(12/5) Vigilant Hose Company has now completed its remaining building and apparatus payments, removing over $1.3 million from the department ledger.

The combined efforts of a devoted department and the help of a dedicated community have lessened the financial burden of Vigilant Hose Company just in time for the holidays.

The decision to pay off the remaining mortgage of the 25 West Main Street fire station as well as the balance remaining for a recently purchased Engine 61, was made at the approval at the department’s October meeting according to former President Tim Clarke.

The department worked tirelessly with a financial planner to lay out and accomplish a strategic financial plan and the mortgage payments completed building additions and renovations, he said.

The service debt reduction achievement was "directly related to the unbelievable support of the community we service on a daily basis and the excellent planning and fiscal stewardship managed by our Board of Directors through our Planning Committee members," President Tom Ward said in a November press release.

During the pandemic, above and beyond work was put in to come up with unique and "outside the box" fundraising ideas, Clarke said. "It also illustrates the hard work and dedication of the membership in support of the fundraising efforts of our organization." Ward said.

The combined efforts of various members of the department combined their efforts including operations, social members, as well as auxiliary members were essential to fundraising endeavors. One of the department’s most successful weekly game of chance events is its weekly Six of Hearts Drawing. "And of course, nothing can be done without the help of the community," Clarke said.

"It has been nothing but amazing to witness the outpouring of support we have received from our community in support of our fundraising efforts," Ward said

Clarke credited this dedicated support between the community and the department for maintaining Vigilant as one of the only completely volunteer fire departments in Frederick County. "It’s an ongoing struggle everywhere," he said.

"Without a doubt, our ability to sustain a top-of-the-line fire and ambulance service for the community, with modern equipment and top-notch personnel, could not have occurred nor maintained without our strong community support. For that, I am eternally grateful and appreciative on a daily basis. On behalf of the men and women of the Vigilant Hose Company, I say thank you to everyone that supports us both monetarily and operationally. You inspire us to continue our daily effort to achieve excellence," Ward said.