SECRETARY — The Secretary Volunteer Fire Company will open its doors to area residents, so they can learn about what it takes to be a volunteer emergency responder in their community as part of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association’s first Statewide Volunteer Open House recruitment initiative. Over the last several years, it has been very tough for many volunteer fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) departments throughout Maryland to recruit and retain volunteers for a variety of reasons. Like most volunteer fire departments, the Secretary Volunteer Fire Company needs to bolster its number of emergency responders so it can continue to provide the optimum level of protection for its residents.

As part of Maryland’s Statewide Volunteer Recruitment Open House event on April 12, between 11 a.m.-4 p.m., the Secretary Volunteer Fire Company located at 115 Myrtle St. in Secretary, will join volunteer departments all across the state at their respective firehouses for a unified recruitment drive. Not only will the Statewide Volunteer Recruitment Open House be an opportunity to highlight the rewards and responsibilities that come with being a volunteer responder, it will also raise public awareness about the need for volunteers.

Throughout the day, the Secretary Volunteer Fire Company will conduct tours of the station and firefighter apparatus, allow visitors to try on firefighter gear, and provide activities and informational opportunities throughout the firehouse for visitors. The fire department will discuss the requirements to be a volunteer, as well as conduct demonstrations, answer questions, and let visitors know how to get involved in the fire department.

“Come on out and join us for this unique recruitment day at our firehouse,” said SVFC President Lenny Pfeffer. “This is a great opportunity for our neighbors to observe the exciting tasks of a firefighter. Our current members love what they do; they are everyday heroes who help neighbors in need. We hope our recruitment day will inspire other area residents to join our emergency services provider family.”

The goal of Maryland’s First Statewide Volunteer Recruitment Open House is that this collaborative effort among volunteer fire departments statewide will help increase the number of volunteer firefighters. This is one example of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association key initiatives to recruit and retain volunteers.

For area residents looking for more information, or to find out if other local fire departments are participating in Maryland State Firemen’s Association’s Statewide Volunteer Recruitment Open House, visit www.MDVolunteer.org, or contact your local fire department via their non-emergency phone number or its website.