CAMBRIDGE, Md.- Cambridge Rescue Fire Chief Robert Phillips said that since the economy took a tumble, so too has the fire company's fundraising.
"With the economy it has been tough, generating funds has always been difficult," he said. "It's becoming more and more difficult. People just have less to give."
According to Phillips, each firefighter alone is outfitted with $5,000 worth of equipment. Then there are also the trucks and hoses, all of which also cost a great amount of money to be maintained.
"Turnout gear, masks things like this and this all has a shelf life," Phillips said. "We have to have our trucks tested and all the things that people don't readily see that we have to do on a regular basis is all a very costly operation."
Keeping struggling volunteer fire companies and other volunteer groups in mind, Maryland Sen. Richard Colburn plans on introducing a bill that would legalize gaming on Sundays in Dorchester County once the General Assembly returns to session on Jan. 9. This would allow another day a week for fire companies to raise money.
"For whatever reason, Dorchester County by state law is not allowed to hold bingo games on Sunday," Colburn said. "This legislation would legalize bingo games on Sundays for volunteer fire companies and volunteer organizations in Dorchester County."
This bill is meeting some opposition. Richard Wiggins of Cambridge said the reason behind the bill is warranted, but gaming on Sundays is wrong.
"I think it's too much," Wiggins said. "I think my personal belief is that Sunday is a family day, Spend it with your family, spend it with your kids."
Whether this legislation passes, fire equipment will continually need to be revamped and replaced.
(Photo: WBOC)
