Membership is not open to the public at large. Members must be persons of good character who have not been convicted of any felony crime or received a military discharge equating to Dishonorable, Bad Conduct, or Other than Honorable Conditions.
The essence of VEMA membership is of those who have answered the call to duty. As such, potential members must be currently employed, retired or have served 6 or more years as a First Responder; and/or an active member, retired or veteran of Military Service.
VEMA membership shall always be primarily of First Responders and Military Service members. However, we do acknowledge that the mission to serve would not be possible without the dedication of selected civilians. For this reason, VEMA is honored to allow membership to selected civilians.
First Responders are certified or sworn persons who have completed and earned a Federal or State certification that is required to respond to emergencies in an official capacity as a representative of a Federal, State, County, City, Municipality, or Township.
Examples of First Responders are: Police Officers, School Resource Officers, Campus Police Officers, Correction Officers, Probation/Parole Officers, Firefighters, Emergency Medical Technicians, Paramedic, FBI Agent, US Secret Service Agent, US Marshal, DEA Agent, Fish and Wildlife Officer, Park Ranger, Air Marshal, Game Warden, Postal Inspector, Transit Police, EPA Officer, ICE Agent, Border Patrol, Volunteer Firefighter, Reserve Police Officer, etc.
Military service members are persons who have earned or will earn an honorable discharge from military service upon retirement, separation, or discharge from the United States Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard. Military service includes current or prior service in the National Guard or Military Reserves within any of the six military branches mentioned.
