Being a fire and rescue volunteer in Fairfax County is a uniquely rewarding experience. Our volunteers agree that the greatest benefits of volunteering are the skills you learn, the life-long friends you make, the chance to be part of a close-knit team, and the satisfaction and confidence you gain from serving your community. However, in addition to these benefits, volunteers in Fairfax County’s 12 volunteer fire and rescue departments are afforded many other benefits, reflecting the valuable service they render to the community every day.

The following are the personal benefits enjoyed by Fairfax County’s fire and rescue volunteers:

• World-class training (free of charge) in emergency medical care, fire suppression, and other rescue and administrative disciplines (swift water rescue, hazardous materials response, volunteer organization management, etc.)
• Property tax exemption (members who perform 240 hours of annual service are entitled to claim a personal property tax exemption on one vehicle registered in Fairfax County)
• Free access to Fairfax County’s recreation centers
• Professional development/educational opportunities
• Leadership experience (both administrative and operational)
• Comprehensive annual physical (conducted free of charge, including immunizations, pre-screening, and follow-up care)
• A wellness program
• Social functions
• Discounts offered by businesses to fire and rescue volunteers
• On-duty insurance (including life, injury, and disability insurance)