Council Unanimously Approves New MCVFRA Ageement

Rockville, MD – May 6, 2026 — The Montgomery County Volunteer Fire-Rescue Association (MCVFRA) is pleased to announce that the Montgomery County Council unanimously approved the Memorandum of Agreement between Montgomery County Government and MCVFRA on May 5, 2026.

The agreement represents a continued investment in Montgomery County’s integrated volunteer fire and rescue system and provides enhanced support for the volunteers who respond to emergencies and serve communities across the County every day. The agreement covers the period from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2029.

The approved agreement includes several significant initiatives supporting volunteer recruitment, retention, operational readiness, and long-term sustainability, including:

• Increased nominal fee payments for eligible active volunteers;

• Expanded occupational medical screening and cancer screening reimbursements;

• New volunteer-focused training opportunities through the Public Safety Training Academy;

• Enhanced LOSAP benefits and line-of-duty injury protections;

• Increased County funding supporting MCVFRA’s role as the authorized representative of the Local Fire and Rescue Departments; and

• Expanded collaboration and participation by volunteers in operational policy development affecting the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service.

“This agreement reflects the County’s recognition of the critical role volunteers continue to play in protecting Montgomery County residents,” said Russell Hartung, President of the Montgomery County Volunteer Fire-Rescue Association. “Our volunteers dedicate countless hours responding to emergencies, staffing stations, training, and serving their communities. This agreement strengthens support for those volunteers while reinforcing the partnership necessary to maintain a strong integrated fire and rescue system.”

The agreement includes investments in volunteer health and wellness initiatives, including reimbursement programs for preventative screenings and expanded occupational medical support for active volunteers. It also formalizes additional opportunities for volunteer participation in operational policy discussions and system planning.

MCVFRA thanks the County Executive, County Council, Fire Chief, labor relations staff, and volunteer leadership from across Montgomery County for their work throughout negotiations and for their continued commitment to Montgomery County’s fire and rescue service.

The Montgomery County Volunteer Fire-Rescue Association serves as the authorized representative of Montgomery County’s Local Fire and Rescue Departments and advocates for the volunteers who provide fire, rescue, and emergency medical services throughout Montgomery County.

For additional information, visit MCVFRA.org.