We are your neighbors. We are bankers, engineers, school teachers, soccer moms, business and sales people and retirees. We are your neighbors, working together, volunteering our time and talents help safeguard our com munity. We are dedicated to protecting the lives and property of every resident, business, organization, school, home and church within a 60 square mile area. We are the men and women of the Providence Volunteer Fire Company

From a Humble Beginning to Community Commitment

Providence Volunteer Fire Company was founded in 1947 by 12 men and housed in an automotive repair shop. The Fire Company started with a surplus civil defense pump on a trailer which was used to respond to the company's first emergency... a chimney the at the Providence Methodist Church on Providence Rd and Seminary Ave. Although the incident was not spectacular, it did dispel concerns of some who questioned the need for this new, all volunteer fire company.

Even with this modest beginning, PVFC knew it needed to make every effort to acquire up-to-date emergency equipment, provide proper facilities to house it, and furnish appropriate living/sleeping quarters for volunteer personnel; but, for the first nine years, volunteers worked in space not well suited as a fire station and had no sleeping quarters at all.

In 1951, PVFC approved the purchase of land to build its own station. A new building was finally constructed in 1957, but was only large enough for two emergency vehicles. As the community grew, and emergency responses increased, it became obvious that the safety of its population required more equipment and an expanded facility. In the 1960's, the original building was expanded to house additional emergency vehicles, minimal sleeping quarters an office and a small kitchen.

Preparing for the Next 50 Years

Recreational use of nearby Loch Raven Watershed, increased auto traffic, residential construction and post 9/11 concern has required PVFC to purchase different types of emergency response vehicles. These new types of emergencies also require extensive training, Before ever allowed to respond to an emergency, members are required to have training in handling hazardous materials and blood-borne pathogens, be certified in CPR and complete the basic fire fighting course through either the MD Fire Rescue Institute at the Univ. of MD or the Baltimore County Fire Rescue Academy, Yes, PVFC is 100% volunteer but operates with the same level of professionalism and training as paid, career fire personnel. To continue keeping up with the growth of our communities and prepare for the next 50 years, it is vital that PVFC complete another expansion and renovation project to the existing facility.

Critically needed space for emergency equipment, storage and maintenance areas, appropriate sleeping quarters for male and female volunteers, upgrading to state-of-the-art communications, administrative offices, storage areas and an on-site training room is already under construction. If the fire company waited until a capital campaign could be initiated, higher interest rates and construction costs would have added an additional 20% to the building's estimated cost of $1,600,000.

A Community Partnership

As most of the community knows, PVFC has become an essential part of the fabric within the community. Each family or business has probably benefited from the presence of the fire company in some significant way. Although helping to protect our neighbors has always been the Company's first responsibility, being a generous neighbor is felt as an equal responsibility. People come to cast their votes at the fire house. Cub Scouts and community associations use the fire station. PVFC has hosted annual Halloween parties, neighborhood Easter egg hunts and birthday parties. Members enjoy sharing the annual tradition of Santa Claus' Christmas Eve visit on the fire engine to every street in the community. Disadvantaged families have been provided with baskets of food for the holidays. Fire safety programs are held at the station or local community schools several times a year. PVFC is always seeking opportunities to contribute to the welfare of all the communities we serve.

A Call for Your Help

Since 1947, our focus has been set on providing the facilities and resources to ensure proper protection of the lives and properly of our community. Now, the Board of Directors and PVFC members have stepped out on faith with this construction and renovation project believing that we can count on you for the necessary financial resources. We believe the community has felt secure knowing `When you need us, we'll be there.' When asked for your financial contribution, please give as generously as you can. We're counting on you for your support.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. What is the difference between Providence Volunteer Fire Company and a Baltimore County career station?

When it comes to training and professionalism, there is no difference between a volunteer and a career firefighter. The major differences arc that a Baltimore County career firefighter works for the county In county-owned stations and is paid. The volunteer firefighters own their own stations, equipment, are responsible for all its operating costs and are not paid. They are true volunteers. Baltimore County dues however reimburse approximately 25% of volunteer stations operating expenses through fuel, maintenance and utility subsidies and grants. The balance must he covered through annual fund drives and other fund raising activities.

2. What communities are served by the Providence Volunteer Fire Company?

PVFC serves the following communities which are within a 10 mile radius of the fire station: Providence, Hampton East, Hampton, Hampton Gardens, Hampton Garth, Dogwood Hills, Campus Hills, Carney, Parkville, Towson, Loch Raven Village, Knollwood, Donnybrook, Loch Hill, Dulaney Valley, Cromwell Valley, Cub Hill, Oakleigh, Glen Ellen, Pineleigh, Chatterleigh, Breezewick, Brook Meadow, The Beeches, Goucher Woods, Idlewylde, Glendale, Tall Oaks, Hillendale, Baynesville, Satyr Hill, Coventry, Harford Hills, Hunt Crest Estates, Ridgeleigh, Towson Estates, Fellowship Forest, Knettishall, Pleasant Plains, Loch Raven Heights, Glenmont, Doncaster Village, Pine Ridge, Revere Park, Pine Grove, Woodcroft, Perring Village, Kings Ridge. Laureldale. Villa Cresta, Northwind, Britnay, Oak Summit, Glenside Park.

3. How many emergency calls has PVFC responded to over the past five years and what is the outlook for the next five years?

In 2001, PVFC responded to 1,150 emergency calls. In 2005, the number of calls increased to 1,256. It is estimated that each year the number of emergency calls will increase by approximately 5%.

4. What is the minimum campaign goal?

A minimum of $1,600,000 must be raised to continue to protect our growing community and to keep stride with the most advanced technology, equipment, training and facility needs.

5. Will the capital campaign affect the PVFC's annual fund drive?

It is important that donations to the Annual Fund Drive continue. The Annual Fund Drive supports the day-to-day operating costs of the PVFC and must not be interrupted. The Capital Campaign and your gift to it is a one-time only appeal.

6. Is a pledge to the Capital Campaign the best way to contribute?

The 36-month pledge is a time tested method to achieve a goal of this scale.

7. Are gifts-in-kind acceptable?

Yes, stocks, bonds, property and equipment are welcomed and may provide further tax advantages to the donor.

8. Will there be a "Buy a Brick" program and other naming opportunities?

Yes. The campaign will offer a"Buy a Garden brick" program. Bricks can be purchased and engraved with your personal message. Naming opportunities for rooms and other areas within the newly expanded and renovated fire station will also be available.

9. How should checks be made payable?

Checks should be made payable to: Providence Volunteer Fire Company Capital Campaign. The Providence Volunteer Fire Company Is a 501 C (4) organization. Gifts to the campaign qualify as charitable contributions and can be deducted for Federal Income Tax purposes.