The volunteer fire corporations of Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) will open their doors to the community so they can learn what it takes to be an emergency responder. This event will take place on Sunday, April 12, 2015, as part of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association’s first annual Statewide Volunteer Recruitment Open House recruitment initiative.
All six volunteer fire corporations in Howard County will participate in the open house which takes place between 11am and 4pm. Not only will the Statewide Volunteer Recruitment Open House be an opportunity to highlight the rewards and responsibilities that come with being an emergency responder, it will also raise public awareness about the importance of volunteers in the fire service.
Throughout the day, each volunteer department will conduct tours of the station and firefighter apparatus, allow visitors to try on firefighter gear, and provide activities and informational opportunities throughout the firehouse for visitors. Each corporation will discuss the requirements to be a volunteer, as well as conduct demonstrations, answer questions, and let visitors know how to get involved at their station.
“Like most of the fire service, the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services began as an all-volunteer organization,” said Fire Chief John Butler. “We are fortunate to have a strong partnership with our volunteers to this day and are pleased to support this recruitment effort to grow their ranks. I’m committed to providing the training and equipment they need to do their job and to offer benefit programs in recognition of their time and service.”
“This is an excellent opportunity for our neighbors to experience and learn firsthand what it means to be a firefighter,” said Howard County Volunteer Firemen’s Association President Julie Casey. “We hope this recruitment day will inspire members of the community to join our emergency services provider family.”
For residents looking for more information, or to find out if other local fire departments are participating in Maryland State Firemen’s Association’s Statewide Volunteer Recruitment Open House, visit www.MDVolunteer.org. For additional information regarding Howard County volunteer fire departments.
Elkridge Volunteer Fire Department: www.elkridgevfd.org, (410) 313-4901
Ellicott City Volunteer Fire Department: www.ellicottcityvfa.com, (410) 313-2602
West Friendship Volunteer Fire Department: www.wfvfd.org, (410) 313-5403
Lisbon Volunteer Fire Company: www.lisbonvfc.org, (410) 489-4646
Fifth District Volunteer Fire Department: www.fdvfd.com, (410) 313-7305
Savage Volunteer Fire Company: www.savagevfc.org, (410) 313-4426
