2024 ANNUAL REPORT - Final

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OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR

Administration and Communication (continued)

In February, DFRS took part in Frederick County Government's Heart Health Campaign, where we had the opportunity to produce two important public service announcements: How to Prepare for a Medical Emergency and CPR Preparedness . These PSAs are available in English, Spanish, and American Sign Language (ASL). During filming, we collaborated with staff from the Maryland School for the Deaf, whose support and skillset was crucial in ensuring we could provide this vital emergency information to Frederick’s Deaf community. As part of the campaign, DFRS also hosted five hands-only CPR and Stop the Bleed classes at various recreation centers across the County. The success of these classes led to an increase in requests for similar training from other community groups and businesses.

DFRS was proud to partner with Frederick County Parks and Recreation to host the first Junior Firefighter Academy in June 2024. This one-day program, designed for children ages 6-11, introduced participants to life in

the fire service. DFRS welcomed 120+ participants to the Public Safety Training Facility grounds and walked them through a variety of hands-on activity stations, allowing them to get an up-close look at what it means to be part of Frederick County Fire & Rescue. Some of the activity stations included physical training, dressing in turn out gear, learning about smoke alarms, escape planning, exploring the parts of a fire truck, navigating an obstacle course, practicing first aid and calling 9-1-1, using a fire extinguisher, and working a thermal imaging camera. Planning for the 2025 Junior Firefighter Academy is already well underway.

In 2025, DFRS plans to continue strengthening our partnerships while working to create innovative and accessible ways to communicate with our community members. To view the DFRS fire prevention and life safety materials, please visit: www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/FCDFRSCommunityOutreach . To request DFRS’s attendance at a community function or for specific questions regarding the Community Outreach Program, contact Calli Guercio, Community Outreach Coordinator, via email at CGuercio@FrederickCountyMD.gov.

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