Halfway Signs MOU For Career EMS Staffing

In 1995 Halfway began running one ALS Transport Unit that was placed inservice which began our service of supplying Emergency Medical Services to the Halfway and surrounding areas. This June after a year of research and budget crunching, Halfway Fire Company’s upper administration entered into an agreement signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Washington County Division of Emergency Services. This agreement, officially endorsed by the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) on June 3, 2025, marks the fourth EMS staffing transition into County employment since March 2024.

Halfway, is one of the busiest fire and EMS agencies outside of Hagerstown, we responded to over 3,900 calls for service in 2024. The transition of our EMS staff into County employment aims to enhance service delivery, improve workforce stability, and ensure continued excellence in emergency care.

“This transition represents a significant step forward for our department and the community we serve,” said Jamie Drawbaugh, Fire Chief of the Volunteer Fire Company of Halfway. “By working in partnership with Washington County, we’re strengthening our EMS operations and ensuring long-term sustainability for our personnel and the services we provide. We’re proud to move ahead with a unified vision and a shared commitment to public safety.”

“The decision to transition our EMS personnel into County employment reflects our unwavering commitment to providing the highest level of emergency medical services to our community,” said Justin Gearhart, President of the Volunteer Fire Company of Halfway. “We believe this partnership with Washington County will enhance our operational capabilities and ensure that our residents continue to receive prompt and professional care when they need it most.”

This transition aligns with Washington County's ongoing efforts to standardize and support EMS staffing across the region, strengthening emergency response through consistent training, equitable employment practices, and operational continuity.

While Washington County takes over the management of our career EMS personnel, Halfway remains responsible for our Ambulances, Equipment, supplying living quarters and equipment and training for Volunteer EMS Staff. Halfway will continue to send out EMS Fund Drive Subscriptions to help cover the cost of this equipment and daily operations.