Fire & Rescue

The diversity of Stafford County and its location in the Washington, DC metro area present many challenges to the fire and rescue system. Over 32 languages are spoken, and the county continues to be one of the fastest growing in Virginia. Stafford County ranks as the 7th wealthiest county in the country according to the U.S. Census (2010).

In addition to the customary hazards associated with robust residential and commercial development, Stafford County is traversed by one of the nation’s most traveled interstate highways (I-95). The jurisdiction is served by rail including AMTRAK and Virginia Railway Express commuter service, which operates two commuter stations in the county. The Potomac and Rappahannock rivers and their tributaries, as part of the environmentally-protected Chesapeake Bay watershed, present our Marine Fire-Rescue Unit with challenges ranging from swift water to watercraft firefighting and hazardous materials containment.

Other special hazards include Stafford Regional Airport, two correctional facilities and major petroleum and natural gas pipelines. Stafford County is home to numerous major historical properties related to our Nation’s founding and the Civil War including George Washington's boyhood home, presenting unique challenges to fire protection and prevention efforts. Stafford County is also home to Marine Corps Base Quantico, the FBI Academy, the FBI National Laboratory and DEA Academy.

The Stafford County Fire and Rescue Department was established on September 20, 2005. We are a combination career‑volunteer department that provides emergency response services to all fire, rescue, and emergency medical incidents, as well as swift water, hazardous materials, and other technical rescue emergencies. In addition, the department is the lead agency for emergency management for Stafford County, oversees building plan review, fire code enforcement, fire and environmental crime investigation, and public fire and life safety education and preparedness.

The department has a progressive swift water rescue program which includes statewide deployable resources. Our technical rescue team members have advanced training in technical rescue services and modern equipment. Most recently, our Emergency Medical Services Division implemented the administration of whole blood for the treatment of patients that have been traumatically injured.

As the County of Stafford has continued to grow, as has the staffing and deployment of the Fire and Rescue Department. The County of Stafford’s Capital Improvement Plan includes the construction of numerous additional Fire and Rescue Stations over the next 10 years to continue our effort in providing exceptional services to our community.

The starting salary for the position of Fire and Rescue Recruit is $56,652.54.

Those certified as a Virginia recognized EMT-Intermediate or Paramedic receive a $2,500 ALS Sign-On Incentive upon hire, with an additional $5,000 increase for EMT-Intermediate and $12,500 increase for Paramedics upon receiving Permission to Practice from the department's Operational Medical Director.

Fire and Rescue Recruit is an entry-level position within the Fire and Rescue Department for the County of Stafford. Selected applicants are enrolled in the Stafford County Fire and Rescue Department's Recruit Academy for training in firefighting methods, emergency medical services, emergency vehicle rescue operations, fire prevention practices, salvage operations, public relations and education, physical fitness and associated topics to prepare for full-time field operations.

Work is performed under regular supervision of the Training Academy staff.

Fire and Rescue Recruits will receive full-time training in firefighting methods, emergency medical services, emergency vehicle rescue operations, fire prevention practices, salvage operations, public relations and education, physical fitness and associated topics to prepare for full-time field operations. This training will be conducted through a Fire and Rescue Department approved Recruit Academy, under the direction of the Chief Training Officer.

Successful completion of the Stafford County Fire and Rescue Department Recruit Academy requires maintaining an 80% cumulative grade point average (GPA) throughout the duration of the Recruit Academy. Cumulative GPA is derived from practical evaluation performance, announced and unannounced examinations, and assigned homework. Recruits are also responsible for maintaining the Honor Code of the Stafford County Fire and Rescue Department Recruit Academy.

Additionally, successful completion of the Stafford County Fire and Rescue Department's Work Performance Exam (WPE) is required prior to the completion of the Recruit Academy.

Upon successful completion of the training academy, Recruits will be eligible for promotion to the position of 24-Hour Fire-Rescue Firefighter/EMT or Fire-Rescue Firefighter/Medic. Personnel designated as Fire-Rescue…