The Baltimore Fire Department provides emergency medical services and fire protection in Baltimore, Maryland, United States. It has been serving Baltimore city and its environs since 1850. Here are some of its challenges. Here are just some of the challenges facing the department: Fundraising, equipment and staffing, as well as deaths in line of duty.
Staffing
In the third quarter of 2018, the Baltimore City Fire Department received a $6 million SAFER grant to cover personnel costs and retain 40 full-time fire suppression positions. Nine members of the Baltimore City Fire Department were sent to North Carolina after Hurricane Florence, which left behind destruction. They also delivered food to the stranded.
The city is currently looking at new ways to recruit emergency medical technicians and firefighters. The city's fire chief has announced plans to combine recruitment tracks for firefighters and emergency medical technicians, but the City Council is still scrutinizing the process. Recruiting efforts have not resulted in the desired increase in staffing numbers, which has left the city reliant on overtime.
Equipment
Baltimore Fire Department is facing a severe equipment shortage that is causing delays in patient transports and longer response times. According to IAFF Local 734 president, these issues are placing additional pressure on operations and staff at the Baltimore Firefighters. In the past few weeks, four EMS units have been out of service due to equipment problems.
The engines are a large investment. The department is aiming to save over one million dollars a year with this new equipment. These engines have the latest technology and can handle many hazards. These vehicles come with computerized sensors to detect hazardous substances. These vehicles also have a range of tools to rescue trapped occupants.
Deaths in the line-of-duty
Three members of Baltimore Fire Department were killed in a fire that broke out from a partially collapsed building. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives declared the fire an incendiary accident. It meant that the fire was deliberately started and spread to an unintentional area. One of the firefighters, Lieutenant Joseph H. Zajac, was rescued from the rubble, and the other two were killed.
After setting fire to a vacant rowhouse, three firefighters in Baltimore died. The fire started as the firefighters tried to advance a hoseline through the partially collapsed rowhouse. They'd done it many times before but the partial collapse of an interior rowhouse meant they were unable to continue. Two firefighters died instantly, the other was taken to University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center.
Fundraising efforts
Baltimore Fire Department started fundraising efforts to support families of fallen firefighters. This fundraising effort will see 100 percent of the proceeds go to support the families of fire fighters. You can make donations to the Baltimore Fire Department Foundation for families of the fallen firefighter. In the first two hours of this campaign, the foundation raised over $23,000. It will be a great achievement if Baltimore Fire Department reaches its goal at $50,000 by January 31.
A pancake breakfast can be a great way for firefighters to raise funds. This is an affordable way to involve the community in fire fighting. It can be held at the station or a local restaurant. Firefighters could also be the hosts. Another option is to hold a silent auction. Local businesses may donate items for this auction.