One of our local Charles County bills – SB376/HB380 Charles County – Workers’ Compensation – Auxiliary Volunteers – Sheriff’s Department came for a vote today. This bill will allow workers’ compensation benefits to a volunteer who works with the Sheriff’s Department in the event they are injured while working. When there is an emergency, the Sheriff’s Department calls for volunteers to do search and rescue, direct traffic, provide directions, etc. Sometimes there are minor first aid injuries such as twisted ankles, scratches and scrapes, and cuts. This will allow those volunteers to receive medical attention without the cost coming out of their pockets.
As we ask our government agencies to do more with less, this program lets the Sheriff’s department provide citizens with services through the use of volunteers. I personally would like to see this spread through other departments in Charles County. I know the State government and many counties have active programs to use volunteers in the Police, Park Service, and various agencies. Having met some of the volunteers, I find them loyal, dedicated, and often glad to be useful.