Association Update – April 2025
To all members and stakeholders,
I wanted to take a moment to provide an important update on the association’s recent activities and initiatives. While much of this may be familiar to those who receive our regular communications, I often hear that members are still uncertain about ongoing developments. To that end, I strongly encourage participation in our bi-monthly meetings, which are the best way to hear directly about association updates and discuss key issues.
This update will cover a range of topics, many of which are directly related to our membership, though some may be of wider public interest.
Legislative & Advocacy Efforts
Over the recent Maryland General Assembly session, we launched our first-ever legislative and policy priorities, marking a significant step in aligning our efforts with both the Maryland General Assembly and the U.S. Congress. One of our primary advocacy focuses was Maryland Senate Bill 0419/House Bill 0815, aimed at increasing the income tax subtraction modification for public safety volunteers from $7,000 to $10,000 for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024. Unfortunately, this bill has not moved past the first reading, but we will continue to monitor and advocate for its progress.
Additionally, we have met with the Maryland State Firefighters Association’s Legislative Committee. President Jonathan Dayton met directly with MSFA Legislative Committee Chairperson, Chief Bob Phillips, in Annapolis during the legislative session. In February, we also had productive meetings with members of Congress in Washington D.C., where we advocated for funding for the AFG and SAFER programs, which remain top priorities for the association.
The association, under President Dayton’s leadership, has also issued statements concerning the closure of the National Fire Academy and the impacts of NIOSH layoffs on the National Cancer Registry.
Partnership with Lowe’s: Smoke Alarm Initiative
Over the past year, we have worked with Lowe’s Home Improvement to secure lifesaving smoke alarms for our member departments. These alarms, valued at over $50 each, can be requested by departments to install in homes within their first-due areas. This partnership represents a significant cost-saving initiative for our departments and an opportunity to protect the public from fire risks.
Scholarship Program
In line with our commitment to supporting volunteer members pursuing higher education, we are excited to announce the opening of our scholarship program once again. This initiative, led by Chairperson Emeritus Rod Bowser, will provide valuable scholarship dollars to volunteer firefighters/students who are advancing their education. This program continues to support our members in their professional growth and academic pursuits.
First Responder Recognition Program
We were also pleased to introduce the Allegany Garrett Counties Volunteer Fire Rescue Association First Responder Recognition Program. The purpose of this program is to honor the outstanding contributions and achievements of our volunteer first responders throughout the year. This initiative will provide continuous recognition, highlighting specific acts of service, dedication, and heroism.
Autism Support Bags
We continue our efforts to support our community through the collection of items for Autism Support Bags. Any member department can request these bags for their apparatus, which have been invaluable in assisting with calls involving autism patients or children who have suffered losses, particularly from fire-related incidents.
Recruitment Efforts: Garrett County Cadet Program
Recruitment remains a priority for the association. In partnership with Garrett County Public Schools, the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute (WMRTC), and the Garrett County Fire Rescue Association, we are developing a proposed firefighter/EMT cadet training program for high school students in Garrett County. Students and parents interested in learning more can refer to the attached flyer or contact President Jonathan Dayton directly.
Relief Fund Development
In response to growing requests, the By-Law Committee is currently formulating new by-laws to establish a committee dedicated to evaluating and processing requests for assistance from active members of emergency services in Allegany and Garrett Counties. Pending approval at convention, we hope to have this relief fund program up and running by late summer or early fall.
CHART Vehicle Advocacy
We have been in direct communication with the Governor’s Office and the Maryland Department of Transportation about the possibility of bringing a CHART (Coordinated Highways Action Response Team) vehicle to Allegany and Garrett Counties. This vehicle is a critical resource for keeping our responders off the highways and out of potentially dangerous situations. We will continue advocating for this much-needed resource.
In conclusion, the association remains steadfast in its mission to support volunteer firefighters, EMS personnel, and the communities we serve. We continue to advocate for better resources, recognition, and funding to ensure the safety and success of our teams.
Thank you to all our members for their ongoing dedication and service. If you have any questions or would like to discuss these updates in further detail, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me directly.
Sincerely,
Jonathan Dayton
President, Allegany Garrett Counties Volunteer Fire Rescue Association
jonathan.m.dayton@gmail.com
