Chief Sherburne, who is a volunteer himself, has approximately 47 people staffing the squad 24 hours a day. Ms. Miller identified herself as president of the Bethesda Fire Board. She called the CLC's attention to an unidentified group soliciting funds through the mail and saying they are writing on behalf of the Bethesda Fire Department. She said the return address is Gaithersburg and that this group is not known to be affiliated with any county services. Chief Cameron pointed out that Montgomery County no longer has a designated fire fund.
All taxes go to the general fund.
The B-CC Rescue Squad is dependent on donated funds for its operating expenses. Ms. Miller said the Bethesda Fire Department has a fund drive scheduled for the first time to assist with funding needed, grounds and equipment maintenance since county funds have not been increased for the past several years. He identified several others in top management positions at NIH as county veterans. This familiarity with county procedures and personnel makes for a smooth working relationship. Chief Rufty gave a brief history of the development of security forces at NIH, beginning in 1955 when the Maryland State Legislature made NIH an exclusive federal jurisdiction.