Kentland VFD, the EMS Division

One week ago, STATter 911 reported that the Kentland Volunteer Fire Department is planning to start a separate ambulance service. Now, Acting Kentland Chief Tony Kelleher confirms he is ready to begin recruiting members.

As you may recall, we first told you on May 13th, that the all-volunteer fire department has been in a dispute with Prince George’s County Fire/Rescue Chief Lawrence Sedgwick. Chief Sedgwick removed Kentland Chief Mike Mattison after the volunteers voted not to begin running County supplied Ambulance 339. Since then, Acting Chief Kelleher has been in negotiations with Prince George’s County officials over how this ambulance service will be provided.

In an email to STATter 911 on Wednesday, Chief Kelleher officially announced the planned new ambulance service. Kelleher writes: “We are starting a nationwide recruitment initiative to attract interest in becoming an EMS only Division, volunteer member of the Kentland Volunteer Fire Department.”

Chief Sedgwick has long contended that Kentland currently has enough qualified volunteer members to provide ambulance service immediately. Kentland VFD and Prince George’s County are still arguing in court over the removal of Kentland’s Mike Mattison.

STATter 911 has been in contact with Major Chauncey Bowers, a spokesman for Chief Sedgwick, trying to determine if Sedgwick will wait until Kentland can find the staffing for this separate EMS division or will take further action before then. We have not received a response.

In May, through a spokesman, Chief Sedgwick said he would not wait long for Kentland to start providing ambulance service. Chief Sedgwick also said two other volunteer companies, Ritchie (37) and West Lanham Hills (28), will also soon be required to provided ambulance service.

Kentland VFD has long responded on EMS calls with its mini-pumper and other suppression units.

Mike Ward, an assistant professor at George Washington University’s EMS Management undergraduate degree program, and a fire and EMS veteran, has written a detailed history of this dispute and of EMS in Prince George’s County. It is called “The Battle over Kentland Ambulance 339: I did not join the VFD to ride an ambulance!” and can be found here.

Below is the recruitment notice sent to us by Chief Kelleher and also posted on Kentland’s website, Kentland33.com:

Wednesday, July 25, 2007 – Beginning today the Kentland Volunteer Fire Department, Incorporated will begin a nationwide recruitment initiative for the purpose of compiling an interest file for a separate EMS Only Division membership. This survey will be used to establish a database for interested individuals in the EMS only field. An interest form has been developed and is included within this article. All interested individuals are asked to please complete the attached form and to send it (completed) to Acting Fire Chief Tony Kelleher via e-mail. Once the form is received you will be contacted for verification. If developed this membership could include classifications such as “Active”, “Live-In” and “Associate”. Each of these are briefly explained in the interest form. This study will allow the Kentland Volunteer Fire Department to utilize information for management abilities. All inquires will be considered regardless of you current City, County or State of residence and current membership(s) with other fire departments (companies). This membership of EMS providing individuals would fall separate from the already established Company “33-Fire” membership, but would still fall under the Kentland Volunteer Fire Department. CLICK ON THIS ARTICLE’S TITLE TO LOCATE AND COMPLETE THE FORM.

Send your completed interest form to: tkelleher@kentland33.com
Place the title “EMS MEMBERSHIP” within the e-mail subject area.