The History of The Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department, INC

The 1970's

1970

• In 1970, thoughts began to turn towards building a new firehouse. Plans were initiated, and through the assistance of member Bill Groome, a federal government loan was obtained through the F.H.A. 2.095 acres of land were purchased from Mrs. Otila Roache for $14,000. The land, located behind the old firehouse, joined the property holding the carnival grounds. As time grew near for habitation of the new quarters, it was decided to sell the old firehouse.
• However, when sale was near completion, a legal snafu was discovered. The right hand portion of the building was on Mr. Arthur Raley's property and the left hand portion of the building was on Dr. Roy Guyther's property. In order to sell the firehouse, the fire department had to ask the property owners to donate the strips of land. The $13,000, which was realized from the sale of the firehouse, was used to buy new tables and chairs for the new firehouse.
• April 13, 1970 the department is given the “ok” to purchase the property for the new station at a cost of $12,000.00 (April 1970).
• The department discussed the use of “safety straps” on the rear of the engines (April 1970).
• A check was received from the Junior Ladies Auxiliary in the amount of $95.15. This money was the amount in the treasury of the Junior Ladies Auxiliary, since all of these girls are now members of the Ladies Auxiliary the money was given to the fire department (May 1970).
• The carnival committee reported that permanent stands would be built at the carnival grounds (May 1970).
• Tailboard safety straps installed on Engine 21 and Engine 23 (May 1970).
• Department approves the purchase of new Tanker 2 (1970 International) for the cost of $16,070.04 (SBM 1970).
• The department receives a loan from the bank to help cover operating expenses (December 1970).
• The department receives a check from the Waldorf Volunteer Fire Department of $100.00 to pay for tents (December 1970).
• Southern Maryland Fireman’s Association stating all members driving fire apparatus must have a “Class B Chauffeur’s License” and each department to appoint a certifying officer to sign the chauffeur’s license forms (December 1970).

1971

• The replacement Tanker 2 was built with an International chassis and a 2,000-gallon tank.
• A motion was made to sell the old Tanker 2; the new tanker (1970 International) has a delivery date of February 15, 1971 (February 1971).

1972

• Carnival Raffle prizes (May 1972): 1st place Whirlpool washer and dryer 2nd place Admiral side-by-side refrigerator with ice maker 3rd place 10,000 BTU air conditioner.
• Special fire department tags would be available this year for the first time to all fire department and ladies auxiliary members (February 1972).
• It was discussed that the department was in need of a new brush truck and a committee was appointed to get prices (February 1972).
• Bid for new brush truck awarded to Guy Chevrolet for $3,275.00 (May 1972).
• Carnival committee gets bids for possibility of a new bingo building and food stand building (July 1972).
• Department decides to “elect” a fire prevention officer (October 1972).
• Department approved the price increase on a game of pool to 10 cents (October 1972).
• After discussion about the department purchasing a cascade system for the station it was approved for the cost of  a $100.00 deposit on four bottles, $8.37 per bottle on exchange and $220.00 for all that needed fittings (November 1972).

1973

• Southern Maryland Fireman’s Association advised the department the members could have “blue lights” on their personal vehicle as long as they do not flash (1973).
• President Simpson reported that the new brush truck should arrive before the end of February 1973 (February 1973).
• Discussion about the land purchase for the new station (February 1973).
• Chief Elmer Johnson reported that the new brush truck has arrived and should be in service with in the next few days. Sale of old brush truck approved after the new truck placed in service (March 1973).
• The treasurer reported the receipts for the “pool table” at $2.50 and the “cigarette and candy machine” at $53.49 (April 1973).
• The Fire Prevention Committee reports that the Golden Beach Woman’s Association is starting a project called “Red Ball” which describes a sticker to be placed in the window where a child sleeps (April 1973).
• The sale of the old brush truck (Weapons Carrier) by bid was awarded to John K. Parlett, Sr. for $301.00 (July 1973).
• Discussion about the purchase of a “come-a-long” be purchased for use on 10-50PI’s (August 1973).

1974

• Reported building fire at Charlotte Hall School (April 1974
• Fund Drive letters to be mailed out April 1, 1974 (April 1974).
• Board of Directors approves floor plan for new firehouse (April 1974).
• Specifications for new engine (Engine 22) mailed out for bid (April 1974).President Billy Simpson reports that the department has received the deed for the land where the new station will be located. Cost of the property $14,000. The land was purchased from Mrs. Roache. Mrs. Roache also agreed to hold the note of the property for six years with a $2,000.00 per year payment with no interest. (April 1974).
• The department requires all Operational officers to take “Intermediate level” including “pumps” to hold office, effective November 1975 (April 1974).
• Department purchased used kitchen equipment from Leonard Hall School for the social hall kitchen for a cost of $2,000.00 (May 1974).
• After discussion and looking at demo engine on May 20, 1974 the department voted to purchase the Oren Custom Pumper with a vote of 21 to 3, the department also voted to have the new engine painted “red” not “yellow” by a vote of 16 to 8 (May 1974).
• A motion was made by Joe Johnston to add the chief and president to the Board of Directors during their term in office (May 1974).
• The “Bid” to remove the barn from the new firehouse site was awarded to Barnett Auto Body for $400.00 barn to be removed by October 1, 1974 (1974).
• Building permit for “new” firehouse arrives (October 1974).
• At 7:30 on October 19, 1974 a Special Meeting was held to discuss the 40th Anniversary.  A committee was formed and a budget of 300.00 was set (October 1974).
• Members on the committee:

• President Billy Simpson reports that the department’s insurance has been increased from $10,000 to $20,000 death benefits and $100.00 per week workman’s compensation in case a member is injured in the line of duty (November 1974).
• 40th Anniversary party to be held on December 8, 1974 at the firehouse from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (November 1974).
• Joe Johnston reported that any man that reports to the firehouse and misses the engine because it was full will receive an RFD credit. Any man reporting to the firehouse and misses the engine because it is gone will receive a SB (stand by) credit (December 1974).

1975

• The last children’s Christmas party (December 21, 1975) to be held at Mechanicsville Elementary School (January 1975).
• President Billy Simpson reports the loan needed for the new station would be $300,000.00 (February 1975).
• Discussion about sending a letter to Fireboard to have the Fire Department added on all 10-50PI’s (March 1975).
• Discussion about changing “stove fires” to be dispatched as a “house fire” to get a two company response (April 1975).
• New building at carnival lot approved with a cost estimate of $2,500.00 for the 14X34’ building (May 1975).
• Discussion and approval about the purchase of the Tilt-a-Whirl for the carnival, for a cost of $6,000.00 (May 1975).
• Jousting Tournament committee ask that the admission price for the August 17, 1975 tournament be $1.00 adults, .50 cent kids (July 1975).
• A story about the Jousting Tournament MVFD sponsors was to be televised on channel 22 (August 1975).
• Discussion about the cost ($13,000) and purchase of equipment for the new engine (Engine 22; 1976 Oren) (August 1975).
• President reports department property was appraised as follows: (August 1975).

• Discussion was had about a portable water tank (dump tank) being purchased at the cost of $570.00 (August 1975).
• New engine to go on assembly line in January 1976 (November 1975).
• Builder approved for the construction of the new station (December 1975).
• The president reported that the bids for the new firehouse would be opened on October 3, 1975 at 4:00 p.m. (1975).

1976

• January 17, 1976 would be the last MVFD banquet held at any other facility other than the MVFD Social Hall (Invitation dated January 1976).
• Mutual Aid agreement between Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department and Hughesville Volunteer Fire Department signed making Mechanicsville the first due engine company to the county line (March 1976).
• Apparatus committee reports the delivery of new engine late April and the loan to pay for the new engine secured (April 1976).
• The new firehouse dedication was held in 1976 along with the dedication of a new Oren 1250 gpm pumper.
• The new firehouse, measuring 22,200 square feet was a building compared to the modest 2,700 square foot firehouse they moved out of. The engine bay measures 100 feet by 97 feet and the Social Hall measures 7,200 square feet. Included in the quarters are a commercial kitchen, radio room, air shop, storage, Chief's office, and meeting room. Recent renovations include a bunkroom, President's office, record keeping room, and a lounge. The cost of the new building was $300,000.
• Within Mechanicsville's first due area is a large community of Amish and Mennonite citizens. During construction of the new firehouse, the Amish community expressed a desire to help in some way. For three months, some 48 Amish gathered on Wednesday evenings at the firehouse site. They painted the Social Hall, laid tile, sowed seed, and performed numerous cleaning tasks. In all, the Amish community donated 1,000 man-hours to the fire department.
• Another avenue of funds is derived from the rental of the social hall at the firehouse. The hall holds a maximum capacity of 480 people.
• Discussion about proposed, “sub-station” in Golden Beach (February 1976).
• President Billy Simpson reported that the department received a “grant” from the Forestry Service for $16,000 (February 1976).
• Building committee reports work inside of the new station to start on Nov 13, 1976 (1976).
• Apparatus committee reports the delivery of new engine late April and the loan to pay for the new engine secured (April 1976).
• The adding of a membership category of “Life Member” discussed and added to the membership (December 1976).
• Open house for the “new” station to be held on January 16 or 23, 1977 (December 1976).
• A motion was made to increase the ticket price for the banquet from .50 cents to $8.00 to help offset the cost of the new P.A. system (December 1976).

1977

• Discussion about the sale of the “old” firehouse for $13,000 (SBM January 1977).
• Dedication and Open House for the “New” Fire Station in Mechanicsville was Sunday January 23, 1977.
• Carnival ticket prices set at adults .30 cents & kids .20 cents (1977)
• Cornerstone for the new station arrived (January 1977).
• Chief Joe Johnston reported that the “Public Safety Officer’s Benefit Act of 1976” will entitle the family of any firemen killed in the line of duty $50,000 (April 1977).
• The “village” draft pond no longer suitable for draft operations (May 1977).

1978

• Burch Oil purchased P.A. system for social hall (July 1978).
• Fire interrupts business meeting Oct 9, 1978
• Luther Copsey made a “Life Member” (December 1978).

1979

• Retirement bill for volunteer firefighters passed, waiting for Governor to sign it (April 1979).
• Discussion was had about the purchase and use of “bunker pants” verses ¾ boots and about a breathing air compressor (May 1979).
• Chief Andy McWilliams reported that the Lion’s Club would be making a donation of a new “Hurst Tool” to the department (August 1979).
• Lion’s Club makes official presentation of the new Hurst tool September 12, 1979 (September 1979).

• Engine 22’s air mask all upgraded to pressure “demand style” (November 1979).
• Retirement benefits for the members discussed (December 1979).