Somerset County Addresses Volunteer Firefighter Shortage

SOMERSET COUNTY, Md. — Recruiting and retaining volunteer firefighters is a challenge departments are facing nationwide, and in Somerset County, fire companies say they’re feeling that strain firsthand. With just eight departments serving all of the county, including two on Smith Island, officials say crews are spread thin.

“It’s a large geographic area. Often times, when I leave my station, it’s not uncommon to drive 10 miles to get to the site,” Chief of the Mount Vernon Volunteer Fire Company John Barnette said.

Barnette said increasing training requirements, combined with a lack of benefits are making it harder to attract new volunteers. “The volume of students that I see today has diminished a lot from what it was 20 years ago when I started teaching at the university.”

Last week, the Somerset County Commissioners took steps to address the recruitment crisis, approving a $600 increase in annual retirement benefits, and a property tax break for volunteers.

“Other counties have already implemented it, but we’re finally catching up on that aspect of it; it goes a long way toward keeping active members active,” Barnette said.

“But just the communication and the transparency between the firefighters, the volunteers, and the departments with the county commissioners is helping tremendously,” County Liaison for the Fire Chief’s Association Erik Emely said.

Still, those benefits remain notably lower than what’s offered in neighboring counties. Now, leaders say their next step is ramping up outreach — working to spread the word and encourage more members of the community to volunteer.

“Fire trucks don’t put out fires. Firefighters do,” Barnette said.