September 29, 2010

For immediate release

NEWS RELEASE

Contact: 

President Kenneth M. Yazge

240-876-0355

ken.yazge@bccrs.org

Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad and Other Volunteer Departments Win Lawsuit Challenging Rejection of Ambulance Fee Petition

Court ruling puts ambulance fee question on November 2010 ballot 

Maryland's highest court ruled today that the Montgomery County Elections Board improperly rejected a petition submitted by the Montgomery County Volunteer Fire-Rescue Association, which represents the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad and other community-based volunteer fire-rescue departments, to put the EMS Transport Fee on the November 2, 2010, ballot.  The Maryland Court of Appeals ruled that the Elections Board was wrong to reject the petition and ordered that the question of EMS Transport Fee legislation be placed on the November ballot.

"The Court's decision is an important victory in that it will give County residents a voice on whether to impose ambulance fees in Montgomery County," said Kenneth M. Yazge, B-CC Rescue Squad President.  "We believe ambulance fees may deter calls to 911 when help is needed most, will drive up insurance costs, and wrongfully impose a fee for an essential government service," added President Yazge.  "We also oppose charging a fee for a service that is often provided by volunteer personnel for free."

The EMS Transport Fee will now appear on the November 2, 2010, general election ballot. If a majority of voters vote "no" on the ballot question, the ambulance fee legislation, enacted by the County Council on May 21, 2010, would be repealed.

"We will be working with the MCVFRA and other community fire-rescue departments, concerned civic groups, individual citizens, and others to educate voters about the importance of rejecting ambulance fees by voting 'no' on the November ballot," Yazge stated.

MCVFRA was represented pro bono in this lawsuit by the law firm of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher and Flom, LLP.  The DC-based Skadden Arps team included John Bentivoglio, Mitch Ettinger, Amy Sabrin, Emily Helms-Williams, and Teresa Alutto-Schmidt.

About the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad

Now in its 70th year, the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad is a community-supported non-profit organization that provides no-charge professional fire, rescue, and emergency medical services to the Bethesda-Chevy Chase, Maryland area, as well as Upper Northwest Washington, D.C. The Squad responds to all types of emergency incidents, including injuries, illnesses, heart attacks, vehicle collisions, house fires, and many others. Its fleet includes 7 ambulance/medic units, 1 paramedic “chase” car, 2 heavy rescue squads, 2 air support units for refilling firefighters’ breathing apparatus at fire scenes, and various command and utility vehicles.

The spirit, commitment, dedication, and operational skills of its members are the defining characteristics of the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad. The Squad provides the community with the security and peace of mind that comes with emergency services that are among the best in the United States.

The B-CC Rescue Squad is registered under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, and contributions to the Squad are tax-deductible as allowable by law.

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For more information on ambulance fees, visit www.stopambulancefee.org . 

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