Contribution Facts

The Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad receives more than $1.5 million a year in contributions from residents and businesses and in grants from community-minded organizations. These contributions, in conjunction with other gifts, bequests, and occasional state and federal grants, fund the bulk of our $2 million annual budget. Unlike other fire/rescue departments, the Rescue Squad does not receive a regular appropriated budget from any government.

Although our professionally trained volunteer Emergency Medical Technicians, Paramedics, and Firefighters provide their services at no cost to the community, the cost of operating one of the nation’s most advanced and best-trained rescue squads continues to rise. For example, last year, thanks to the generous support of the community, we replaced three of our ambulance/medic units that had each logged over 100,000 miles. In two years,  we will need to replace two more, at a cost of $200,000 each, in order to keep serving the community with a top-notch fleet.  One of our two heavy rescue squads will also require replacement in the next two years, at a cost of almost $1 million. 

Payroll and benefits for our employees (who staff our apparatus during the day, when many of our volunteers are at work or school) and administrative personnel will cost $690,000 this year. We will spend $70,000 this year on fuel for our emergency vehicles and $65,000 to heat and cool our station.

Other major expenses include insurance, vehicle maintenance, and medical supplies. Although Montgomery County provides radios, some training classes, and two paramedics on weekdays, the Rescue Squad receives no direct tax support from Montgomery County or the District of Columbia.

Many services, including High-Angle Rescue, Bicycle Emergency Response Team, and free non-emergency ambulance transport, would not be possible without the commitment of 150 professionally-trained volunteers and the generous donations we receive from the community.

Click here to view a financial statement.