New Rescue Squad Truck To Strengthen Emergency Response In St. Mary’s County

VALLEY LEE, Md. — When an emergency call comes in, firefighters do not always know what they will encounter.

A vehicle may be crushed with someone trapped inside. A person could be stranded on the water. A firefighter may become trapped inside a burning building. Each situation requires different equipment — and every minute spent waiting for the right tools can matter.

That uncertainty helped guide the Second District Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad (SDVFDRS) as members spent more than three years planning a new heavy-duty rescue squad built to respond to nearly any emergency.

“Think of it as a mobile toolbox,” said Mike Scrivener in an interview with The BayNet, the department’s treasurer and Apparatus Committee chairman.

The 2026 Pierce Enforcer will replace the department’s 2003 rescue engine, giving volunteers more room for specialized equipment, faster rescue tools and modern safety features. Below is an example of what the new rescue engine will look like.

For residents of the Second District and surrounding communities, the department says that will mean a quicker, more capable response when help is needed most.

One Vehicle, More Ways To Help

The new rescue squad is designed to respond to serious vehicle crashes, water and rope rescues, hazardous materials incidents and other technical emergencies. It can also support firefighters during structure fires and carry equipment used to reach a trapped firefighter.

Its larger storage capacity will allow volunteers to bring more of the equipment they need on one vehicle.

“With additional equipment and enhanced capabilities, our crews will be better prepared to handle a wide variety of emergencies without relying as heavily on mutual aid departments for specialized resources,” Scrivener said.

Mutual aid remains an important part of the county’s emergency response system, with neighboring departments regularly helping one another during major incidents. However, having more specialized resources immediately available could allow Second District crews to begin certain rescue operations sooner.

“That means a faster, more capable response for the residents we serve while still maintaining the strong partnerships we have with our neighboring departments,” Scrivener said.

Faster Tools When Every Minute Matters

Among the most important improvements are new battery-powered vehicle extrication tools.

Those tools will replace hydraulic rescue equipment that had been in service for approximately 25 years. The older equipment required firefighters to connect hoses and set up a separate power source before beginning an extrication.

The battery-powered equipment can be removed from the truck and placed into operation more quickly — an important advantage when someone is trapped inside a damaged vehicle.

“The new battery-powered rescue equipment is faster, more reliable and easier to operate, allowing crews to begin rescue operations more quickly,” Scrivener said.

The rescue squad will also provide better organization and easier access to tools, helping volunteers locate what they need without losing valuable time.

Modern airbags, rollover protection and a 360-degree camera system will provide additional protection for firefighters while they are traveling to and working at emergencies.

Built Through Volunteer Dedication

The new rescue squad represents more than a vehicle purchase. It is the result of years of work completed largely behind the scenes by volunteers.

The department formed an apparatus committee in January 2023 to determine what kind of vehicle would best serve the community. Members reviewed emergency response statistics, studied different designs and met with several manufacturers before selecting a Pierce Enforcer Heavy Duty Rescue Squad.

The department signed a contract with Pierce Manufacturing in October 2023.

“This project represents years of planning and hundreds of volunteer hours,” Scrivener said.

Committee members completed the work while balancing careers, families and their regular responsibilities as volunteer first responders.

“From the initial concept to the final delivery, our Apparatus Committee dedicated countless hours to researching department needs, evaluating apparatus designs, meeting with manufacturers and overseeing every stage of the project,” Scrivener said.

The committee included Scrivener, Chief Lyn Henderson, Assistant Chief Cody Henderson, Past Chief Ben Windsor, Engineer Adam Bodnar and Safety Officer Dylan Walker.

Scrivener also credited the department’s Board of Directors for years of financial planning that made the purchase possible.

An Older Truck Begins A New Chapter

The new rescue squad replaces a 2003 Pierce Heavy Duty Rescue Pumper that served Second District for more than two decades.

Rather than ending its service, the older apparatus is beginning a new chapter.

Second District sold the vehicle in May to the Van Volunteer Fire Department, a small rural department in West Virginia with approximately 10 to 15 members.

“We’re proud that the apparatus will continue serving another community,” Scrivener said.

County Loan Helps Complete The Purchase

The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County unanimously approved a $1,653,327 loan for the new rescue squad during their July 28 meeting.

The department will receive the financing through the county’s Fire and Rescue Revolving Loan Fund, which helps volunteer emergency departments purchase equipment and complete other major projects.

Although the loan brought the purchase before county commissioners, Scrivener said the project was made possible through years of planning and continued community support.

“Most importantly, we thank the residents and businesses of the Second Election District and surrounding communities for their continued support,” he said. “Their trust and generosity enable our volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel to invest in equipment that enhances the safety of both our responders and the community we proudly serve.” he said.

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