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1. Do I need prior experience to volunteer or pursue a career with Botetourt Fire & EMS?

No experience required. Our Department will provide the necessary training for you to be successful, free of charge.

2. What kind of training will I need?

As a volunteer, depending on your area of interest, we offer Firefighter and EMT training along with many other courses that support these roles.

3. What qualifications do I need to meet?

• Junior Membership - You must be 16 years of age at minimum with parental consent to be considered for Junior Membership (with limited duties per County ordinance and Department policy).
• Regular Membership - You must be 18 years of age.
• All applicants must complete a drug screening and background check before they can be approved for membership at their preferred station. We also obtain DMV records during the application process.

4. How long does the recruitment process take for volunteers?

Once your application is submitted, you should receive a response from us in less than 72 hours. We will provide you with instructions on how to complete your drug and background tests, as well as immediately forward your application to the station of your preference. It is up to the applicant to complete testing, but the Department covers the cost of the necessary tests. Drug screenings typically come back in a few days and background checks can take a few weeks. If you have completed your tests but are awaiting results, no worries! Each station has someone from their membership team who will contact you so you can be involved in the meantime.

5. What are the volunteer options?

There are a range of opportunities to serve the Botetourt community. Along with firefighters and EMT roles, we also have Junior members that are welcome at ages 16+. The qualifications are mentioned above.

Some stations also have auxiliary or support members that assist with administrative tasks, marketing, public safety education and other duties.

6. Are there ways I can help my local station without becoming a first responder?

Definitely. Each station has different needs but some of those are administrative, marketing, public safety education, and equipment or building maintenance.

7. How much time will I need to spend as a volunteer?

Each station has different requirements and call volumes but you can expect to spend anywhere from a few hours per week, to as many as you would desire to commit.

8. What does it cost to volunteer?

There is no required cost to volunteer. The Department provides the necessary training and equipment to help you succeed.

9. What are the expectations for my 1st year as a volunteer?

A first-year volunteer should expect to be involved in the Department and station’s minimum training requirements to progress towards becoming a trained and certified firefighter or Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). Participation in station activities such as emergency responses, training sessions, and meetings would also be involved. Many stations have new member orientation packets which are also worked on throughout the first year, as a means of orienting new members to systems, processes, and expectations in these very important roles.