Alarmers Seek Funds for New Truck
By SEAN PATRICK NORRIS Staff Writer
Who serves the service men and women of Anne Arundel County?
Who is there during the hostage situations and long-lasting fires to replenish the men and women hard at work?
The Anne Arundel Alarmers, that’s who.
“They really are the responders for us. They take care of us when we need recharging,” said Battalion Chief Matthew Tobia, county Fire Department spokesman.
“It’s amazing to see a group of primarily senior citizens that have dedicated their lives to helping us.”
There is only one problem: The Alarmers need a new truck. Their truck reached 20 years old, young for a firefighter but old for an emergency vehicle and was sold recently. In the meantime the Alarmers are using the smaller Coffee Wagon 2.
The volunteer group is raising funds for the $500,000 truck. Today, volunteers will hold a car wash at the corner of Baltimore Annapolis Boulevard and Dorsey Road in Glen Burnie from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Additional fundraisers include a basket bingo Sept. 7 at the Orchard Beach Volunteer Fire Department, a Christmas tree sale at the Ferndale Fire Hall and Northway Liquors in Millersville, and an oyster and bull roast in April.
The volunteer group provides relief for county fire and police personnel while on the job for extended periods of time. They report to all two-alarm fires and even dispatch for local disasters.
“It gives you a great feeling of satisfaction to be able to serve the public,” said Bertha Saghy, president of the Alarmers. “I get to serve the heroes of the county, the fire department and the police. They are our heroes.”
They helped the public and servicemen and women during a tornado in La Plata and a tunnel fire in Baltimore. They’ve been dispatched as far as Cambridge.
The group of volunteers comes armed with everything and the kitchen sink. They provide Gatorade, water, hot dogs, hamburgers, sandwiches, stews and soup.
The new truck is a Pierce, similar to fire department engines, and comes with a stainless-steel kitchen. The county has donated $100,000, and the Volunteer Firefighter Association and the Anne Arundel County Professional Fire Fighters Union are working to raise additional funds.
“We are asking any individuals in the community who are in a position to offer the Alarmers any help financially, with respect purchasing this new vehicle, to consider giving,” said Chief Tobia.
Glen Burnie residents also know the Alarmers, which was formed by a handful of community activists, as the group that lights the Christmas tree in Glen Burnie.
“We give out hot chocolate and we love to do it. It’s a great part of the year and they love their hot chocolate when it’s so cold out,” Ms. Saghy said.
Donations can be sent to 115 Glenmont Avenue, Glen Burnie, MD 21061. {Corrections:} {Status:}
$500,000 VEHICLE WILL PROVIDE COMFORT TO FIREFIGHTERS, POLICE
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