Benefits

Free Training

You can receive free firefighting, rescue, and EMS training through the Maryland Fire & Rescue Institute. These courses count as college credits through the University of Maryland.

Maryland State Income Tax Incentive Program

The State of Maryland offers a Tax Relief Program for eligible volunteers via a Tax Subtraction Modification. This program was developed as an incentive for volunteer organizations to recruit and retain volunteer emergency service providers. [Read more about House Bill 19.] To qualify for the Program, volunteers must meet performance requirements, which could vary among organizations. You must accrue at least 50 points annually. A point is awarded for participating in any meeting, drill, fundraiser function, or for each hour of attendance in a training class. Members may deduct $4,000 from their Maryland State income taxes if they meet this requirement and have continuously served as a volunteer for the past three years. Volunteer associations continue to work with Maryland State Legislature in order to reduce the length of service requirement.

Length of Service Awards Program (LOSAP)

LOSAP was started in 1973 to encourage participation in the Charles County Volunteer system. Administered by the Charles County Commissioners, funding for the program is derived from one percent of the annual county fire tax. These funds are entrusted to an investment firm to ensure its growth and sufficient funding for future recipients. Benefits available through LOSAP include:

• Length of Service Benefit - Must be 60 years old and must have accumulated at least 50 points per year for no less than 25 years.
• Disability Benefit - You become disabled during the course of service as a volunteer while engaged in providing such services and the disability prevents you from pursuing your normal occupation. The disability must be of a permanent nature as certified by the Maryland Workmen's Compensation Commission.
• Reduced Benefit - You are an active volunteer who has at least two years of qualifying service in the five preceding years, have attained 70 years of age, and have failed to achieve 25 years of service.
• Survivor Benefit - A surviving spouse is entitled to benefits equal to 75 percent of the deceased volunteer's benefits.
• Death Benefit - A death benefit of $5000 will be paid to the volunteer's designated beneficiary.

As a qualified volunteer you may receive a benefit of $100 per month for life. A yearly County Commissioner review for cost of living will adjust the benefit up or down accordingly. As of October 1994 the value for each year of service was $5.78. Thus, a recipient with 25 years of creditable service would receive $144.50 per month for life. LOSAP benefits are not taxable by the State of Maryland.

Scholarship Program

The Charles County Commissioners sponsor a Scholarship Program that provides $500 per semester to any student who agrees to volunteer 24 hours per month during the semester between the hours of 4 a.m. and 4 p.m. The student must also sign a surety bond stating that they agree to continue volunteering for two years upon their completion of course of studies. Any Charles County Volunteer member who is at least 18 years of age, resides in the county, and is enrolled in an accredited institution within Maryland, Virginia, or the District of Columbia is eligible. Applicant selections are based on aptitude, interest, ability, financial need, and cumulative grade point average. The funds may be used for tuition, books, lab fees, or registration fees. Applications are available at your local Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad, at the office of the Charles County Commissioners, or the College of Southern Maryland. For more information click HERE.

Fire Science Degree

The College of Southern Maryland (CSM) in partnership with the Maryland Fire & Rescue Institute (MFRI) offers an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Fire Science Technology. Firefighters can now receive college credit for their training. In fact, candidates can earn an Associate of Applied Science degree from CSM! Credits can be transferred to the University of Maryland University College (UMUC) toward a bachelor's degree with a major or minor in fire science.  Imagine getting an A.A.S. or B.S. in a career field that is not only crucial to society and the public's safety and well-being, but in a field that you are committed to and enjoy. There's no better time than now to take the results of your hard work and rigorous training and apply it toward a credential that can offer career growth, pride, and personal satisfaction.

For more information about CSM's A.A.S. degree requirements go to the Fire Science Technology page.

For more information on UMUC's B.S. degree requirements go to the Fire Science page.

For more information on MFRI's course offerings CLICK HERE.

Getting started is only a phone call away.

William "Bill" Smith, Association Coordinator

301-934-3581