History of the Jefferson Volunteer Fire Company, Inc.
 

Little is known about fire protection in Jefferson at the turn of the century as there was no actual fire company. In 1919, two hand-drawn Badger chemical wagon extinguishers were purchased and housed at each end of town. It is not known if they were housed anywhere else. These units were pressurized, much like the soda and acid fire extinguishers of today. One of those units has been restored as a parade piece and is on display at the Frederick County Fire & Rescue Museum in Emmitsburg, MD.

1950's

Around 1954, several years after fire destroyed the H. C. Summers equipment building, it became apparent to the residents that Jefferson should have fire-fighting capabilities. In 1955, a group of men from the town went to the Braddock Heights Volunteer Fire Company to take training, which would qualify them as firemen. The Braddock Heights Volunteer Fire Company offered the Jefferson community a 1947 Chevrolet pumper and support to create a substation of their department. With the willingness of the community of Jefferson, a substation of Braddock Heights was established in Jefferson. This was known as the Jefferson Station of Braddock Heights Fire Company.

The Jefferson Station has had three locations as its quarters - the first being at Wise’s Garage (now known as 3712 Jefferson Pike). It remained at this location until the postal service rented the building. It then moved to the barn of Herschel Boyer, which is located at 3943-A Jefferson Pike, where it remained until 1965. In 1966, it moved to the Jefferson Ruritan grounds on Lander Road.

In the years before Central Alarm, now known as the Emergency Communications Center, fire calls were phoned to the private residence of Halfdan Zimmerman, who, in return, would set off the alarm at the fire station and call members to respond. This was at the Wise garage location. The alarm was then moved to the Trading Post and calls were then taken there after the move from the Wise garage.

1960's

In early 1966, plans were formulated and a new building was constructed on the Jefferson Ruritan grounds on Lander Road. This building cost approximately $2,000 with most of the labor being completed by members of the Ruritan Club and Fire Company together. The utilities were paid for by the Jefferson Ruritan Club. The members moved to the Lander Road building on June 22, 1966. 

In May of 1966, the Trading Post sporting goods store (now known as 3840 Jefferson Pike) caught fire and was destroyed.

One of the first major fundraising projects undertaken by the company was a chicken BBQ in 1967, which realized a profit of $144.03. Another fund raiser was actually a service call. In October of 1967, we washed out Floyd Wickham’s commercial chicken house. Upon completing this project, a few of the fireman decided to go to the Frederick Fair dressed as they were – needless to say, they had a “fowl” odor about them.

In 1968, Braddock Heights purchased another pumper and placed their 1948 Ford pumper in the Jefferson Station. This truck replaced the 1947 pumper.

The year of 1969 brought many surprises and changes to the company.

• In February, a meeting of the town’s people was called to discuss Jefferson having its own fire company.
• On April 4, 1969, at 7:05 AM, the fire alarm was sounded. The call was at Company 20 for a building fire – the station was on fire. Thanks to the alertness of Luther Angleberger, a town resident, he went to Ingram’s Service Station to alert Dick Ingram, a member of the fire company. Mr. Ingram responded to find a fire burning in the old 1947 Chevrolet pumper and in that bay. Dick entered the other bay and pulled the 1948 Ford Pumper out and with help from other responding members they were able to put the fire out. The damage to the building was approximately $12,000 and $250 to the fire truck. 
• In October, the company held a Basic Fire Fighting class, which 21 members completed.
• One of the hand-drawn Badger chemical extinguishers was restored to be pulled in parades and displayed at other various events.

1970's

In June of 1970, the membership of the Jefferson Station decided to break from Braddock Heights and form the Jefferson Volunteer Fire Company, Inc (Company 20). The Jefferson Volunteer Fire Company, Inc. was formed with 125 members. In the first year, the company ran 50 fire calls. Company 20 joined the Maryland State Fireman’s Association in 1971.

The First Officers were:

Line Officers were:

After becoming our own company, a used 1956 GMC pumper was purchased and converted to a tanker. The first pumper purchased by Company 20 was a 1957 Diamond T. It was purchased for $5,000 from the Berwyn Heights Fire Company.  
     
To provide assistance to the fire company, a Ladies Auxiliary to the Jefferson Volunteer Fire Company was organized on September 23, 1970, with 25 charter members. 

The first officers of the Ladies Auxiliary were: 

The first working fire in Company 20’s first due area was a barn fire at the Miller farm on Lander Road. With the help of mutual aid companies, the barn was saved and the cattle were milked in the barn that evening. 

In 1972, there were two major fires. The first was in April when the old mill in Brunswick burned. The second was Ingram’s Diner on May 30th. On February 18, 1974, Ingram’s barn fire occurred.  The barn was well involved when the alarm was received. Although the barn was a total loss, the dairy house was saved and is used to house a barber shop at the present time.

In an effort to meet the demands of calls and fire protection, the company needed to purchase and update equipment to meet requirements. The company purchased one MSA breathing apparatus from Baker’s Fire Equipment Supply. In 1972, the company purchased a 1957 pumper from the Jacksonville Fire Company.  It was converted into a tanker that carried 1,200 gallons of water and was known as Tanker 20. 

In 1973, the company voted to build a new larger facility next to the existing building to house the fire-fighting apparatus. This was needed to have more room for equipment and storage, as the area was growing and calls were increasing.  This building is the present home of the fire company.

The year of 1975 brought excitement and enthusiasm to the company and community when the first new pumper was purchased at a cost of $45,000.  It was a 1975 GMC commercial chassis and body built by Seagrave.  It was placed in service in February. The truck was driven from Wisconsin to Jefferson by Merhl Remsberg, Dean Remsberg and Billy Hemp.

The following year, a 1976 Dodge Mini-Pumper was purchased at a cost of $26,000. It was built by the Hammerly Manufacturing Company. In June, the company voted to take the Mini-Pumper to the Ocean City Convention, where it won a trophy for Best Appearing.

To keep up with the call volume, the company voted to buy a new tanker in 1978.  It replaced the 1956 GMC tanker. The new tanker was a 1978 GMC, which carried 1,750 gallons of water and a 300 gpm pump. The cost of this piece was $45,000.  Also in 1978, the company received a 1968 Jeep 1¼ ton truck to be used as a brush truck from the Forestry Department. This unit was known as Brush 205 (The Hog) and was retired from service in 2012.

During these early years, the Fire Company held fundraisers like chicken BBQs, a Turkey, Ham and Fried Oyster public dinners, and the inaugural Mother and Daughter banquet. In 1973, the company started a 20/20 club as a fund raiser. 

The Ladies Auxiliary held the Father and Son Banquet as a fundraising project.  In 1978, Lenny Moore of the Baltimore Colts was the guest speaker at the annual banquet sponsored by the Ladies Auxiliary. These Father and Son Banquets would continue as an annual event for many years. 

In January 1978, a community meeting was held to discuss Jefferson having its own ambulance service.  It voted to do so. 

By the end of 1979, the area had continued to grow, and the number of calls for service were also increasing.  The Fire Company had responded to 138 fire calls and had grown to 104 members.

1980's

In order to make room for existing equipment and to update the interior of the fire station, an expansion was undertaken to increase the usable area by 32 feet in 1980. Then, in approximately 1987, two additional bays were added to house the ambulance and squad.

In 1980, The Jefferson Fire Company held its first annual banquet to recognize members and it was held at the Brunswick Fire Hall with approximately 290 people attending.

The fire company placed a special unit into service to provide medical assistance until an ambulance arrived on the scene. The mini-pumper was used for this purpose at this time.  Approximately 15 members were trained to respond to special unit calls. Additionally, a new pumper was purchased to increase fire protection to the area.  The cost of this 1982 Custom Seagrave pumper was $120,000.

A community celebration was held at the Community Center in November 1982, to honor Dr. A. T. Brice for 50 years of service to the Jefferson area.  The following year, the company purchased their first ambulance at a cost of approximately $60,000. On May 15, 1983, it was dedicated to Dr. A. Talbott Brice for his many years of service to the town. Twenty-five members took training to staff the ambulance. The company started ambulance service in the Jefferson first-due area.  

In order to keep up with rural water supply, the company purchased a 2,100 gallon folding tank in 1985. With the ever-increasing calls for accidents, the company voted to purchase a light-duty squad, a 1987 GMC 4-wheel drive chassis and body at a cost of $65,000. The company also purchased an Amkus rescue tool, air bags and other necessary equipment needed to operate the squad. In 1988, the company voted to purchase a new Hahn tanker at a cost of $155,000. Then in 1989, the company voted to purchase National Dragger air masks and spare bottles.

In 1981, the company started a new fundraiser, Monday night Bingo. It was a huge success at first but as time went on, it started fading out due to other bingos and larger jackpots offered by other organizations. In 1989, the company stopped having weekly bingo.

Throughout the 1980s, the fire company added a pancake breakfast and fish fry as fundraising projects, while the 20-20 Club continued. At the 1981 tree lighting, Santa (Kenny Linton, Jr.) was positioned on the old school house roof until it was Santa’s turn to appear. In 1986, the Ladies Auxiliary awarded a scholarship to Trina Reeder.

During the 1980s, the Jefferson Volunteer Fire Company won awards and received recognitions in Fire Prevention:

• 1980, Company 20 won the Clint Hughes Award for Fire Prevention and Merhl Remsberg won the Everett Gaver Award from the County Association and Lisa Lakin was crowned the company Fire Prevention Queen.
• 1981, Dawn Stuart was elected Fire Prevention Queen.
• 1984, Merhl Remsberg was appointed to the Maryland State Fire Prevention Committee.
• 1989, Company 20 won the Clint Hughes Fire Prevention Award for the third time, which entitled us to keep the trophy permanently on display at our station.

To get the younger-aged members involved in the company, a junior membership was formed in 1984.  It later became known as the Cadet program.  Some of the activities for these younger members were helping at fund raisers, having sleepovers at the station, helping at drills as patients and learning firefighting techniques.

By 1987, membership had continued to increase, and there was a need for more protective clothing. In 1980, the company had responded to 152 calls and by the end of the 1980s, the company had responded to 154 fire calls and 287 EMS calls annually.

In 1989, the new Dauphin State Police helicopter was on display at the station.

1990's

The Jefferson Volunteer Fire Company celebrated 20 years of service to the Jefferson area by having a commemorative booklet made and passed out at the annual banquet in 1990. At the fire company banquet in 1995, the Ladies Auxiliary donated $7,000 to the fire company.

Ingram’s Shell held a grand reopening in 1991 and the fire company received 10 cents per gallon of gas sold that day.  Beginning in 1992, the fire company allowed a Frederick County medic unit be housed at Company 20. This unit provides advanced life support care to patients in the Western part of Frederick County and remains housed at our station to this day.

During the 1990s, the company upgraded and purchased vehicles to support their efforts in providing firefighting and emergency medical services to the Jefferson community.

• In 1991, Tanker 20 was converted to an engine tanker at a cost of approximately $3,000.
• The company purchased a 1992 Ford Mobile Medic ambulance for $60,000.
• A KME squad on an International chassis was purchased for $142,000, in 1993. This unit also carried a cascade system.
• An in-house cascade system was put in service in 1994, to refill SCBA at fire scenes and at the fire station. It was also used to refill the cascade system on the squad.
• In 1997, the company purchased a KME pumper at a cost of $245,681. This unit was designated Engine 201.
• Additionally, a portable tank was installed and compartments built for ET204.

The fire company started new fundraising events and continued with previous events. The company started having stands at the Jefferson Ruritan Carnival in 1990, and in 1995, the first sportsman’s drawing was held and continues to be a good fundraising event for the company. After the recommendation of a company member, John Elden, we started the very popular Santa Visits during the 1998 holiday season. These holiday visits remain a community favorite.

During the 1990s, members of the Jefferson Volunteer Fire Company won awards and received recognitions in Fire Prevention:

• 1995, Merhl Remsberg was honored for his 40 years of dedication to the fire company and the company won the Clint Hughes Award for fire prevention.
• 1997, Merhl Remsberg was inducted into the Frederick County Hall of Fame.
• 1998, Brick Remsburg won the company EMS Provider of the Year Award and the company won the Clint Hughes Fire Prevention Award, as well as an award at the State Convention.

The fire company furthered their efforts in support of fire prevention by constructing a fire prevention house and trailer to be used for fire prevention activities in 1992.

The company assisted with a fireworks display at the Jefferson View Farm for Jefferson’s 225th Anniversary Celebration in 1999.

In 1990, the company had responded to 154 fire calls and 325 ambulance calls and by the end of the 1990s, the company had responded to 239 fire calls and 335 ambulance calls annually.

2000's

The 2000’s brought both physical changes to the station and changes in personnel to Company 20. In 2003, the company decided to construct a second story addition onto the station.  This addition would include a kitchen, 3 offices, 2 restrooms, bunk room, exercise room, laundry room, meeting room, day room and mechanical room.  The company borrowed $600,000 for this project. The following year, the company held an open house and dedication for the second story addition. The mortgage for the second story addition was paid off in 2007.

Two career personnel began working 12-hour shifts at the station Monday through Friday in 2005.  Subsequently, two career personnel began working 24/7 shifts in 2008. In 2009, Loudoun County stopped ambulance service to Frederick County, thus increasing our ambulance call load to the Brunswick area.

After many successful years and generous monetary donations to the fire company, the Ladies Auxiliary was dissolved in 2001. In 2004, a softball game was played with the Special Olympics and a great time was had by all.

In 2000, the company purchased a new Horton/Ford ambulance for $90,700. The company purchased a 2001 KME 4-wheel drive pumper for $195,000, a Chief’s vehicle, and a new 2008 Pierce Engine Tanker was purchased for $500,000. In 2006, Engine 203 was sold to Ivyland Fire Company in Pennsylvania.

In April 2002, there was a large fire at Stokes’ salvage yard. Another major fire occurred in town on July 26, 2008, when H.C. Summers’ feed mill was destroyed and subsequently rebuilt. The Jefferson Market was destroyed by fire on May 21, 2009.  The market was rebuilt and reopened in December of 2009.

The fire company started new fundraising events and continued with previous events. The company began bi-annual Bingo Bonanzas in March of 2002 and the annual Light of Love in December 2003. The last fire company sponsored Mother/Daughter Banquet was held in 2004.

During the 2000s, members of the Jefferson Volunteer Fire Company won awards and continued to receive recognitions in Fire Prevention:

• 2004, Lexie Bunn was crowned Fire Prevention Queen for Frederick County.
• 2005, Brandy Lapole was crowned Frederick County Fire Prevention Queen.
• 2008, Gracie Lakin was crowned Little Miss Fire Prevention Queen

In 2000, the company responded to 223 fire calls and 302 ambulance calls and by the end of the 2000s, the company had responded to 360 fire calls and 526 ambulance calls annually.

2010's

During the 2010’s, the company upgraded and purchased vehicles to support their efforts in providing firefighting and emergency medical services to the Jefferson community.

• The company purchased a 2010 Horton ambulance on a Ford chassis for $160,000
• Debt for the 2008 Pierce Engine Tanker was paid off in December.
• A 2011 Dodge 4-wheel drive chassis was purchased for $65,000, so the vehicle could be converted into Brush 205. The tank and equipment were switched from the old Jeep brush truck to the new chassis. Then in 2012, a new pump was purchased for the brush truck since the present one did not meet current standards.
• A custom KME Predator heavy-duty rescue squad was approved for purchase at a cost of $543,000 in 2012. In March, the company placed into service a 2013 KME custom-made rescue squad.  The company secured a loan in the amount of $350,000 to help finance this piece. 
• In March 2019, Matheny Motor Truck Company began the process of building the new Engine 201.  In August, it was placed in service at our Sportsman’s Drawing.
• In 2016, started looking into replacing the ambulance due to many motor problems. Then voted to re-chassis the ambulance with a Dodge at a cost of $164,000. Funding was provided with a 1% loan from MSFA committee. This loan was paid off in early 2018.
• A new cascade system was purchased from Bauer for $26,884 in 2017. 
• In 2015, the company began to look for a new chief’s vehicle.

During the 2010s, members of the Jefferson Volunteer Fire Company won awards and continued to receive recognitions in Fire Prevention:

• 2010, Tom Arnold was inducted into the Frederick County Fire and Rescue Hall of Fame.
• 2011, Donald Corun was inducted into the Frederick County Fire and Rescue Hall of Fame.
• 2012, Tom Lakin received the Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association’s James Stavely Award for his time and dedication to fire prevention and Susan Corun was inducted into the Frederick County Fire and Rescue Hall of Fame.
• 2013, David Remsburg and Bill Nichols were elected into the Frederick County Fire and Rescue Hall of Fame. Additionally, Dave Remsburg was appointed to Frederick County’s first Fire and Rescue Advisory Board. CJ Lakin was recognized at the Maryland State Fireman’s Association convention for being Frederick County Fire Chief ambassador. Maddie Gooding recognized by MSFA for Little Miss Fire Prevention, Colby Ambrose for Jr. Fire Chief, Blake Ambrose for Little Fire Chief and Bella Springirth for Little Miss Fire Prevention.
• 2014, Dave Snyder was inducted into the Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Hall of Fame.  Tommy Lakin received the Officer of the Year Award. Jessie Lapole was recognized as Miss Fire Prevention for Frederick County, Alexis Millison as runner-up, Colby Ambrose as Fire Chief and Blake Ambrose as Little Fire Chief.
• 2015, Rodney Linton and George Lakin were inducted into the Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Hall of Fame.  The company also received the Unit Citation Award. Charter members of JVFC and LAJVFC will now be honorary members.  They are Dick Ingram, Dave Stockman, Ted Zimmerman, Bill Keeney, Dick Huffer, Brenda Ingram and Donna Lakin.

In 2010, the company responded to 329 fire calls and 594 ambulance calls and by the end of the 2010s, the company had responded to 358 fire calls and 632 ambulance calls annually.

2020's

The COVID pandemic shut down had significant impact on our fundraising opportunities. In 2020, we had planned an open house in May to celebrate our 50th year, but it had to be cancelled. The annual community Christmas tree lighting was not a public event; however, the tree was adorned with lights for the residents to enjoy. The Santa parade continued but no private Santa visits were held.

During the early part of 2021, we were still impacted by restrictions of the pandemic. Private Santa visits were held this year, but only outside or in an open garage setting. New LED lights and four additional strands were placed on the community Christmas tree at Dunkin. The company agreed to be a shelter facility for the State and County Highway Departments during inclement weather.

In 2022, the History committee provided information to the company that prior to having the Badger for the town use, there were two public wells used for fire protection.  One was at the old school yard (now known as the exit onto Jefferson Pike from the Dunkin Donuts building) and the other at the McGaha house (now known as 3819 Jefferson Pike).  It is said that a fire broke out at the old trading post and a 200-person bucket brigade extinguished the fire.

The April 2023 monthly meeting was interrupted by a house fire on Timbery Drive.  During the end of 2023 and the beginning of 2024, company members were busy planning our open house and events for Jefferson’s 250th Anniversary celebration on May 18th. The members participated in the town parade, as well as exhibits at the station. A fireworks display culminated the day’s festivities. In October 2024, the company participated in the Trunk or Treat at Valley Elementary School and again in 2025.

In 2023, the company purchased a Chevrolet utility with snow plow for the station. At present, the company has begun the process to replace Ambulance 209.  The current delivery time is approximately two-three years.

During the 2020s, members of the Jefferson Volunteer Fire Company won awards and continued to receive recognitions in Fire Prevention:

• 2022, The following members were congratulated on receiving awards from the Frederick County Fire and Rescue Association:  Tom Lakin was inducted into the Frederick County Hall of Fame, Mark Lakin was awarded Officer of the Year, Sherri Duvall was awarded the Auxiliary award and Sam Lakin was awarded the Fire Prevention award. The company was nominated for the Frederick News-Post’s Best Fire Company in August and was notified in October that they had earned that honor.
• 2025, Jenna Lakin received the Winona “Winnie” Crum Rookie of the Year Award from Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association. Donald Corun received the Heart of the Volunteer Award (posthumously), Dean Remsburg (posthumously) and Ronald Ahalt were inducted into the FCVFRA Hall of Fame. Jenna Lakin was award the Rookie of the Year Award for the State of Maryland at the Ocean City Convention.

In 2020, the company responded to 282 fire calls and 512 ambulance calls and by the end of 2024, the company had responded to 337 fire calls and 471 ambulance calls annually.

As the Jefferson community has grown tremendously, so has the Jefferson Volunteer Fire Company.  The demand for services of the Fire Company have increased and we have seen the increase in our call volume grow from 50 (in our first year) to 471 EMS calls and 337 fire calls in 2024.  In order to serve our growing community and maintain a first-class station, numerous pieces of fire, rescue and ambulance apparatus have been purchased throughout the years. A total of $3,500,000 has been expended on apparatus from 1969 until 2024.
     
We need to thank the Braddock Heights Volunteer Fire Company for getting a fire company started in Jefferson by placing equipment here and training members to serve the Jefferson community. We owe a great deal of gratitude to the Jefferson Ruritan Club for its continuing support. Additionally, many thanks to the citizens and businesses of the community for their support.