History of the Seventh District Volunteer Fire Department
The history of the Seventh District Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. located in Avenue, Maryland is probably no different than any other fire department in St. Mary's County. We have witnessed success, disheartening failures, and tragedy; but with diligence, untiring efforts and patience we have survived the past and challenge the future.
In 1949 a group of our citizens gathered together to check the possibilities of establishing a much-needed fire department in the Seventh District. As a result of that meeting a committee was formed to write the By-Laws of our department. Serving on that committee were Mr. Bernard Cullins, Mr. William Fenwick, and Mr. W.H. Mattingly, Sr. On March 28, 1949 our first election was held. Mr. John M. Hodges was elected president; Charles Gibson, Vice President; Ernest F. Burch, Secretary; Francis Gibson, Treasurer and Ramey Wible, Chief.
We had crossed the first bridge but the months to come brought more and more obstacles. There had to be a firehouse, land in a suitable location for such, a fire truck, men to operate the department, hose, equipment and an alarm system set up to receive calls. The site for the firehouse was selected and the land was donated by the American Legion. The Ladies Auxiliary under leadership of Mrs. Alma Ellis, their first President, played an enormous role in soliciting funds and pledges. In December 1949 we purchased a 1940 Dodge with a 500-gallon per minute skid mounted pump from the Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department. In June of 1950 we held our first carnival and in November 1950 our firehouse was completed.
By this time dreams were becoming realities and we were in full operation, serving the public in the time of need.
During the next few months the rough road ahead seemed a little smoother and on August 20, 1951 we were given approval to purchase a new fire engine. This was an American body on a Chevrolet chassis with a 500 gallon per minute front-end pump and a 500-gallon booster tank.
In the fall of 1951 we had our first basic training course. Training through the years has been provided through what is now the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute (MFRI) of the University of Maryland.
One of the most important highlights in this time of our Department came in April of 1952, when our new Fire Engine, E-52 was delivered.
In 1956 we built an addition on the firehouse, which included the office, kitchen and hose tower. In 1957 we abandoned the carnival as our chief source of income and went to the coin card system. In August of 1958 we met the National Board of Fire Underwriters requirements, thereby giving the people in the prescribed radius, reduced rates on their insurance policies. On the fifteenth of October 1959, we acquired from Civil Defense a 2,400 gallon tanker. In November 1959, we completed the second addition to the firehouse, which included a tanker bay and a long bay in the rear with bathrooms. In December 1961 we replaced our 1940 Dodge with a 1951 International.
On the twelfth of July 1961 tragedy struck our Department with the death of Mr. Francis J. Gibson, Sr. Besides being one of the organizers of our Department he had served as the first Treasurer, as President, and as Vice President.
In 1962 we purchased a jeep to be used for brush and woods fires. In 1965 this was replaced with a ¾ ton weapons carrier. In December 1965 we ordered our second new pumper and in November 1966 it was delivered. It w as a GMC tilt cab chassis with a Young body built to our specifications carrying a two stage 750 gallon per minute pump and a 500 gallon booster tank.
In October 1968 we purchased approximately six acres of land north of the firehouse for $7,500.00.
In September 1969 we ordered a new combination pumper/tanker. This was a 750-gallon per minute pump and an 1800-gallon tank built by Bruco on a GMC tilt cab chassis.
On March 8, 1971 we traded with the American Legion Post 221 one acre of land where they are presently located for the one-half acre corner that they owned to the east of us.
In January of 1972 Engine 53 was delivered. In November of 1973 we asphalted the parking lot.
On March 31, 1974 we held our 25th Anniversary celebration.
In July of 1975 we ordered a new brush trick. It was a ¾ ton GMC pick-up with a 750 gallon per minute front-end pump and a 200-gallon booster tank. On December 31, 1975, Brush 5 was delivered. In September 1977, Boat 5 was purchased and has been equipped with a pump, generator, and a full compliment of fire fighting and rescue equipment.
At the May 1978 convention of the Southern Maryland Volunteer Firemans Association, our President Joseph B. Carroll, Jr. was elected President of the association. President Carroll is t he only person to have served in every capacity on the Executive Board in the Association with the exception of Chaplin.
In a special meeting held on May 22, 1978 the membership approved the plans for a new building. On July 30, 1978 permission was granted to secure a construction loan and on July 30, 1978 the work on the new firehouse began.
On April 20, 1979 the last meeting was held in the upstairs meeting room in the old firehouse prior to it being removed in the renovation process.
On April 17, 1980 we went to settlement on the new building and for the very first time felt the constraints and responsibilities of a mortgage.
On June 23, 1980 final approval was given by the membership to purchase a new pumper/tanker form Sanford Fire Apparatus Company. On July 9, 1980 the contract was signed with Sanford to furnish us with a new 1,500 gallon per minute pumper carrying 2,000 gallons of water on a Pem Fab chassis.
On October 5, 1980, at 2 o'clock p.m., on a bright and beautiful Sunday afternoon, the dedication of the new Fire Station in Avenue took place. Mr. Arthur L. (Biggie) Goode was the Master of Ceremonies. The Invocation was given jointly by Rev. William Goode, Pastor, Sacred Heart Parish, Rev. Matthew Thompson, Pastor, Holy Angels Parish and Rev. Walter G. Fields Interim Rector, All Saints Parish. The Welcome was given by the Honorable Delegate John William Quade for Charles and St. Marys Counties.The Raising of the Colors was performed by Chief George McWilliams, III, assisted by Barbara G.McWilliams, President of the Ladies Auxiliary and Joseph B. Carroll, Jr., Department President. A Time Capsule was placed behind the cornerstone containing copies of the important historical documents and mementos of the Department. The laying of the Cornerstone was performed by Thomas Elmer Bailey, Project Leader, F. DeSales Hill, Chief Engineer and William B. Hewitt, Vice President. The Benediction was given by Chaplains Mary A. Bailey and Harvey I. Bailey of our Department. Open house followed with many Dignitaries, friends and neighbors in attendance. This is one of the most memorable days in our history and will be long remembered.
The Ladies Auxiliary purchased all the kitchen equipment, including the cabinets as well as tables and chairs to provide the banquet capability.
On October 19, 1980 the Ladies Auxiliary held their first fall dinner in the new facility. The attendance surpassed all other dinners on record.
On May 23, 1981 we took delivery of the new Attack Pumper and it was designated as Engine 53. This unit had a completed price of $151,600.00. It was delivered fully equipped for first due responses. This was a culmination of effort to mold together the rapid deployment concept of the mini-pumper, the strike force of a support pumper and the water capacity of a tanker. This concept is new in the Fire Service and certainly a tremendous milestone in our quest to provide the most efficient fire protection for our community.
Prior decision had been made to sell the existing Engine 53 and in October 1981 our first pumper/tanker was sold to Oak Hill Fire Department in Deland, Florida for $45,000.00.
In December 1981 the "Length of Service Award Program" was established in St. Marys County for fire and rescue personnel.
On December 31, 1982 our first New Year's Eve dance was held and was a sell out.
In May 1983 a "Lease to Purchase" program was approved to provide pagers for those members wishing to participate.
On March 25, 1984 we assisted in the 350th Anniversary of Maryland at St. Clements Island. Our task was to handle the vehicle parking on the mainland. It rained heavily the entire day.
On April 2, 1984 minimum qualification standards were established and approved for all officers positions both line and administrative in our Department.
On June 11, 1986 we purchased an AMKUS rescue system for $14,000.00 and placed it in service on Engine 52. Our Ladies Auxiliary furnished $6,000 toward the purchase.
In October 1987 we installed a new 20 KW Generator System capable of running the entire facility. This unit was furnished by the County, however we were responsible for the installation cost.
In November 1987, George McWilliams, III announced that he would not seek nomination for Fire Chief, and in January, 1988, stepped down having served 25 years in that position. To date no other Fire Chief in St. Marys County holds that service record.
In November 1988, Utility 5, a 1989 Chevrolet 4 wheel drive Suburban was purchased by our Ladies Auxiliary.
On February 6, 1989 our financial reporting system was changed from Calendar Year to Fiscal Year.
During the Installation of Officers banquet on January 5, 1990 our Ladies Auxiliary was recognized for Thirty Years of unflagging enthusiasm and dedication to this Department.
On January 8, 1990 approval was granted for the design and purchase of new shoulder patches. This patch was designed by our own George F. McWilliams.
In October 1990 the hose tower was taken down and the siren was relocated.
On October 15, 1991 the decision was reached to purchase a 1,500 gallon per minute rescue style pumper from Saulsbury Fire Apparatus Corporation and the contract was signed on December 3, 1991.
On June 3, 1991 approval was granted to apply for a surplus automobile from the County for a Chiefs car. That application was approved and the unit was placed in service.
On December 13, 1991 our Department as the lead organization, with assistance of the Seventh District Rescue Squad, the American Legion Post 221, and the Seventh District Optimist Club lighted the first Avenue Community Christmas Tree. Santa was delivered via fire truck and open house followed with refreshments, served by our Ladies Auxiliary. This turned out to be a tremendous success.
In January 1992, Barbara G. McWilliams stepped down as President of the Ladies Auxiliary, having served in that capacity for 29 years.
Under the direction of Chief Steve Gibson, Engine 54 arrived on May 7, 1992, featuring an 8 person enclosed cab, mid engine, 750 gallon water tank and a 50 gallon foam tank. The unit fully equipped had a total cost of $348,358.80. Engine 53 (pumper/tanker) was retrofitted with 5-inch diameter supply hose and with the new engine we had a total of 2,200 feet of 5-inch supply hose. We had not transitioned from 3 inch supply to 5 inch on our first due engines. We were the only Department in the County to have 5-inch hose.
We approved a pledge of $3,000.00 over three years to a new community organization ACTS (A Community That Shares, Inc.) on February 1, 1993 and became a corporate sponsor of the organization.
In July 1993 we entered into an agreement with Maryland Department of Natural Resources and received a 1977 5/4 ton Dodge pick-up truck. We purchased for $10,000.00 a self-contained slide in pump/tank assembly and essentially built the unit ourselves.
On September 13, 1993 approval was granted to purchase a Bauer Air Cascade System to be installed in the station. The unit will satisfactorily fill our self-contained breathing apparatus.
John D. (Speedy) Nelson gave up his position as Secretary for 16 years and was elected Fire Chief on December 6, 1993.
George McWilliams became the first Lifetime Members of this Department on March 7, 1994.
All underground fuel tanks were removed with no Environmental Protection Agency violation. An above ground fuel storage area plan was approved by the Maryland State Fire Marshals Office and the site was constructed according to their specifications, including dikes, at a cost of $6,866.08. On this project we acted as the general contractor and hired all necessary sub contractors. The project was completed in December 1994.
On October 9, 1995 authorization was given by membership to award the contract to Saulsbury Fire Apparatus for a new pumper/tanker and to include the necessary equipment to go with it. Funding was provided by LaSalle Capital Markets at an interest rate of 5.03%.Due to IRS regulations we were required to conduct a public hearing.
During 1996 three dry hydrant systems were installed at the Dinks Nelson, John Hurry and Bernard Johnson Farm Ponds. These enhanced our water supply and delivery capability.
President Joseph B.Carroll, Jr. was elected to the Maryland State Firemens Association Hall of Fame on June 18, 1996 at the convention in Ocean City, Maryland.
On February 24, 1997, Engine 51 our new pumper/tanker w as delivered. The unit fully equipped cost $448,209.47. It features an 8 person enclosed cab, mid engine, 2,000 gallons of water, and a 50 gallon foam tank. It also features a 1,500 gallon per minute pump and 1,000 feet of 5-inch supply hose. As per our agreement with Saulsbury Fire Apparatus this unit was on display at the Fire Department Instructors Conference (FDIC) in Indianapolis, Indiana in April 1997.
At the present time we area the only department in the County to have two 2,000 gallon pumper/tankers. They both feature 1,500 gallon per minute pumps as well.
On July 5, 1998 permission was granted by Membership to assist with the devastating wild fires in Florida. Assistant Chief Mike Huseman, Captain Steve Gibson, and Firefighters, Kevin Banagan, Andy Cather and John Tennyson volunteered to go. Engine 53 was sent as well to assist in this massive operation.
In January 5, 1998 at the business meeting it was determined the station needed upgrades for the upcoming 50th anniversary on March 28, 1999. Several restorations took place including a renovated lounge and meeting room, all new ceiling tiles and outside fencing and shrubbery be replaced.
The March 1, 1999 business meeting brought to closure the first fifty years of continuous "Serving the Community" and "Protecting Maryland's Birthplace" as depicted on our department flag. The last official act of this session was to accept John H. Nelson, Jr. as a Lifetime Member.
In 2001/2002 we received 5 new pieces of apparatus. We called this the purchase of the "little units." These include a 23' Sea Ark Boat, a 2002 Ford F-350 Super-Crew Brush Unit, a 2002 Ford F-150 Super-Crew Command Unit, a 2001 E-350 Van for a utility, and a 1 of a kind 2001 Ford F-550 Water Supply Unit.
Water Supply 5 features a 1250 GPM pump and a reel with 1500 feet of 5 inch hose. The unit is four wheel drive and has a front intake on the bumper. The unit is used to get to water supply points that are not always available to an engine.
In 2003 John D. Nelson stepped down as Fire Chief and was elected the President of the department. Mike Huseman was elected the new Fire Chief.
In 2005 Engine 53 our pumper/tanker was sent to Delmarva Pump Center to a overhaul. The unit received a new UPF tank, a rear dump shoot and rear tank fills. Along with the tank and pump work we upgraded the light package and added a new siren.
In 2006 the department decided we needed a unit designated only to pull Boat 5. We converted the F-350 brush unit into a marine support unit. The skid unit was removed and a cover was put on the back. A extendable bed was mounted in the truck and the unit was equipped with four SCBA's, wet suits and side scan sonar. After converting the old brush unit into the marine support unit we purchased a 2007 Ford F-350 extended cab truck. The skid unit was placed in the truck and it was placed in service as Brush 5.
In 2007 a committee was established to develop plans to replace our current rescue engine. After the committee met several times they felt the need to have more rescue equipment and additional tools than the current rescue engine carried. After doing research and comparing several units the committee decided to explore the option of buying a used rescue squad. After searching for many months and looking at several units a squad in Odessa, DE was located with all of the options the department wanted. The squad was purchased and converted to our lettering. The light package was upgraded and tools were added. The unit it a 1986 Saulsbury on a Freightliner chassis. It has a 350 GPM pump with 300 gallons of water, pre-mounted hydraulic Amkus rescue tools, a portable Amkus rescue system and various tools and equipment. Squad 5 was a great addition to our fleet.
In 2010 a committee was established for replacement of Brush 5A. Brush 5A was accquired through the Department of Natural Resources and was used for 18 years. The 1977 Dodge truck served for many years with no major repairs needed and responded to several hundred incidents. The unit was replaced with a 2011 Ford F-250 pick up truck. The skid unit on Brush 5A was overhauled and placed on the new unit.
Early in 2011 a committee was established under Chief John A. Nelson to replace our 1980 pumper/tanker Engine 53 with a straight tanker. The Committee worked and awarded a contract with US Tanker in Wisconsin to build a 3,000 elliptical tanker. Tanker 5 was built on a Kenworth T800 Chassis and arrived at the department in Early October. Engine 53 was sold to Palo Pinto VFD in Palo Pinto Texas where it will go right back to work fighting wild fires in the heart of Texas.
This writing tells all of the major highlights and great accomplishments of our Department. It does not mention the heartaches and failures that go with it. The last carnival, the crab feasts, turkey shoots, the teen dances and other events not mentioned. It does not reflect the fire tax referendum that failed to pass in only the Seventh Election District in 1986, however we bounced back, worked hard and it was passes in the General Election in 1988. It does not tell of the many untiring man-hours of the officers and members that through the years have made the Department the organization that it is today. It does not tell of the work and long hours of the Ladies Auxiliary. It does not tell of the feeling that each of us have inside that makes us proud of our great organization. As we face the new dawn tomorrow, we challenge the future. Strategic planning, both long and short term, well directed training programs, public awareness with respect to fire education and prevention and an untiring effort to provide the residents of our first due area, as well as St. Mary's County, the most professional volunteer fire system in America will continue to be the goals and objective of this Department.
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