Why volunteer?
Volunteers are the backbone of the Glade Spring Volunteer Life Saving Crew, as well as that of most EMS Systems throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia. Volunteer Rescue & EMS originated in Virginia when Julian Stanley Wise founded the worlds' first Life Saving Crew in Roanoke, in 1928. Ever since, volunteers in Rescue/EMS have saved countless lives...and the tradition lives on today.
Without dedicated volunteers like yourself, GSVLSC would not exist.
The Rewards
When volunteers show up at your neighbors home at 3AM, it's because they care. When you're driving down the interstate, and see volunteers working to free a trapped mother and child from a mangled vehicle, it's because they care. When volunteers spend countless hours away from home, whether on duty, or in classrooms attending training...you guessed it. It's because they care.
The real reward is knowing you made a difference, when it mattered most.
Usually, volunteers are not paid, in the traditional sense. That's why various entities have created certain benefits that volunteers may take advantage of, whether in appreciation for their efforts, and/or as tax breaks, to offset the costs of their dedication.
Some examples are:
Personal property tax discounts
Free county/town vehicle decal
Free Hepatitis-B vaccinations
Preferred Pricing Program (vendor discounts)
DMV Rescue Squad license plates
High-speed wireless internet w/in the station
Accident & health insurance (if injured in the line of duty)
Life Insurance (if life lost in the line of duty)
Federal and State Tax Deductions (based on charitable donation values)
Free Rescue & EMS training
Networking Opportunities
Career Development
How to join
We're always on the lookout for great volunteers, but we won't know you're out there unless you let us know! Simply give us a call to request an application, or just come by our station between 8AM and 5PM, and complete one there.
Our members range in age from 16 to 70-something years old, and each one of them contributes something of value. For the younger candidates, if you're under 18, you'll need your parent or guardians permission in order to participate.
If you think you're ready to take the next step, come by, or contact us here. Be sure to ask for someone in "Volunteer Resources".
