Volunteer

Association Member, Support Member or Volunteer/Reserve Firefighter — there’s a place for you.

We need your support! We really need the support of our community right now. If you can make a donation to help us continue our mission, please check out our Support page or click Donate Now to get started.

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Volunteer Opportunities

Families visiting a fire station open house
Photo: U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Viviam Chiu, Public domain

Association Member

Association Members help to raise money to buy equipment for the Fire Department and otherwise support and enhance fire and rescue services for the citizens of DeBary. Duties also include both emergency and non-emergency preparedness functions, community involvement, fire prevention and fire safety education programs.

Firefighter rehydrating during a break from firefighting operations
Photo: Region 5 Photography (USDA Forest Service), CC BY 2.0

Support Member

Support Members serve to assist Firefighters and other EMS/Rescue personnel on incident scenes from outside the hazard area by providing Rehab — hydration, snacks and rest that help protect firefighters and other responders from dehydration and heat-related injury. (Heat and dehydration increase the danger of cardiac issues and dangerous mistakes.) We also help displaced occupants of a home with immediate comfort and support. Duties also include those listed under “Association Member”. What the Support Unit does.

Volunteer / Reserve Firefighter

Florida certified Firefighter/EMTs can go through a selection process administered by the Fire Chief to serve as Reserve (Volunteer) Firefighters. The reserves work with the full-time Firefighters on shift, responding to all types of emergencies and actively participate in on-scene operations. A monthly commitment of “on duty” hours on shift is required.

Thinking about a path into fire service or EMS? Read our guide How to Volunteer in Fire & EMS in DeBary, Florida.

Volunteer Application

In order to apply to join the DVFA in any of the three categories (Association Member, Support Member, Volunteer/Reserve Firefighter) you must submit BOTH of the following applications:

  1. DVFA Application
  2. City of Orange City employment application — required because OCFD provides Fire Service to the city. Available from the City of Orange City (or ask us and we’ll send you a copy).
  • Attach a photocopy of the front of your driver’s license.
  • If you hold a CPR certification, please include a copy with your application.
  • If you are applying for Volunteer/Reserve Firefighter status, please include copies of all pertinent certifications (i.e., FF Basics & Florida EMT).

Please either send the completed applications by US Mail to PO Box 530853, DeBary, FL 32753-0853, OR scan them as a PDF and email them to us. We would also be very happy to have you drop the completed applications off with us at our building (10 Colomba Rd.) during a drill night — any Wednesday at 7 pm (please do NOT drop them at the main Firehouse).

You will be contacted after we receive your application, and it will then be reviewed by our committee, and also by the City of Orange City, who will run the required background check. If you have any questions about the process please let us know.

Not ready to apply? Tell us you’re interested

Fields marked * are required. This form is not monitored 24/7 — for emergencies call 911.

Volunteer FAQ

Do I need firefighting experience to join?

No. Association Members and Support Members need no prior experience — we train you. Volunteer/Reserve Firefighters must be Florida-certified Firefighter/EMTs.

How old do I need to be?

Applicants must be at least 18 years old.

Is there a background check?

Yes. Applications are reviewed by our committee and by the City of Orange City, which runs the required background check because the Orange City Fire Department provides fire service to DeBary.

How much time does it take?

It depends on the role. Association Members help with events and fundraisers as their schedule allows; Reserve Firefighters commit to a monthly number of on-duty hours.