The Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department has provided 24 hours per day, 7 days per week emergency service to the Ocean Pines and greater Worcester County community for over four decades. Our 50 volunteer firefighters and support staff are supplemented by 15 career firefighters/paramedics, and their combined efforts ensure that the more than 2,000 annual calls for service are always answered.
Donations from our fundraising campaigns help maintain and replace fire and medical apparatus, provide free training for all our members, and help with volunteer recruitment. This year, we are also in the early stages of a capital campaign to replace the South Fire Station, and we are committed to communicate that process every step of the way.
Over the last 40 years, the department, its membership, and the size of the apparatus have drastically grown, while the South Station has not. The growth of the community has led to increased calls for service each year, meaning more staff and more equipment are needed than ever before. The South Station building no longer complies with current building codes and National Fire Protection Administration standards, or the Americans with Disabilities Act requirements. It also can no longer house the growing staff, which includes four paramedic/firefighters sleeping in a space originally sized for just one person. Working areas, and storage for fire and medical supplies are also undersized and inefficient. The proposed new South Station would provide for the health and safety of our members and help them to better serve our wonderful community.
While plans to conduct a fundraising effort specifically for the South Station construction project are currently being explored, we hope you will continue to provide your support for OPVFD’s operational needs by generously responding to this year’s annual fundraising campaign.
Your donations go directly to the Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department and are critical to our ability to serve you. Please help us maintain our effectiveness in protecting you and your property by contributing to our Annual Fund Drive. The Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department serves your community and is 100% tax deductible as the OPVFD is a 501(c)(3) organization.
On behalf of the Officers and Members of the Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department, we thank you for your continued support.
David Van Gasbeck, President Steve Grunewald, Chief
