Professionalism: We seek to earn the admiration and respect of our peers and those we serve through the EMS skills we demonstrate every day.

Respect: We listen to and treat all others, especially our fellow EMS providers and patients, with patience, kindness, empathy, and compassion.

Integrity: We are honest, doing what is honorable and trustworthy in all matters, and owning our stuff when we fall short.

Dedication: We are committed to serve our community, its citizens, and our patients with ongoing high quality care and exceptional organizational performance.

Excellence: We strive to exceed expectations; learning new skills, having fun, and growing personally for the benefit of the Squad and those we serve.

Squad History

Thank you for your interest in learning more about the Greater Manassas Volunteer Rescue Squad (GMVRS), whose members have been serving the City of Manassas and the surrounding area with quality pre-hospital Emergency Medical Services since 1966. The Squad’s first “home” (Rescue Station 1) located near downtown Manassas was constructed in 1970, and expanded three times over the years to meet the needs of a growing community.  During that time the volunteers were augmented by an increasing number of City paid career Firefighter/EMS personnel, who became part of the City of Manassas Fire and Rescue Department when it was established by City Ordinance in 2010. The GMVRS then became an integral part of the City of Manassas Fire and Rescue System, and in 2017 Rescue Station 1 was renamed Fire Station 521 to reflect the expanded fire and rescue role of the station. In May 2021, the GMVRS moved to its current location on Dumfries Road when the new FS521 was completed and became operational.

Over its history, the Squad has distinguished itself both at the state level in EMS competitions and governance, and locally in its participation in a variety of community public service and celebratory events. Historically known as Rescue Company 1, the GMVRS provides an opportunity for citizen volunteers to learn EMS skills and serve their community as first responders.

Squad Governance and Operations

The GMVRS is registered with the Virginia State Corporation Commission as a non-profit organization, and is a member of the Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads (VAVRS).

Organizationally, GMVRS is made up of three components: the Operational Squad, the Junior Squad and Auxiliary, each performing a vital function that contributes to the organization’s success. There is a fourth category of membership, Affiliate members, who perform important administrative roles for the Senior Operational part of the organization.

The Operational Squad is responsible for the overall administration and operation of the organization, with governance performed by a Board of Directors, who are elected by the members.  Squad operations are the responsibility of the Rescue Chief and the Squad’s elected officers. Operational members staff ambulances as EMTs and prospective EMTs and run EMS calls. Click here to learn more about joining the GMVRS as an Operational member.

The Junior Squad provides an opportunity for students ages 16-19 to learn EMS skills, run EMS calls, and function as a semi-independent organization with their own Bylaws and officers with administrative and operational oversight by the Senior Operational Squad. Click here to learn more about joining the GMVRS as a Junior member.

The Auxiliary’s members perform a vital support role for the Squad by their active participation in community events representing the GMVRS, fundraising and contributing supplies and equipment that enhance the quality of Station life for both the Squad and career staff assigned to Fire Station 521.  Click here to learn more about joining the GMVRS as an Auxiliary member.

Affiliate members perform various administrative functions and roles in support of Squad operations, and may hold elected administrative officer positions.  Click here to learn more about joining the GMVRS as an Affiliate member.