2021 ANNUAL REPORT

62

VOLUNTEER FIRE & RESCUE SERVICES

Volunteer Fire & Rescue Services

The Division of Volunteer Fire and Rescue Services (DVFRS) works closely with The Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association (FCVFRA), and its 25 fire and rescue companies, the Division of Fire and Rescue Services (DFRS) and County Government to provide support services to the many operational and administrative volunteer members. Frederick County’s fire and rescue service is a combination system comprised of both career and volunteer personnel. DVFRS recognizes the need for both career and volunteer personnel in order to maintain the high level of quality service expected in Frederick County. The number of requests for service continues to rise, and without the dedication of both career and volunteer personnel, the level of service would diminish to an unacceptable level. Nearly half of the 2,000 individuals that are members of the volunteer fire and rescue companies throughout Frederick County are active in some capacity. Approximately 500 volunteers are operationally functional to respond to fire, rescue, and EMS incidents. Approximately another 600 members work behind the scenes, raising money, doing administrative functions, and generally providing services needed to maintain a small business and provide funds to purchase apparatus and buildings. The remaining individuals are social members or long- standing members no longer in an active status. On January 1 st , Division Director/Deputy Chief Kevin Fox retired from DVFRS with over 30 years of dedicated service to the citizens of Frederick County. His leadership in the Division of Volunteer Services will be missed by all volunteer fire and rescue personnel. In July, Assistant Chief Shane Darwick was appointed Division Director by County Executive Jan Gardner and in November, David Polikoff was hired as the new Assistant Chief of DVFRS. Fire, Rescue, Hazardous Materials, and Emergency Medical Services training is essential, and in addition to on- going training that is held throughout the county at individual fire and rescue stations, countless hours are accumulated through classes conducted by the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute. Many members give up their personal time and earned vacations to maintain and upgrade their skills. Doing so demonstrates true dedication to helping people without, which is what volunteering is all about. This year, County Executive Jan Gardner’s budget included a High School Cadet Training Program for volunteers. The program, offered by DVFRS and Frederick County Public Schools, includes instruction in Fire Department Basic Orientation, CPR, Protective Equipment/SCBA, Hazardous Materials Operations, Emergency Medical Responder and Rescue Technician Courses. Upon graduation of the program, these volunteer members will have met both state and national certifications in order to provide emergency services in their community. Volunteer corporations continue to upgrade equipment, purchasing new ambulances, new engines, and new support units. Fundraising efforts remain as a significant part of the volunteer fire and rescue personnel’s lives, and a major factor in supporting the operations of each of the individual corporations. There were minimal fundraising events this year due to the pandemic, reducing the number of vehicles volunteers have purchased in past years.