Joppa-Magnolia Volunteer Fire Company Holds Open House Recruitment Initiative April 12

From the Joppa-Magnolia Volunteer Fire Company:

The Joppa-Magnolia 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 annual Statewide Volunteer Recruitment 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 Joppa-Magnolia 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 Sunday, April 12, 2015 between 11am & 4pm, the Joppa-Magnolia VFC – Joppatowne Station located at 505 Trimble Road, Joppa, MD 21085 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 Joppa-Magnolia VFC will conduct tours of the station and firefighter apparatus, allow visitors to try on firefighter gear, and provide activities and fascinating 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 Fire Chief Ryan Barrow. “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 www.jmvfc.org for more information.