DECISION MADE. COMMUNITY IGNORED.
Hyattstown forced to operate volunteer-only starting July 13.
Despite months of advocacy and a clear outpouring of public concern, this decision was made without meaningful engagement with the community it affects most. Over 425 supporters submitted a petition and we have record of over 110 individual letters sent directly to the County Executive and Chief Smedley. Our community is upset that their voices were ignored and that there was no public process, no opportunity for dialogue, and no transparency around the criteria used to make this decision. That is not only deeply unfair, it is unacceptable.
This station serves a growing region of northern Montgomery County and provides essential coverage for a critical stretch of I-270. To unilaterally strip paid staffing from this location, while every other station in the County continues to receive support, sends a dangerous and demoralizing message, not only to our residents, but to the dedicated volunteers and career personnel who serve here.
For decades, the Hyattstown station has stood as a trusted part of the County’s emergency response system. This action undermines that legacy and jeopardizes our ability to provide consistent, life-saving service.
They Ignored Our Concerns. Tell the County Executive that this is unacceptable.
Despite a petition submitted by over 400 residents and dozens of personal letters, the County is moving forward with removing career staff from the Hyattstown fire station. This decision disregards our community’s clear call for safety and fairness. Use the form below to tell County Executive Marc Elrich and Fire Chief Corey Smedley that Hyattstown deserves better. Demand they reverse this decision and restore full-time staffing now.
Use the form on the left to send to the County Executive and the form on the right to send to the Fire Chief.