Annual fund drives are critical

A message from the Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department
 
David Van Gasbeck, OPVFD President and Steve Grunewald,  OPVFD Chief

The following appeared in the fall 2021 issue of the Ocean Pines Quarterly Report:

The OPVFD has been providing 24-hour -per-day, seven- days-per-week emergency service to the Ocean Pines and greater Worcester County community for nearly 45 years. Our 50 volunteer firefighters and support staff are supplemented by 15 career firefighters/paramedics, and their combined efforts ensure that the over 2,000 (during fiscal year 2020) calls for service are always answered. Despite the increased risk associated with serving during a global pandemic, our department has continuously stepped up and is on pace to meet and/or exceed our calls for service from last year!

Each year, we set a plan for our fundraising efforts. Due to the ongoing pandemic, our efforts to raise funds have slowed. Donations from our fundraising campaigns go directly to maintaining and replacing fire and medical apparatus and equipment. However, this year and for the foreseeable future our fundraising efforts are crucial as a result of the critical need to renovate our South Station.

Over the past 40 years, the department, its membership and the size of the apparatus have drastically grown, while our South Station has not. A feasibility study we commissioned determined that the station is not in compliance with many National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards as well as Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations, just to name a few examples. The building is extremely congested and lacks basic security and life-safety standards. To ensure continued recruitment and retention of high-quality membership, we need to create a functional living environment for our members and a station that the community of Ocean Pines will be proud of. Shortly, we will be presenting our plans through a community town hall meeting, which we hope you can attend.

However, today we are reaching out to ask you to donate to support our department’s efforts and commitment to provide the best service to you. 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 OPVFD 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 OPVFD, we thank you for your continued support.

For more information, visit https://www.opvfd.com.