| This past Saturday April 6, 2013, the Huntingtown Volunteer Fire Department & Rescue Squad Inc., celebrated a special day; 15,000 days since their formation as a 100% volunteer fire department. In early 1970 the Prince Frederick VFD had planned to open a sub-station in Huntingtown. Some residents of Huntingtown had a different view and felt that Huntingtown should form its own Fire/Rescue Department, and to that end, six residents met at Gordon Bowen's (charter member) home to discuss the matter. In a second meeting, at the American Legion Hall those present voted 34- 9 to proceed in forming its own Volunteer Fire Department.
Members who attended the original meeting appeared with other citizens before the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) and presented their plan to form their own Fire Department & Rescue Squad. They asked that the BOCC give them the OK to proceed as soon as possible, stating it takes a long time for Prince Frederick or North Beach to reach the Huntingtown area in case of fire. At the meeting, they also presented the BOCC with a list of 40 signatures of Huntingtown residents who agreed to volunteer and serve the department. It was estimated that it would take between $25,000 to $30,000 to start up the new department with a pumper and new fire station.
After 2 long & hard years, the dedicated citizens dreams became reality. On February 24, 1972 the Huntington Volunteer Fire Department was officially formed with between 55-60 Charter members. The 1st Chief was Thomas Brady and Donald Turner served as the first President.
15,000 days & 40 years later, the Huntingtown VFD remains a 100% volunteer organization and has not failed to respond on a call since May 2007. Thank you to the citizens and charter members of Huntingtown that fought for what they believed in. |
