For the past week the dedicated volunteers of Kentland have put in many long hours getting ready for the possibility of a career operated ambulance running out of station 33, which has long been the goal for both departments. The members have worked very hard to complete the many tasks needed in a very short period of time. New carpet and furniture was installed in the room to be used as the temporary career office. The side bay was painted and shelves built, supplies were both acquired and relocated to a secure area, painted and improved both front and rear bathroom areas, in addition to multiple other smaller tasks. Volunteers funded much of the operation, including fencing for the new storage area and associated bay. With no cooperation from the County Fire Department, volunteers were forced to deal directly with other agencies within the Prince Georges County Government to provide accommodations for their own dedicated ambulance crew in a timely manor. The timeline given from the PG Fire Department upper management was 4 to 5 weeks for completion of the tasks needed to place an ambulance in service. The volunteers from Kentland accomplished these same tasks in 5 days. This included contacting the IMD (Information Management Division) to make sure there would be a working computer, printer and telephone in the new office as well as with PG County Logistics to replace the carpet, provide paint and acquire furniture for both areas. The Kentland Volunteer Fire Department would like to thank both the Public Safety Director Vernon R. Herron and County Executive Jack Johnson for their continued support in bringing a transport unit to the Kentland Area. Without their swift, fair decision making and reason despite the undermining efforts of the County Fire Department this progress would not have been possible.

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