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Sergeant Bill Rehkopf is certainly proud of the Sykesville-Freedom District Fire Department, but more than anything else, he is proud of the volunteers. "They give as much time here as they do to their full-time jobs in blood, sweat, and tears because they honest to God care," he said of the 40 to 50 active volunteers that work for the department. But even with these hard-working men and women, Rehkopf worries that it isn't enough. Bill Rehkopf is an EMT, a firefighter, and the public information officer for the SFDFD. He moved to the area in 1999; he's been with the company for five years, but has been a firefighter for 24 years. He has seen the growth in the community over just the past few years and explained that it is only a matter of time before the county realizes that our area will need a career department -- a department with mostly paid employees -- and it's not too far off. "I don't think anyone's going to want those taxes," he frowned at the thought.
Although the fire department does come up with a lot of their money from fundraising events such as the carnival, BINGO, and raffles, that's not all they do. The fire department has an extensive history and community impact that should be acknowledged. Although the community is generally appreciative that the department is here, Rehkopf worries that the department, "tends to be out of sight, out of mind with individuals until it's necessary." Since its founding in 1933, the Sykesville Fire Department has been a volunteer department, created by residents to protect residents. The original fire house is still on Main Street in Sykesville. The old building weathered all sorts of things in its years of use, including a fire in 1969. With the help of neighboring departments, the Sykesville Fire Company was up and running again that same night of the fire. In the 1970's, the department realized that the growth in the Freedom District would soon require an upgrade. In 1981, the fire department was moved to its current location on Route 32. In 1987 and 1988, after 55 years of being an all-volunteer fire department, paid employees were brought to the SFDFD to assist the volunteers. There are currently about 20 paid employees who fill out the shift work.
Sergeant Rehkopf went on to dispel the "volunteer firefighter stereotype." He explained that these aren't your blue collar, drop- your- everything- when- you- hear- the- alarm kind of guys. "Our firefighters come from all backgrounds," he said. This is why Rehkopf challenges people who would never consider being a firefighter to entertain that notion. "Our future is with those people who didn't think it was their bag ... If we're going to survive, we're gonna need people like that." The training process is long but rewarding. To be a Rider -- a person directly involved with fire, ambulance, or rescue -- you have to have over 350 hours of training, including a basic 138-hour course, a 24-hour HAZMAT course, and a 60-hour rescue course. Although it is a considerable investment in time, it is flexible and the county training center holds classes every semester. It takes about three years to get up to speed, but it is well worth the time and effort and much needed in this day in age. Riders are trained to deal with all sorts of emergencies, from basic vehicle hazards to chemical spills.
For some people, that might be a big responsibility, or they may not be able to do the work involved. "If you don't want to ride the fire engines, no big deal," says Rehkopf,"we can still use you." The department is always looking for help with administrative and fundraising. People with skills in business, marketing, public relations, or education are encouraged to look into volunteering. The Fire Prevention Program is the strongest in the state, headed by Christine Flanagan. "She reaches out to an amazing number of children each year." If you feel like you cannot make that much of a time commitment, there is always something to help out with. Even if you just have the afternoon free, consider making a trip to the Sykesville-Freedom District Fire Department. Rehkopf says that there is no shortage of need. "We are all volunteers. We are a direct reflection of the community. Consider how [you] might be able to serve the community by volunteering." View a Photo Gallery of the Sykesville Freedom District Fire Department |
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Closer Look: The Sykesville-Freedom District Fire Department
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