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

Mandatory Training


New PVFC members are encouraged to participate in duty crews, drills and be at the scene of a fire after some basic training, but they will be considered �Red Hat, Probationary Fire Fighters,� and restricted in fire fighting duties, until they have successfully completed the required in-house, State and County certified training.

There is an in-house training program that must be completed before a Red Hat is �cleared to ride� the apparatus to an emergency call. In addition, Red Hats must undergo extensive training (a minimum of 9 months of training two nights a week plus one weekday) and pass State and County practical and written examinations before they are awarded �Black Hat� (full firefighter status) and released from probationary status.

The following is further detailed in the Company By-Laws and will be discussed in depth the membership application interview.

Required for Associate (non fire-fighting duties) and Operational Red Hat status:
  • Volunteer Orientation: The purpose of this course is to introduce the new member to the fire and rescue system in Loudoun County. Volunteers are introduced to legal issues associated with volunteering as well as the benefits derived from volunteering.
  • County Physical: Candidates must be in good physical health and must pass this physical prior to training.
  • CPR: This is an 8 hour Healthcare Provider CPR course.
  • First Responder (optional for Associate): This course is designed to train the responder what to do if they are first on the scene. This course is often included as part of EMT-B or Firefighter I instruction.
  • Hazardous Materials Operations (optional for Associate): This 32 hour course is designed to train the emergency responder to deal in a defensive mode on hazardous materials incidents. Discussion includes properties of hazardous materials, containers, transportation hazards, and protective equipment.
  • Blood-Born Pathogens (optional for Associate): This course offers information to students regarding Infection Control Procedures.


Below are links to the in house training packets put together by our training committee (they are in PDF format please click here to download adobe to view these files.)
  • Breakdown of Overall Training
  • Training Packet Part One
  • Training Packet Part Two


    • Required for Operational Black Hat (full firefighter) status:
    • Firefighter I: This 135 hour course is an entry-level course for new fire fighters. The course is a combination of classroom study and practical scenarios that prepare the fire fighter to carry out most fire ground functions under direct supervision of an officer or experienced fire fighter.

    Recommended for Black Hat Status (required after 36 months of service):
    • Firefighter II: This 54 hour course is designed to build on the skills taught in Fire Fighter I and prepares the student to assume more of a leadership role on the fire ground. This course is currently taught in conjunction with FF1.

    Newly mandated training by FEMA to teach public safety personnel on how to interact with the National Incident Management System (NIMS). More info on FEMA NIMS Training:
    Advanced Courses for Firefighters (examples):
    • EMT-B (Emergency Medical Technicial - Basic): All members who wish to perform duties as an attendant must complete the entry-level 152 hour EMT-B course which is a combination of classroom study, practical scenarios and 10 hours of clinical rotations in a hospital emergency room. A 16 hour Vehicle Extrication course is provided in conjunction with the EMT course.
    • EVOC I, II & III (Emergency Vehicle Operation): All members that will be driving apparatus must take this course. The level of the course indicates the size of the apparatus.
    • Advanced Fire Training Levels: Includes Fire Officer 1 through 4 and Fire Instructor 1 through 4.
    • Specialized Training: These classes include Rope Rescue, Swift Water Rescue, Trench Rescue, Confined Space Rescue and Structure Collapse.


    Please visit the Loudoun County Fire & Rescue Web Site for information on the specific classes and what our members learn in them or see our Training Calendar to see when they are scheduled with links to course details.
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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