Frequently Asked Questions

I have submitted in my membership application but I have not heard from anyone?

Applicants will receive an email explaining the next step in the selection process. If you have not received an email within 30 days after you submit your application please email membership@cvfr.net

I received my letter for an “Information Gathering Session” but I am unable to attend.

Applicants that fail to appear for their first meeting will be carried over one month and will be invited to attend the next scheduled “Information Gathering Session.” If you are unable to attend you should contact someone on the Membership Committee as soon as possible.

What happens at the “Information Gathering Session”?

There is a brief overview provided so applicants are aware of what it means to become a volunteer in Spotsylvania County with the Chancellor Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department. Applicants will complete needed paperwork to continue in the selection process. Applicants must successfully complete a 50 question multiple choice general knowledge test and essay questions. A $10.00 deposit is required at this time for a CPR textbook. This deposit is returned upon returning the textbook at the conclusion of the CPR course.

Should I study for the general knowledge test?

The general knowledge test measures an applicant’s ability to read and understand written information, reading maps and understanding diagrams, mechanical reasoning and numerical skills. The test does not measure firefighting or EMS skills or knowledge.

What happens after the “Information Gathering Session”?

The next step in the selection process is to attend an “Applicant Orientation” and complete American Heart Association Healthcare Provider CPR. The “Applicant Orientation” focuses on the requirements of being a member of the Chancellor Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department.

After attending the “Information Gathering Session” I have determined this may not be able to commit to the duty requirements or the training requirements, what should I do?

This is a common concern of many applicants. Only you know your current lifestyle requirements and how many additional activities you can fit into your schedule. Many Probationary Members report back after only a few months that they underestimated the time requirements of being a volunteer. Keep in mind that many of the training courses are college level classes and require many hours of study outside of the classroom environment. We ask that all applicants be honest with themselves and the Chancellor Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department whether you truly have the time to commit to this new journey in your life.

I heard I could do a ride-along to determine if volunteering is right for me.

You may do a ride-along on an ambulance but no ride-along is permitted on the fire trucks. A ride-along form must be complete prior to the scheduled ride-along and approved. Individuals may only ride on the ambulance once every six (6) months.

Now that I have completed the “Applicant Orientation” and CPR what is next?

In the next step in the selection process you will be given a scheduled appointment to appear before an interview panel.

What type of questions will be asked by the interview panel?

The questions will be generalized questions to get to know the applicant and their character. There will be no fire or EMS skill based questions. This process is a formal interview and candidates should be prepared to attend in Business attire.

What happens after the interview?

The Membership Committee will make a determination whether to recommend you for membership to the members of the Chancellor Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department.

What does it mean to be voted into membership with the agency?

All individuals currently in the membership selection process will be announced at a regularly scheduled business meeting. The membership of the Chancellor Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department then decides which individuals will be granted affiliation with the agency. Most individuals voted into membership will serve a period of not less than six (6) months on probationary status.

What Station or Company will I be assigned to?

The Assistant Fire Chief’s and Rescue Chief will assign you to the Station or Company that you will report to. This information will be forwarded to you upon becoming a member with Chancellor The Assistant Fire Chief’s and Rescue Chief will assign you to the Station or Company that you will report to. This information will be forwarded to you upon becoming a member with Chancellor Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department.

What if I would like to do both Fire and EMS?

This is certainly acceptable and many of our current members do both roles within the department. Please let the Membership Committee know when you meet with them which role you feel you may be more involved in and your Station or Company assignment will be selected based on that information.

Should I contact the Captain of the Station or Company I have been assigned to or should I wait for him/her to contact me?

All Captains are given a listing of new members voted into the department and their contact information. Our Captains are very active in the daily operational duties at their respective Stations or Companies so please do not hesitate to contact them if you have not heard from them within the week of becoming a member with the department.

There seems like a lot of requirements expected of me when I become a member, does this continue throughout my membership with the department?

Training and duty shift obligations are ongoing once you become a member. While the amount of training and meetings will decrease, you will now start being an active member of a duty crew. Your motivation sets the course of how well you will do in the public safety service. Many new members do not take into consideration the time that has to be put forth in volunteering. It is extremely important that you evaluate your current routines and make an informed judgment as to whether you can become actively involved as a volunteer with our agency.

When can I expect to take an EMT or Firefighter class?

These classes are coordinated through the Training Division and they will be able to assist you in enrolling in classes as they become available.