Rustys Rosters News

UPDATES

2011-08-01T21:08:00.000-04:00

Fairfax County Station 25 Reston

Arlington County Station 5 Crystal City

Just uploaded to our storefront are updates for the following. The Baltimore Annapolis Roster -a few changes especially in Baltimore County. The NoVa Metro Roster -some new ambulances in Fairfax County. History of Aerial Trucks in Fairfax County -brought current with the latest Tower 436. DC-MD Metro Roster update to follow soon with new Montgomery ambulance assignments plus various updates for DC.

Firefighting History of Washington DC

2011-07-26T10:41:00.000-04:00

Just released our third or Part 3 if you will eBook on the History of Fire Rescue in Washington DC. Originally one work (of over 100 pages) it was broken into 3 parts. The latest covers World War II to Present Day. Company organizations and movements, new stations, changes at the top, major incidents as well as other milestones of development in our Nations Capital. No photos as yet but plan to add some eventually (contact me if you have any you would like to contribute). Go to our storefront to order.

History of EMS in Washington DC

2011-07-13T10:31:00.000-04:00

Just released, our latest eBook on the History of EMS in Washington DC. This chronology covers the evolution of hospitals the initial source of public ambulance service for our Nation's Capital. Details the opening and expansion facilities like Emergency, Casualty, Doctors, Garfield, Gallinger, and Freedmen's Hospitals some long gone others under new names and missions. Details ambulance unit evolution from the early rescue squad ambos to the DCFD public service takeover in 1957, to Mobile 25, the Rapids and the latest Paramedic Engine Companies. Covers unit additions and movements over time. Also touches on the multitudes of Civil War Hospitals (around 85) and some of the bigger mass casualty events and mutual aid and campus EMS agencies like B-CCRS, GERMS, EMeRG & AUFRT. Includes several unit location maps. Go to the Rustys Rosters Storefront and download yours today. NOTE this eBook does not have photos as yet. Anyone wishing to submit please contact me via email. Old or new DC ambo pics with proper photographer credit.

Rescue Wagons of B-CC RS Part 2

2011-06-08T21:56:00.000-04:00

From Jeff Mogush.

Back again with our continuation of the rescue truck history for the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad. By 1970, the area had seen much growth and enjoyed plenty of traffic. Auto wrecks (called then PIAs) and fires were not at all uncommon. To meet the next generation of rescue and fireground support needs B-CC RS receives in 1971 a most imposing looking squad wagon. A mammoth especially for the time (my jaw dropped on first view) this two-door cab-over new '71 Kenworth has a Swab Wagon Co 19-foot three-quarter enclosed rear access walk-in body. It has 4 large (probably Krouse Heines) spotlights on each side behind the enclosed body. Designated Rescue 19 this comes to be called the "Great White Whale". The GMC, Bruco becomes Rescue 18 a second-out with the International, Baker as Rescue 17. This is used mostly for pedestrian struck calls or those not requiring such an assortment of resources.

From Mike Sanders

In 1973, Rescue 18, gets a new three-quarter enclosed 16-foot Swab rear access walk-in body replacing the over 10 year old Bruco. Rescue 17 is retired going south to the Warrenton Rescue Squad in Fauquier County Virginia. (This I recently confirmed this thanks to Mike Sanders)

From Mike Sanders

In 1983, B-CC adds another two-door cab-over new '82 Kenworth this with '83 Saulsbury 21-foot fully enclosed rear walk-in body. This becomes the latest Rescue 19 the '71 model as Rescue 18, the '64 GMC, '73 Swab retired.

From Warren Jenkins

In about mid 1986, Rescue 18's '71 Kenworth, Swab the "Great White Whale" goes out for a glider rebuild. With the '82/'83 down the squad runs in the interim a two-door, cab-over '61 GMC "L-5500", with H&H 15-foot three quarter enclosed rear access walk-in body that previously served Waldwick New Jersey. This winds up later at Sudlersville in Queen Annes County.

From Mike Sanders

By years end Rescue 18 returns now a matching two-door cab-over '86 Kenworth with Saulsbury 21-foot fully enclosed rear walk-in body. One of the few remnants of the '71 "Great White Whale" is the generator. This one also has an automatic transmission. The two are very similar the newer one with square headlamps, small glass "window" in cab door and lacking company emblem one the front body as the only tell tales.

From John Floyd

In fall 1992, Rescue 18 the newer '86 Kenworth, Saulsbury is wrecked and sent to Saulsbury for repair and quick rehab. In December 1994, the latest generation of rescue wagon comes to B-CC a two-door, cab-over new Simon-Duplex "D-9400" with Saulsbury 20-foot cab access partial walk-in otherwise walk-around body designated Rescue Squad 19. This has a lower forward cab area and overal less imposing look as the previous Kenworths.

In mid 1995 the replaced '82 Kenworth, '83 Saulsbury of Rescue Squad 19 goes to the County Department of Fire Rescue (DFR) for use as a reserve. To improve drive-ability, its 19-speed manual transmission is replaced with an automatic.

In spring of 2001, the County Reserve '82 Kenworth with '83 Saulsbury body overturns on Route 118 while running as Rescue Squad 291 in Germantown. Badly damaged it goes finally out for a glider rehab late the next year.

From Rusty

In spring 2003, B-CC adds a two-door cab-over new Spartan "Gladiator", with Saulsbury 20-foot walk-around body this for Rescue Squad 18 that is over 15 years old.

As a side note in early 2004, the wrecked '82 Kenworth, '83 Saulsbury County Reserve returns the body rehabbed and matched to a four-door new '03 Spartan Gladiator still used as a County DFR reserve. With the county's adherance to the Metropoitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) new unit numbering system, the newer Rescue Squad 18 became 741 (alpha -silent) and 18 became 741Bravo.

In 2011, B-CC RS expects its latest rescue wagon a tandem rear axle, raised four-door new Spartan "Gladiator" with Rescue 1 enclosed rear access 24-foot walk-in body. With the COG designation this will be Rescue Squad 741 replacing Simon-Duplex, the Spartan, as 741Bravo.

Readers feel free to add comments or insights. Maybe in the future a similar work will cover other area squads like Wheaton and Laurel. Anyone with photos especially of older squads please contact us. Also check out the B-CC Blog covering incidents in the greater Bethesda Chevy Chase area.

OC Area News

2011-05-21T15:54:00.000-04:00

Now for a break in the B-CC Rescue Wagon history comes some news from the Greater Ocean City area. As covered in recent artiles by Christine Cullen in Ocean City Today and by JoAnne Shriner in The Dispatch, the Ocean City FD received approval by the Mayor and City Council this week to move ahead with some new purchases. One proposed some 5 years ago will be for a fireboat possibly to be built by Moore Boats a local company (owned by the owner of Seacrets) as they were the lowest bidder. The other additions will be two new engines to replace Engines 2, 9 and 12 (specs below) each to be retired. The Ocean City FD recently completed its apparatus replacement schedule and plans to standardize the fleet and the equipment layout of each piece as well as reduce its size. (I have 8 engines at peak not including the parade piece) Of course KME is the suggested builder so as to match the last two new additions going to Engines 4 & 16.

E 2 '85/94 Pierce "Arrow", '98 ITE 1250gpm/750gwt

E 9 '85 Ford "F-700", Pierce 1000gpm/500gwt

E 12 '91 Spartan "Gladiator", Alexis 1750gpm/750gwt/40gft

In other news the Berlin FCo has received its new Tanker 6 a mammoth Spartan, "Gladiator" Rosenbauer 1500gpm/4500gwt. Pics of this are on the company website apparatus page. Farther west, the Sharptown FD in Wicomico County is about to replace Truck 14 with a new 101-foor rear mount tower quint 1500gpm/500gwt. This tandem rear axle rig is on a Spartan chassis with Rosenbauer's custom "Commander AT" cab. Pics can be seen on the DPC Emergency Equipment's Facebook page. Both the Ocean City Roster and the Lower Eastern Shore Roster (that includes Ocean City) have been updated on the storefront.

Rescue Wagons of B-CC RS

2011-05-15T19:08:00.000-04:00

Here is a topic of great interest to me and I am sure many others. One I have managed to wrangle through at times even getting confused with the various wagons over the years. Hopfully I have it straight and welcome any input or additions. This is Part 1 of a series.

The Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad (B-CC RS) serving Montgomery County Maryland has quite a history of rescue trucks over the years. This emergency ambulance and rescue service entity formed in 1937 as the Chevy Chase First Aid Corps based in Upper Northwest Washington DC. With the nation's entry into World War II, service was suspended as its members enlisted for military service promising to return after the war. They did just that in 1945, this time moving to Bethesda re-titling as the Bethesda-Chevy Chase First Aid Corps later Rescue Squad.

1947 photo from bccrs.org

Their first rescue truck went in service that year, an unknown make (maybe GMC) all red parcel van. Reported as an ex airport vehicle this as shown in the picture (photo dated 1947 from bccrs.org) had four spotlights and a loud speaker on the roof.

Photo from bccrs.org

In 1955 the squad adds its first "new" and rescue wagon. This is a stout looking all white, two-door GMC with unknown make about 10-foot half canopy covered compartmented body. In the photo at right it is seen backing into their Fairmont Avenue home previously of the short lived VFD of Bethesda. (not to be confused with the Bethesda FD a different and precedant entity).

Factory photo courtesy
Warren Jenkins

In 1962, comes an imposing looking two-door cab-over Mack "N". This is a Budd cab similar to the Ford "C" instead with a bulldog. It was matched to a Bruco three-quarter enclosed 16-foot walk-in compartmented body with driver's side entry door, (look closly under middle window) forward crew seats looking out windows over the cab plus three spotlights on each side in the step up area behind the enclosed section. Designated Rescue 19 this replaced the GMC that reportedly went to Upper Darby Pennsylvania. It however proves problematic as soon after portions of the new Capital Beltway open with 65-75 mph speeds and the truck as I have been told was slow off the line.

From MIke Sanders collection

In 1964, the squad makes some changes adding a small four-door International "1700" with Baker one-third covered and compartmented utility body this as Rescue 18.

Robert Washburn photo
courtesy of Warren Jenkins

This light duty rescue is likely for interim use while Rescue 19 has it's Bruco body remounted matched with a two-door new '64 GMC "6000". This truck could "move" as I in spite of my youth at the time can attest. Sadly it's over cab windows were covered as the new cab is taller.

In part 2 we will cover the mammoth Kenworths that follow.

OCFD New Station 5

2011-05-05T12:17:00.000-04:00

On the evening of May 3 at 7 pm the Ocean City FD occupied and placed the new West Ocean City Station 5 in service. This 19,000 square foot 5-bay "big house" replaces a much smaller and outgrown 1974 built building that sat on the same site at 10124 Kyser Point Road north of US 50. Assigned are Engine 1, Engine 8 (parade piece), Tanker 19, Tanker 20, Tower 5, Rescue 18, Air 13 and Canteen 25 plus Ambulance 5 a non-staffed reserve currently using Shop 7704. For more and to watch the video check out ocvfc.com. With these assignments it is certain other aspects of the fleet have changed (like the whereabouts of Engine 2) hence the rosters will get updated after a recon.

Rescue 4 on "The Hill"

2011-04-05T17:26:00.001-04:00

The Snow Hill VFCo of Worcester County received ths past January a new Spartan Gladiator, 4-Guys 22-foot walk-around body rescue wagon with roll up doors. This replaces their well-used '88 International "S-1900" Salusbury to whereabouts as yet known. For pics, check out the Equipment section of their site at snowhillfire.com. As an FYI the Baltimore-Annapolis and DC MD Metro Rosters were recently updated on the strorefront. Lower Shore to be done next once the new aerial comes in at Sharptown.

New Works Now Available

2011-03-21T17:26:00.000-04:00

Just loaded onto our storefront are two new history works. The History of Arlington County Virginia and its Fire Rescue Service also covering Reagan National Airport and Fort Myer and the History of Washington DC and its Fire Rescuie Service (part 2) 1871 to World War II also covering its applicable federal departments. Neither have photos added so anyone wishing to submit (must be credited to pixer) drop me an email.

In other news the Alexandria FD has in service two new daytime staffed medic units. Medic 213 and Medic 214 are kept at Stations 2 and 9 and are in service daytime only from 7 am to 6 pm. When in service both move westward covering as needed calls usually in station 6, 7 and 8's districts. Medic 213 covers Sunday to Wednesday with Medic 214 covering Wednesday to Saturday. BOTH are in serivce Wednesdays as front line units are in training. These new International, Hortons are painted in black over red livery a striking change for Alex.

PGFD Battalions Realigned Again

2011-02-19T15:56:00.000-05:00

Just when we got over the October 2010 PGFD Battalion change it reverts back as per the newly appointed Acting Fire Chief. Effective February 13, 2011 the field battalion structure goes back to how it was. That means a return of the 7th in the South County and the 1st back to the Lower North County. Under Emergency Ops Command there remains a Shift Duty Officer plus Northern and Southern Division each with commander and operations commander. There is as well a new Technical Services Battalion under the Special Ops Command overseeing Haz-Mat, Tech Rescue and Water Rescue functions of Stations 12, 14, 16, 45, 47, 49, 56 57 & 58. This includes some unit relocations on January 30 when Haz-Mat 30 moved to 16, Haz-Mat Support 41 moved to 14. The battalion breakdown is as follows.

Northern Division
BC 881 Sta: 5, 6, 8, 30, 33, 37, 38, 46
BC 882 Sta: 16, 18, 19, 28, 39, 43, 48
BC 884 Sta: 1, 7, 9, 12, 13, 34, 44, 55
BC 886 Sta: 10, 11, 14, 31, 35, 41, 49

Southern Division
BC 883 Sta: 17, 23, 26, 27, 29
BC 885 Sta: 21, 24, 32, 42, 47
BC 887 Sta: 20, 25, 36, 40, 45

BC offices in stations underlined. It is beleievd these are daytime only BCs with volunteer chiefs to cover at night. Under the COG numbers the chiefs are designated in the 880s.

Update on the Updates

2011-02-07T10:10:00.000-05:00

With all the recent updates and new additions to the storefronmt seems it was not "digesting" them. That has been remedied and the RR Storefront now shows all the latest works and features as it should. We have also just added a back by popular demand item the DC Firehouse Guide. This lists ALL the known firehouses in Washington DC including old vollie sheds and the various federal deprtaments. Under each is a list of assigned companies and units when they came and went. Stay tuned for a new roster covering the Eastern Shore of Virginia that is Accomack and Northampton Counties plus more history ebooks.

New Roster Added

2011-01-31T08:09:00.000-05:00

In our ongoing effort we have just added to the RR Storefront a new roster. This is for the Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland covering Somerset, Wicomico and Worcester Counties. Yes that includes Salisbury and Ocean City. We will likely keep the individual Ocean City Roster available as well. To order and download right now visit our RR Storefront. Stay tuned to this site for more to follow.

NoVa Metro Roster Update

2011-01-19T08:40:00.000-05:00

As an FYI, we have updated another roster for Winter 2011, the Northern Virginia Metro (Alexandria, Arlington County, Fairfax County & Metro Washington Airports Authority). This includes addition of the new Fort Belvoir Station 4, its location and assigned units. Go to RR Storefront to download right now. As with all the rosters the Preface and Maps documents are forwarded after as the actual roster section is downloaded from the storefront. You can also follow us on Facebook under Rusty's Rosters. There we will post info similar to here as well as other related sites of interest.

New & Updated Rosters

2011-01-08T17:03:00.000-05:00

This is to let everyone know we have updated the DC Maryland Metro Roster as well as added the Southern Maryland Roster. Other updates (Baltimore Annapolis, NoVa Metro) and new releases (DC History, Arlington County VA History plus Lower Delmarva Roster) are to follow so stay tuned. Log onto the RR Storefront or check back here.

Rescue 607, Station 6 & Other Updates

2010-12-04T14:53:00.000-05:00

Some updates on both side of the bay. In Loudoun County Virginia, the Middleburg VFD sought to get out of the rescue truck business. As a result, their 2007 Pierce "Dash" was removed from Station 3. Restripped and relettered it has been assigned as Rescue Squad 607 at the Aldie VFD Station 7 going in service November 16. (Thanks to Mike Sanders for use of his photo) The new squad is housed in a small shed built in front of the currently cramped Station 7 that is slated for replacement. The squad is cross staffed by the engine crew or available volunteers. See Firepics.net for more complete coverage and additional photos.

In Wicomico County, the Parsonsburg VFCo moved ot its new Station 6 on November 7. The new address is 33030 Old Ocean City Road just east of the old firehouse. See previous postings for my most current photo otherwise check out Parsonsburgfire.com. In Dorchester County, the East New Market VFD has also moved to its new Station 21. It is believed located at 4020 Route 392 south of town. Check this link EastNewMarketvfd.com for details.

As an FYI for Historic Works I have posted on the storefront my latest Ebook The Chronological History of Washington DC and its Fire Protection from Early Beginnings to 1871. This includes updated info on the volunteer companies and the Navy Yard's protection also covering Georgetown up through the Washington City FD and Government FD (Civil War) years onto formation of the DCFD. Some images are included . If anyone would like to allow use of their images in this or any other work please email me. Check out the strorefront at this Link

Its Coming Along

2010-11-24T10:50:00.000-05:00

An update on the progress of Ocean City FD Station 5. As you can see it is progressing nicely into a "big house" for the West Ocean City area. This off-island station is staffed entirely by the department's volunteers as most live nearby. For those unfamiliar, it is being built on the site of the previous station on Kyser Point Road north of US 50 in West Ocean City. Station 5 is assigned Engine 1, Engine 2, Tanker 19, Tanker 20 and Snorkel 11 (that is slated for replacement) plus Ambulance 5 a reserve. No doubt old Engine 8 the '53 Ford, American parade piece will likely live here as well. Visit our storefront for an Ocean City FD Roster.

New PGFD Battalion Structure

2010-11-10T11:08:00.000-05:00

Effective October 24, PGFD has realigned its field battalion structure. In a nutshell, the Seventh has been eliminated becoming the new First. The old First has been spread out over the Second, Third and Fourth. The station breakdown by battalion is as follows.

BC 801 Sta: 20, 36, 40, 45
BC 802 Sta:   6, 16, 18, 19, 28, 33, 39, 43, 46, 48
BC 803 Sta:   5,   8, 17, 23, 26, 27, 29, 37
BC 804 Sta:   1,   7,   9, 13, 22, 30, 38, 44, 55
BC 805 Sta: 21, 24, 25, 32, 42, 47
BC 806 Sta: 10, 11, 12, 14, 31, 34, 35, 41, 49

Chiefs at stations underlined. BC 803 & 805 are on-duty 24/7 all others on day work.

The North, Central and South Bureau Chiefs (Majors) have become shift duty chiefs deignated "Operations Chief 800" each with other specified responsibilities. There is also a Field Major for Advanced EMS. Special thanks to Jim Sullivan and Curt Elie for keeping me in the loop on this.

New Station Openings

2010-10-15T11:56:00.000-04:00

The Washington DC suburbs are seeing a rash of new station openings. In Montgomery County Maryland, Station 34 opened on September 11 in the East Germantown Area. Known as the Milestone Station it is located at 20633 Boland Farm Rd off Route 355. Boland Farm is actually the old Route 118. Assigned is Engine 734 one of the many new Spartan Crimsons, a new Ambulance 734 plus Truck 734 currently from reserve. The rumor mill has either Tower 729 or the recently deactivated Truck 712 TDA going there. Soon to open is the rebuilt Takoma Park Station 2 still at 7201 Carroll Ave. This has a new and larger 3-bay apparatus room seperating the living sections that have used some of stone taken from Sligo Creek for the original 1928 castle-like station. In addition to Engine and Ambulance 702 living in a nearby temporary facility, this will likely bring back Truck 702 eliminating Truck 716 that replaced Truck 712 in July. It is uncertain if we'll see a return of Truck 701 so stay tuned.

In Prince George's County, Tuxedo-Cheverly Station 22 closed at the end of August to be replaced by the new Saint Josephs Station 6. Located at 2901 Saint Josephs Drive at Ardmore-Ardwick Road in Sprindale this was scheduled to open on August 29. The dedication ceremony took place August 31 with Reserve Engine 22 as the new Engine 806, joined by the re-assigned Rescue Squad and Technical Rescue plus Ambulance 806 and Battalion 801 (now 802). Issues with the building prevented it from actually going in service with the displaced units from Station 22 placed at nearby stations. Station 6 formally went in service on October 26. Station 22 will return to service by next spring with an engine or the quint and an ambulance. Stay tuned on this one.

To the south in Prince William County Virginia the new River Oaks Station 23 also opened September 11 at 16530 River Ridge Blvd east of US 1. Not too far from Potomac High School this, a No 3 substation of the Dumfries-Triangle VFD and Dumfries-Triangle RS, splits the gap between Station 3 and Station 12. It is assigned Engine 523 using what was Engine 503B plus one of the ambulances from Station 3 EMS.

In Washington DC, plans to renovate the circa 1916 built Cleveland Park firehouse on Connecticut Ave & Porter St NW were accelerated when issues were found necessitating its closure. On November 9, Engine 28 and Truck 14 moved north to Engine 31's with Ambulance 28 east to Engine 21's. Renovation plans have reportedly been approved but no bids solicited.

For updated station apparatus rosters covering most of the above new stations (one for Prince Wiliam is in the works) go to Rustys Rosters Storefront or click on the links list at right.

ATTENTION ALL STATIONS AND PERSONNEL

2010-09-27T18:35:00.000-04:00

Finally after a long and arduous jorney, Rusty's Rosters formally launches a NEW online storefront. Detailed up to date rosters and histories are now available in downloadable Ebook pdf format. The sites shopping cart feature allows you to browse and easily select multiple items before check out. Payment is fast and secure through Paypal. No more shipping, no more lost in the mail, no more expensive printing or CDs (those remain available as special order). Check back often as many new works are to be added. Click on the link at right or use the web address as follows http://RustysFireRosters.com. Be sure to bookmark us as well!

Lower Shore Station News

2010-09-16T19:14:00.000-04:00

Here's some local goings on that have been sitting in my 'to do' box far too long. Back in May, the Ocean City FD vacated Station 5. That is their West Ocean City house on Kyser Point Road north of US 50. Opened in 1974, this metal building with brick facade was expanded in 1991. The assigned engine and probably one of the tankers are next door at the Public Works Yard. The truck, other tanker and possibly reserve ambulance and boat are at Trimper's warehouse reportedly somewhere off Route 611 near the Ocean City Harbor area.

The vacated firehouse was subsequently razed. Construction is currently underway to build a new and much larger 5-bay station on site. This will certainly be far more accommodating of assigned units and the many volunteers running out of this house. This general area is where most of the OCFD's membership live and there has long been talk of a sort of alternate Headquarters here. Of course during the transition period when the OCVFCo merged with he OCDES and became the OCFD, the volunteers threatened at one point to leave the island (Stations 1-4 to the city) setting up from this location.

In other news just to the west in Wicomico County, the Parsonsburg VFCo Station 6 is about to move to its new more accommodating digs just east of the previous on Route 346 east of Parsonsburg Road. This 6-bay metal building has two drive through bays on left plus a large community hall at rear. Expected to open soon, this replaces their outdated circa 1927 facility they have so long occupied. For more on this, log onto parsonsburgfire.com.

Continuing west into Dorchester County, it seems the East New Market VFD Station 21 is also moving soon to a new 5-bay metal station. This replaces their much smaller 1948 occupied brick building at 101 Main Street at Railroad Avenue. That building was previously Neighbors Tavern, People's Service Station and originally Millenson's Department Store built about 1913 or 14. The location of the new house is as yet confirmed, believed to be south of town along Route 392. More to follow on this one. For info log onto eastnewmarketvfd.com.

COMING SOON

2010-08-26T12:25:00.000-04:00

An announcement from the RR Technical Department. Coming to a PC near you a new website & storefront featuring Rusty's Rosters. Works are now available in downloadable e-book (pdf) format so you may select and download getting your roster right then and there. No more waiting for processing and mailing. No more lost in the mail. No more CDs. Works will include oldies and new ones including station apparatus rosters, histories and other related works. This web site launch is expected within the next week or two. Stay tuned here for further announcements and the site address.

Berlin FCo at 100

2010-08-14T13:56:00.000-04:00

Sunday August 8 was the 100 Year open house held by for the Berlin Fire Co of Worcester County. The company's organization meeting was called by the Mayor and Town Council on January 28, 1910. Before that, the town was protected by an informal if you will brigade its roots traced back to the purchase of a hand pumper in late 1894. In August 1895, the hand pumper was destroyed in one of many fires to strike Berlin. A bucket brigade is all that remained until the current entity formed. (Photo by me)

Their first motorized was a 1912 (seen also '16) Oldsmobile "Autocrat" that reportedly popped its tires responding to the Great Fire of Pocomoke City in 1922. In 1924 came the 1924 Mack "AB" that was restored back in 1983 now frequenting the parade circuit. There have been many other rigs in the fleet since. A picture of a picture (above) reveals an interesting line up at the 1924 built station annex (today's Berlin Planning Dept) at 3 Bay Street. This is behind the 1916 occupied station (today's Police Dept and Town Hall) at 10 Wiliam Street. As identified L-R is a snub nosed '39 Ford, unknown body as E2 later to the Newark VFCo. A '49 Ford, American 750-gpm as E6 and a '57 Chevy "5000", American FM-750gpm as E5. (Berlin FCo photo, unknown photographer).

Another interesting pic of a pic (again Berlin FCo photo unknown photographer) shows L-R a late 50s Caddy in unique white over green livery for A-2 and their first ambo a '63 Caddy as A1 in service in 1964. This building is recognizable but has large bushes in front. The grey stone above the door reads "FIRE DEPT 1924".

Days events included a visit by Trooper 4 plus an auto extrication demo. That's my youngest who I can assure you is trying to figure out how to start the thing. (he does that). It seems a few collectable parts of the mutilated car came home as did the usual assortment of rubber gloves and medical masks taken from the ambo. (Photo by me)

Above left is the latest Brush 602 a 2009 Chevy "K-3500HD", Winsteads 250gpm (Hale) /300gwt/5gft. At right is a last look at Tanker 6 (previously 605) a '81 Mack "MR-696", Amthor 750gpm/4300gwt. This was reportedly rescued from a life as a trash truck will be replaced soon by a larger tandem rear axle Spartan, Rosenbauer 1500gpm with 4500gwt. As told this old girl still runs great (just like an old Mack ) and her tank still holds its load quite nicely. (Photos by me)

The Berlin FCo currently operates from this their No 1 house at 214 N Main Street in Berlin. This was dedicated in June 1967 and added onto in 1992. Station 2 opened in 1990 and is at 8427 Route 611 just north of Route 376 at Lewis Corner (east of Berlin). Station 3 opened in late 2008 early 2009 in a rented building on the north side of US 50 addressed 10823 east of Friendship Road Route 452 northeast of Berlin . All time suppression apps roster follows. The '24 E1 and '33 E 2 were open cab all the rest enclosed. Berlin FCo also operate A1, A2 and A3 all International, PL Custom ('06, '04 and '07 vintage) plus several utility, command and fire police vehicles.

E1 1924 Mack AB 500/300

E2 1933 Chevy chemical

>Showell VFCo

E3 1938 Mack E-75 500/300

E2 1939 Ford, 500/

>Newark VFCo

E6 1949 Ford, American 750/

B2? 1954 Dodge M-37 (Power Wagon) military style brush >unknown when in service or unit number.

E5 1957 Chevy 5000, American FM750/500?

E6 1960 Ford F-800, American FM750/750

The 600 prefix company # came to be with central dispatching circa 1965.

E607 1967 Ford C-950, American 1000/1000

B602 1972 Chevy K-30 brush truck

600R1 1975 Mack MB-487B, Swab

>Ocean City still IS as R18

E604 1974 Mack CF-600 (1st canopy cab)

>Bakerton Jefferson Co WVA since sold

E603 1977 Mack CF-600 1500/500 + 50 TeleSqurt

>Truck 603 at Sta 3.

K605 1981 Mack MR-696, Amthor 750/4300

E607 1988 Mack CF-600, Swab 1500/750 @ Sta 2

>being rehabbed

B602 1989 Chevy K-3500 pick-up 250/250 brush

R6 1993 E-One Cyclone 20' walk-around >Had issues and was replaced with a newer near identical model in 2000. Tip check the raised cab area for difference.

E608 1998 Spartan Gladiator, Quality 2000/750 (1st 4dr)

@ Sta 3 now Sta 2(temp)

R6 2000 E-One Cyclone walk-around

To 6 2003 Spartan Gladiator, Quality 2000/300 RK Aerials 100' MM

E604 2006 Pierce Dash 2000/750/20 Extrication

B602 2009 Chevy K-3500 pickup 250gpm/300gwt/5gft

Of course any additions and corrections are welcome. Thanks to long time member and past Chief Engineer Billy Taylor for sharing his expertise on the fleet. Happy 100th Birthday Company 600 thank you for the hospitality!

MSFA Convention Report

2010-06-14T19:05:00.000-04:00

Some quick takes from the MSFA Convention in Ocean City. These are from the front parking lot not the inside convention hall. First up is the Pocomoke VFD's new Tanker 1 the Intertnational, Biouvac 750gpm with 3000-gallon tank for Lower Worcester County. From Wicomico County the new Tanker 12 from the West Side VFD is in attendance (see shadowey photo right) this a tandem rear axle International, Seagrave 1500gpm with at least a 3000-gallon water tank.

Rosenbauer has much to show this year including the new Engine 231 for Urbana in Frederick County. This is a big rig (see photo left) with 2000gpm pump, 750-gallon water tank and 30-gallons of foam. From the Baltimore County order, the latest Spartan, Rosenbauer for Engine 13 (36562) is on hand as is Medic 60 (36187) from Parkton a '09 Freightliner, Wheeled Coach.

Rosenbauer also built the utility style body for the Branywine Hundred of New Castle County Delaware's new Brush 11-1. This is matched to a four-door '09 Ford "F-550" with Delmarva Pump Center (DPC) skid with a 20hp Hale pump, 200-gallon water tank and 10-gallon class A foam cell. Next to it is the new Brush 36 (or 836) from Baden in PG County this a '09 Ford "F-350" with DPC skid with Hale 20hp and 150-gallon water tank. (Photo above left w/ 11-1 in background)

As a surprise new delivery to me we have a new Seagrave "Marauder II" 1750-gpm triple for Indian Head Engine 92 in Charles County. Cecil County Truck 4 from Cecilton has on hand their tandem rear axle 2010 Seagrave "Marauder II" quint with 2000-gpm pump and 100-foot rear mount ladder. From Pierce is the '09 Velocity 1500gpm with 750-gallon water tank for Engine 272 of Baltimore County's Wise Avenue VFCo. The Leonardtown VFD of Saint Mary's County has their new Engine 11 a 2010 "Arrow XT" 1250gpm with 750-gallon wate rtank and 30-gallon foam cell.

A favorite of mine is the latest Frederick Tanker 7 a tandem rear axle, '09 Mack "Granite", Pierce 1250gpm with 3000-gallon tank from the Middletown VFD (photo right).

One other noteworthy attendee is the Rosenbauer tanker demo on a new International "Lone Star" chassis. I am sure this has been well photographed at various evenets but as you can see I could not resist either. Reminds me of what was it the late 80s Stephen King film "Maximum Overdrive" where Emilio Estevez and co are held hostage in the truck stop by demonic alien controlled trucks .

In other nearby news, a new Ferrara Intruder has made it to Mount Vernon in Somerset County as Engine 607 and Rehobeth Beach in Sussex Delaware has a new Pierce Contender for Engine 86-9. This looks to be replacing one of their last surviving Mack CFs (sad, sad). For those not able to attend I hope this is at least a worthy update and for those yet to arrive this is an appetizer and I'll likely see ya the parade on Wednesday or maybe yea, the place above. Remember, Ocean City is a drinking town with a fishing problem.

Bloxom Progress

2010-05-21T10:06:00.000-04:00

Well folks albeit late here's an update on the Bloxom VFCo of Accomack County (Eastern Shore) Virginia. Some background. Back in January 2006, fire struck Station 6 while they were out on another working fire. The firehouse was gutted with two ambulances including one new not as yet in service delivery destroyed. See this Link for details and photos.

After, the company briefly moved down the road to Parksley VFCo Co 7 then to a pole barn across the field opposite the railroad tracks from their original firehouse. [recent photo at left] This is correctly addressed on Bull St (Rd 2507) at Parks St (Rd 2505). By summer, a metal shed had been built close by behind the town office at 26129 Mitchel Rd (Rte 187) at Hall Rd this the "EMS Station". A number of other departments came to their aid donating various apparatus. A private ambulance carrier loaned them an ambo for a time.

In my latest visit, a new firehouse is under construction finally on the site of the previous [photo at right] at Rte 316 and Rte 187 . As you can see, it's progressing and since this was shot on May 1 is certainly farther along. Here's what Co 6 is running these days.

Engine 6-3 '84 Hahn canopy cab 1250/500 xKeansburg NJ

Engine 6-4 '99 Pierce "Saber" 4dr cab 1250/500

Tanker 6-7 '95 International "4800" 2dr, S&S 750/1800

Squad 6 '83 GMC (7000) 2dr, Saulsbury 22'-walk-in xGoldsboro MD, Laurel DE

Amb 6-0 '10 Chevy "C-4500", Medix

Amb 6-1 '06 Ford "E-450", Medix xWindsor VA RS

Amb 6-2 '94 Ford "F-350", Medtec xIsle of Wight County

I have not seen for some time their '95 Dodge "Ram 3500", M&W attack minipumper know as Rescue 6. Also gone is Amb 6-0 a '95 Ford "F-350" Life Line I believe came from Caroline County MD EMS. Some other previous rigs include an ex Salisbury Maryland '72 ALF "900" (E6-4) and the '70 ALF "Pioneer" (E6-5) ex Onancock that went to the Gibson Island Brigade then the Lake Shore VFD in Anne Arundel County Maryland. To keep up with FD happenings on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, check out this new site easternshorefire.com. Till next post.

Station Apps Roster & History Book Update

2010-05-14T10:57:00.000-04:00

I first off I want to thank everyone for their orders and ongoing support. Also want to update everyone on goings on with the rosters and histories. I have for some weeks been working on a web site with all works rosters and histories available as downloadable e-books. Select, pay, press button and bingo you have it then and there. Seems the old man is not as techno savvy as once was hence the site is as yet "operational". I still plan to get 'er going hopefully within the month (mid June) so stay tuned. My first error was choosing the wrong hosting service as the site did not do what I wanted it to.

As for the rosters, we are updating all for this spring DC Metro Maryland, Baltimore-Annapolis, NoVa Metro and Southern Maryland. Plan as well to be coming out with a Lower Delmarva covering Worcester, Wicomico and Somerset Counties including of course Ocean City.

In the history book department, we have a number of new releases pending. A General History on Alrington County and Fairfax County plus smaller works on History of Ladder Trucks in Fairfax County plus History of Rescue Trucks and Special Units in Fairfax County. The latter two, albeit short and sweet also have photos. Hopefully some pics will also be added to the other works as well. Stay tuned for history works on PG County as well. For now, purchases are still at the Ebay Store but do stay tuned as were gonna get one line eventually. -Rusty