Beyond their bravery and commitment, first responders have valuable expertise that puts them in high demand in municipal governments throughout the country.
Those same skills can be put to use in the federal government, too, because VA has support positions that directly align with the experience developed by first responders.
Read on to see how VA’s opportunities stack up to first responder careers in the civilian world.
Police officers
VA Police is a specialized federal law enforcement service within VA that patrols health care systems, primarily VA hospitals. However, VA Police also respond to any incidents that happen at VA clinics, benefit offices, and national cemeteries.
Within the service, there are different specialties, as well. For example, K-9 officers are used throughout the VA network to add additional security and means of investigation, while criminal investigators use an array of innovative procedures to solve more in-depth crimes.
Firefighters
Complete with fire engines, many VA facilities support their own fire departments. As a firefighter, you may be responding to emergencies—laying and connecting hoses, directing fire streams, operating firefighting equipment, ventilating burning buildings, or even performing rescues.
When not engaged in the more visible duties of firefighting, you can support your facility in other ways. You might find yourself conducting safety inspections of the facility or conducting training for your fellow VA employees so they, too, can be prepared in the event of an emergency.
Paramedics and EMTs
VA’s ambulance transportation teams, staffed by emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics, provide services ranging from basic life support to advanced medical care for Veterans transferring to a higher level of care.
Our ambulance teams can help eliminate the need to wait for contracted transportation services and, what’s better, our ambulances are often outfitted with state-of-the-art technology that keeps both Veterans and technicians safe.
The Veteran difference
While all 3 of the career paths mentioned above can be open to civilians, they also provide great opportunities for Veterans who want to continue their service. That’s because the skills and training needed to succeed as a first responder can be learned in the military.
Like many other federal agencies, VA offers Veterans’ preference, which can provide a leg up in the hiring process in thanks for service to the country. It’s a boost that has made a difference for many members of our team.
Our benefits packages are also bolstered by previous military service. As a VA employee, you can choose to carry over eligible military service time that can be added to your total years of service for retirement purposes.
For retired military personnel, our financial benefits are in addition to full monthly retirement pay or pension, while those Veterans who choose to continue their service in the Reserve or National Guard can receive 15 days of military leave a year.
Better benefits await
No matter the area of first responder expertise, there are some rewards that just won’t change, because we value the proficiency and commitment our employees show.
VA knows that personal time is important, and we encourage a life/work balance by offering 13-26 days paid leave, as well as 13 sick days annually, 11 paid federal holidays each year, and 12 weeks of paid parental leave.
When the time comes to retire, your finances will be secure. VA employees have access to the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), which allows you to tax-defer a portion of your income each year, similar to a 401(k).
With Federal Employees Health Benefits, you can prepare for the unexpected and choose from a variety of plans that all cover preexisting conditions for you and your family. We’ll also cover you and eligible family members with Federal Employees Group Life Insurance.
Work at VA
It takes a special kind of person to work as a first responder, whether that’s as a police officer, firefighter, paramedic, or EMT. That’s the kind of person we welcome at VA.
- EXPLORE the employment benefits we offer.
- LEARN about our mission of service.
