Get More With VFANYC
We take pride in recognizing and rewarding dedicated volunteers for their earned achievements. While serving in our association, you can acquire valuable life skills, memorable experiences, and unforgettable adventures that will prove beneficial regardless of your future endeavors. Each certification and level of advancement we offer officially marks your growth as a volunteer first responder.
Find the right fit for you
Review each department’s location, eligibility and volunteer roles before registering interest.
Before you commit
I have no firefighting or EMS experience. Can I still join?
There are opportunities for beginners. Edgewater Park, Rockaway Point and Broad Channel explicitly welcome applicants without previous experience. Choose a department to see its available roles and entry requirements.
How much time and training are required?
Edgewater members make time for scheduled duties and emergency responses. Broad Channel and Richmond list duty-crew scheduling. GBFD specifies role-based training deadlines and participation requirements. There is no confirmed association-wide minimum number of hours or course duration.
Do I have to pay for training or equipment?
Edgewater provides training at no charge. Rockaway Point says it covers training, expenses and equipment. Broad Channel lists training, uniforms and protective equipment as benefits. Coverage differs by department; these are not association-wide promises.
Is training required for my role?
Yes. Operational members must complete the training, assessments and qualifications required for their assigned duties and participate in ongoing training.
What happens after I submit interest?
Choose a department, review its eligibility information and send the interest form on its page. Your details are forwarded for recruitment follow-up. Submitting interest is not membership approval, and response times vary.
Reasons to Volunteer with VFANYC
- Opportunities to earn a variety of certifications
- Professional, hands-on skill training
- Interactive career experiences
- Networking opportunities
- Positive social interactions
- Leadership Experience
VFANYC brings together community members who serve, train, and learn from one another. Our volunteers share a commitment to protecting their neighbors when emergency services are needed.
As a member of VFANYC, you will have limitless opportunities and exciting challenges that you won’t find anywhere else.
- Firefighting/Rescue
- Emergency Medical Services
- Junior Firefighter/Fire Explorer
- Non-Emergency Administration/Support
- Associate/Auxiliary
You can take training and earn valuable certifications in:
- Firefighter 1
- Firefighter 2
- Emergency Vehicle Operations (EVOC)
- Apparatus (Pump) Operator
- Marine Firefighting
- Engine Company Operations
- Vehicle Extrication
- Vehicle Fires
Benefits For Volunteering
Volunteering helps develop self-confidence, ethics, and leadership skills and provides members the opportunity to achieve an appreciation for service to others in their community.
Becoming a volunteer will allow you to:
- Provide assistance to others.
- Build self-confidence.
- Reinforce ethical standards.
- Professional Development and Career Coaching
- Team Committed to Your Success in Serving
- Protective Gear
- Uniforms and Apparel