ACTIVE
MEMBERSHIP TYPES AND FEES (MEMBERSHIPS ARE NON-TRANSFERRABLE)
Career Fire Chief or other Officer
(chief; line; administrative; other)-
Commonwealth Chief Magazine
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Networking Opportunities
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Educational seminars
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Much, Much More
Volunteer Fire Chief or other officer
(chief; line; administrative; other)-
Commonwealth Chief Magazine
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Networking Opportunities
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Educational seminars
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Much, Much More
Fire Fighter or Company Officer
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Commonwealth Chief Magazine
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Networking Opportunities
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Educational seminars
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Much, Much More
Other Types of memberships
AFFILIATE
Individuals in professions allied to the fire service.-
Public Education
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Administrative Professionals
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Emergency Services
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Apparatus Maintenance
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Technical Rescue or other areas who are not covered under Active
CORPORATE
Representatives of companies with an interest in fire prevention, fire suppression, insurance, or other fire-service-related products-
Commonwealth Chief Magazine
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Networking Opportunities
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Educational seminars
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Much, Much More
LIFE OR HONORARY
Individuals who have been selected to receive Life or Honorary Life Membership in the Association by a vote of the Members-
Commonwealth Chief Magazine
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Networking Opportunities
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Educational seminars
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Much, Much More
Membership Perks
By joining the Virginia Fire Chiefs Association, you not only become part of a respected legacy founded in 1930 but also gain access to the Virginia Fire Chiefs Foundation—our 501(c)(3) partner dedicated to advancing education and leadership across the Commonwealth through educational seminars, the Virginia Fire Officer Academy, Virginia Chief Officer Academy, Company Officer Summit, Chiefs Summit, scholarship programs, awards and other such worthy programs.
As a VFCA member, you’re eligible to participate in one of five dynamic specialized sections—Administrative Professionals, Company Officers, Federal/Military, Life Safety/Community Risk Reduction, and Women of Fire & EMS. These sections host exclusive summits, retreats, and mentorship opportunities designed to foster professional growth, create meaningful peer connections, and strengthen the fire and EMS community.
Why it Matters: Joining connects you to a powerful network of peers and experts. Whether you’re tackling day-to-day operations, tackling complex code adoption, or breaking new ground in fire and EMS leadership, VFCA positions you at the forefront, with tailor-made tools, training, and mentors who share your path..
CAREER DEVELOPMENT
Virginia Fire & Rescue Conference
This premiere fire and rescue conference delivers over 200 cutting-edge educational sessions, strategic networking, and association leadership, all in one streamlined event. It’s the most efficient, cost‑effective way to elevate your skills, refresh your tactics, and grow your influence in the fire and EMS landscape.
Virginia Fire Officer Academy
In this award‑winning 4½-day immersive program, you’ll transition from tactical thinking to strategic leadership. Through interactive modules on personnel safety, operational leadership, and organizational management, you’ll develop the vision and confidence to guide your team and department forward.
Virginia Chief Officer Academy
The Virginia Chief Officer Academy (VCOA) is a premier, week-long residential leadership program designed for newly appointed or aspiring chief officers in Virginia’s fire and EMS services. Held annually at the University of Richmond, the academy provides an immersive experience focused on strategic leadership, operational excellence, personnel management, and administrative readiness. Through intensive instruction led by seasoned fire service leaders, participants gain the tools, confidence, and network needed to successfully transition into high-level command roles. Meals, lodging, and full participation are included to foster collaboration, connection, and personal growth—making VCOA a transformative step in any fire service leader’s career journey.
Educational Seminars
Our seminars, ranging from comprehensive fire-ground tactics to leadership-focused workshops like “Horse Sense”, are designed to elevate your decision-making, crisis management, and leadership skills, keeping you agile and prepared for every challenge.
Why it Matters: VFCA ensures you continually enhance operational effectiveness, lead with courage and clarity, and shape the future of fire and EMS. Your local community remains safer and better served when you’re equipped with best-in-class skills and knowledge.
PERSONAL/FAMILY
Preferred Conference Rates & Discounts on Valuable Services
Members enjoy reduced fees for the Virginia Fire & Rescue Conference. That means greater access to world-class training at a lower cost.
- Policy Management
- Online Learning
- Wellness App for First Responders
- Grant Assistance
To learn more CLICK HERE.
The Virginia Fire Chiefs Association has sponsored or helped to secure the following items/programs:
- Created the Virginia Fire Officers Academy
- Assistance to Firefighters Grant (FIRE Act) program
- Aid to Localities (ATL), Fire Programs Fund
- Death benefit for firefighters killed in the line of duty
- The Annual Congressional Representative’s Luncheon
- Funding to implement the SAFER Act
- Addressed communications interoperability issues at local, state and national levels
- Sensitive information sharing listserv for VA Fire Chiefs
- National Fallen Firefighters Walk of Honor
- The Statewide Mutual Aid Program
- Legislation to enhance in-building radio coverage
- Testified before Congress regarding homeland security/terrorism
- Moving State Fire Marshall’s Office from DHCD to VDFP
Why it Matters: Beyond enhancing your skills, VFCA membership ensures that resources, legislation, and safety efforts support you, your department, and your family. You contribute to a safer, more resilient fire and EMS community.
INFORMATION & IDEA EXCHANGE
Commonwealth Chief Magazine
Recognized as one of the nation’s premier fire service publications, Commonwealth Chief delivers quarterly insights, practical advice, and VFCA updates—straight to your hands. Stay current, stay competitive, and stay inspired.
Exhibitor Trade Show
The exhibitor show, held in conjunction with the Annual Conference, presents a unique opportunity for chiefs, company officer’s, firefighters and others to spend quality time with the vendors who provide the very latest in technology, products and services utilized by today’s modern fire service.
VFCA Website at www.vfca.us
Your source for the latest wide-ranging information about the association and its activities at your fingertips – 24/7. Register on-line or download a conference registration application, peruse the latest and back issues of Commonwealth Chief magazine, or obtain LODD information. VFCA’s website is changing continually to provide you with the information you need when you need it!
Networking Opportunities
Opportunities occur throughout the year to learn informally from your peers. At VFCA events or on the Website, you can connect with the fire chiefs and other fire service personnel from around the state who share your concerns, but from a slightly different perspective.
POLITICAL ACTION
Legislative Summit
Join VFCA leadership, allied organizations, and major Fire/EMS organizations from across Virginia at our Annual Legislative Summit to identify key legislative priorities for Fire and EMS across the Commonwealth. Your involvement shapes policies that affect staffing, funding, safety standards, interoperability, and beyond.
Advocacy
Members and leaders take the fire service story directly to state and federal elected representatives to work for laws and regulations that enhance your ability to provide safe communities. VFCA appointments to many state boards and advisory bodies ensure fire and emergency services input on actions that affect us all.
As a VFCA member, your voice joins a strong collective that testifies before Congress, participates in state advisory boards, and advocates for laws supporting firefighter and public safety.
Legacy of Advocacy & Support
Your membership fuels initiatives like the creation of the Fire Officer Academies, SAFER Act funding, LODD benefits, grants (Fire Act, ATL), interoperability improvements, the Mutual Aid Program, National Fallen Firefighters’ Walk of Honor, and legislative action on in‑building radio coverage and homeland security.
Why it Matters: Policy decisions at the state and federal level directly influence your everyday operational capacity, safety tools, and support systems. Membership gives you a seat at the table and protects and strengthens our fire and EMS mission across Virginia.
