Fort Ross VFD: Neighbors Helping Neighbors

When you call 911 in an emergency — whether it's a fire, a road accident, or a medical crisis — you're actually calling your neighbors. That's who makes up the Fort Ross Volunteer Fire Department's first responders: ordinary women and men with a commitment to helping the people of our community when they are in serious trouble. It's a community connection that runs deep. Many FRVFD members have been doing this work for decades. When the call comes, they drop what they're doing, any time of day or night, and rush to help.

Volunteer with Us

This is crucial work that needs not only your thanks, but your practical support. There are many ways to pitch in and do your part. We welcome new members. You can contribute in many different ways. Check out these options to see where you could fit in:

First Responders

First response volunteers can choose to specialize in fire or medical calls (some amazing people do both). The most important requirements are commitment and physical ability. We train twice a month (second and fourth Mondays), a large commitment in itself, although you acquire an amazing skill set. Those who fight fires need to get first responder certification, while emergency medical technicians obtain certification and keep up their skills with continuing education through the VFD. Note that most of our calls are medical issues.

Supporting Members

Maybe you don't have the ability or time to be a first responder, but there is an important job for you too. For example:

We often need volunteers with special skill sets, such as fundraising, grantwriting, and building skills. We especially need a volunteer coordinator.

There's a need for basic maintenance: keeping the three fire stations tidy, including washing fire trucks and drying fire hoses. 

Once a year we hold a benefit party that requires a crew of volunteers to set up, take down, and clean up. Always room for more! These benefit events usually have a raffle or silent auction that you could contribute to. We've had stunning artwork, local wine and olive oil, luscious jams, fine embroidery, B&B stays… What might you add to the loot?

There is a place for you in our FRVFD fellowship on so many levels. Please join us. There's really nothing like the satisfaction of helping your neighbors when there's trouble.

To volunteer, contact us by email or leave a message at 847-3184. We will get back to you.

Your Donations Keep Us Rolling

Even if you can't help with your time, please help with our budget. The quiet generosity of many residents is what keeps us in truck fuel and medical supplies. Donate regularly to the extent you're able. FRVFD relies on our residents for many of our expenses, and your contributions are what keep us responding.

Please consider sending a donation by check or using the yellow button above. FRVFD is a 501c3 nonprofit, and your donation is tax deductible.

Thank you for your support! Together, we got this.

The Fort Ross Volunteer Fire Department team in 2019