Volunteer fire department
See also the Firefighter article and its respective sections regarding VFDs in other countries. A volunteer fire department (VFD) is an organization of firefighters who have joined forces to perform fire suppression and other related emergency services for a local jurisdiction. According to the National Volunteer Fire Council, 73 percent of firefighters in the United States are members of VFDs. The first organized force of firefighters was organized in Rome, named the Corps of Vigiles. The term “volunteer” contrasts with career firefighters who are full-time firefighters, working organized shifts, usually based in a centrally located firehouse. Some volunteer departments may operate as part of a combination system, where paid firefighters also provide emergency services.
