Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the difference between a Baltimore County career firefighter and a volunteer firefighter?

When it comes to training and professionalism there is no difference between a career and a volunteer fire-fighter. The major difference is that a career firefighter works for the County in County owned stations. The volunteer companies own their own stations and equipment and are responsible for all operating costs up front. The County does, however, subsidize fuel, electric and some maintenance costs, which account for approximately 25 % of the operating expenses of a volunteer company. The balance of the costs must be covered by money raised through annual fund drives and other fund raising activities.

2. What communities are served by the Lutherville Volunteer Fire Company?

LVFC serves 34 communities within a 45 mile radius of the fire station which includes: Aigburth Manor, Anneslie, Armagh Village, Bellona-Gittings, Burkleigh Square, Charlesbrooke, Chesapeake Stone Manor, Dulaney Towers, Dulaney Valley, Fellowship Forest, Greenbrier, Hampton, Idlewylde, Knollwood-Donnybrook, Loch Hill, North East Towson, Overbrook, Riderwood Hills, Ridgely, Rodgers Forge, Ruxton Riderwood Lake Roland, Southland Hills, Stonleigh, Towson Estates, Towson Gardens, Towson Manor Village, Towson Park, Valleys of Towson and the businesses on the York Road Corridor.

3. How many emergency calls has LVFC responded to over the past five years and what is the outlook for the next five years?

In 2001 LVFC responded to 1,642 emergency calls. In 2005 the number of calls increased to 1,904. It is estimated that each year the number of emergency calls will increase by approximately 10%.

4. How many capital campaigns has LVFC conducted?

In our nearly 100 years, this is the first

5. What is the minimum campaign goal?

To meet the growth of the community and to continue to keep stride with technology, equipment, training and facility needs a minimum of $2,400,000 must be raised.

6. Will the capital campaign affect the LVFC's annual fund drive?

It is important that donations to this annual fund continue. This fund supports the day-to-day operating costs of the LVFC and must not be interrupted. The Capital Campaign and your gift to it is a one-time only appeal.

7. How much should I give to the capital campaign?

No one should or can presume to tell you how much you should contribute. However, your campaign volunteer or campaign office can suggest donation ranges that will help the campaign succeed.

8. Is a pledge to the capital campaign the best way to contribute?

The 36-month pledge is a time-tested method to achieve a goal of this magnitude. It enables each contributor to give more generously than they might be able to over a shorter period of time.

9. Are gifts-in-kind acceptable?

Yes. Stocks, bonds, property and equipment are welcome and may provide further tax advantages to the donor. For instance, securities that have appreciated in value often offer tax incentives to donors.

10. Will there be a "Buy a Brick" program and other naming opportunities?

Yes. The campaign will offer a "Buy a Brick’ program. Bricks can be purchased to have your personal message engraved in addition to other naming opportunities for rooms and other areas within the newly expanded and renovated fire station. These programs will offer the contributor the opportunity to perpetuate the memory of a loved one, to honor a family or friend or recognize an organization.

11. What has been the preliminary response to the campaign?

Preliminary response to the campaign is very favorable. A number of gifts have already been received.

12. How should checks be made payable?

Checks should be payable to: LVFC Capital Campaign. The Lutherville Volunteer Fire Company is a 501 (C) (3) organization and gifts to the campaign qualify as charitable contributions and can be deducted for Federal Income Tax purposes.