Friday, September 30, 2011   We are asking all Prince George's County residents who support the volunteer Fire/EMS system to please call the offices of County Executive Rushern Baker (301-952-4131) and Council Chair Ingrid Turner (301-952-3094), and your District Councilperson to let them know that you are 100% opposed to the "Fire Protection Oversight Bills" (CB-060-2011) that are currently under consideration by the Public Safety and Fiscal Management committee, and that you fully support the current Fire Commission.

The bills would dramatically alter the structure and role of the Fire Commission which has represented the volunteers of Prince George's County for 40 years. The current Commission consists of 9 representatives elected by the volunteer corporations, and is responsible for oversight of the volunteer budget, fiscal audits, and certification of volunteer officers, among other responsibilities. The proposed legislation would eliminate the elected Commissioners, replacing them with nine appointees: three representing the volunteers, three representing the career staff, and three representing County citizens at large. The new Commission would function solely in an advisory capacity to the County Fire Chief, and would have no direct control over any funding. This would severely impact the financial health of many of the County's volunteer fire department.

The volunteer fire service in Prince George's County dates back to the late 1800s. Things have changed a lot over the years, and the current combination system reflects those changes. Volunteer corporations still own 75% of the fire apparatus and 75% of the fire stations in the County. More than 1,500 volunteers stand ready to answer the call for help, day or night, and they receive the same or higher levels of training as paid firefighters. Volunteer and career personnel have successfully worked side-by-side for 40 years, and many paid firefighters begain their careers in the fire service as volunteers. Another 500 Volunteers serve in administrative and support roles. The proposed legislation will not improve that system, but could harm it irreparably.

Please support your local volunteers by contacting Mr. Baker, Ms. Turner, and your County Council District Representative.

"story copied from the volunteer association website"