Frederick County Fire & Rescue Museum

Frederick was established in 1745. It was only 15 years later; the town fathers determined the need to purchase a fire engine. In 1760, a raffle was held to raise money to build a marketplace and to purchase the first fire engine.2 The engine was purchased in 1764 and was named “Grandfather”. It is believed this very first engine was used by the Frederick Hose Company and later by the Independent Hose Co. No. 1. In 1817, an ordinance was passed that established fire wards. The First Ward was the Friendship Fire Company, Second Ward the Union Fire Company, Third Ward Frederick Hose Company, and Fourth Ward the Sun Fire Company. All white taxable males were declared to be members of the fire company located in the ward in which they lived

January 4, 1909, Frederick News had an article on the discovery of papers found in the courthouse files for the Sun Fire Company to conduct a lottery in the amount of $875 to purchase a fire engine. Dr Henry Petit, a resident of Frederick from 1847 to 1854, said the Sun Fire Company was located at the east end of the Market House almost against the wall of the old Lutheran graveyard in my younger days stood an old red brick building used as a tool house. In this was kept the Sun fire engine. It had brakes like an ordinary engine, was small about the size of an old fashioned six octave piano.

Though the history of the Independent Hose Company indicates the Frederick Hose Company was a predecessor, a notice in the Frederick Herald on November 5, 1831, advertises a meeting of the First Frederick Hose Company at Mrs. Michaels Tavern at 6 O’clock, fourteen years after the Independent Hose Company was organized. The only information presently known of the Friendship Fire Company of Ward 1 was the new Young Mens Fire Company, ultimately organized as the Junior Fire Company, took possession of the Friendship Fire Engine and petitioned individuals, insurance companies and the city council for funds. However, an article in the Frederick Examiner speaks of a brawl that occurred on August 14, 1838, between three fire companies, one of which was reported as the Friendship Fire Company. No other documentation of the Friendship being in existence at such a late date has thus far been discovered.

In 1837, the Washington Hose Fire Company was organized by the citizens of Fire Ward No. 2. In 1817, Fire Ward No. 2 was initially assigned to the Union Fire Company. The engine house was located on East All Saint's Street. The Washington Hose Company ultimately disbanded and in 1845 a new fire company initially called the Mechanics Hose Company took over the firehouse and equipment. This company changed their name to the United (Hose) Fire Company.

The Independent Hose Co. No. 1 is the oldest continually operating fire company in the State of Maryland. The company has provided continuous service since inception in 1818, however was not incorporated until February 27, 1840. A cornerstone taken from the original engine house bears the date of 1816, which predates the present-day Independent Hose Co. No. 1 and may have been the location of an earlier fire company. In 1827, the first Independent Hose Company engine house was built on the Court House Square in the location of the old hay scales. The building was built by Mr. John Shipman for a cost of $550 paid by a Levy Court of Frederick County. On August 19, 1845, the Independent Hose Company purchased land from Lawrence J. Brengle and his wife on West Church Street next to the German Reformed Church, today known as the Trinity Chapel or Town Clock. Throughout the over 200-year history of the Independent Hose Co., the fire station has been consistently located along West Church St. The land was purchased for a cost of $750 and provided the fire company with a street frontage of 31 feet. Ground was broken on August 3, 1846, for a two-story fire engine house and meeting room. In May of 1847, the Independent Hose Company purchased a bell from Philadelphia for a cost of $80. On December 4, 1849, a new larger bell was installed with the inscriptions of E. Shriver President G.J. Fischer Vice J. McSherry Treas. H. C. Steiner Secy The bell was made by Clampitt & Register Baltimore and weighed 563 pounds. The bell inscription also included Independent Hose Company. Formed 1818 Incorporated 1838. This bell is still owned by the Independent Hose. Co. No. 1 in Frederick.

In January of 1839, the fire company ordered a hand pumper from the John Rodgers Company of Baltimore for the cost of $1,100. The company had a choice of two models of the Rodgers pumper, the Junior, or the Senior pumper. The Junior model was selected, which made the fire company name Junior even more appropriate. The company also purchased leather hose from Dukeharts of Baltimore and hose reel from Henry Boteler of Frederick. Recently, Jim and Joy Deater, authors of the 175th anniversary book of the Junior Fire Company, discovered an article from the Gettysburg Complier dated April 3, 1879, that the Junior engine was sold to Littlestown, Pennsylvania when a fire company was organized in that Pennsylvania community. The engine arrived in Frederick on Saturday, August 24, 1839. Englebrechts Diary notes several companies of this town escorted them (the Juniors) from the railroad depot through the principal streets. The reference of several companies indicates that at least some of the fire companies noted earlier in this chapter were still in existence in 1839. In addition, the Washington Hose Company, organized in 1837 and discussed further in this chapter, would have also been in existence. On Monday, August 26, 1839, the new engine was tested when it threw water over the steeple of the Evangelical Reformed Church steeple a little higher than the extreme knob, which was at least 150 feet.. This test over the Town Clock was the first of many fire company testing engines by throwing water over the Evangelical Reformed Church Steeple, today known as the Trinity Chapel and Town Clock. This engine is believed to have been sold to Littlestown, Pa. and later donated to the Smithsonian Institute.

On November 2, 1845, some former members of the Washington Hose Company met at the fire house with the intent of forming a new fire company. It was agreed to name the new company the Mechanics Hose Company. However, at the next meeting held on November 26, 1845, the name was changed to the United Hose Company. With 92 members signing the original constitution, the new company formally organized and met every Saturday. The United Company took over the former Washington Hose Company building and tank. In 1847, the City of Frederick provided $430 towards the purchase of a lot on what today is 79 South Market St, United Steam Engine Fire Company No. 3. The ground was broken for a new building in 1848. When completed, the building was 60 feet deep. The original section of the building, bell and cupola still exist. The building is believed to be the oldest continuously operating fire station in America, having provided continuous response to fires since first occupied in 1848. The firehouse was built in a very swampy area near Carroll Creek; thus, the firehouse was dubbed Swamp Hall and the firefighters of the United got the nickname Swampers. The colorful figure atop the cupola is the company mascot Johnny Swamper. Even the bell atop the cupola was locally known as the Swamp Bell as noted in Englebrecht’s Diary. The bell was also sounded to warn the citizens of flooding of Carroll Creek.

In January of 1858, a public hanging was held on Cannon Hill with no local militia unit to guard the gallows. This lack of a local militia was the birth of The United Guard a local militia comprised primarily of members of the United Fire Company and informally associated with the fire company. A week later, The United Guard was inspected by Col. Shriver, commander of the 16th Maryland Regiment of the Maryland National Guard, which the local unit became attached. On April 5, 1858, 46 uniformed members of The United Guard paraded through the streets of Frederick led by the American Band, an organization also associated with the United Fire Company. On June 1, 1858, the United Guard offered to serve as Marines on ships of war, the offer was appreciated by respectfully declined by the War Department. The two other fire companies in Frederick soon followed and marshalled together a militia unit. The Junior Fire Company organized the Junior Defenders under the command of Captain John Ritchie. Later the Junior Defender’s came under the leadership of Captain William Glessner and the company was known as Company B. The Juniors detachment went under federal jurisdiction and came under the command of Colonel William P. Maulsby. This move placed the unit as part of the First Maryland Potomac Home Brigade (PHB). The Independent Hose Company organized the Independent Rifles (or Riflemen) under the direction of Captain Ulysses Hobbs. Ultimately, the fire company militia units were part of the Maryland Militia that would later become the beginnings of the Maryland National Guard.

The Citizens Ladder Truck Company of Frederick Maryland was officially organized on Friday, April 30, 1926 at a general meeting held at the Y.M.C.A. The elected officers of the newly organized fire company were Dudley Page, president, vice-presidents Walter Zeigler and H. Dorsey Etchison, secretary Richard P. Ross and William D. Zimmerman was treasurer. The board of directors of the company consisted of the elected officers, two members of each engine company, the mayor, two aldermen. This initial board of directors would serve for the first year. The company officially incorporated in 1931 and adopted the official name of “Citizens Truck Company of Frederick City, Frederick County, Maryland”.

On April 21, 1927, bids for the new ladder truck were opened with Mack-International Motor Truck Corporation the lowest bidder at $15,200. Aherns-Fox Engine Company was the highest at $16,500. Seagrave Company bid $15,750 and the American LaFrance Engine Company bid $15,500. Action on the bids was delayed until Saturday, April 28, 1927 at 3:00PM.²⁶ Mayor Culler advised the city would only appropriate $15,000 towards a new ladder truck. Following a long executive session of the mayor and aldermen, a motion was passed to purchase the Ahrens-Fox ladder truck with the agreement the members of the Citizens Ladder and Truck Company would make up the $1500 difference.

The earliest form of fire protection in Brunswick was provided by citizen bucket brigades. In 1890, the City of Brunswick instituted “water companies” that were also to be utilized for fire protection. This included a central water system and fire plugs. The City of Brunswick installed “reel houses” throughout various sections of the town. Some of the reel houses had a standpipe that received water from a well at the locations. The reel consisted of a rod between the hubs of two large wheels with hose wrapped around the cross rod. A reel house was located in each of the 3 wards of the city. One Reel house was located on the south side of Potomac Street opposite First Avenue. A “fire wagon” was also located at this early fire house. This station had to be built on stilts due to the steep terrain. Another reel house was built on New York Hill on the east side of Ninth Avenue. This station had stand pipe configuration to supply water. A third station was located on Wenner’s Hill at the corner of Maple Avenue and “F” St. Firefighting water was supplied by a water tower that was built on steel frame work. A fourth reel house was built in the 600 block of West Potomac Street. The reel houses along Potomac Street utilized water from fire plugs that were located downtown. Water for these hydrants was gravity fed with adequate pressure for firefighting. Each reel house had a “chief”. Each station had a glass covered hole with a key so anyone could unlock the door to the fire equipment. One reel was a large nine man reel and the other three smaller reels were three man reels.

In 1897, an organized fire protection unit in Brunswick was formed. The equipment included a Howe hand pumper, a hook and ladder wagon and hose reels. Horses owned by the B. P. Crampton Company would be used to pull the equipment to fires outside of the town. The first Brunswick Volunteer Fire Company was formed on May 10, 1910 with Edward C. Shaffer as president. Firemen’s Hall on West Potomac Street was erected under the supervision of Mr. Lorenzo S. Gardner. the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad also maintained “fire stations” throughout the railroad yard. These red buildings housed hoses, extinguishers and other items that could be used for firefighting. A firefighting hose reel was kept in the roundhouse for firefighting purposes.

First settled in 1733, the Town of Emmitsburg located is in the northern most part of Frederick County was founded in 1785.Early maps from the 1800’s indicated an “Engine House” was located on land roughly located near 115 North Seton Avenue. Like many very old communities, the use of a bucket brigade was most probably the first means of fighting fire. A notice issued on May 25, 1829 stated “You, John Bader, are hereby requested to present yourself at the Engine House in Emmitsburg, on the 4^th Saturday of May, June July and August, precisely a two o’clock p.m. with buckets and requisites for company training.” In 1840, an “out-dated” suction pump was purchased and a Town Ordinance was passed requiring all men to join the fire company. Fines were levied for non-compliance. This action produced 141 members. Minutes from an October 4, 1851 Town Meeting noted that land for a new Engine House could be purchased for $150 plus the payment of $12 in due taxes. In 1851, a hand pulled hose cart was built by a local Emmitsburg resident for a cost of $13. The hose was made of riveted leather is believed the first of this type used in the United States. A piece of this hose is preserved at the Smithsonian Institute. The hose cart built in Emmitsburg is an exquisite piece of firefighting history and is maintained and on display at the Vigilant Hose Company in Emmitsburg.

In 1884, a reservoir was constructed on the hills west of Emmitsburg. Water was piped into the town to supply water for the newly installed hydrant system. Also in 1884, the Vigilant Hose Company was organized, becoming a legal entity in 1910. The existing building housing the fire company was purchased in the 1920’s for $4,500. The Vigilant Hose Company 125^th Year Anniversary history book notes several early fires in the town. In 1845, the Otter Hotel located on the southwest corner of the square burned. In 1848, the Elder & Taney Warehouse burned and nearly destroyed the Lutheran Church. The biggest fire in Emmitsburg history occurred during the Civil War a week before the Battle of Gettysburg.

The first documentation of early fire protection outside of the City of Frederick was an act passed by the Maryland State Legislature in 1803 to authorize a lottery to purchase a fire engine for Middletown. Though the lottery authorized up to $1000, the purchase price of the engine was $400. Around 1850, the ladies of the community conducted a fair to raise money to purchase a new engine that was utilized “new” fire company organized taking the name of “Independents”. Mr. George Bowlus served as the president. A rival company organized as the “Juniors” and claimed the old engine. On July 13, 1851, the suction engine arrived in Frederick. It was purchased from the Patapsco Engine Company of Baltimore. The Patapsco Fire Company was organized in 1822. In 1843, the company had five pieces of apparatuS including one suction engine. This is the engine believed sold to Middletown for a cost of $400. The total cost including repairs and painting was $500.

It was not until a major fire in Middletown in 1892 at the old tannery did the community realize the need for organized fire protection. The town fathers initially took the first step towards improving fire protection by installing a water system. In 1893, the town began to install wooden water mains down Main Street with a fire hydrant installed every 300 ft. In 1894, the Burgess and Commissioners of Middletown called a community meeting to discuss fire protection for the town with the intent of organizing a fire company. About 60 people expressed interest in meeting and on January 26, 1894, the move for a fire company was inaugurated with 30 members.

The newly organized fire company would still use the engine purchased prior to the Civil War. The new fire company purchased a new hose reel, still owned and displayed by the Middletown company today. The company remained in service, but, at the request of the town Burgess George Doub was reorganized. On March 6, 1923 the company serving the community today, the Middletown Volunteer Fire Company was formally organized. The 1850 hand pumper was still the only engine serving the town. To update the fire protection, the newly re-organized fire company purchased a unique 1923 Kissel fire engine.

MYERSVILLE VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY CO.8

Though the disastrous in Myersville in 1919 started discussion of the need for fire protection, a fire company was not organized by the Town of Myersville until 1925. Even then, purchasing equipment and formally organizing did not occur until 1931 when the Burgess and Council requested the Independent Hose Company to demonstrate a chemical engine for the citizens of the town. On October 26, 1931, the Burgess, with the consent of two council members, agreed to purchase and American LaFrance fire engine. The engine was purchased from Frederick E. Benson of Patterson, New Jersey for a cost of $390. F. Lowery of Myersville was paid $50 to haul the engine to Myersville. On November 5, 1931, the Myersville Volunteer Fire Company was officially formed.

On November 19, 1931, a 1919 American LaFrance engine arrived in Myersville. The engine was originally kept in John Horine’s shed for an annual rental of $7. 50. The engine was moved to the old creamery building owned by John “Tucker” Shank, finally being stored at the old school building. In 1935, the fire company purchased the old Central Trust Company building on the corner of Main Street and Wolfsville Rd. for $2,150. An addition was added to the rear of the building to house the fire engine. On October 28, 1935 the Myersville Volunteer Fire Company was officially incorporated and a fire siren installed on the steeple of the Lutheran church to alert volunteers.

NEW MIDWAY VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY CO. 9

The first community meeting to discuss organizing a fire company was held August 4, 1926 at the Renner Motor Company Garage in New Midway. Citizens of the areas raised several hundred dollars in the preceding year through sales and festivals towards the eventual purchase of a chemical engine. Local businessmen A. A. Haugh, Jesse I Renner, S. A. Grim and Samuel were noted as the primary organizers.² On September 13, 1926, the local businessmen again assembled at Renner’s Garage in New Midway to formally discuss organizing a fire company and purchase of a fire engine. In 1927, New Midway purchased a new Ford Howe fire engine for a cost of $2,700.³

The new engine arrived by the Pennsylvania Railroad on August 26, 1927. The “New Midway Community Fire Department” unloaded and tested the engine on August 27, 1927 with a large crowd to witness the test. The engine could throw two streams of water over a three story building and pump 150 gallons of water per minute. The engine would respond from Renner’s Garage until an enginehouse is built. Jesse I. Renner was president and acting “foreman” of the fire company and advised practice drills would be held one night a week.⁴ In 1934, Jessie I. Renner was also elected to the Board of County Commissioners of Frederick County.⁵

THURMONT GUARDIAN HOSE COMPANY CO. 10

The Guardian Hose Company was established in 1887. An 1888 photo displays a formal drill team with 28 uniformed members. The first hose reel that owned by the fire company is also displayed in the picture. On July 3, 1890, a hook and ladder truck was received by the Guardian Hose Co. The truck was furnished by J. M. Kerrigan of Emmitsburg and Mr. William H. Loy of Thurmont made the iron framing. The beams of the hook and ladder are lettered “Mechanicstown, Guardian Hose Company No. 1. In 1890, the Corporation of Mechanicstown requested the Maryland Legislature to consider approving the authorization of bonds to construct a “firemen’s building and Town Hall”. The bonds would pay 6% interest and run for a period of 20 years.

A notice regarding the “ringing of the town hall bell…” announces the signals of the “Mechanicstown Fire Department” would have been published sometime between the construction of the town hall in 1890 and the changing of the town name to Thurmont in 1893. The town was divided into three fire districts: 1^st District, West Main St.- 2 taps, 2^nd District, Water St, Church St., East St, and Boundary Ave. – 3 taps, 3^rd District East Main St., Carroll St. and Lombard St. A “General Alarm” could be sounded with a series of taps of ringing of the bell. The Guardian Hose Company was organized in 1887 and helped to organize the Maryland State Firemen’s Association (MSFA) at the organizational meeting in Frederick in 1892. Though participating in the early attempts to organize the MSFA, the Guardian Hose Company did not join the MSFA until 1928.

At approximately 2AM on June 19, 1898, a fire destroyed a building of the Crescite Excelsior Works in Thurmont. The fire had great headway by the time the Guardian Hose Company arrived, but were able to save the office. While fighting the fire, an iron smokestack fell among the firemen and instantly killed Harry C. Root. As of this writing, this tragedy is the first firefighter line of duty death to occur in Frederick County as a result of injuries sustained in firefighting operations.

WALKERSVILLE VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY Co. 11

Fire protection for the Town of Walkersville began in 1909 with the formation of the Walkersville Water Company. In coordination with installation of water lines and hydrants the Walkersville Hose Company was organized with hand drawn hose reel. These actions most likely took place after a fire destroyed the residence of John Jamison. Only a bucket brigade and fire extinguishers from the Monocacy Valley Canning Company factory were used to fight the fire.The minutes of December 12, 1927 of the Walkersville Hose Company (unincorporated) show that T.R. Saylor was President and Captain was Clyde Fogle. A re-organization was effected in 1939 and the result in 1940 was the incorporation of the Walkersville Volunteer Fire Co., Inc. During incorporation in 1940, T.R. Saylor was elected President and Fire Chief was Luther Horine, Sr.

The first carnival was held in 1940 to raise funds for a motorized fire engine. The net profit was approximately $750. The company purchased a new engine through Renner Motor Company in New Midway. The company bought a 1940 Ford Howe piston-type pumper carrying 300 gallons of water at a cost of $4,700. The original 1940 Ford fire engine has been restored in brilliant "Walkersville Blue" and is on display in a special room on front of the fire hall. The tradition of “Walkersville blue fire apparatus” continues from 1940 until today.

BRADDOCK HEIGHTS VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY Co. 12

The community of Braddock Heights is unique as the village was built as a vacation resort by the Frederick Railroad (later Hagerstown & Frederick Railway). Though today known as Braddock Mountain, the original name of the mountain was the Catoctin Mountain. The owners of the railroad and developers of the park and resort named the area Braddock Heifghts in honor of General Braddock, a name that would be familiar to those in the Washington, DC area that the railroad hoped to attract to purchase land.

As the community was planned, so was the fire protection. By 1910, most of the buildings built in the previous two years were occupied. E. S. Mobley and Brothers were hired to install fire hydrants in the buiding area to be used by the "...new Braddock Fire Department."

Braddock Heights Fire Department got their first official home on October 15, 1912. The building was built by Frederick Railroad Company. The building used to store equipment and house the electric substation on corner of Maryland Ave. and Jefferson Blvd. On August 8, 1935, the fire department put a 1923 floodlight truck in service as the first piece of motorized apparatus owned by the fire company. This unit was most likely the Dodge/Waterous floodlight truck formerly owned by the United Fire Company as the model year and the year the Uniteds Diamond-T rescue truck went in service correspond.

ROCKY RIDGE VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY CO. 13

On May 9, 1949, the first meeting of the meeting of the Rocky Ridge Volunteer Fire Company was held. At that meeting it was decided to refund Ray Valentine for materials used at the fire pond. It was also voted the fire company would take the “light company” into the fire company. In April, 1950, the fire company decided to have the fire company take over the fire pond as well as the street lights. The fire company accepted the building of the Rocky Ridge Hall Association that was located on Long’s Mill Road just south of the town square.

In 1951, the only fire call for the new fire company was a disastrous fire of the sliding board at Mt. Tabor Park. The fire company was on the scene for 7 hours. In March 1951 there was discussion to purchase a Model A Ford fire engine from the Vigilant Hose Company of Emmitsburg. Land was purchased from Mr. & Mrs. William Martin and a building was constructed by Leon Stover and Roy Dinterman to house the engine.

CARROLL MANOR FIRE COMPANY CO. 14

Carroll Manor Fire Company Co. 14

After a serious fire at the home of Luther and Nellie Willard on Adams Street in Adamstown, MD in 1953, a community meeting was held at the Odd Fellows Hall in Adamstown to discuss the possibility of organizing a fire company. Mr. Mel Schwearing and other representatives of the Independent Hose Company No. 1 of Frederick, the closest fire company to Adamstown, were also in attendance. Mr. Clark Gibson called the meeting to order and a motion was made and passed to organize a fire company. On November 30, 1953, the fire company purchased ground adjoining the Grange Hall on Adams St. It was at the meeting the formal name of the Carroll Manor Fire Company was adopted. On November 30, 1953, the fire company purchased ground adjoining the Grange Hall on Adams St. It was at the meeting the formal name of the Carroll Manor Fire Company was adopted.

The fire company name was selected as to indicate the area that would be covered by the new fire company would essentially be the within the 17,000 acres of the initial tract of land of Charles Carroll of Carrollton which was known as Carrollton Manor. The Carroll Manor was the name of the mansion on the estate. The fire company purchased a 1937 Seagrave “Detroit” or “Safety” fully enclosed cab engine from the Independent Hose Company for $3,000. Later, a 1953 Diamond –T engine was purchased from the Upper Montgomery County Volunteer Fire Company.

On April 7, 1954 it was announced the Hudson Supply of Buckeystown would donate materials to build a fire station. The ladies auxiliary was formed on May 11, 1954. At the meeting held on July 7, 1954, Mr. Lockwood offered the chassis of a 1947 International to mount a 1000 gallon water tank. The first ambulance owned by Carroll Manor was a 1938 Oldsmobile Hennessy donated by the Cline Funeral Home.

The charter membership of the Carroll Manor Fire Company included three African American members: Mr. Roger Whalen, Mr. Buck Lawson and Mr. Bill Bowens. The concern was posed at the April meeting that the Frederick County Volunteer Firemen’s Association may require all charter members to be white. At the meeting on July 7, President Gibson advised he had been notified all members of the fire company had to be white in able to join the Frederick County Volunteer Firemen’s Association. As a result, the three black members were asked to resign. Mr. Austin Renn also resigned the company in protest. In 2004 at the dedication of Quint 14, the three initial African American members were posthumously made charter members

NEW MARKET DISTRICT VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT CO. 15

In response to a major fire in New Market on March 15, 1918 that “Entire New Market was threatened with destruction” damaging three houses and the Methodist church, and earlier major fire in May, 1902, a public meeting was held in New Market on March 21, 1918 to discuss the need for some form of fire protection.⁸ On April 9, 1918, a second meeting was held to discuss the purchase of at least one chemical tank to provide fire protection to the Town of New Market. Due to the fact there was no water supply, the purchase of a pumper did not seem prudent.⁹ On April 26, 1918 the committee of Frank Maynard and County Commissioner Wood and former County Commissioners Hargarth voted to purchase a double tank chemical engine with two 45 gallon tanks. The engine would be located in the middle to town near the Steven’s property that was recently destroyed in fire.¹⁰ An article in the Frederick Post discussing “interest on tax bills” on November 9, 1918 shows an expenditure in the year 1918 of $200 for the “New Market Fire Department” which most likely monies paid by the county commissioners for the chemical extinguisher.

It is unknown how long organized fire protection existed in New Market, as in 1954 at a New Market Lions Club meeting the question arose, once again about the town of New Market and its surrounding area needing fire protection. A public meeting was held the citizens of the area agreed that fire protection was needed. At the Lions Club meeting in December 1954, the New Market District Fire Department was formed, being the fifteenth company in Frederick County, Md. to organize. There were approximately sixty three Charter Members. The first fire company meeting was held on January 15, 1955 at the old New Market Grange Hall, located on what is now Eighth Alley across from Vintage’s parking lot. The company members elected Clyde Smith as President and James R. Hahn as Fire Chief.

The members set out to raise money as soon as they could, holding dinners, raffles, and collecting donations. They raised approximately $12,500.00 for the purchase of a new fire engine. Some of the men completed a basic fire training course. The fire engine, a 1955 Ford 500 gallon pumper, was ordered from the American Fire Apparatus Company in Battle Creek, Michigan and arrived in New Market in May 1955. On June 11, 1955, the new engine was placed into service after a ceremony and dinner at the New Market School. Governor McKeldin was in attendance for the dedication. The engine was called “Engine # 1” and later renamed “Engine 151” when Central Alarm was established. The first firehouse was located in a garage behind what was Mealey’s Restaurant.

WOODSBORO VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY CO. 16

In 1953, a group of citizens of Woodsboro gathered for a meeting in the Woodsboro Hall located over the bank building to decide what to do with $30,000 in the bank account. A motion was made to give the town up to $5,000 to start a water system and $15,000 to purchase the water to put into the system. The motion also included to use the balance to buy a fire engine. The first fire company carnival was held from June 23 to June 27, 1953 to help raise funds for the newly organized fire company. And thus, the Woodsboro Volunteer Fire Company, Inc. was incorporated on August 1, 1953 and L. Cramer Powell was elected the first fire company president.

The first fire engine was a 1955 American LaFrance on a Ford chassis. Until a fire station was built, the fire engine responded from Cornell’s Garage on Main St. Also in 1955, Lawrence A. Dorsey, was elected the second fire company president. Under his leadership as president, Dorsey was the spearhead of an effort to build a fire station. With the help of several local citizens who were willing to sign $1,000 demand notes to help fund the project, a contract was signed to build a fire station and community hall. The fire station was built in 1956 for a cost of $19, 645.78. Woodsboro was an early provider of emergency medical services when they placed a 1954 Cadillac ambulance in service in 1963. Though today the Woodsboro ambulance is A169, the radio designation number was initially A160. Until Central Alarm was formed, a 0 was added after the company number indicated the unit was an ambulance. The unit was purchased from the Thurmont American Legion.

Lawrence A. Dorsey also served as a president of the Frederick County Volunteer Firemen’s Association and was instrumental in advocating for a county wide “central alarm” system. Lawrence “Lou” Dorsey served as the burgess (mayor) of Woodsboro and served 12 years on the Board of County Commissioners.

LIBERTYTOWN VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT CO. 17

The unincorporated community of Libertytown, originally known as Dukes Woods, was first settled in 1782. The town was a bustling cross roads community that even had it’s own newspaper. The first fire company for Libertytown was chartered in 1847 as the “Liberty Town Fire Company.” The founding members were Thomas Sappington, Jr., Francis S. Jones, Thomas Carr, Basil Sweadner, Enoch Beal, Ephraim Albaugh, Jonothan Browning, Henry Baker, Dennis Etzler, Simon Hartner and Andrew Arnold. The corporation stated “…by the name and style of the Liberty Town Fire Company; the object of which company is hereby declared to be the protection of property of the citizens of liberty Town from destruction by fire…” It was also noted in the charter that “…the corporation of body politic shall not at any time hold or possess property, real, personal or mixed, exceeding in value of five thousand dollars.” This particular version of the Libertytown Volunteer Fire Department apparently faltered, as on May 13, 1899 a disastrous fire struck the community and created a call to organize a fire company. A general store, feed store, tenant house two dwellings and outbuildings were destroyed with an estimated valueof $5,000 in damage. An article in the May 20, 1899 Daily News stated a meeting was held to organize a fire department at to have the hand engine repaired.

The engine so noted in the news article was the “Old Lady” described in an earlier chapter. At some point after the United Steam Fire Engine Company No. 3 purchased the “Lily of the Swamp” steam pumper, the “Old Lady” found it’s way to Libertytown. But, the “Liberty Fire Company” apparently did exist in 1892 as the letter to initially organize the Maryland State Firemen’s Association sent by the Independent Hose Company “Committee for Arrangements for the 75^th Anniversary” also included “Liberty Fire Company” in the listing of Frederick County fire companies invited to help organized the MSFA. The fire company organized as the “United Volunteer Fire Company”, presumably taking the name already painted on the engine “United”. Taking the name already shown on fire equipment was a common practice, such as the Water Witch Fire Company in Port Deposit bought a steam pump engine from Water Witch in Wilmington Delaware and assumed the fire company name already painted on the engine.

This version of fire protection in Libertytown existed until at least 1915, as a picture dated August 22, 1915 shows the Liberty Fire Co. Picnic. Interesting note, one the member in the picture, identified as Charlie Key, is believed the first African American to be a member of a volunteer fire company in Frederick County and possibly the State of Maryland. The exact date this fire company disbanded is unknown, but the engine was sold in 1932 to a George Conner to display in the museum of the Baltimore Equitable Insurance Company in Baltimore. A 1935 picture of the old engine house on Main St. in Libertytown shows the structure very dilapidated and in disrepair. Marking where the sign “United Volunteer Fire Company” was hung could still be seen.The present day Libertytown Volunteer Fire Department was organized in 1964 and was the first of the modern era fire companies in Frederick County to have African American charter members.

GRACEHAM VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY CO. 18

A fire company in Graceham was originally organized on May 28, 1917 with a 50 gallon Ajax chemical extinguisher and 50 feet of hose for a cost of $275. The fire company was reorganized on January 1, 1935. A 100,000 gallon capacity fire pond that was 30 feet wide, 85 feet long and 5 feet deep costing $1,700 was constructed. This information was listed in an ad placed in the program book of the 1938 Annual Convention of the Frederick County Volunteer Firemen’s Association indicated Graceham was a member of the Frederick County Volunteer Firemen’s Association.¹⁵

In 1960, a dispute arose with regard to the actual formation of a fire company and some funds in the fire company treasury. Two groups in Graceham, the fire company and a newly formed civic association, claimed funds and propriety over the fire pond. These accusations resulted in legal action.¹⁶ The Graceham Volunteer Fire Company officially incorporated in 1960.¹⁷ In 1962, the fire company purchased a used 1948 American LaFrance engine from the Branchville Volunteer Fire Company in Prince Georges’ County. In 1963, a group representing the Graceham Fire Company attended a meeting of the board of county commissioners requesting funding. The group advised they represent the organization that takes care of the fire pond and street lights and not associated with the Graceham Volunteer Fire Company, Inc.

In 1963, the Graceham Volunteer Fire Company became a member of the Maryland State Firemen’s Associaition. The Graceham Volunteer Fire Company applied unsuccessfully to be readmitted as a member of the Frederick County Firemen’s Association on October 16, 1963. At the time, there was a legal dispute with respect to who actually was the Graceham fire company as there had been a split in the community and two groups claimed to be the community fire company.¹⁸ In February of 1964, the Graceham Volunteer Fire Company filed a decree in court to be admitted in the Frederick County Volunteer Firemen’s Association which eventually led to the company being admitted as a member.¹⁹

The first new engine purchased by Graceham was delivered in 1966. The engine was a Darley front mounted pumper on a commercial Ford Chassis. The engine carried 500 gallons of water with a front mounted 750 gallon per minute W. S. Darley pump.²⁰ The company also purchased a tanker from the Libertytown Volunteer Fire Department.

Due to a lack of manpower and failure to be able to respond, the Graceham Volunteer Fire Company ceased to exist on July 1, 2024.

BRUNSWICK AMBULANCE AND RESCUE COMPANY CO. 19

The Brunswick Volunteer Ambulance and Rescue Company was formed when a phone call was received on January 6, 1958, from a member of the Maryland Wing Headquarters Civil Air Patrol (CAP), that an ambulance was for sale at Middle River (MD) Ambulance and Rescue Association. It was a 1946 Cadillac ambulance "in running condition" which was being replaced by the Middle River Association.

The Brunswick Squadron of the CAP was contacted because of its interest in starting a ground rescue unit. The matter was discussed at the CAP meeting and the squadron commander, Capt. Bernard Williams, was designated to meet with Mayor James Cummings and the town council on January 10, 1958, to see of the town would help to purchase this ambulance. A request for $100.00 was submitted and the money was received. A meeting to organize the Brunswick Volunteer Ambulance Company Inc., was held January 24, at which time it adopted this name.

Due to the condition of the ambulance they purchased, a second 1946 ambulance was found in Martinsburg, WV, and was purchased for $100.00 to be used to repair the first vehicle. The first ambulance was placed into service on April 28, 1958, and the first trip was for a broken arm on May 6, 1958; the second on May 8 for a possible heart attack.

Initially, the ambulances responded from Care’s Service Station, and later a two car garage owned by the Grace Episcopal Church and donated for use. In 1960, the ambulances were equipped with portable oxygen. In 1961, land was purchased on West Potomac Street and on February 26, 1962, the new quarters of the Brunswick Volunteer Ambulance Company at 200 West Potomac Street was dedicated.

JEFFERSON VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY CO. 20

The earliest known effort for fire protection in the town of Jefferson was most likely bucket brigades. In 1919, two hand-drawn Badger chemical trucks were purchased by the community Mr. George Kolb of Frederick demonstrated the firefighting capability of the two chemical engines. Each hand drawn chemical engine had a capacity of 40 gallons. One unit was located in each end of town. These chemical engines were pressurized soda/acid much like a fire extinguisher. One of those units has been restored and now on display at the Frederick County Fire & Rescue Museum in Emmitsburg, MD

In 1955, the Braddock Heights Volunteer Fire Company established a sub-station in Jefferson. For many years, this fire station was known as “Jefferson Station”, and was dispatched as such. Braddock Heights purchased a 1948 Ford and placed that unit at the Jefferson

A public meeting was held on April 6, 1970 to begin discussions of separating from the Braddock Heights Volunteer Fire Company and forming a separate fire company in Jefferson. On Thursday, June 4, 1970, the firefighters serving in the Jefferson Station submitted an application to the Frederick County Volunteer Firemen’s Association to organize a separate fire company. The Jefferson Volunteer Fire Company went in service shortly thereafter assigned the number Company 20.

WOLFSVILLE VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY CO. 21

The village of Wolfsville in the Catoctin Mountains of Frederick County was a distant response for fire protection from any direction. The Myersville Volunteer Fire Company was the closest fire department to Wolfsville, with Smithsburg or Thurmont responding to the areas north of town. On April 1, 1968, the Board of Directors of the Myersville Volunteer Fire Company brought a proposal to the fire company in regards to fire service in Wolfsville. The Wolfsville area needs to provide a heated building to house one fire engine and provide a siren to alert the volunteers. The Diamond T fire engine that was being replaced by a new pumper would be assigned to the Wolfsville sub-station once the heated building was complete.²²

The Wolfsville Holding Company was incorporated to serve as the administrative and financial functions of the Wolfsville sub-station. The building for the new station in Wolfsville was constructed on Wolfsville Road for a cost of $10,033. The first equipment in the Wolfsville station were a 1941 Diamont-T pumper that originally served in Myersville, and a 1949 Ford tanker with 1200 gallons of water that was purchased from the Rocky Ridge Volunteer Fire Company. In December 1979, the Wolfsville Volunteer Fire Company was organized and became a separate entity from the Myersville Volunteer Fire Company and the Wolfsville Holding Company was dissolved.

LEWISTOWN DISTRICT VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT CO. 22

On April 28, 1967 Lewistown businessman and town resident Jim Grimes announced a group of citizens in the Lewsitown Election District had been meeting for about a year in an effort to organize a fire company. It was also announced the initial group had already met the requirements of the Frederick County Volunteer Firemen’s Association for a new fire company. It was also stressed this new fire department would be organized to serve all the communities in the Lewistown Election District, not just the town of Lewistown.²⁴

The first engine purchased by the Lewistown District Volunteer Fire Department, as it was officially named, was a 1939 American LaFrance engine purchased from the Middletown Volunteer Fire Company for $450. The engine responded on a fire near Lewistown before the engine was officially in service. The company also purchased an open cab 1961 Peter Pirsch from the Sear Pleasant Fire Department in Prince George’s County. This engine was the first diesel fire engine in service in Frederick County. It carried 500 gallons of water with a 750 gallon per minute pump.

URBANA VOLUNTEER FIRE & RESCUE COMPANY CO. 23

Charters for a fire department were issued with the State of Maryland on December 11, 1973. Two charters issued for each separate service fire and rescue. The Urbana Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. and the Urbana Volunteer Rescue Squad, Inc. were officially on record. News of the newly formed fire and rescue company hit the papers and membership grew tremendously at the January and February meetings.

The Fifth District VFD of Clarksville MD donated a 1963 Cadillac for the first ambulance. The Kensington VFD donated a second ambulance, a 1969 Chevrolet Suburban. The Rescue Squad was officially in service and would answer 71 alarms by years end. Our long search for a permanent station site came to an end in 1975 when the department purchased 10.764 acres of land from Mr. Arthur Keyes for $53,820.00.

Within a year, and loan from community residents and members Roy Myers and Lawrence Wilcom, the Urbana Fire & Rescue, Inc. was able to purchase a 1972 Ward LaFrance on a Ford commercial chassis. The engine had a 750 gallon per minute pump and carried 50 gallons of water. The pumper for $27,000.00 from Honeywell Corporation in New Jersey where the engine was stationed on a contract job site with minimal use. . The department was accepted as a member of the Frederick County Volunteer Fireman’s Association in March and Engine 231 was placed in service on April 1^st, 1974.

WALKERSVILLE VOLUNTEER RESCUE COMPANY CO. 24

In 1977 a group of dedicated people began to organize with the intent of starting an ambulance service. A meeting was held on May 17, 1977 with over 40 people in attendance. Vaughn Zimmerman chaired the planning committee. Through mass mailings in the fall of 1977, the community was solicited for donations and support. The letter indicated that the organization would be independent of the volunteer fire company, but the equipment would be housed within the fire hall, which is now the Town Hall.

The request for donations and volunteers was heard by the people of the community. The Glade Valley Lions Club donated a 1969 Suburban ambulance (Ambulance 118) and a 1974 Horton 400 ambulance (Ambulance 119) was purchased from Bethesda Chevy Chase for $12,500. On August 18, 1977, the Walkersville Volunteer Ambulance Service, Inc. was officially chartered. By October there were forty-three members studying to become Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT). In January, the new volunteer ambulance company began providing service to the Walkersville and surrounding community. The ambulances were placed in service on January 18, 1978.

The units initially utilized the numbers that would have been assigned to the Walkersville Fire Company, Ambulance 119 and Ambulance 118. In the first year, volunteers responded to 289 emergency calls. It was recognized that the company was fast outgrowing the space provided by the fire company. The Walkersville Volunteer Fire Co. graciously granted a 99-year lease on the northeast corner of their carnival grounds. The Walkersville Ambulance Service, Inc. held a groundbreaking ceremony on April 1, 1979. Company member Ray Dayhoff agreed to supervise the construction, and the volunteers donated 4,244 hours of their time in the construction of the building.

In 1983, the company placed the first rescue truck in service, a 1983 Ford EVF rescue squad. The company also officially changed the number designated to the station and equipment and became Company 24. In 1984, the legal name of the company was changed to the Walkersville Volunteer Rescue Company, Inc.

THURMONT COMMUNITY AMBULANCE SERVICE, INC. CO. 30

The Thurmont Community Ambulance Service was organized in 1969. However, the company's roots date back to July 1953. At that time, a group of men saw the need for emergency ambulance service in Thurmont and the American Legion Ambulance Service was established as a committee of American Legion Post 168. The original vehicle was a red Packard ambulance, which was demolished in a collision shortly after being placed in service. The next unit was a brown 1949 Packard, which served until being replaced by a 1954 Cadillac in 1960. The first new vehicle purchased was a 1963 Miller-Meteor Cadillac. The ambulance initially responded from a garage located under the first floor of the Thurmont American Legion.

In 1969, a second ambulance was placed in service. 1966 Miller-Meteor Cadillac was housed at the Guardian Hose Company. The increased call volume also was placing a strain on the dwindling number of Legion members able to staff the ambulance. As a result, the decision was made to reorganize as a separate corporation and the Thurmont Ambulance Service, Inc. was born.

In 1970, a two bay garage facility was completed at the rear of the Guardian Hose Company parking lot. The facility was rented from the Guardian Hose Company and served the needs of the company until call volume continued to increase.

In the Mid 1980's, it became evident that the call volume would soon necessitate a third vehicle. This would also require a new building facility. In 1986, the property of the Thurmont United Methodist Church consisting of the sanctuary, Sunday school building with a social hall and the parsonage became available. Additionally, this site was located next to the Guardian Hose Company. The purchase was completed and future plans were made to construct a new facility.

AMBULANCE SERIVCE IN EMMITSBRG

Similar to the advent of ambulance service in Thurmont, the Emmitsburg Veteran’s of Foreign War (VFW) purchased and provided staffing for the first ambulance in Emmitsburg. Several members of the VFW were “on call” to respond as necessary. In the 1970’s, an additional ambulance was purchased by the American Legion in Emmitsburg. The ambulance responded from the Vigilant Hose Company until the Emmitsburg Ambulance Company was organized and a separate building built at 300 South Seton Avenue. This location is presently home to the Frederick County Fire & Rescuer Museum. The ambulance company built a new building on Creamery Road in 2010. On January 1, 2018, the Emmitsburg Ambulance Company merged with the Vigilant Hose Company and the ambulance building became an auxiliary building and social hall for the Vigilant Hose Company.