The Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad applied for, and received, a Payroll Protection Program (PPP) loan in the amount of $171,000.   As a result of the pandemic, several important sources of revenue – used to fund operations and other costs – have been eliminated, including rental revenue from the Squad’s banquet hall and parking lot, and we have no estimate for when these sources of revenue will return and at what level.

BCCRS is fortunate to be able to employ more than 20 individuals. Our employees include EMTs, paramedics, and firefighters, whose critical work allows us to staff emergency response units, primarily during weekday, daytime shifts.   The PPP loan helped to ensure that BCCRS was able to avoid laying off or reducing the hours of our paid emergency services personnel, given unprecedented challenges in the economy and in the emergency system.   As a result of the PPP loan, BCCRS was able to maintain its normal staffing levels with paid personnel during weekdays, while providing additional “surge” staffing using volunteer personnel during the Covid-19 pandemic.  BCCRS intends to apply for PPP loan forgiveness given that BCCRS did not layoff or furlough any full-time personnel during the relevant period and meets the other requirements for loan forgiveness.

BCCRS is a philanthropically-driven organization and relies primarily on donations from area residents and organizations to fund its operations. We remain concerned about the impact the economic downturn will have on future donations and grants. Interested individuals and organizations can support our crucial work by making an online donation through the Squad’s website:   www.bccrs.org.