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St. Mary's County Volunteer Recruitment
Fire & EMS Recruitment and Retention:
In St. Mary's County, the fire departments and rescue squads are 100% volunteer. In 2018, Fire and EMS volunteers responded to 15,800 calls to assist fellow citizens during an emergency. Every fire department and rescue squad in St. Mary's County is recruiting new members. There are a variety of positions that do not require a person to respond to the scene of an emergency including administrative and fundraising roles. For citizens who want to serve the community by becoming a certified firefighter or EMT, the training is provided at no cost.
Incentives are offered to citizens who volunteer at fire departments and rescue squads. A few of these incentives include a college scholarship program, length of service awards program and a Maryland State tax deduction after three years of service. For more information, contact the Recruitment & Retention Coordinator at 301-475-4200 72114, volunteer@stmarysmd.com.
Summary of Benefits
Free Training
Free training is provided to volunteers through the Maryland Fire & Rescue Institute. Many courses are offered year-round including: Fire Fighter I, Fire Fighter II, EMT-B, EMT-P, Emergency Vehicle Operator and many more!
Maryland State Income Tax Incentive
The State of Maryland offers a Tax Relief Program for eligible volunteers via a Tax Subtraction Modification. To qualify for the program, volunteers must meet performance requirements by accruing at least 50 LOSAP points* annually. Members may deduct $4,250 from their 2016 Maryland State Income Taxes if the LOSAP requirement is met and have served as a volunteer for the past three years. This deduction will increase each year by $250 each year until the deduction reaches $5,000 (in the year 2019).
Length of Service Awards Program (LOSAP) Benefit
Volunteers that have accumulated at least 50 LOSAP points* each year for 20 years AND are at least 55 years old receive a benefit of $150.00 per month, for life. For each additional year of qualified service over 20 years, an additional $8.00 per year is added to the benefit amount. Thus, a volunteer with 25 years of creditable service receives $190.00 per month, for life. LOSAP benefits are not taxable by the State of Maryland.
Cost of Living
LOSAP Retirees and Beneficiaries receive COLA’s in July based on Maryland State Retirement and Pension System guidelines.
Disability Benefit
Available if a volunteer becomes disabled while engaged in providing volunteer services. The disability must prevent the volunteer from pursuing his/her normal occupation duties and must be of a permanent nature as certified by the Maryland Workmen's Compensation Commission.
Survivor Benefit
A surviving spouse is entitled to benefits equal to 50 percent of the deceased volunteer's benefits.
Line of Duty Death Benefits
A death benefit of $2,500 is paid to the volunteers’ designated beneficiary.
Scholarship Reimbursement Program
Volunteers that have earned at least 50 LOSAP points*, in the previous calendar year, are eligible to apply for the Scholarship Reimbursement Program. Volunteers must complete an application attaching documentation of payment for post-secondary educational course(s). At the completion of the course(s), the volunteer must provide proof of successful completion of the course(s). Once received, the volunteer will receive reimbursement in accordance with the Scholarship Reimbursement Program guidelines.
* One point is awarded each time a volunteer participates in a meeting, drill, fundraising event, or responds to a call.
For More Information: 301-475-4200 *2114
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