In Maryland, we have a number of financial incentives to attract and retain volunteers. The state has a program of providing volunteers who meet certain criteria (a minimum number of hours consisting of a combination of training, running calls and fund raising) to receive a $600 state income tax credit. Locally, we have Length of Service Program (LOSAP) which using the state criteria for participation will provide a small pension for 20 years of service. Since the county considers us employees for workman’s compensation purposes, it makes us eligible for the same educational reimbursement program benefit as the career staff. The county has also examined exempting all or a portion of the local fire tax to volunteers, although due to the tough economic situation (reduced tax base) is very low on the priority list.

Although these incentives exist, the vast number of volunteers do so because it is either in their blood to be involved in their community and/or a family tradition.