The Pikesville Volunteer Fire Company recently kicked off a capital brick campaign to raise funds to replace some of its life-saving equipment – an 18-year-old fire engine and a 14-year-old tower ladder truck.
“The demands of today’s volunteer fire companies have grown exponentially in both terms of activities and costs needed to provide the necessary service,” said Allen Roody, chairman of the campaign. “It is very difficult to find ways to raise money, especially the amounts needed for today’s fire service demands. Where our mailing fund drive has only realized an approximate 20 percent increase in net income in the last 30 years, the costs of fire apparatus and facilities has more than doubled.”
Bricks can be purchased in two sizes – 4-by-8 inches and 8-by-8 inches – and range from $100 to $300. The bricks will pave the station’s walkway “brick garden” entrance, near the facility’s memorial bell and museum.
Replacing the company’s ladder truck alone will cost more than $1 million, said Roody. He urged area residents to participate in the campaign, which is tax deductible.
“Supporting your volunteers provides a significant tax break to the citizens of Baltimore County,” Roody said. “In addition, this is a way that your contribution can be etched in the company’s walkway in perpetuity. It can have your name, your family’s name, be in memory of someone, or even be anonymous. You can also use it to advertise your business and let the community know that you are a friend and supporter of the Pikesville Volunteer Fire Company.”
Founded in 1897, PVFC currently has 112 active members. The company has been at its current location at 40 Sudbrook Lane since 1962.
This year alone, PVFC members have logged approximately 31,900 hours. The station is currently undergoing a major building renovation and upgrades in fire and emergency medical service equipment to better serve the community.
“The brick campaign is a new avenue for community supporters to both support us financially and earn permanent recognition for their contribution,” said PVFC’s Capt. Scott Goldstein. “From an advertising perspective, this is a great investment for every business in Pikesville to place a permanent business card where our numerous visitors will have a great opportunity to view as they approach our new Community Hall, which is available to any local organization for a meeting space.”
To purchase a brick, visit pvfd32.org/bricks.html or email “bricks@pvfd32.org.”
Haydee Rodriguez is a Baltimore-based freelance writer.
Image courtesy of Pikesville Volunteer Fire Company
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