Steve Kim, Madison House CVFD Program Director 2024-2025
The Crozet Volunteer Fire Department (CVFD) stands as a vital part of Albemarle County’s emergency services network. Covering over 100 square miles, CVFD responds to a wide range of emergencies, from fire alarms and gas leaks to car accidents and structure fires. Located in Crozet, Virginia, the department operates with a unique structure, balancing professional day crews and community-driven volunteer night crews.
“The day shift is from 6am to 6pm and is covered by a career staff,” explains Program Director Steve Kim. “The night shift is from 6pm to 6am and is covered by volunteers.”
The department’s operations are divided into two main areas: operational and administrative. Operational volunteers are the firefighters themselves, while administrative volunteers handle fundraising, recruitment, event organization, finances, and other essential support activities behind the scenes.
While many volunteers are Crozet community members, the department also welcomes students.
“Most of the volunteers are members of the community with a few students that volunteer,” says Steve. “It’s a large range of age and experience, from high school students to firefighters of 20+ years.”
Volunteers on a Monday night shift
At the beginning of a typical evening shift, volunteers arrive to check the fire engines and ensure all equipment is ready for emergencies. Dinner, which is often cooked at the station or shared by a local restaurant, is provided. After dinner, volunteers participate in training exercises, such as throwing ladders, pulling hoses, and reviewing videos of real-life scenarios.
“The latest everything is finished is 10pm,” Kim explains. “Then, everyone is free to go to bed, work out, or do homework.”
Each volunteer typically signs up for one night per week, Sunday through Friday. Additionally, shifts rotate on Saturdays every six weeks, ensuring consistent coverage.
Volunteer training with the tower truck
Becoming a CVFD volunteer starts with contacting the department’s recruiting officer, Thomas Echols or connecting through Madison House during a recruitment period in the fall or spring. Prospective volunteers attend an interest meeting and choose to join either the operational or administrative team.
Currently there are about six to eight student volunteers, with plans to recruit around two to five more each semester. “We want to be able to make sure that everyone gets the support and attention they need before we can start accepting at a much higher rate,” Steve notes.
Steve himself joined the CVFD in 2022, during the winter of his second year of college. He completed his Firefighter 1 certification by June 2023 and became a fully released firefighter later that year. He most values the friendships he has made through classes and at shifts. “I still have a group chat with my Firefighter 1 classmates, and we keep in touch,” says Steve.
Louisa Craig, Madison House CVFD Program Director 2025-2026
In the fall, Louisa Craig will step into the role of Program Director. She has been with the CVFD for six months. She currently serves as a marketing intern and is one of 15 auxiliary members. Louisa has gotten involved with CVFD in unique ways, supporting the operational team, photographing the Annual Company Awards Banquet at King Family Vineyards, and participating in the firehouse’s 5K on May 31.
As PD, Louisa is planning on launching two tracks for UVA students to get involved. “I am so excited for this next chapter of collaboration between CVFD and Madison House!” she exclaims.
The first track, called Auxiliary Member Roles, will offer students the opportunity to take on more significant responsibilities through sustained involvement. “These require a greater time commitment but give students the chance to take ownership of a specific function or project,” Louisa explains. Areas of concentration include social media, event planning, and community partnerships.
The second track, Friends of CVFD, is designed for students looking for a more flexible way to engage. This option will allow students to contribute on a one-time or occasional basis, making it ideal for those who cannot offer a long-term scheduling commitment.
For CVFD volunteers, the activity is about more than just giving back to the community—it is about connecting with other UVA students and Albemarle County residents served by CVFD.
“Volunteering with CVFD wasn’t something I anticipated being part of my college experience,” reflects Louisa, “but now it’s something I hold close to my heart. It’s helped me grow in ways I didn’t expect. And yes, it even makes me feel like a real grown-up sometimes!”
Thank you, Crozet Volunteer Fire Department, for your service to the community!
By Cecilia Murphy