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Mount Airy Volunteer Fire Company
Mt. Airy had several devastating fires before the fire company was finally organized. Three tragic fires -1903, 1914, and 1925 - - completely destroyed the town. The Independent Hose Company from Frederick brought their steamer to the 1914 fire by a flatbed railroad car, and water was hauled to the 1925 fire by three B&O locomotives. The town needed a fire company!
In late 1925, letters were sent out calling for a meeting to be held in the old commercial bank building for the purpose of organizing a fire company to protect Mt. Airy and the surrounding territory. The first hurdle of organization had been cleared. But numerous other problems were yet to be confronted: the ever important items of money, firefighting equipment, and a building to house the equipment. Money was solicited from the citizens and a street fair was held which made $633.33. This street fair was later to be enlarged to the annual carnival.
In 1926, the newly-formed company took the first step to provide fire protection for Mt. Airy. On October 7, 1926, a bid was accepted to purchase an American La France pumper for the sum of $8,325. This pumper served Mt. Airy faithfully until its retirement in 1958 after 32 years of service. In this same year, Mt. Airy joined the Carroll County Firemen's Association and the Maryland State Firemen's Association
Many important events occurred in 1959. The Junior Fire Company was organized and has given valuable training to young people interested in becoming volunteer firefighters. The Activities Building was built on the carnival grounds for use by the fire company and other community organizations. Also, the fifth piece of equipment was purchased, a Dodge fire and rescue truck with front-mounted pump. This truck ran all calls for 10 years in the first due area.
The fire company continued to update its services in 1978 by adding a 1978 Mack pumper/tanker which carried 1500 gallons of water with a 750 GPM pump, and replacing the 1974 Dodge ambulance chassis with a 1978 Dodge chassis.
In 1985, the new firehouse committee completed their search for land. In June, the company voted to proceed to acquire land at the intersection of Park Avenue and Ridge Avenue, commonly known as Wildwood Park. We originally believed that zoning for a firehouse at this location would not be a problem. However, we were soon to become involved in a lengthy rezoning process. In September, the Wildwood Park location was turned down by the Special Appeals Zoning Board. We requested a change in the text of the zoning laws and a public hearing was held in December. Concern was expressed by some members that we should reconsider locating on the carnival grounds; however, the majority of the members did not want to relocate on the east side of Route 27. But our attention this year was not completely given to finding a new firehouse location. The company purchased a 1986 Model RD 685D Mack chassis with 25 KW PTO generator and hydraulic winch on the front for the new squad and approved another addition to the Activities Building which would include a lounge/table and chair storage room, walk-in cold box, and additional storage closets.
For the past 70 years, we have faithfully served the Mt. Airy Community by providing quality fire, rescue and emergency medical services. We have seen many changes over these years and expect to see many more. However, with our new modern facility and by keeping pace with the latest equipment and technology the Mt. Airy Volunteer Fire Company is prepared to move boldly into the next century.
In late 1925, letters were sent out calling for a meeting to be held in the old commercial bank building for the purpose of organizing a fire company to protect Mt. Airy and the surrounding territory. The first hurdle of organization had been cleared. But numerous other problems were yet to be confronted: the ever important items of money, firefighting equipment, and a building to house the equipment. Money was solicited from the citizens and a street fair was held which made $633.33. This street fair was later to be enlarged to the annual carnival.
In 1926, the newly-formed company took the first step to provide fire protection for Mt. Airy. On October 7, 1926, a bid was accepted to purchase an American La France pumper for the sum of $8,325. This pumper served Mt. Airy faithfully until its retirement in 1958 after 32 years of service. In this same year, Mt. Airy joined the Carroll County Firemen's Association and the Maryland State Firemen's Association
Many important events occurred in 1959. The Junior Fire Company was organized and has given valuable training to young people interested in becoming volunteer firefighters. The Activities Building was built on the carnival grounds for use by the fire company and other community organizations. Also, the fifth piece of equipment was purchased, a Dodge fire and rescue truck with front-mounted pump. This truck ran all calls for 10 years in the first due area.
The fire company continued to update its services in 1978 by adding a 1978 Mack pumper/tanker which carried 1500 gallons of water with a 750 GPM pump, and replacing the 1974 Dodge ambulance chassis with a 1978 Dodge chassis.
In 1985, the new firehouse committee completed their search for land. In June, the company voted to proceed to acquire land at the intersection of Park Avenue and Ridge Avenue, commonly known as Wildwood Park. We originally believed that zoning for a firehouse at this location would not be a problem. However, we were soon to become involved in a lengthy rezoning process. In September, the Wildwood Park location was turned down by the Special Appeals Zoning Board. We requested a change in the text of the zoning laws and a public hearing was held in December. Concern was expressed by some members that we should reconsider locating on the carnival grounds; however, the majority of the members did not want to relocate on the east side of Route 27. But our attention this year was not completely given to finding a new firehouse location. The company purchased a 1986 Model RD 685D Mack chassis with 25 KW PTO generator and hydraulic winch on the front for the new squad and approved another addition to the Activities Building which would include a lounge/table and chair storage room, walk-in cold box, and additional storage closets.
For the past 70 years, we have faithfully served the Mt. Airy Community by providing quality fire, rescue and emergency medical services. We have seen many changes over these years and expect to see many more. However, with our new modern facility and by keeping pace with the latest equipment and technology the Mt. Airy Volunteer Fire Company is prepared to move boldly into the next century.