Dear Neighbor,
We want to reassure you that members of the Glen Echo Fire Department (GEFD) continue to answer the call to help provide emergency service here in our immediate community during these stressful times we are all facing in this public health emergency.

Even though all of us are impacted in different ways, it is our common cause and connection to one another that will help us get through our region’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Seeing our community rise up united to help in these challenging times is something we all will remember long after we get past the worst of this crisis. From helping to shop for those unable to leave their homes, making homemade masks to share, or even staying at home and practicing social distancing with good social hygiene as an example to others; the sense of purpose and willingness to help that many of you are feeling is truly impressive.

We are very thankful that some of you have reached out to ask what we may need on the front lines in helping to serve the community. Here are a couple of ways that you as our neighbors can help:

• Financial Donations to GEFD : With the rise of call volume in our community, our operational costs to support the volunteer members of the Glen Echo Fire Department are increasing. Please consider making a donation on our website: www.gefd.org/donate/
• Donations of PPE: For those that have excess, and unused, personal protective equipment (PPE), the County has set up a form to help coordinate donations of gloves, N95 masks, disposable gowns, face shields, or even handmade masks. The form is online and can be found here.
• Check into the County’s list of volunteer opportunities: The County has a broad list, regularly updated, of volunteer opportunities to assist with the response to COVID-19, including those that you can do at home.

Lastly, we have heard of interest in sponsoring meals for our volunteer first responders from local restaurants. Financial donations via our website obviously can go a long way to helping to provide those meals, but if you have a relationship with a specific restaurant you would like to facilitate a donation with please also let us know.

We would urge you to continue to follow the direction of the Health Department and State Government to maintain social distancing, proper handwashing, and do what you can to help slow the spread of the virus. The County’s Department of Health and Human Services has regularly updated information and resources for our community and can be found here.

Remember to contact your healthcare provider if you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever and symptoms, and as always, call 911 if you are experiencing a time-critical, life threatening emergency.

If you represent a community association in our area, would you please also share the message with our neighbors we may have missed?

We are hopeful that you continue to stay safe during these challenging times.

Sincerely,
Andrew O’Brien
President
Conduit Road Fire Board, Inc./Glen Echo Fire Department

William Dunn
Fire Chief, Glen Echo Fire Department