To the Greater Emmitsburg Community,

As you likely know, this past year has included an amazing journey with the highlight being the successful merger of the Emmitsburg Volunteer Ambulance Company (EVAC) into the Vigilant Hose Company (VHC). This year marks the 134th Anniversary of the Vigilant Hose Company, and our department continues to make great strides to better serve the greater Emmitsburg community.

We genuinely appreciate the universal support received from residents, businesses and institutions we serve during this process. We salute the leaders and the members of the former EVAC who so graciously helped ensure that combining our forces has allowed for increased community well-being.

Thanks to your continued support and generosity, the Vigilant Hose Company continues to answer the calls, regularly leaving family, friends, and work to respond and assist those in need. In 2017, the Vigilant Hose Company (VHC) responded to 534 fire incidents and 1,139 emergency medical calls to bring a total response to 1,673; averaging a 2-to 3-minute response time per call for an organization of our type and size. We take swift professional action in every situation; we’re proud of the commitment of our Department members and appreciate the people and communities we serve.

Your financial support, which helps bring the department new equipment, new training and new technology, is a strong signal that you value the service of our volunteers, and the significant tax savings of a volunteer department. Every call we respond to, every medical emergency, fire alarm activation or carbon monoxide alert could mean the difference between life and death. We take this responsibility to you and the Emmitsburg community seriously, and we greatly appreciate any donation you can make to help our department.

Supporting the VHC can extend beyond a financial contribution. We are always looking for people who are willing to volunteer and join the department. Being a VHC member doesn’t always involve fighting a fire or going through the necessary training to respond to every alarm. We have several members from the community who serve the department in a variety of roles and responsibilities. We gladly accept those of good moral character who want to help by donating their time and energy to keep our community, our neighborhoods and our families safe, and there is a job for everyone who wants to be involved.

Thank you for your continued support; we hope that you will find it possible to contribute this year. Donations can be sent to P.O. Box 171, Emmitsburg MD 21727 or dropped off at the station at 25 West Main Street, Emmitsburg MD, 21727.

We encourage you to stop by the Fire/Rescue station at any time and witness your support at work.