County Installs New Record Software for Volunteer Fire Companies

Harford County government is streamlining data collection for its volunteer fire and EMS companies.

Officials announced Thursday that all 12 of the county's fire and EMS companies are now using the county's Records Management System software. The Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company was the last company to activate the system, as the company waited for installation of fiber cable, according to a release.

The software, purchased by the county, "will help improve data collection efforts of our local volunteer fire and EMS service, which will ultimately enhance the quality of data collected and used by Harford County Government in assessing the capabilities and needs of our fire and EMS service,” County Executive David R. Craig said in a release.

The system, which cost the county $304,104, will cut costs across the county by having a consistent, unified record system managed by county officials. Use of the new software will be phased in over the next three years, according to the release. Whiteford Volunteer Fire Company, Aberdeen Fire Department and Harford County HazMat were the first to get the new software in January.

“Consolidating the fire service records management system will provide everyone a better understanding of our service to the citizens and define future needs," William Dousa, president of the Harford County Volunteer Fire and EMS Association, said in the release.