Emergency Dial 9-1-1
Emergency Dial 9-1-1
Dear Ocean Pines Community Member,
As a valued member of our community, we are reaching out to you today to share an important message. The Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department (OPVFD) has proudly served the Ocean Pines community for over 51 years, providing emergency services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Our mission has always been to safeguard the lives and property of our neighbors, and we are deeply committed to maintaining the highest level of protection and care.
However, the rising costs of maintaining and upgrading our equipment, along with the increasing demands on our services, have made it more challenging to keep up with our essential needs. This is why we are launching our 2024 annual fund drive and asking for your generous support.
This year, all funds raised will go directly toward three critical areas:
Replacement of Apparatus: The vehicles we rely on—fire engines, ambulances, and rescue vehicles—are essential in responding quickly and efficiently to emergencies. Unfortunately, these apparatuses age with time and use, and the cost of replacing them continues to rise. A single fire engine can cost upwards of $1,000,000 and keeping our fleet up to date is vital to ensuring we can respond effectively when seconds count.
Training Tools: Proper training is key to the safety and efficiency of our firefighters and EMS personnel. Advanced training tools and props are essential to simulate real-life emergency scenarios and prepare our team for the wide range of incidents they may face. From fire training and rescue props and medical simulation tools, these resources are crucial for honing the skills that keep our community safe.
South Station Building Project: This is a critical project aimed at addressing the current station’s inadequate size and outdated safety features. The current station lacks important NFPA-compliant facilities such as a decontamination room, necessary for properly handling exposure to hazardous materials, and adequate sleeping quarters for our firefighters and Paramedics. Reconstructing the station will provide our team with the resources needed to serve our growing community safely and efficiently.
The cost of firefighting and emergency medical services equipment & resources have risen sharply in recent years, and we are working tirelessly to ensure that we can keep our firefighters and Paramedics equipped with the tools they need to continue protecting our community. Your contribution will help us achieve these goals and ensure the safety and well-being of everyone in Ocean Pines.
We are incredibly grateful for the support we have received in the past from our community, and we are asking for your help once again. Every dollar you donate will make a direct impact on our ability to serve you and your family when you need us most.
Please consider making a tax-deductible donation today. You can mail a check to the Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department at the address listed above or visit our website at OPVFD.com/fund-drive to donate online. Your support means the world to us, and it enables us to continue saving lives and protecting property throughout Ocean Pines.
On behalf of the entire team here at the OPVFD, thank you for your continued support. Together, we can ensure that our community remains safe and well-protected for years to come.
Sincerely,
Chief Joey Widgeon & President Joe Enste
Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department
Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department
South Station
911 Ocean Parkway
Ocean Pines, MD 21811
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