The Pikesville Volunteer Fire Company enjoyed great weather, great participation and great fun at its fourth annual golf tournament at the Suburban Club on July 21, said its president Allen Roody.
“The golf tournament is the fire company’s single biggest fundraiser other than our honorary membership fundraiser,” he noted.
Pikesville’s Volunteer Fire Company’s history dates to 1897, when it was founded by a group of local residents. It is the second-oldest volunteer fire department in Baltimore County and the only one in the county able to provide a full range of safety services, including emergency medical services, to the community.
Those not personally involved with the department or in firefighting may be unaware that volunteer firemen receive the same type of training as career firefighters, said Roody, a career firefighter who began volunteering when he was 14.
“Anyone over 16 can join,” he said. After passing a background check, drug screening, an interview and a basic agility test, the department sends volunteers for training. Some go on for training as paramedics.
In Baltimore County, he noted, there is a “combination system” where career firefighters and volunteer firefighters work interchangeably depending upon the location of the fire or emergency.
“Most people who volunteer do it because they want to help others,” Roody said. “We are always looking for new members.”
The PVFC is also looking for donations.
“We are short on space and would like to enlarge our building,” he said. “We also have to replace our ladder truck.”
For more information, call 410-486-2668.