MD Rescue Squad Offers Stipends for Live-In Volunteers

A Maryland rescue squad has created a new program that gives financial incentives to volunteers who live at the station.

In return for the stipend offered by the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad, volunteer firefighters, emergency medical technicians and paramedics would have increased duty requirements, according to a statement by the department. Under the program, live-in volunteers who ride at least 36 hours weekly qualify for a quarterly $750 stipend, while those riding 48 hours or more weekly will earn $1,000 quarterly.

"This program is designed to be a win-win for our members, our department, and our community," Chief Ned Sherburne said in a statement. "The incentive will help residential members with the high costs of living and volunteering in the Bethesda area, while the department benefits from a core group of highly experienced volunteers."

To be eligible, volunteers must be EMTs and have at least one additional operational qualification, such as firefighter, paramedic or emergency driver. The department is launching the stipend program in tandem with unveiling new volunteer live-in quarters.

With the new quarters, volunteers riding 48 hours or more weekly can have a semi-private room in a suite that includes a lounge and kitchenette. Volunteers riding 36 hours a week or more are eligible for sleeping and living space separate from the main bunkroom.     

"Volunteer EMTs, paramedics and firefighters provide the bulk of our staffing," Ken Holden, the rescue squad's president, said in a statement. "We need to recruit and retain high-quality emergency personnel, and this is our way of supporting those volunteers who give the most to our community."