What Does It Really Take to Be an OWL VFD Volunteer?
Here at OWL VFD, it takes all kinds of people to make our volunteer operation a success. Our volunteers serve in positions from the front lines to behind the scenes doing administration work. And though we are a diverse group of people, among us, you’ll find many similarities. These similarities help answer what it takes to be part of our team.
The Desire to Help Others
Ask any OWL VFD volunteer why they are part of our team, and you’re likely to hear that it’s because they want to help their community. Whether it’s helping with fundraising mailings, responding to fires and rescue calls, or training other team members, our volunteers know their actions directly serve our community.
Rescue Captain Stephanie Powers shared, “Volunteering is a call to service — it comes with the good and the bad,” she said. “But as much sacrifice, time and energy as it takes, it is worth it. When you run that first call where you helped someone in a way only someone with your training can, that is the best feeling in the world — whether that is doing something miraculous or simply holding someone’s hand on the way to the hospital.”
A Willingness to Try Something New
Ask any team member and they’re also sure to tell you that they’ve stepped outside of their comfort zone a time or two. Our positions bring something new every day, so you never know exactly what to expect. As a volunteer, it’s important to be open to new experiences and learn from what’s happening around you.
An Interest in Learning
The opportunities available to OWL VFD volunteers are endless. You can receive your EMT certification and rise through the ranks. You’ll learn through every call you respond to, and your teammates will help you expand your knowledge along the way. Volunteer fire and rescue offers opportunities for lifelong learning through a variety of paths for anyone looking to serve.
Fire Lieutenant Julia Jordano said, “I am now 30, have close to 10 years in a highly respectable fire department as a career lieutenant. I have been given endless opportunities by OWL, and they will continue throughout my fire service career.”
The Need to Pay It Forward
When those like Jordano rise through the ranks, what do they do next? They pay it forward by training others, of course.
“The absolute most rewarding experiences have been receiving thank you’s from members I spent time training,” she began. “A lot of time was put into making me great, still have several mentors who are feather birds. They continuously mold me to be better, to be a leader. Words can’t describe when you get a message from a past member thanking you for helping them and teaching them, taking the time.”
She notes that paying it forward and passing on the time invested in her is infinitely rewarding. Watching those she’s trained branch out, land jobs and go places successfully using the tools and information she provided is indescribable.
Powers also shared her thoughts on paying it forward.
“Training and giving back to my department has been the most rewarding experience for me so far. Whether it is putting together a class that hits close to home, helping someone overcome a particular challenge or mentoring someone new to the department, I view training as another call to service to help others,” she said.
The Desire to Be Part of a Community
There is no better place to become part of a community. This team supports each other — both in the field and in and outside of the firehouse.
“I joined to be a part of a community,” Powers said. “Growing up as a military brat, I never felt connected to where I lived until I started volunteering.”
“The comraderies and traditions run deep in our department; it reminds me a lot of the military, which was part of the appeal,” she said. “It is also a family — there is a bond there, that even when we disagree, we always have each other’s backs and care about the mission at hand.”
Ready to join our team? Come learn more about volunteering at OWL VFD.
Occoquan-Woodbridge-Lorton Volunteer Fire Department (OWL VFD) is one of the largest and busiest volunteer fire departments in the United States, with almost 300 members. OWL VFD provides fire suppression, EMS care and rescue services to 80,000 residents in our 27 square mile area through the operation of three fire stations. OWL volunteer Firefighters and EMT’s work the 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. shift, five days a week, plus 24/7 holidays and weekends. For more information on OWL VFD, become a fan on our Facebook page.