Besides being critical to the safety and well being of the community we serve, here are few additional benefits of volunteering your time as a member of the Waldorf Volunteer Fire Department.

Free Training & Professional Development

Whether you have tons of fire/ems experience or a rookie fresh to public safety, we offer numerous basic to advanced fire, rescue, EMS & leadership courses through county, state and federal programs — plus individual departments typically offer even more.

These courses are free of charge to active members of the department and offer an opportunity for progression through our operational roles and ranks. Classes are conveniently in the region you are volunteering, with schedules to meet just about anyone’s needs — including nights and weekends.

Maryland Tax Incentives

You may be a volunteer but that doesn’t mean there are not financial incentives. Maryland residents receive up to $4,500 tax credit (2017 tax year) after three years of active service with a volunteer fire/EMS department in Maryland.

In 2018, that number increases to up to $4,750 and up to $5,000 for 2019 and beyond.

LOSAP Retirement Program

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. See: Frequently Asked Questions About LOSAP

Scholarships & Tuition Reimbursement

The Waldorf Volunteer Fire Department offers the Louis Demarr Scholarship, which is exclusive to WVFD members.  In addition, The Maryland State Fireman’s Association (MSFA) offers a variety of scholarships to members of the state’s volunteer fire, rescue and EMS service. These programs are awarded through the organization’s scholarship committee.

Wills for Heroes Program

As one of the benefits provided to qualified members of our member companies, the Maryland State Firemen’s Association (MSFA) has implemented a Wills for Heroes Program. This program is intended to provide those who qualify with the opportunity to receive a free last will and testament from the MSFA.

A Second Family Like No Other

When you walk in through the door of a Waldorf volunteer fire station, you’ll be home. You are not just a volunteer with a great organization with an important mission serving the community. You’ll find a second family waiting for you. Give back to your community in the process — neighbors helping neighbors.