Volunteer Fire Company Vehicle Replacement Grant Program

About the Program

Category: Risk and Emergency Management (Best in Category)

Year: 2010

Cecil County, Maryland is a 359 square mile rural community with nine volunteer fire companies, which provide fire protection and emergency medical and ambulance services to the citizens. Chapter 37 of the County Code appropriates a portion of taxes collected on assessable property to the fire companies to assist with maintenance and operation of the companies. Recognizing the essential services provided by the volunteer fire companies, the Board of County Commissioners joined forces with the Cecil County Firemen’s Association to establish an additional program. Through the Volunteer Fire Company Vehicle Replacement Grant Program, the County provides up to one million dollars per year of public funds to assist fire companies in the acquisition of fire trucks, ambulances, and other apparatuses used in the line of duty. Since 2006, thirty essential vehicles have been replaced, which has increased the ability of the dedicated volunteers to protect property, health, and welfare of residents.