2023 ANNUAL REPORT-FINAL

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VOLUNTEER FIRE & RESCUE SERVICES

The DVFRS, maintains a centralized membership database for County volunteers, which records the County’s Length of Service Award Program (LOSAP). Since its implementation in 2016, we have added enhancements to include a training module, electronic approval process and drop box feature to improve security of personal information. There is and always will be a need for more volunteers. The recruitment and retention of volunteers in Frederick County, remains a top priority. The Division continues to recruit new volunteers on-site at various events via an extensive advertising campaign, which includes television and radio commercials, advertisements, flyers, in person, presentations, and a recruitment website, www.GearUpFireRescue.com. The success of this campaign is a combined effort between the volunteer recruiter and our individual volunteer corporations, working together to welcome new volunteer members into the fire and rescue family. Additionally, the Division provides six orientation classes throughout the year to welcome, educate and provide new volunteers with guidance on transitioning from civilian life to that of a volunteer in Frederick County’s fire and rescue service.

Annually, fire and rescue companies receive County government funding to support their operational activities. In 2014, the FCVFRA moved from a line-item budgeting system to a funding matrix with quarterly appropriations. The matrix system is calculated using as a base funding amount for type of service provided (fire/EMS or combination), operational square footage, apparatus ownership and call load. IRE