The Stafford Volunteer Fire Department would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who took time out of their day to join us in paying tribute to a man who dedicated so much of his life to serving others. Your presence was a powerful reminder of the lasting impact Chief McDonald had on our department, the fire service, and the community he loved.

Johnny Mac was more than a chief—he was ... (Full Story & Photos)

Stafford Volunteer Fire Department proudly supports the memorial wreath laying ceremony honoring Battalion Chief John McDonald on the 12th anniversary of his Line of Duty Death. Chief McDonald’s dedication, leadership, and service to the fire service community continue to leave a lasting impact on all who had the privilege to know and serve alongside him.

We invite our members, public safety partners, ... (Full Story & Photos)

Surrounded by family, friends, fellow Scouts from Troop 26 at Mt. Ararat Church, members of the SVFD, and representatives from Stafford County, Chris was recognized for achieving one of the highest honors in Scouting — a reflection of his dedication, leadership, service, and character.

On behalf of the department, Assistant Chief Abbott presented Chris with a Stafford Volunteer Fire Department ... (Full Story & Photos)

Chief McDonald’s dedication, leadership, and service left a lasting impact on the fire service and on countless members who had the privilege to know and serve alongside him. His legacy continues to live on through the lessons he taught, the people he mentored, and the commitment to service he exemplified every day.

We invite our community, neighboring departments, and all those who wish to pay ... (Full Story & Photos)

For the first time in our department’s history, we successfully staffed a Medic Unit completely with volunteer personnel.

Many people may not realize there is a difference between an ambulance and a Medic Unit. While both respond to medical emergencies, a Medic Unit operates at the Advanced Life Support (ALS) level and requires a higher level of certification and staffing. A standard ambulance ... (Full Story & Photos)

Memorial Day is more than a long weekend — it is a solemn reminder that freedom comes at a cost paid by generations of heroes who never came home.

Many within the fire and rescue service have served beside these warriors, and we continue to stand alongside their families, friends, and fellow service members in remembrance. Their courage, sacrifice, and dedication to something greater than themselves ... (Full Story & Photos)

🚒🎓

Today we want to recognize an incredible accomplishment by these dedicated young men and women who completed the Stafford County Fire and Rescue High School Firefighter Academy. This achievement represents far more than just time spent in a classroom. These students committed countless hours outside of school, sacrificing evenings and weekends while still maintaining their academic responsibilities ... (Full Story & Photos)

Stafford Volunteer Fire Department is proud to congratulate our Assistant Rescue Chief, Mike Hertel, on being officially released as a full-fledged Paramedic!

Earning the certification is a major accomplishment, but becoming fully released to practice is another critical step. After certification, every EMT and Paramedic must complete a release process with our Operational Medical Director, demonstrating ... (Full Story & Photos)

Moments like this are never expected, but they are truly appreciated more than words can express. Acts of kindness and support from our community remind us why we do what we do and reinforce the strong bond between those who serve.

To our local Marine — thank you for recognizing the sacrifices our volunteers make to help keep this community safe. Your generosity, support, and continued commitment ... (Full Story & Photos)

At the Stafford Volunteer Fire Department, our EMS providers are everyday people from our community who chose to step forward and make a difference when someone is having the worst day of their life.

As an EMT, you are trained to provide emergency medical care, assess patients, control bleeding, manage airway emergencies, perform CPR, assist with life-saving interventions, and provide compassionate ... (Full Story & Photos)

But there is another critical member of that crew — the Ambulance Driver.

At the Stafford Volunteer Fire Department, ambulance drivers are highly trained members who play a vital role in emergency response and patient safety. These members are responsible for safely operating emergency vehicles under stressful and rapidly changing conditions, navigating traffic, positioning apparatus on scenes, ... (Full Story & Photos)

Becoming a Paramedic is not easy… and that is exactly why they are so respected in the field of public safety and healthcare.

After first becoming an EMT, Paramedic students often complete 12–18 months (or more) of advanced education involving:
• Classroom instruction
• Clinical rotations in hospitals
• Emergency room experience
• Intensive hands-on patient care training
• Ambulance field internships

Paramedics ... (Full Story & Photos)

🚑

EMTs are often the very first people to arrive when someone in our community is having their worst day. Whether it’s a medical emergency, vehicle crash, cardiac arrest, traumatic injury, or assisting during fires and disasters, EMTs provide critical lifesaving care before a patient ever reaches the hospital.

Becoming an EMT-Basic is more achievable than many people think. Most EMT courses can ... (Full Story & Photos)

This is a great opportunity for current and former members of Stafford County Fire & Rescue to come together, share stories, reconnect with old friends, and enjoy some fellowship over a cup of coffee and donuts. Events like these help preserve the traditions, memories, and strong relationships that make the fire and rescue service such a special family.

Whether you served years ago, are still actively ... (Full Story & Photos)

From life-threatening emergencies to moments where compassion and reassurance matter just as much as medical care, EMS professionals stand ready 24/7 to serve others before themselves. Whether career or volunteer, these dedicated providers bring knowledge, calm under pressure, teamwork, and heart to every response.

We especially want to recognize the incredible EMS personnel here in Stafford County ... (Full Story & Photos)