FCFRD News Blog : #MeetFCFRD: Technician Alyssa Vance

Press release from the FCFRD News Blog:

April 30, 2021

Technician Alyssa Vance is currently assigned to the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department’s (FCFRD) Recruiting Section. She has served as a firefighter and paramedic with the department for over 16 years.

As a child, Tech Vance always marveled at what she believed to be the mystery behind public service and determined that she wanted to be part of the ambulance corps. However, it wasn’t until Tech Vance was in her 20s that she decided to make the leap and join the local volunteer fire department. Tech Vance enjoyed volunteering in emergency medical services (EMS) so much that she quit her office job to attend paramedic school at Anne Arundel Community College, a move that would eventually lead her to a career at FCFRD.

Tech Vance was hired by FCFRD in September 2004 as a member of Recruit Class 112. After graduating in February 2005, her first assignment was Fire Station (FS) 24, Woodlawn. She went on to serve at FS40 (Fairfax Center), FS17 (Centreville), FS32 (Fairview). In addition, Tech Vance has also served in administrative positions at headquarters.

When she was hired by FCFRD, Tech Vance had already earned her B.S. in English from the University of Maryland – College Park. Several years into her FCFRD career, Tech Vance took advantage of the tuition reimbursement opportunity Fairfax County government provides employees and completed her master’s degree in Emergency Health Services at University of Maryland – Baltimore County.

Her master’s degree provided Tech Vance with the skills to tackle a challenge that she feels shaped her career. Balancing work and home life is a challenge that every parent faces. This is especially true for women in public safety on shift work. There are unique challenges of balancing the typical day of school and activities for their children while also working non-standard business hours. Tech Vance worked hard to help create, and implement, the FCFRD’s flexible staffing model. This model allows for flexible scheduling to help FCFRD personnel balance work–life challenges.

Tech Vance serves as President of the Fairfax County Women Firefighters Association. She has sought to create positive influence and change for all members. Specifically, she hopes to provide a safe space for women to be heard and empowered.

Tech Vance lives in Maryland with her husband, Bill, who is a Captain and Safety Officer with FCFRD and their two kids.

Have you wondered what it would be like to #JoinTeamFCFRD? Contact our recruiters at fire.recruitment@fairfaxcounty.gov or (703) 246-3939 to learn more about a career.

This press release was produced by the FCFRD News Blog. The views expressed here are the author’s own.