BRYANS ROAD, Md. — Two volunteer fire departments are being criticized for including guns as part of a fundraising raffle so close to the Navy Yard shooting.
WJLA reported that firefighters from Bryans Road and Accokeek were looking for a way to raise money to support its new $4 million facility.
“Most of us firemen are hunters, and we’ve got friends who are hunters,” said Deputy Chief Josh Carlson. “The whole area is rural — a lot of departments have done it and it’s worked out well for them.”
“It was truly a tragedy that we had to deal with,” Chief Dave McCormick said. “We talked about it, but we were too far into the planning process to make any cancellation plans.”
Accokeek is also hoping to upgrade its aging fleet and firehouse, according to the report. But Prince George’s County said it was uncomfortable with Accokeek holding a gun raffle at its own house, according to the report.
“It was just the message that a public safety agency should not be holding a gun raffle within the confines of a fire and EMS station,” said Mark Brady with the PGFD.
So they crossed county lines and held it in conjunction with Bryans Road, according to the report.
“At the end of the day, when this is all broken down, the fire trucks will be back in here,” said Carlson. “We’ll jump on them and get out the door.”