The Fairfax County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association (FCVFRA) is a partnership of 12 volunteer fire and rescue departments in Fairfax County. Volunteers in the 12 departments are full partners with the career staff of the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department, providing emergency services in and around Fairfax County. Operational volunteers are trained to the same standards as career personnel and are involved in all aspects of the fire and rescue services: staffing ambulances and fire suppression vehicles in emergency situations, serving as EMTs and paramedics, participating in domestic and international urban search and rescue, providing public service in demanding times, and encouraging fire prevention activities. As independent, nonprofit organizations, the volunteer departments own and/or operate in 15 of the 37 fire stations in Fairfax County. Volunteers are very active in the fundraising, community relations, and business operations of these organizations.