A: Career staff are in addition to the current volunteer system; they are NOT a replacement for the volunteers. The County greatly values and appreciates all of the fire and EMS volunteers who have - and will continue to - faithfully served our community. Volunteers and career staff are working together to ensure citizens receive the highest quality pre-hospital care possible.

A: On June 12, 2023, the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the EMS Revenue Recovery Program. While the program was effective as of July 1, 2023, billing to billing patients’ insurance for EMS services began after Nov. 27, 2023. No person has ever or will ever be denied access to EMS care based on their ability to pay. EMS Revenue Recovery is a program through which Montgomery County obtains reimbursement for emergency medical transport costs by billing patients’ insurance companies. Medicaid, Medicare, and most private insurance companies provide standard coverage for this service. In recent years, population growth and expansion have led to a significant increase in demand for emergency medical services. The time and costs associated with training and certifications, as well as the level and scope of services provided by EMS have also increased. Those factors have greatly increased both capital and operational expenses. EMS Revenue Recovery will help offset the increased expenses.

A: The Montgomery County Board of Supervisors has stated there is no intent to hire paid firefighters in Montgomery County.