Community Volunteer Fire Department of Bowley’s Quarters and Vicinity Inc.

900 Bowley’s Quarters Road  Baltimore, Maryland 21220

Dear Neighbor;

            You may know us.  We are your neighbors, your co-workers, your family or your friends.  We are the highly trained men and women of the Bowley’s Quarters Volunteer Fire Department.  When you dial 911, we respond to your fire department related emergencies all hours of the day each day of the year.  Because we care, when an emergency arises within our community, our membership places their personal life activities aside to assist you with your situation.  We leave our quality time with our families or we get up from our bed from a good nights sleep.  Some of us leave our places of employment and even leave the table from eating our meals.

            In 2006 the Bowley’s Quarters Volunteer Fire Department responded to about 650 emergencies within our community.  We are currently on pace to see an increase of that number for 2007.  These emergencies ranged in severity from automobile accidents to marine related rescues to medical emergencies to structure fires.  As an organization we provide these services to you at no charge.  This mailing is our primary source of fundraising dollars.  WE DO NOT SOLICIT BY TELEPHONE.

            Our operation currently consists of two fire engines, one heavy duty rescue squad, a rapid response medical assist unit and three marine rescue vessels.  This entire fleet of equipment is necessary to handle the vast array of emergencies we respond to within our community.  Within the past 15 years this fleet has cost us, out of our expense account, in excess of $1,000,000.  This does not include expenses related the maintenance of the vehicles, our building maintenance, the purchase of the safety equipment we wear, the necessary supplies to operate and the list goes on.

            Having said all of this, we continue to rely on your financial support.  Twice per year we solicit donations from our community in this format.  Each mailing we send out is in excess of 5,000 request letters.  Unfortunately, over the past two years we only had a return rate of 11%.  Hopefully you have never needed us or our talents.  In the event that you do, our purpose is to be prepared for when you do need us.  Your donation, no matter the size, assists us in more ways than you can imagine.  Please help us help you.  We need financial support from each of you.  Your donation is tax deductible.

             Should you have any questions regarding this request or any of our other many operations, please feel free to contact us at your convenience 410-335-8820.

Thank you for your continued support,

VOLUNTEER FIRE FIGHTER

COURAGE  HONOR  SACRIFICE  DEDICATION  PROFESSIONALISM