisting the youth in developing leadership skills. They also help to cultivate professionalism, build new personal skills, establish knowledge of fire dynamics, and an understanding of emergency call protocols.
The program provides participants with volunteer opportunities, team building, and proper equipment usage.
Students interested in attending the Cadet program should email VBFDCadets@vbgov.com for more information.
