By Delegate Brian Chisholm
District 31
You suddenly wake up to the blaring sound of smoke alarms echoing loudly throughout your home at 3 a.m. Your heart starts racing and you feel like it could burst out of your chest. You rush to find your family members, ensure their safety, and determine the cause of the alarms that are still ringing. Do you have an emergency plan in place? Who needs to be rescued from the house? Who do you call for help and who arrives first on the scene? For some of those living in District 31, the answer is Earleigh Heights Fire Department. I hope and pray that you never find yourself in a situation that calls for a quick response like the one described here, but it’s reassuring to know that someone will be there to answer the call.
The Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Company has been serving as a cornerstone of safety and support in the Anne Arundel community since 1918, making it of significant importance. Volunteer fire companies play a vital role in communities by offering immediate response to emergencies, promoting fire safety education, and fostering a sense of unity.
The Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Station is strategically located on Ritchie Highway and has quick access to Route 100 and I-97, providing rapid response times to emergencies not only within its local communities but across the county. The station’s mission is at the heart of the 154 total members who serve the community selflessly, with 75 members actively operating the company’s day-to-day operations.
In Severna Park, where Earleigh Heights operates, they provide not only fire protection but also emergency medical services, disaster response, and community education on fire safety. They bring people together through fundraising events, training sessions, or simply being a trusted presence during times of crisis.
However, the current station is over 65 years old and was designed for an earlier time when fire vehicles were smaller, emergencies were less complex, and there were no full-time living spaces. Volunteers only responded from home or work when there was an emergency. Volunteer fire companies like Earleigh Heights are deeply ingrained in the fabric of their neighborhoods. Hence, a new fire station is needed, which should have co-ed facilities and ADA compliance.
Your District 31 team secured $350,000 for Earleigh Heights to construct a new fire station to replace the outdated facility in the capital budget. This funding signifies a commitment to enhancing emergency services in the area. A modernized facility equipped with state-of-the-art technology and resources will enable the fire station to operate more efficiently and effectively, further enhancing its ability to serve the community and beyond.
Overall, Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Station is a testament to the importance of volunteer fire companies and their indispensable role in ensuring the safety and well-being of residents. The investment in its infrastructure underscores the community’s dedication to supporting its firefighters and ensuring the highest standard of emergency response services.
