Friday, May 1, 2020 by Westminster Fire Department Chaplain and PIO Kevin Dayhoff

The Westminster Fire Engine and Hose Co. No. 1 would like to give a shout out to Brent Whalen for his generosity. Mr. Whalen, a Certified Mortgage Planning Specialist at FitzGerald Financial Group, a division of Townebank, has provided lunch for the on duty and volunteer personnel 4 days in a row this week – so that he would be able to feed all four Westminster Fire Dept. shifts and as many folks as possible.

God Bless Mr. Whalen for his generous sport. (Hat Tip: Lt. Guy Garheart)

While it was a difficult decision, our Board decided to postpone the Big Money Raffle, which was scheduled for May 28, 2020, for the safety and wellbeing of our community during this unprecedented time.

Even though we won’t be gathering in person on May 28th, the Big Money Raffle still goes on!  Westminster Fire Department will be holding its annual drawing for the Big Money Raffle on streamed Live on Thursday, July 30, at 7 PM. Follow us on Facebook and here, so you don’t miss it!  The raffle is our organization’s primary fundraising function for the year.  We ask you to consider supporting our mission by purchasing a ticket.  Please contact a member or call the station to get your raffle ticket.  You could be the next winner of the grand prize of $10,000.

Please review the attached copy of the press conference given by Maryland Governor Larry Hogan on March 19, 2020.

Practice good hygiene techniques, wash your hands, and if you feel sick, stay home and limit contact with other people. Practice social distancing strategies and limit groups of people to 10 or less (less preferred!).

In emergency situations, dial 911.

Please review the attached copy of the press conference given by Maryland Governor Larry Hogan on March 12, 2020.

Practice good hygiene techniques, wash your hands, and if you feel sick, stay home and limit contact with other people. In emergency situations, dial 911.

The MSFA has announced this year’s recruitment weekend for April 18-19.

Westminster Fire Department thanks Weis Markets for the water and the Gatorade

In the summertime firefighters and EMS providers go through a lot of water and Gatorade. It is not a luxury.

Westminster Md. June 6, 2019 – – The men and women of the Westminster Fire Engine and Hose Co. No. 1 would like to thank Weis Markets for donating water and Gatorade for the firefighters and EMS providers.

In the summertime firefighters and EMS providers go through a lot of water and Gatorade. It is not a luxury. When you spend long hours on automobile accidents, fires, and back-to-back EMS calls, staying hydrated is a critical life, safety, and welfare issue.

The best time to stay hydrated is yesterday.

According to Westminster Fire Department President Jamie Petry on Thursday, June 6, 2019, “Weis Markets is collecting water and Gatorade for WFD. Today we picked up almost 3 pallets of water and 2 grocery carts full of Gatorade” Petry added that the department really appreciates the support of the community – and Weis Markets. Thank you.

By Westminster Fire Department PIO and Chaplain Kevin Dayhoff

Courtesy Westminster Fire Co. – Open House at Westminster Fire Company Sunday, April 14th, 2019 from 12 pm – 5 pm. 28 John Street, Westminster, MD 21158

Westminster Fire Department Volunteer Recruitment Open House

Open House at Westminster Fire Company Sunday, April 14th, 2019 from 12 pm – 5 pm. 28 John Street, Westminster, MD 21158.

By Westminster Fire Company PIO and Chaplain Kevin Dayhoff April 8, 2019

The Westminster Volunteer Fire Department will be participating in the Maryland State Fireman’s Association’s statewide recruitment event on Sunday April 14th at the station on John Street in Downtown Westminster. Station and Apparatus tours will be offered and personnel will be available to answer any questions about becoming a member. Stop by between 12-5 PM to start your journey as a volunteer.

Interested in joining our growing professional team? Our team is comprised of individuals of many walks of life. As is the fire service in a whole, WFD fosters a “family” environment. Challenge yourself, build new skills, meet new people, and become a part of a tight-knit public safety community all while serving a purpose greater than yourself.

Benefits: While most members will agree that there are many intangible benefits of membership, there are also several other valuable benefits available to volunteers.

Following three years of qualifying active membership, members are eligible for the LOSAP program: $4,500.00+ Maryland income tax credit. And: Monthly retirement stipend after 25 years of active volunteer membership.

FREE World-Class training provided. All turnout gear and equipment provided.
On-duty insurance coverage/Workers’ Compensation. Tuition reimbursement program for College/Technical School students.

Westminster Fire Engine and Hose Company
28 John Street
Westminster, MD 21158
Sunday, April 14th, 2019 from 12 pm – 5 pm
For more information call: (410) 848-1800

Westminster Fire Company Open House recruitment Family Friendly

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Open House at Westminster Fire Company Sunday, April 14th, 2019 from 12 pm – 5 pm. 28 John Street, Westminster, MD 21158. https://www.facebook.com/events/2251279838417988/

https://patch.com/maryland/westminster/westminster-fire-department-volunteer-recruitment-open-house

From our PIO Kevin Dayhoff:

The Westminster Volunteer Fire Department will be participating in the Maryland State Fireman’s Association’s statewide recruitment event on Sunday April 14th at the station on John Street in Downtown Westminster. Station and Apparatus tours will be offered and personnel will be available to answer any questions about becoming a member. Stop by between 12-5 PM to start your journey as a volunteer.

Facebook Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/2251279838417988/

Requirements & FAQs

Big Money Raffle Chances are now available for the raffle with the drawing on May 23, 2019.

By Westminster Fire Company PIO and Chaplain Kevin Dayhoff, kdayhoff@westminstervfd.org April 1, 2019

The Carroll County carnival and fire department fund raising season starts in May when the Westminster Fire Engine and Hose Co. No. 1 hosts its annual ‘Big Money Raffle.’

The raffle is one of the biggest fundraisers of the year for the Westminster Fire Company. This year’s event takes place on Thursday, May 23, 2019, from 6 to 9 pm in the engine bays at the station at 28 John Street in Westminster.

In addition to the cash drawings there will be plenty of fried chicken, hot dogs, and all the traditional summer picnic delights. It has become an annual tradition for friends, family, and neighbors to fill the fire station for a fun evening.

It is not known how many years the Westminster Fire Company has held this raffle, but the idea is certainly not new. Many years ago, the fire company gave away a Cadillac as the first prize.

According to research by historian Jay Graybeal, an article from January 1896 in the Historical Society of Carroll ‘J. Leland Jordan Collection,’ reports:

“In 1840 the citizens petitioned the legislature to pass an act enabling them to hold a lottery to raise $5,000 to purchase a new fire engine, build a new engine-house, town hall and market-house, but nothing came of it.”

There are only 3000 tickets printed. The cost per ticket is $10.00 each. There will be 14 winners – with a top prize of $ 10,000; 2nd prize is $ 2,000. 3rd prize is $1,000.

Refreshments are for ticket holders only. You do not need to be present to win. There will be 50/50 raffle tickets, and other games of chance available during the evening.

The Westminster Fire Department extends its appreciation to the following local Carroll County businesses for sponsoring the cash prizes: InfoPathways, Baugher’s Restaurant, Myers-Durboraw Funeral Home, Barnes Bollinger Insurance, Pritts Funeral Home, B&D Truck Hoist, Johanssons & O’Lordans, Ain’t That A Frame, The Cutting Garden, Hock Auto Upholstering, Haines Realty, Affordable Auto Maryland LLC, and C&O Distributors.

The Westminster Fire Department would also like to thank the following corporate sponsors for their support: RBC Wealth Management, Gauge Digital Media, Sams Creek Porta Pots, Penguin Random House, Westminster Car Care, Flowers by Evelyn, Chick-fil-A, Perry’s Vending, Swain Supply, Hughes Trash Removal, Canteen Vending, Brewer’s Market, Rafael’s Restaurant, Maggie’s Restaurant, and the Jeannie Bird Baking Company.

The tickets were printed compliments of Fletcher Funeral Home & Cremation Services, P.A. 410.848.7575, 254 E. Main Street, Westminster, MD 21157 www.fletcherfunerahome.net

Call the Westminster Fire Department at 410-848-1800 for more information.