Welcome to VAFR  

 A New Era for Virginia’s First Responders 

Since 1935, our mission has been simple: to serve those who serve others.

Today, we’re proud to introduce our new name and look.  The Virginia Association of First Responders (VAFR), formerly known as the Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads (VAVRS).

This rebrand reflects the growth of our community and our ongoing commitment to Training. Advocacy. Community.

We remain dedicated to supporting every EMT, firefighter, law enforcement officer, and first responder across the Commonwealth.

 Stronger Together. Always Ready.

#VAFR #VirginiaFirstResponders #StrongerTogether #AlwaysReady #TrainingAdvocacyCommunity #VirginiaProud

 

 

VAFR Important Dates 2025-2026 
 

 

October 25, 2025 - Oilville (see flyer below)

 

 

 *USFA Releases New Manual on Retention and Recruitment
https://www.usfa.fema.gov/blog/retention-and-recruitment-manual/
*Administration Releases New Manual on Retention and Recruitment Posted: June 15, 2023

 

The VIRGINIA ASSOCIATION OF VOLUNTEER RESCUE SQUADS, INC. (VAVRS) doing business as VIRGINIA ASSOCATION OF FIRST RESPONDERS (VAFR) is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization with an extensive history of assisting and advocating for EMS agencies in Virginia since 1935. Today we represent over 370 agencies with approximately 22,000 members. We are dedicated to meeting the ever-changing demands of emergency medical responders from all backgrounds and experiences. We provide high quality training and a collaborative environment for all emergency medical responders.

The VAFR cultivates connections and partnerships between Virginia's emergency medical responders. The VAFR has several different types of membership including Agency Membership and Individual Membership.

 

Join VAFR Now

VAFR Convention

Rescue College

Spring BOG

Camporee

Help Ukraine w/Equipment

German Exchange Program

Click on the flyer to download the Peak of Preparedness Conference Catalog

 

Click Here for More Information About VOLSAP

 

 

 

 

 

VAFR Pledge to our Membership

The Virginia Association of First Responders is THE voice of EMS. We advocate for Virginia’s EMS agencies and providers.

We link members and agencies for the purpose of sharing ideas, giving you a voice at the General Assembly, state advisory boards and on state and local committees.

When our members have training needs, they come to the VAFR. 

When our members need assistance from leadership to budgets they come to the VAFR. 

We help rescue squads throughout the Commonwealth thrive and succeed so they can provide prompt, effective patient care 24/7 in the communities they serve.

Mission Statement

"The Virginia Association of First Responders is committed to supporting and empowering First Responders across the Commonwealth of Virginia."

Vision Statement

"Striving to be a nationally recognized leader in serving Virginia’s First Responder community through exceptional training, fostering collaboration, developing leaders, and advocating system needs.Pre-hospital care shall mean providing rescue functions and rendering of emergency care for patients outside the hospital."
 

Upcoming Events

To view a list of the upcoming scheduled training courses - go to Training > Registration

 

Strategic Plan:

To see the Strategic Plan for VAFR please click on the plan below:

 

2024-2026 VAFR Strategic Plan
 

 

Proud Sponsor of