County highlights faster response from new South County ambulance and authorizes 18 firefighter hires

Washington County emergency-services leaders told commissioners the new ambulance unit placed at the Boonsboro/Station 8 location has produced measurable operational relief and quicker response. Deputy Director David Chisholm reported that Station 8 responded to about 50 emergency incidents in December and that 38 of those resulted in patient transports; commissioners and chiefs said the new station freed other ambulances to cover additional calls countywide.

County Director of Emergency Services David Hayes asked the board to authorize nine additional full‑time firefighter positions in FY26, bringing the total approved hires for the year to 18 and adding a second‑shift supervisor. Hayes said funding for the initial nine exists in the FY26 operating budget and that funding for the additional nine would come from reductions and transfers to the CIP fund; staff estimated the FY26 fiscal impact at roughly $275,000 and about $1,000,000 in FY27 if fully staffed. The board approved the hiring authorization by voice vote (4-0).

Staff also asked the board to approve a modification to the revenue‑sharing terms in the MOU with Hagerstown Community College for the county-run paramedic program, adjusting the county/college split to 80/20 for the coming 12 months because the college did not secure five outside paying participants. David Hayes said the change is budget neutral and may be revisited annually; the board approved the modification unanimously.

Representatives from local volunteer fire companies and chiefs stressed the strain volunteers face during peak call volumes and supported the hires. No motion was required to accept the ambulance performance update; the hiring authorization and MOU amendment were formal actions recorded in the minutes.