WASHINGTON COUNTY APPROVED BUDGET
FY 2026
Division of Emergency Services
Contact: R. David Hays
The mission of the Division of Emergency Services (DES) is to protect the lives and improve the safety of all citizens and visitors in Washington County by collaborating with our dedicated volunteer and emergency service providers.
About the Division
The Division of Emergency Services consists of seven departments: Air Unit, Special Operations, EMS Operations, Fire Operations, the Public Safety Training Center, Civil Air Patrol, and the Washington County Volunteer Fire Rescue Association. Additional information about the Division of Emergency Services can be found at https://washco-md.net/emergency-services/.
Budget Highlights
The FY26 budget includes a 1% COLA and step for civilian employees and an 8% COLA and step for emergency responders. Additional funding was added for 16 positions added during the FY2025 budget process as part of the EMS transition. During the FY2026 budget process, eight Firefighters, one Shift Supervisor, one Administrative Assistant and one Scheduling and Logistics Coordinator were added. The Division is applying for the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant to partially offset the cost of these new positions. Additional support was also provided for the volunteer fire and rescue companies.
Division of Emergency Services FY26 Budget by Department
>1%
Air Unit
1%
Special Operations
25%
EMS Operations
40%
Fire Operations
Public Safety Training Center Civil Air Patrol
30%
4%
0%
WCVRFA
2026 Budget Document
96
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