Membership Classifications

The types of membership that we offer are determined by our Constitution and General Orders. Currently, we have four classes of membership:

• Senior Members: Senior members are the backbone the squad. Primarily operational staff (EMTs, drivers, rescue specialists), senior members devote a minimum of 48 hours a month to the squad, of which 24 must be duty hours. Senior members are voting members of the squad and are eligible to hold office within our organization.

• Associate Members (Operational): Associate operational members are people who want to serve their community as operational members of the LCVRS, but who cannot devote 48 hours a month. Instead, they commit 24 hours a month including a minimum of 12 duty hours. Associate members may vote, but are not eligible to hold office.

• Associate Members (Administrative): Sometimes referred to as “non-running associates,” administrative members do not run calls. Instead, they volunteer time to assist the squad with a variety of administrative and support functions. Non-running associate members commit 12 hours a month as determined by the member, president, and chief. Associate members may vote, but are not eligible to hold office.

• Junior Members: Junior members are high school students at least 16 years of age. Under specific guidelines they are expected to commit at least 16 hours a month. Junior members may be either operational or administrative. The junior program has its own officer hierarchy and, as a group, they have one vote in squad matters.

Qualifications

The Loudoun County Volunteer Rescue Squad is committed to providing opportunities to qualified individuals regardless of race, religion, creed, gender, or age (16 or over). The nature of the work we do and various laws, however, do necessitate that we establish certain standards, qualifications, and requirements for members and applicants. The following summarizes the most relevant requirements:

• Good Character. All members of a rescue squad must be of good character. Criminal background and reference checks are conducted on all applicants. Any past history will be reviewed by our legal advisors and may result in ineligibility to join the squad.

• Responsible: Our members must be dependable and be able to make critical decisions under pressure. This criteria is evaluated through the use of reference checks, interviews, and a probationary membership period.

• Ability to Communicate: Members must be able to read, write, and speak English at a suitable level of fluency. The ability to speak other languages (especially Spanish) is also desirable.

• Education: We require a high school diploma or equivalent for membership. Junior members are exempt from this requirement, but are required to maintain a “C” average and not be failing any course at any time during their membership.

• Health and Physical Fitness: Membership in the squad does NOT require an exceptionally high level of physical fitness. Members must, however, be physically able to perform the required tasks and pass a county heart/lung/cancer physical (paid for by LCVRS). Some training programs/certifications (e.g. fire fighter) may require additional physicals and a higher level of fitness.