April 26, 2011

"Providing Cost-Effective Public Safety"

New Report Details How Volunteers Save Montgomery County Taxpayers Millions

A new report shows that highly trained and skilled volunteer firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics save Montgomery County taxpayers more than $23 million in salary and benefit costs each year, while the local volunteer fire and rescue departments save millions of additional dollars through the purchase of vehicles and equipment and the use of fire stations that are owned by the Departments. 

"This report demonstrates how fire and rescue volunteers are essential to providing cost-effective public safety in Montgomery County," said Marcine D. Goodloe, President of the Montgomery County Volunteer Fire-Rescue Association, which compiled the report.  "Without the commitment and service of volunteers, County taxpayers would pay tens of millions of dollars in additional taxes or the level of fire/rescue service would need to be drastically reduced," Goodloe added.

The report documents the savings from volunteers in three major areas:  (1) salaries and benefits, (2) vehicles and equipment, and (3) operation of fire/rescue stations. 

To read a summary of the Report (pdf document), click here. 

To read the full Report (pdf format), visit   http://www.mcvfra.org/doc_files/Report.pdf .  Clicking on this link will take you to a third-party website. 

About the B-CC Rescue Squad

Now in its 71st year, the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad is a community-supported 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, 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.

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