Purcellville Volunteer Fire Company
Engine and Truck Company 2
"The Deuce"




Frequently Asked Questions


Q : Are there really "volunteers" in your stations? Aren't the calls actually run by paid firefighters?
A : The Purcellville Volunteer Fire Company is a volunteer organization. During daytime hours (6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.) there are two crews of career firefighters in the station. They are responsible for the first engine and tanker or the ladder truck during those hours. Additional apparatus that responds on daytime calls is staffed by volunteers. All night-time calls are handled entirely by our all-volunteer crews.

Q : I'm already busy at home with the kids' after-school activities. How much time does it take to be a volunteer firefighter?
A : Once you complete your initial training the Company asks only one night a week for duty crew and the second Monday of the month for a meeting of the entire membership.

Q : Does it cost anything to become a firefighter?
A: No. There are no joining or membership fees. All your equipment is provided free of charge either by the Company or by Loudoun County Fire & Rescue. Meals during crew nights are also paid for by the Company.

Q : What if I have to work late or be out of town on the night of my duty. What happens then?
A : We recognize ours is a VOLUNTEER organization, so if you have to be somewhere else (as occasionally happens) another firefighter will often cover in your absence.

Q : Why are Purcellville's trucks a yellow-green color instead of red?
A : The National Highway Safety Administration, along with the National Fire Protection Association (which sets standards for operations and training of the fire service) has found that the yellow-green color is more easily seen by other drivers, especially at night.

Q : I may not be able to commit right away to all the hours required for training. Are there different levels of membership?
A : Yes. Associate members are not required to work towards their firefighter certifications but contribute to the overall functioning of the Company in many other ways.

Q. What is the cost of the required training?
A.The required training for service as a volunteer is provided free of charge.

Q. After my initial training, how much time will I be expected to give as member?
A.The exact time requirements vary depending on what type of position you are looking for. For firefighters, we require they sign up for a duty shift that generally meets once a week (on a rotating basis). See our Duty Crews page for more information. Members spend anywhere from fifteen to sixty hours per month depending on their level of participation within Purcellville Fire.

Q. How much will I pay for my protective clothing?
A. All necessary protective clothing is provided by Purcellville Volunteer Fire Company at no cost to you.

Q. Who provides insurance coverage for my activities as a volunteer?
A. Both Loudoun County and Purcellville Fire provide insurance coverage for volunteer members. Coverage includes automobile liability while operating fire and rescue vehicles, accidental death and disability coverage and worker's compensation.

Q. Are volunteers directly compensated or paid for their services?
A. No direct compensation or pay is received by volunteer members. However, there are benefits such as a retirement plan, health insurance availability and tuition reimbursement. See our page on information about joining to see the list of Benefits.

Q. Do I need to live in Loudoun County to serve as a volunteer member?
A. No, you do not need to live in the County to volunteer. More than 30% of the volunteers live more than 5 miles from their company.

Q. Is it possible for me to concentrate my participation and specialize in either fire or emergency medical service, or must I participate in both areas?
A. Our Purcellville Volunteer Fire Company is only Fire, emergency medical service is provided by Purcellville Volunteer Rescue Squad. Each company has different requirements. Regardless of your preferences, there is a nearby volunteer company that can use you!

Q. Is there a required medical examination?
A. Prospective volunteers are required to undergo an entry medical examination.

Q. If I have current training certifications, will they count towards the County's training requirements?
A. Virginia has agreements for reciprocity with several states for the acceptance of both Fire and EMS certifications. Loudoun does require completion of challenge exams for EMS certifications if obtained in another jurisdiction of Virginia or a state in which there is a reciprocal agreement.

Q. Are there age restrictions for volunteers?
A. There is no maximum age. Our department requires members be at least 16 years of age.

Requirements Summary

  • At least 16 years old
  • Physical Exam
  • Background check


Training

Visit our Training pages to find out more on training.


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Purcellville Volunteer Fire Company
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 386
Purcellville VA 20134

Physical Address:
500 N. Maple Ave
Purcellville VA 20132

Non-Emergency Contact:
540-338-5961