We Need You!
OWL VFD is looking for new members to answer the call. No prior experience is needed. OWL VFD is one of the largest and busiest volunteer fire departments in the United States. 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 EMTs work the 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. shift, five days a week, plus 24/7 holidays and weekends.
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
EMTs are medical personnel who respond to emergencies and stabilize patients before they are taken to a hospital. An EMT is an entry-level patient care provider, followed by an EMT-paramedic. OWL VFD EMT trainees have the opportunity to respond to emergency calls while training to become an EMT. Responding to emergency calls, training in the stations and receiving classroom training will provide the foundation needed to become a successful EMT.
Firefighter
Firefighters are responsible for deploying hoses to hydrants, operating pumps to supply the water to hoses, climbing ladders, and using other tools to break through debris. Firefighters may also be required to enter burning buildings to extinguish a fire and rescue individuals, pets and/or property. Other responsibilities include responding to traffic accidents, hazardous situations, and medical emergencies, particularly as a majority of calls firefighters respond to are medical emergencies—not fires.
OWL VFD firefighters attend a training academy where they exposed to the methods and tactics required to become a Firefighter in Prince William County. They obtain a Virginia certificate for FF level 1 and FF level 2 as well as other critical courses to prepare them for a variety of emergencies that they may encounter. While attending fire training classes, you will be assigned to a crew and start learning on the job as you progress through the academy.
Junior Member
OWL VFD’s Junior Program is designed for members between the ages of 16 and 17 years and 11 months. A Senior Member of the OWL VFD manages the Junior Program with oversight from a Chief Officer. After core training and a physical are complete, Juniors may enroll in a Firefighter or EMT Class. They will also be permitted to ride on apparatus and respond on emergency calls. Juniors are not allowed to enter into IDLH (Immediate Danger to Life or Health environments) while on emergency calls, but may assist crews. During their training at the Fire Academy, they will be allowed to participate in all training.
Additional Requirements include:
- Have parental/guardian approval (a parent or guardian must attend the initial membership meetings)
- Have a minimum of a 2.5 grade point average in school on your most recent report card
- Not under suspension or expulsion from school
Administrative Member
Our administrative members provide valuable support to the public as well as our members. There are a variety of roles within OWL that give our administrative members a way to contribute to the success of our company. Our administrative members help educate the public, assist with logistical support, manage training for our members and many more functions. Administrative members give their time to ensure that our organization remains a leader in our community.