Station 25 Searches For Recruits

The local volunteer fire station in Bristow, Bristow Station 25, is having a recruitment drive January 25.

“The orientation begins at 7 p.m. on the 25,” said President John Beatty.

The main goal of the drive is to bring in more firefighters. EMTs are welcome too, but the focus is more on firefighters.

“We have a lot of EMTs, but not enough firefighters. Some of our trucks operate with less firefighters than we would like. We don’t limit ourselves to how many firefighters we bring in. Two is great, 20 is awesome,” said Recruitment Coordinator Sydni Eicke.

Station 25 is looking for as many volunteers as it can get, but its junior program is full.

“We want more people to come and join. We’re looking for people out of high school and focusing more on that because the junior program is filled up,” said Eicke.

The initial training will begin after volunteers sign up at the drive.

“When they come on board, they go through internal training about the fire station, the fire truck, and the ambulance.”

Proceeding after the initial training, volunteers must take four core classes and four online classes called NIMS.

“Once they get done with the classes, they need to have a physical and make sure they can breathe through the masks appropriately,” said Eicke

Following these courses, more training is required.

“Volunteers are placed into an EMS class for about four months or a firefighter class for about six to eight months depending on what track they chose,” said Eicke.

Come down on January 25 to an orientation with a briefing about the fire station. Questions about what it takes to be a volunteer are encouraged. The presentation will cover the time requirements and the benefits of being a volunteer firefighter. No experience is necessary.

“We’ll answer anything they want to know about this. There is no commitment for showing up; if they come and they don’t like it, no concerns walking out, but if they come and love it, then boom there they are,” said Beatty

Information about the Nokesville Volunteer Fire Department Rescue Squad can be found at its website, www.nvfdrs.org. People can also reach Station 25 Recruitment at 703-594-2134.