2024 ANNUAL REPORT - Final

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VOLUNTEER FIRE & RESCUE SERVICES

Accomplishments

• Supported volunteer companies with many special events this year. Volunteer members assisted with personnel, apparatus, and equipment to The Great Frederick Fair, Colorfest, The Running Festival, July 4th Celebrations, High School football games, 2024 USA Cycling Gran Fondo, Touch-A-Truck, Bay Bridge Walk and many other local community and sporting events. • Worked with the County Executive and County Council to modify the LOSAP Ordinance No. 24-01-001 to increase LOSAP benefits by 20%. New benefits started on July 1 st . The benefits include $240 per month plus $20 per month for each additional 5 years of service at age 62 (reducing the age from age 65) with a maximum benefit of $340 per month. • Ensured standards inspections, pump, and ladder testing were completed on all apparatus. Inspection reports were provided by DFRS Logistics and provided to the volunteer corporations through the Standards Committee that verified apparatus, and equipment had been inspected and meet standards and testing requirements. • Purchased and distributed 105 sets of new Personal Protective Equipment to volunteer members (one set of PPE now cost $5,517.00 due to inflationary increases). • Conducted fire station safety inspections in collaboration with Volunteer Fireman's Insurance Service (VFIS), Frederick County Risk Management an DFRS Safety Office. • Volunteer records management and training module enhancements were improved this year. This is a comprehensive membership database managed by the division which accounts for volunteer participation in incidents and activity. The information is used for LOS AP, income tax benefits, worker’s compensation, recording, training, and the annual fire/rescue accreditation process. • Worked closely with the Fire Rescue Advisory Committee and ensured the 2024 fire/rescue accreditation process was completed. • Continued to work on budget and Capital Improvement Projects.

• Managed and tracked the 2024 Annual Fire/Rescue Compliance Training for all operational members.

• Conducted one Live Fire Training Day at the PSTF with multiple volunteer companies participating.

• Managed the capital improvement project to install Automated Protection Services (APS) Firehouse Alerting systems in fire and rescue stations.

• Managed records management compliance of Image Trend Fire reports.

• Monitored and ensured compliance of Employee Medical Physical Requirements.

• Ensured the Volunteer Fire and Rescue Services Criminal History Records Check fingerprinting was performed on all individuals who apply for membership within a fire, rescue, or ambulance company.

• Completed policy revision of the Volunteer Rank Structure Policy.

• Developed the Emergency Services Certification List (ESCL) policy.

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