HAGERSTOWN – Washington County ushered in a transformative era for emergency medical services with the signing of a milestone agreement to transition volunteers from the busy Fire Company of Halfway to professional EMS staff.
Part of the county’s ambitious push to modernize the response system, the Board of Commissioners approved a landmark memorandum of understanding with the Halfway Fire Company on June 3.
For Halfway’s leadership, the MOU represents a strategic leap. “This transition represents a significant step forward for our department and the community we serve,” said Halfway Fire Chief Jamie Drawbaugh. “We’re strengthening our EMS operations and ensuring long-term sustainability for our personnel and the services we provide.”
This is the fourth such transition since March 2024 as the county integrates volunteer EMS personnel into the county system payroll as it develops a stronger, more unified emergency response system that promises to improve services for residents. The Volunteer Fire Company of Halfway, one of the county’s busiest fire and EMS agencies outside Hagerstown, responded to over 3,900 calls in 2024.
In transitioning from volunteers to professional staff, EMS responders will benefit from standardized training, competitive benefits and career stability, which together help mitigate the burnout and recruitment challenges that often plague volunteer-based systems. In turn, the county transition helps public safety officials standardize EMS operations to create a sustainable model for quality services with uniform protocols, cutting-edge equipment and consistent response times.
“We’re encouraged by the collaboration and forward thinking shown by the leadership and membership at Halfway,” said R. David Hays, director of the division of emergency services. “Their willingness to move into this agreement with optimism and professionalism speaks volumes about their dedication to public safety.”
Board of County Commissioners President John Barr said that trust between the volunteer leadership and professional staff to provide residents the best possible services is at the heart of the agreement. “These transitions reflect our joint vision to deliver high-quality EMS care for all citizens,” Barr said. “We are proud to support Halfway in this new chapter, and are confident in their continued service to the community.
“By working in partnership with Washington County, we’re strengthening our EMS operations and ensuring long-term sustainability for our personnel and the services we provide. We’re proud to move ahead with a unified vision and a shared commitment to public safety.”
Justin Gearhart, president of the Volunteer Fire Company of Halfway, underscored the community-first approach driving the decision. “We believe this partnership will enhance our operational capabilities and ensure that our residents continue to receive prompt and professional care when they need it most.”
Bringing volunteer EMS staff under county employment addresses challenges like declining volunteerism and funding constraints, while preserving the community ties that define agencies like Halfway. The resulting hybrid model blends public oversight with volunteer spirit, setting an example for counties nationwide.
As Washington County continues to standardize EMS practices, residents can look forward to faster, more coordinated responses backed by a workforce empowered with consistent training and support.
