How many of the resolutions you set at the start of the year did you actually stick with?
Each new year brings a chance to reset. We rethink priorities, routines, and the goals we hope will last. We make decisions to be healthier, more balanced, or more intentional with our time. Yet as the year goes on, many resolutions fade, especially when they are focused on quick wins or short-term change.
Volunteering isn’t a one-time resolution. It is an ongoing commitment that grows over time and creates impact not only in your own life, but in the lives of the people and communities around you. It also supports the resolutions we set each year, staying active, giving back, learning new skills, and finding deeper purpose.
If you are looking for a meaningful New Year’s resolution that helps others, builds real-world skills, and strengthens your connection to the Falls Church community, volunteering with the Falls Church Volunteer Fire Department (FCVFD) might just be the right fit for you.
How Volunteering with FCVFD Makes a Real Impact
FCVFD serves both the local Falls Church, VA community and the broader DC Metro area. Beyond responding to emergency medical calls, our volunteers play an active role in public safety, EMS education, and community engagement.
FCVFD members support a wide range of events in Falls Church throughout the year, including fire and life safety demonstrations, fundraising efforts, public-event standbys, SantaMobile, and major regional events such as the Marine Corps Marathon, Independence Day on the Mall, and the Falls Church Memorial Day parade and festivities.
Every role, on or off the ambulance, helps ensure Falls Church residents receive quick, effective, and compassionate emergency medical care and community support.
Training, Skills, and Experience That Go Beyond Volunteering
If you’re thinking about volunteering in the new year, you may be wondering “Do I need prior experience to volunteer?”
The answer is no.
We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds and provide the training needed to succeed as volunteer EMTs. Most training-related expenses are eligible for reimbursement, making it easier to gain valuable EMS experience without financial barriers.
As an FCVFD volunteer, you can expect:
- CPR & First Aid training
- EMT-Basic training through approved local programs (no prior medical or emergency experience required)
- Ongoing continuing education and hands-on clinical experience
- Free uniforms and access to department resources
These skills aren’t just valuable in emergencies or on the job, they’re skills you’ll carry with you for life.
There’s A Place For You At FCVFD
FCVFD offers flexible volunteer opportunities designed to meet people where they are. Members can choose between two primary paths:
Operational Members
- Serve as certified EMTs responding to emergency medical calls
- Staff apparatus and provide standby coverage at community events
- Operate under regional medical protocols alongside our partner agencies
Administrative Members
- Support fundraising, recruiting, public education, and compliance
- Assist with recordkeeping, logistics, and department operations
- Contribute a minimum of 50 volunteer hours per year
Both operational and administrative volunteers are essential to our mission, and both offer meaningful ways to give back to Falls Church.
Make Your Resolution Make a Real Difference
To learn more, join our upcoming Volunteer Information Session at Station 6 on Monday, January 12 at 7PM.These sessions are open to anyone interested and provide the opportunity to hear directly from current members, explore both operational and administrative roles, and get a feel for what volunteering with FCVFD looks like day-to-day.
Ready to apply now? Fill out our interest form and a member of our Membership Committee will be in touch. Here’s to a resolution that lasts longer than January, and makes a difference for years to come!
