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Board approves EMS staffing transition with Halfway Volunteer Fire Company; county to hire 12 EMTs/paramedics
Summary
Commissioners approved an MOU to transition ambulance staffing at the Halfway Volunteer Fire Company into a county-employee partnership, budgeted at about $261,856 and including three lieutenant positions for field supervision.
The Washington County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve a memorandum of understanding to transition EMS staffing for the Halfway Volunteer Fire Company to a county-employee model and authorized the Division of Emergency Services to hire 12 EMT/paramedics.
Dave Hayes, director of emergency services, said the transition aims to stabilize staffing at Station 26 and create a long-term partnership that combines county oversight with the volunteer company’s local operations. Hayes told the board the fiscal impact is estimated at approximately $261,855.72 and that funds are budgeted in the county’s FY25 and FY26 budgets. As part of the plan, three of the hires are recommended to be classified as lieutenants to assist with field supervision during the period of transition and hiring.
Leaders of the Halfway Volunteer Fire Company, including Chief James Jerubaugh and President Dustin Gearhart, described the move as a cooperative step to sustain emergency medical services in a large coverage area that includes portions of Interstate 81 and U.S. 40. They told commissioners the change is not a reflection of past performance by company staff but a structural response to recruitment and service demands.
Commissioners and fire-service leaders said the arrangement mirrors earlier transitions the county completed with Smithsburg EMS, Williamsport Fire EMS and Hancock Rescue Squad in February 2024 and is intended to preserve local service while ensuring consistent staffing levels. The board approved the MOU by unanimous vote and directed county staff to finalize implementation details and sign the agreement.
Why it matters: the MOU is intended to reduce long-term vacancies, maintain response capacity in the Halfway service area, and integrate billing and administrative services within the county emergency-services framework.
