06/02/2026
π Supporting Washington County Volunteer Fire & Emergency Medical Services (EMS) π
Washington County is proud to partner with and invest in our volunteer Fire & EMS companies, helping ensure residents, businesses, and visitors receive the highest level of emergency services every day.
County Support Highlights:
π· Operating Support: Nearly 100% of general operating costs covered β $84.1 million invested over the past 10 years, with $12.2 million budgeted in FY2026.
π· Volunteer Benefits & Incentives:
β’ Length of Service Award Program (LOSAP): $366,270 budgeted in FY2026
β’ Recruitment, retention, and training initiatives: $865,000 budgeted in FY2026
π· Infrastructure, Equipment & Training: $34.2 million invested over the past decade, including the Public Safety Training Center, radio system upgrades, reserve apparatus, turnout gear, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA), and Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs).
π· Gaming Revenue Support: Volunteer Fire & Rescue companies receive 50% of gaming revenues β totaling $13 million over the past 10 years, with $1.1 million budgeted in FY2026.
π· Supplemental EMS Staffing: County-funded staffing has expanded from 9 positions in FY2016 to 145 positions today, representing an $18.6 million investment. This includes 18 additional firefighter positions authorized for hiring and 8 EMS positions added through the Clear Spring EMS transition, strengthening reliable EMS coverage throughout Washington County.
βοΈ Investing in Public Safety
Washington County remains committed to providing the funding, training, equipment, and support our volunteer Fire & EMS companies need to continue serving our communities today and for generations to come.