The History of The Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department, INC

The 1980's

1980

• Further discussion was had about the new retirement system and how it works. Years of service will be awarded based on an annual point system.(January 1980).

• Engine 23 (1965 International) refurbishment bid (February 1980).
• Sub-station committee holds talks with Golden Beach Association (March 1980).
• Purchase of first “water vacuum” approved (July 1980).

1981

• The social hall at the firehouse was renovated in 1981, through the generosity of Mrs. L.L. Parlett. She footed the bill for the entire $35,000.00 project. The hall now has a very elegant look about it.
• Later in 1981, good fortune found its way to Mechanicsville. They were the recipients of a new 1981 GMC/Emergency One mini-pumper given away by a free raffle. (Valued at $34,000).  Past Chief, Joe Guyther at the Maryland State Firemen’s Association Convention in Ocean City, MD, submitted the winning ticket. The drawing was held at the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) Convention in St. Louis, MO. None of the members could believe it until their own department representatives had airline tickets and luggage packed to go pick-up their prize. The mini-pumper, designated as Engine 25, was used as the first-out piece on all extrication/rescue calls. The Hurst tool, "O" cutters, and air bags were carried on board along with a 250-gallon booster tank and 250 gpm Hale pump.
• The most constant source of income and support come through the Ladies Auxiliary. They have most recently been responsible for equipping Engine 25, purchasing Jeep 2, and purchasing Utility 2.
• Discussion was had about finishing the first phase (chief’s office and president’s office, and the meeting room) of the up stairs of the firehouse (February 1981).
• Discussion about the possible purchase of a used pumper-tanker (April 1981).
• Fire at the SMO plant office building (May 1981).
• Department approves the loan of Engine 21 (1950 Ford) to Hughesville Volunteer Fire Department while their engine is out of service (June 81).
• Military Helicopter crash in Chaptico (June 1981).
• Engine 23’s air mask up-grade to “demand” style from “pressure demand” (September 1981).
• Discussion was had about 5th District fire tax (September 1981) and that 2,500 signatures of registered voters would be needed to get it on the ballot. It was decided to pursue the “Fire Tax” (October 1981).

1982

• New building added at carnival lot to replace aging trailer (April 1982).
• New (used) carnival ride purchased (SBM May 1982).
• County recommends filling draft pond (first built in 1935) and replacing it with a 20,000-gallon underground draft tank (June 1982).

1983

• Department approved the decision not to purchase any more ¾ boots (July 1983).
• Past Chief Bennett passed away (July 1983).
• Bid to refurbish Tanker 2 approved for $6,850.00 (August 1983).
• Committee appointed to look in to the replacement of Jeep 2 (September 1983).
• Jimmy Burroughs made a Life Member (December 1983).
• Jeep 2 (1965 International) engine to be replaced (December 1983).

1984

• In 1984, a spectacular blaze destroyed the Charlotte Hall Lumber Company. The lumber company stored lumber and milled wood and the fire caused an estimated $500,000 damage and required a total of fourteen fire departments to extinguish the blaze. Firefighters were able to protect the Farmers Market, which was an exposure problem.
• The same year Ladies Auxiliary purchased and equipped a 1984 Chevrolet S-10 short bed four-wheel drive to be used as Jeep 2. It replaced a 1965 International Jeep.
• 1984 marked the 50th Anniversary of the Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department. To celebrate the event, a 1926 American LaFrance pumper was brought down from Mt. Airy in Carroll County, MD. This was exactly like the 1926 American LaFrance that Mechanicsville operated, as its first fire engine. Everyone who was ever known to have been a member in the department was invited. The Ladies Auxiliary paid for the entire bill for the celebration.
• Fire tax committee formed (January 1984).
• Low bid for turn out gear Helmet $59.95 each, Coat $130.80 each (March 1984).
• Jeep 2 1965 International sold to James K. Sovel of Lexington Park for the high bid of $2,111.00 (March 1984).
• Fund Drive letters to be mailed out (April 1984).
• The “New” Jeep 2 (1984 S-10) to be placed in service 1930 hours April 9, 1984 (April 1984).
• Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department 50th Anniversary Banquet set for November 17, 1984 (August 1984).
• Department approved the purchase of a “New tank” for Tanker 2 (September 1984).
• Discussion about a meeting with county commissioners regarding the implementation of a fire tax (September 1984).
• First fire pagers ordered (October 1984).
• 1984 would be the last year the Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department sponsored the Jousting Tournament (October 1984).
• Discussion about the ISO report and how the department can improve its rating (October 1984).
• Maddox Burroughs, J. Frank Abell and Stanley Williams, Sr. were approved as “Life Members” (December 1984).

1985

• Engine replaced in Engine 23 (1965 International) (SBM January 1985).
• Fund Drive to start in April 1985 (January 1985).
• William Simpson made a Life Member (January 1985).
• Discussion about the refurbishment of Tanker 2 (1972 International) put on hold, discussion started about the replacement of Engine 21 (1950 Ford) and Tanker 2 (1972 International) with a Pumper-Tanker engine (February 1985).
• Discussion about the “lighter weight” building materials being used in newer homes (February 1985).
• 1985 in accordance with the replacement schedule set up by the St. Mary’s County Commissioners it was Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department’s turn to purchase a new station generator.  The county allotment was $20,000 which at the time would have purchased a generator with about a 60kw rated capacity, once again the membership came through and found a 250kw rated capacity generator (slightly used, about 20 hours) for the cost of $21,500 plus the cost of moving the generator and installation (March 1985).
• Ben Burroughs, Sr. passed away (May 1985).
• The purchase of the new Pirsch pumper-tanker was approved by the membership for $164,473.00 including equipment (May 1985).
• Discussion started about the refurbishment of Brush 2 (1972 Chevrolet) (July 1985).
• Hurst recalled “Din shears” recommendation of replacement (September 1985).

1986

• In 1986, the woes of carnival liability insurance hit volunteer fire departments hard. As a backup for income, a Fire Tax referendum went before the county citizens. The fire tax was successful and has helped reduce some financial burden.
• In 1986, the carnival equipment was sold, but the carnival still operated with hired amusement operators.
• On Easter Sunday 1986, another large-scale woods fire struck in Mechanicsville's area. Located off of Cooney Neck in Huntersville, the fire originated from a stolen vehicle. The stolen car was torched, which then set the surrounding woodland on fire. When it was all over, 19 companies worked to contain the 53-acre fire. Topography in this region of the county is mountainous, and poses a problem for manpower and machinery.
• Discussion about ordering the “first pagers” (January 1986).
• Department approves purchase of first “O” tool cutters (March 1986).
• Engine 24 (mini-pumper) renumbered to Engine 25 (April 1986).
• Work on the “Fire Tax” started in January (SBM April 1986).

• The department votes to sell carnival rides (because of lack of insurance) and hold a walk around carnival (Games, food, etc.) (SBM May 1986).
• If the fire tax is approved (in the election) the tax would take affect July 1, 1987 (June 1986).
• Truck fire (with a bomb) Wood’s Food Rite (June 1986).
• Discussion and approval about new pumper-tanker order and changing to cab to 4-door enclosed cab, with NO tail board.  (July 1986 and November 1986).
• August carnival approved with Taylor & Sons providing the rides. Also, the carnival is to be “alcohol” free (July 1986).
• Fire Tax approved (November 1986).
• Discussion about the purchase of “High pressure air bags” (November 1986).
• Estimated fire loss for the year $200,700.00
• Total calls for 1986 was 325 (January 1987).

1987

• In November 1987, a four-year endeavor to purchase a pumper/tanker was completed. An original order placed with Pirsch in 1984 fell through when Pirsch went out of business. An order was then placed with Pierce for a 1250 gpm pumper/tanker with a 2,000-gallon booster tank. The six-man cab engine was constructed for a cost of $202,000.00 Designated Engine 24, it replaced Tanker 2, a 1972 International. It was sold to a fire apparatus dealer in Missouri. Engine 24 serves as a primary daytime piece to add extra water supply to daytime manpower shortages.
• Department votes to sell carnival rides (January 1987).
• June 15, 1987 contract signed with Pierce for Engine 24 (SBM June 1987).
• Department discussed the purchase of 4” hose for the new engine (July 1987).
• Department approves the purchase of the first “Ultra Light” air packs (July 1987).

1988

• Mrs. Lucy Louise Parlett passed away (April 1988).
• Henry J. Fowler, Sr., Elmer Johnson, William Simpson entered the Southern Maryland Volunteer Fireman’s Hall of Fame (May 1988).
• St Mary’s County Commissioner’s office is donating one used police car for official department use (First Chief’s car) (May 1988).
• Rash of barn fires October through November (July 1989).
• First electric opening bay doors to be installed (July 1988).
• Bid invitations for the New Engine 21 mailed out on July 22, 1988 (August 1988).
• Total calls for 1987 totaled 376.
• Estimated fire loss for the year $329,785.00.

1989

• Tanker Two officially taken out of service (International) (January 1989).
• New engine will go on the production line in May (new Engine 21) this engine will replace current Engine 21 1950 Ford (January 1989).
• Addition of bunkroom in the beginning stages (January 1989).
• Companies first “Utility Truck” donated by Ladies Auxiliary (January 1989).
• Delivery of “New” Engine 21 expected in late June (February 1989).
• Company asked for “Chimney Fire” assignments to be up graded to the same “house fire” assignments (February 1989).
• Land for company’s first sub-station briefly discussed (March 1989 BOD).
• Kitchen renovation cost approximately $30,000 (March 1989 BOD).
• Leo Newton receives award for 50 years of service at the banquet (April 1989).
• Cost of kitchen renovations accepted bid of $33,810.25 (May 1989 SBM).
• Discussion to raise county retirement from $150.00 per month (July 1989).
• New Engine 21 to be placed in service on or about July 17, 1989 (July 1989).
• Refurbishment of Engine 22 discussed (July 1989).
• Honorable Henry J. Fowler, Sr., Charter Member, passes away.
• SOP 89-3 NO member shall ride the rear step alone (Engine 22) (August 1989).
• Engine 23 needs to have booster tank replaced (December 1989)
• Total calls for 1989 totaled 413.
• Estimated fire loss $377,650.00.