The squad provides an opportunity to be part of the fire and EMS community, respond to 911 emergencies, and provide fire, rescue, and emergency medical services in a major metropolitan environment. BCC volunteers gain experience at all levels of the fire-rescue service, beginning with serving as a charge EMT on an ambulance, all the way up to chief fire officer. The experience is unparalleled, and all training is provided free of charge. Our members most often describe their rescue squad experience as fun, challenging, and rewarding. Specific benefits include:

Training

No initial experience is required. All training is provided free of charge, including:

• CPR – all members re-certify annually
• Emergency Medical Technician – all members become Maryland-state certified EMTs
• FEMA training – all members are trained in national incident management and integrated emergency command
• Additional advanced training is available in:
  • Emergency vehicle operations – learn to drive the ambulance and heavy rescue apparatus
  • Firefighting – training includes fire ground operations, fire suppression, and search and rescue
  • International trauma life support – specialized training in emergency trauma care
  • Technical rescue training – including auto extrication, rope rescue, and swift water rescue
  • Advanced life support/paramedic
  • Fire and EMS officer and instructor

Length of Service Awards Program (LOSAP)

The Length of Service Awards Program, also known as LOSAP, allows volunteers to earn a monetary award based upon age and years of active service. Awards are provided after 10 years of active service with an age requirement of 65 (or a lower age requirement with additional years of service) and range from $92 per month to a maximum of $345 monthly. Members become eligible by participating in training and drills, standing duty at the station, attending meetings, responding to calls, and military service.

Maryland State Income Tax Deduction

The Maryland Income Tax Subtraction Program allows a volunteer who meets certain requirements to take a $7,000 deduction on their Maryland State income taxes.  To qualify, a volunteer must have been active in the past calendar year, have at least 36 months of qualifying service in the last ten years, and meet minimum LOSAP point requirements.