Frequently Asked Questions

VFD Websites are purpose-built for fire departments. We’ve done the hard work already, so you don’t have to start from scratch. You get a professional, mobile-friendly site at a lower cost and with less hassle than hiring a designer or trying to build one yourself.

That’s a common story. Many departments have lost their websites because a chief retired, a volunteer webmaster moved away, or no one could find the login info. Others tried building it themselves but couldn’t keep up with updates and the site was abandoned.

With VFD Websites, your site is professionally managed and securely backed up. We handle the setup, technical maintenance, and support, so your department isn’t dependent on a single person to keep things going.  Even if leadership changes, your website stays online, organized, and accessible. That’s the kind of continuity your community deserves.

To begin building your site, we’ll need:

• A digital copy of your logo (if available)
• Basic information about your department and service area
• Listing of staff/roster
• Flyer(s) or information about your upcoming events
• Photos

We’ll guide you through the entire process and help you gather anything you’re missing.

Once we have your content, we’ll get to work. Provided you’ve given us everything we need, your site can be ready for review in as little as one week, with final launch depending on how quickly you’re able to provide feedback.

Our pricing is designed for small-town and volunteer budgets. You’ll pay a one-time setup fee and a modest annual fee that includes hosting, security, backups, and support.  Monthly payment options are also available.

Visit the Pricing page on this site for more information.

Yes! A website is a legitimate expense for many local grant programs, especially those focused on public safety, communication, community outreach, or volunteer recruitment. Community foundations, regional nonprofits, and even some state agencies offer funding that can be applied toward building or improving your online presence. We’re happy to provide information that you can include in your grant application.

Start by checking with your local community foundation, or similar organizations. Many civic groups and regional funders support technology upgrades and outreach efforts for first responders. Even small grants can make a big impact—and we can help you present your website project clearly and professionally when you apply.

Absolutely! Each site includes a user-friendly dashboard that makes it easy to update text, photos, events, and more—no web experience needed. We’ll provide guidance and documentation to get you started.

Every website includes 6 pages: Home, Events, Staff/Roster, Volunteer, Photos, and Contact. We’ll tailor the content to your department.

Of course! If you have ideas for additional features, we can add them at any time. Customizations are billed separately at our hourly rate, with a clear estimate provided in advance.

Yes. We follow modern best practices so that your department can be found on Google and other search engines. Every site we build is SEO-friendly from the start — no extra charge.

Search engine placement is not guaranteed.

Facebook is where you talk to the people who already know you. A website is how you reach the people who should know you.

Social media is great for quick updates, but it’s not a reliable place for structured, permanent information. A website gives your department a professional, stable home for everything the public may need, in one easy-to-find place.

Facebook is just one channel, and not everyone uses it. A website is universally accessible and doesn’t require users to log in or have an account. It also allows you to control your message and branding without being at the mercy of algorithms or platform changes.

You can, but it’s easy for posts to get buried in a feed – or to show up only after days or even weeks have passed. With a website, your information is always available, making it easier for residents to find what they need quickly.

That’s totally fine—and easy to do. A website can serve as your department’s hub, linking out to your social channels while still offering a permanent home for the information.  The VFD Website system supports Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter) and Bluesky.