St. Mary’s County’s volunteer fire departments and rescue squads are opening their doors so residents can learn what it takes to become a volunteer in their community, as part of a countywide program called Recruit St. Mary’s. Like most volunteer departments in Maryland, the Volunteer Fire/EMS Service in St. Mary’s County needs to bolster its emergency responder participation, so it can continue to provide the optimum level of protection for its community. Now, more than ever, we need more volunteers.
On Saturday, April 27 2013, between 1 and 4 p.m., the volunteer fire departments and rescue squads in St. Mary’s will join in an initiative with volunteer departments all across the state at their facilities for a unified recruitment drive, as part of National Volunteer Week 2013. Recruit St. Mary’s is an opportunity to highlight the duties and rewards that come with being a volunteer.
Recruitment and retention is one of the biggest challenges facing volunteer departments today. Volunteers comprise 70 percent of our nation’s fire service and 100 percent in St. Mary’s County. It is critical that the volunteer service be kept strong now and in the future. As the requests for service increase every year, so does the need for community volunteering.
Throughout the day, the community departments will conduct tours of the stations and apparatus, allow visitors to try on turnout gear, and provide activities and stations for visitors to participate in. The departments will discuss the requirements to be a volunteer, as well as conduct demonstrations, answer questions, and let visitors know how to get involved in the department.
If you are interested in receiving more information please contact: Recruitment and Retention Coordinator at 301-475-4200 x 2114 or email at
emergency.services@stmarysmd.com
This year’s theme is “CELEBRATE SERVICE” Citizens are being asked when they see a volunteer firefighter, rescue squad member, or paramedic say “thank you.” It means a lot!
