Maryland fire companies hold open houses to recruit volunteers

Salisbury and Parsonsburg are on the search for new volunteer firefighters.

The towns held their own recruitment day and open house in the hopes of attracting new members.  The day is in conjunction with the Maryland State Firemans Association for its annual recruitment day, and this is the first time Salisbury is participating in the event.

We are told there is a nationwide shortage of volunteer EMS service providers, and open houses like this are needed to try to keep up with calls for service coming in.

"We are looking for as many people as we can in the community who will be active participants in the fire and EMS service," said Salisbury firefighter Craig Langrall.  "And there's specific number today.  Today we had ten or twelve folks that came in.  We're very pleased with that.  And that's just going to be a stepping stone to doing bigger and better things."

This event comes as Salisbury continues to see an increase in calls on a yearly basis.  We're told the city answered about 13,000 calls last year, and though there is not necessarily a shortage to speak of, the city hopes to continue adding volunteers to keep up with the number of calls for service.

"We want to always grow that contingent," said Salisbury Mayor Jake Day.  "And remember that as you have volunteers that rise in rank, that grow in age, that leave and retire from the department, you have to be bringing in the next generation."

If you missed the open house today but are interested in volunteering for the Salisbury fire department, you can walk in Monday to Friday from 8 AM to 4 PM and apply.