VOLUNTEER
WE ARE READY FOR YOU
The Tappahannock-Essex Volunteer Fire Department is an all-volunteer force of first responders to emergencies involving firefighting, fire suppression, emergency medical care, specialized rescue, motor vehicle accidents, marine rescue, residential and commercial fires, brush fires, and hazardous material response. The challenges are real. So are the rewards. Ride with us. Join us. And by the way, we’re ready for you.
RIDE WITH US
When there's trouble, you'll respond. You'll be ready, because you will be expertly trained.
In fact the first certification, Firefighter 1, requires over 144 hours of hands-on and classroom training. You’ll be surprised at what you can accomplish – even in a small but wonderful community like Tappahannock., Virginia. It’s a commitment, but you’re ready.
EVERY KIND OF JOB
The Tappahannock-Essex Volunteer Fire Department takes great pride in it's people, it's apparatus, and the quality of our training. When there's an emergency our people are the ones you want to see.
We have jobs for everyone, from communications to accounting to support. Whether you simply want to drive a truck, pull hose, or provide backup support, there's a role for you.
SO MUCH TO GAIN
It's a great job – but it is a volunteer job. But what you receive is so much more than just money.
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As a volunteer firefighter you gain self-confidence.
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You gain friendships that will serve you for life.
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You gain amazing stories that you'll tell the rest of your life.
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You'll gain a real understanding about who you are and what you can really accomplish in this life.
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You may even gain a career path. It happens a lot.
YOU CAN DO IT
Volunteer firefighters come in all shapes and sizes, and they all make it through the actual physical or hands-on training and the training that takes place in the classroom. The 110 hours of training can take as little as five months – and while you are in training you can still ride along and get involved, even before you receive your Firefighter 1 Certification.
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Training never really stops – and that's a good thing.
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You must first receive the Firefighter 1 Certification.
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There is a Firefighter 2 Certification if you are interested.
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Training can take place at the station or off-site for simulation exercises – sometimes in another part of the state. You might call those "road-trips."
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Subjects may include: HazMat training drills, physical fitness, and driver training.
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Some firefighters chose to get their EMT Certification.
FITNESS AND STRENGTH
Being in shape helps achieve the ultimate goal of improving firefighter safety and health and reducing injuries. But at TEVFD it's also fun. We do cardiovascular workouts, and agility training using "Insanity" programs, and weight training on circuit machines, and lift iron. It's hard sweaty work, but you will be challenged to achieve your personal best every time out.
Firefighters need to be ready for almost any event. They need to routinely carry loads of 50 to 100 pounds, climb stairs and ladders, swing heavy mallets and axes, drag heavy objects, hold, hoist and stabilize hose lines. They must also be able to recover quickly from these tasks and perform such activities for prolonged periods of time. Lets not forget that all these actions are routinely done in awkward positions and sometimes on unstable planes.
AVAILABLE COURSES
The Firefighter One Training provides training in confined space, forcible entry, emergency preparedness, respirator fit testing, OSHA compliance, hands-on fire department drills, and rescue training.
The Emergency Vehicle Driver Training (EVOC) course provides emergency vehicle operators with the knowledge and skills necessary to safely operate an emergency vehicle in emergency and non-emergency mode. Topics covered include legal aspects of emergency vehicle operations, navigation and route mapping, driver roles and responsibilities, basic driving skills, and proper driving procedures.
Join Us.....
If you are interested in volunteering with TEVFD, access the application at the link below. Complete and submit the application.
Only COMPLETE applications will be considered.
Once your application is received and reviewed, a TEVFD officer will contact you for next steps.
Criminal Background Check Form
DMV Driving Record Request
Mail: P. O. Box 807
Physical: 620 Airport Rd
Tappahannock, VA 22560
(804) 443-2111
If you have questions about volunteering with TEVFD, or would like to talk to a member of TEVFD, please complete this form and someone will contact you as soon as possible.