HISTORY OF THE
MOUNT AIRY VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY

The town of Mount Airy had several devastating fires before the fire company was finally organized. Three tragic fires – 1903, 1914, and 1925 – completely destroyed the town. The Independent Hose Company from Frederick brought their steamer to the 1914 fire by a flatbed railroad car, and water was hauled to the 1925 fire by three B&O locomotives. The town needed a fire company!

In late 1925, letters were sent out calling for a meeting to be held in the old commercial bank building for the purpose of organizing a fire company to protect Mount Airy and the surrounding territory. The first hurdle of organization had been cleared, but numerous other problems were yet to be confronted: the ever important items of raising money, purchasing firefighting equipment, and finding a building to house the equipment. Money was solicited from the citizens and a street fair was held that made $633.33. This street fair was later to be enlarged to the annual carnival.

In 1926, the newly formed company joined both the Carroll County Firemen’s Association and the Maryland State Firemen’s Association and took the first step to provide fire protection for Mount Airy by purchasing its first pumper. Representatives from many fire apparatus companies presented propositions to the membership – Mack, Buffalo, Foamite Childs, Studebaker, American LaFrance, Seagrave, International, and White. The pumper selected was the American LaFrance, at a cost of $8,325.00. It was delivered on November 30 by flat-bed railroad car to the Mount Airy Depot (freight cost was $88.20), and we are told that the whole town shut down while the fire engine was being unloaded and driven up and down Main Street to be admired by all the citizens. This pumper served Mount Airy faithfully until 1958. It was restored in 1968 with new paint and letters, new tires and upholstery, running boards, motor work, and chrome plating and now has a prominent place in the firehouse museum.

An old garage on South Main Street was rented to house the new pumper and was purchased in February 1927 for $3,500.00. This building was to serve the fire company from 1926 until 1992 when the fire house was relocated to 702 North Main Street, but it underwent many changes to accommodate the needs of the growing community. Two more pumpers were added in 1993 and 1939 – a Mack 500 GPM pumper and an International with a front-mounted pump, respectively.

In 1940, another important organization was formed – the Ladies Auxiliary to the Mount Airy Volunteer Fire Company. The members of this organization (now known as just the Auxiliary) have always been ready to help, no matter what the time of day or night. They were, and still are, an invaluable asset to the fire company.

With the addition of two more pumpers, more space was needed, so a new section was added to the north side of the initial building and was dedicated in 1941. In 1947, a fourth piece of equipment was added, a Mack 750 GPM pumper. This truck was dedicated to those people who had served their country in World War II.

During 1952 and 1953, the company improved its services to the community by adding an ambulance service and by stalling two-way radios that connected the Carroll Country frequency and the Fire Board in Washington Grove. It was also in 1953 that the company purchased the 45 acre farm on Twin Arch Road, which became the home for the annual carnival.

In 1955, the 1933 Mack pumper was replaced by a Mack 750 GPM pumper. In 1958, a new Cadillac ambulance replaced the first one, which was now 5 years old. Mount Airy also won the Carroll County Hook-Up contest this year.

Many important events occurred in 1959. The Junior Fire Company was organized and has given valuable training to boys and girls interested in becoming volunteer firefighters. The Activities Building was built on the carnival grounds for use by the fire company and other community organizations. Also, the fifth piece of equipment was purchased – a Dodge fire and rescue truck with a front-mounted pump. This truck ran all calls for 10 years in the Mount Airy’s first due area.

During the 1960’s, several pieces of equipment were replaced, a third bay was added to the fire house in order to house the equipment properly, a 1955 Ford pickup truck was added for light hauling duties, and a 4-wheel drive Jeep brush truck was purchased.

In 1970, the 1967 ambulance was replaced by another new Cadillac. Due to the increasing number of calls, in 1971 a second ambulance, a Chevrolet Sentinel, was purchased. Also in 1971, the 1955 Ford utility was replaced by another Ford pickup.

In 1972, the company made a large and very important purchase – a Mack/Swab rescue squad truck with diesel generator, flood lights, Hurst tool, and miscellaneous rescue equipment to be used for heavy rescue. This squad provide to be a much larger purchase than at first anticipated, for the doors on the fire house had to be enlarged to accommodate it.

In 1974, the 1970 Cadillac ambulance was replaced by a Dodge chassis box-type ambulance. In 1976, the 1959 Dodge fire and rescue truck was sold, and a 1976 Mack 750 GPM pumper was purchased to replace the 1955 Mack. However, in December 1976, the new pumper was destroyed in a fire after being in service only 8 months. This happened while the pumper was out of service being undercoated at a facility in Catonsville.

More equipment was purchased in 1977. The 1971 Chevrolet ambulance was replaced by a 1977 Chevrolet ambulance, which became the fourth paramedic unit to go in service in Carroll County; the 1976 Mack was replaced by a 1977 Chevrolet 750 GPM pumper that was delivered in September; and the 1968 Jeep brush truck was replaced with a larger 1968 5/4 ton Army-type, 4-wheel drive Jeep. The purchase of this pumper sparked a controversial vote on the color for this pumper and all future apparatus. The vote in February 1977 was to change the standard from all red to lime yellow, and it passed. This vote would have stood if the committee had not decided that it would like to have the top painted white and brought the subject to a vote again. Many members were having second thoughts about breaking with the traditional red, and when given the opportunity to vote again, tradition triumphed and red was the color selected.

The fire company continued to update its services in 1978 by adding a 1978 Mack pumper/tanker that carried 1500 gallons of water with a 750 PM pump,and replacing the 1976 Dodge ambulance chassis with a 1978 Dodge chassis.

In 1980, the 1926 American LaFrance pumper, known as Engine 1, was selected to be used on the University of Maryland mug collection. A major renovation othe Activities Building was undertaken. This renovation would include a two-story addition that would include a garage on the lower level and a new kitchen on the upper level. Money bingo was started to help finance this renovation.

In 1981, the company purchased a Chevrolet chassis to replace the chassis on the 1977 Chevrolet ambulance. In 1982, the company decided to continue to operate two ambulances and to look into replacing the 1973 Dodge. In 1983, the Dodge ambulance was replaced by a Horton 500 MRX Type 3 ambulance and a crew-cab Dodge pickup was purchased to replace the 1971 utility. It was also decided to have Mt. Aetna refurbish the 1969 Mack pumper rather than purchase a new one.

During 1984, it was becoming painfully obvious that the fire house wasn’t getting any bigger, but the equipment was. A committee was appointed to find a location for anew ire house and to decide what type of fire house would be built there. This year, the company also initiated plans to replace the 1972 Mack/Swab squad.

In 1985, the new firehouse committee completed their search for land. In June, the company voted to proceed to acquire land at the intersection of Park Avenue and Ridge Avenue, commonly known as Wildwood Park. It was originally believed that zoning for a firehouse at this location would not be a problem. However, we were soon to become involved in a lengthy rezoning process. In September, the Wildwood Park location was turned down by the Special Appeals Zoning Board. We requested a change in the text of the zoning laws, and a public hearing was held in December. Concern was expressed by some members that we should reconsider locating on the carnival grounds; however, the majority of the members did not want to relocate on the east side of Route 27. But our attention this year was not completely given to finding a location for a new firehouse. The company purchased a 1986 Model RD 685D Mack chassis with a 25 KW PTO generator and hydraulic winch on the front for the new squad and approved another addition to the Activities Building that would include a lounge/table and chair storage room walk-in cold box, and additional storage closets.

Early in 1986, the Mount Airy Town Council voted against locating the new firehouse at Wildwood Park. Needless to say, the wind went out of our sails, but the committee continued to look for alternate sites. Saulsbury was selected to build the box for the new squad and Engine 12, the 1977 Chevrolet 750 GPM pumper, filled in during the interim. Also purchased a Road Rescue Type I ambulance on a 1986 gas-powered Ford chassis to replace the 1981 Chevrolet ambulance. The company considered changing our color standard for the apparatus from all red to red and white, but it was defeated.

The new squad and ambulance were both delivered early in 1987, and a dedication was held at the carnival grounds with a “hosing” of the new equipment by mutual aid companies. The company decided to sell the 1977 Chevrolet and purchase no replacement; we would operate with one pumper, one pumper/tanker, and one squad. The new firehouse committee continued to look for alternate sites, but with little success. The company purchased the car wash and Clay property next to the firehouse with the idea of gaining parking spaces and also of possibly refurbishing the existing structure. During the Labor Day weekend, tragedy struck. While responding to a call for alarm bells at the Linganore High School, the rear wheels of the pumper dropped off the high shoulder, and the engine overturned. Only one firefighter sustained serious injuries – Assistant Chief Tony Esworthy. He was transported to the shock trauma unit and spent many months there and in rehabilitation, but he made a full recovery. The pumper, though, was a total loss, and the company decided to retain the 1977 Chevrolet until the pumper could be replaced.

In 1988, a new committee was appointed to locate land for a new firehouse and investigate the possibility of renovating the existing firehouse. The Town offered 7 acres of land to be annexed into the Town in an industrial part off Twin Arch Road just below the carnival grounds. However, once again the company did not want to locate on the east side of Route 27. The only land available that the committee felt was suitable was the Clay property next to the Mount Airy Locker Company. The pumper destroyed in the accident was replaced by a Hahn HCP pumper. This pumper was the first piece of equipment with a fully enclosed cab for the crew and air conditioning. Also initiated plans to replace the 1983 Horton ambulance with a 1989 Ford chassis/Road Rescue Type I ambulance. Another major decision by the company was to initiate paperwork to request funding from the County to hire EMS personnel – one CRT and one EMT – to be on duty during the day, Monday through Friday.

In 1989, the Hahn pumper was delivered, and the 1977 Chevrolet was finally sold. A used State Police car was purchased to serve as a Chief’s car. Membership once again considered locating a new firehouse on the carnival grounds, but decided instead to pursue purchasing the Clay property next to the Locker Company. Part-time, paid EMS personnel started to work in April.

In 1990, progress was finally made toward finding a new home for the fire company. The Town’s Zoning Board and Special Board of Appeals approved the zoning on the Clay property. A new committee was appointed to plan the firehouse design, location on the lot, and the landscaping. Another committee was appointed to raise the funds needed.

The company selected Brechbill & Helman Construction Company as the general contractor to build the $1.5 million firehouse. Originally planned to break ground in July 1991 with an anticipated completion date of March 1992; however, as is usual with a building project this size, these dates slipped. Ground was finally broken on November 10, 1991. Financing for the project was obtained through a County low-interest loan. We moved in almost 1 year later – on November 8. A dedication ceremony was held on January 3, 1993, with over 500 people in attendance. The new facility, which cost over $1.6 million to build, contains over 28,000 square feet of space and provides adequate space for the present as well as room to grow.

In 1993, the company purchased two identical ambulances – Ford F350 chassis/Road Rescue units – to replace the 1986 and 1989 Ford ambulances. One of these units was purchased by and dedicated to the Auxiliary.

The fire company made quite a few purchases in 1995. A ¾-ton, 4-wheel drive Suburban was purchased, and a new Chevrolet Caprice replaced the 1989 Chief’s car. This year the membership decided that two pumpers were again needed to provide adequate fire coverage to the community, and a 1995 Spartan/Saulsbury pumper was purchased.

In 1999, the 1984 Dodge utility was replaced by a ¾-ton Chevrolet pickup, and one of the 1993 Ford/Road Rescue ambulances was replaced by a Ford F350 chassis/Life Line Paraliner body.

In 2000, the 1989 Hahn HCP was replaced by a 2000 Spartan/Saulsbury Engine/Tanker. This type of engine that could serve two purposes was considered necessary due to the lack of personnel available to respond to calls during the daytime. This engine features a “rear steer” option that assists the double-axle rear wheels in turning – an important feature when maneuvering the small streets and narrow corners in the town of Mount Airy.

The year 2001 marked a major milestone for the fire company – 75 years of service to the community. This milestone was celebrated with a formal gala held at the Turf Valley Country Club. The social hour and dinner was followed by a program that included recognition of past presidents and chiefs, the Auxiliary, and a memorial service honoring all past members. Dancing followed the program with music provided by Just Us. The evening ended with a champagne toast at midnight to commemorate the founding of the fire company. But 2001 wasn’t just for celebrating. In September 2001, a Ford F350 chassis/Horton Model Custom 453 Type I ambulance was delivered to replace the remaining 1993 Ford/Road Rescue ambulance. Also in 2001, the 1978 Mack Tanker/Pumper was sold since the 2000 Engine/Tanker was picking up the load. In 2001, the membership age to join the fire company was also lowered from 18 to 16. Most junior members at that age had completed all the training required to ride the apparatus, so by allowing them to join the fire company at this earlier age it provided some needed assistance to respond to calls as well as providing them with the opportunity to begin earning LOSAP points.

In 2002, the fire company decided to sponsor an annual Maryland State Firemen’s Association award – the C. Oscar Baker Rookie of the Year Award. This award commemorated Oscar’s 60 years of service to the fire company. Also, on June 30, the new fire house was dedicated to Oscar Baker in recognition of his many years of service to the Mt. Airy Volunteer Fire Company. In December 2002, after much debate, the fire company decided to discontinue the selection of Miss Mount Airy VFC Fire Prevention. After nearly 50 years of sponsoring this event and with many individuals going on to become Miss Carroll County Fire Prevention as well as the Maryland Fire Chief’s Queen or the Maryland State Firemen’s Association Queen, it was a tough decision to make.

In 2003, the membership expressed interest in purchasing a ladder truck, and a grant request for $375,000 was prepared and submitted, but was not approved. In August, the Archives Committee received the approval of the company to look into having Engine-1 refurbished again. This is expected to be a long-term project.

In 2004, a Ford Chassis/Horton Type III Model 553C ambulance was purchased to replace the 1999 Ford/Life Line ambulance.

In 2005, the company purchased two new units – a new brush truck (2005 Ford 1-ton pickup) to replace the 1968 Jeep and a new Life Support Unit (2005 Excursion) – as well as two new ambulances, which replaced the 2001 and 2004 ambulances.

In 2006, the 15-year-old kitchen in the station needed a face-lift, and the Company approved purchase of new cabinets and a solid surface countertop. On March 30, 2006, the Company approved purchase of a Spartan E-One ERV Rescue Pumper (to be known as Rescue 1). The Plymovent exhaust system was installed in the engine bays. Mt. Airy served as the host company for the 2006 Convention of the Carroll County Volunteer Emergency Services Association since Ricky Baker was serving as the President of the Association and Sharon Sidler was serving as President of the Auxiliary to the Association. A committee dubbed the 24/7 Committee studied the need to cover call response deficits by volunteers with additional paid personnel and recommended that full-time personnel be hired if the finances of the Company would support it. In June, the Company approved hiring eight full-time personnel and one Emergency Vehicle Operator/Driver. At the November 2, 2006, meeting, the Company approved dedicating the new rescue pumper to Travis Norwood.

A committee was appointed to look into the purchase of a ladder truck. The Company approved making the firehouse a tobacco-free building, excluding the engine bays. The age requirement for Junior members was lowered from 13 years to 12 years. Rescue 1 went into service in June, and the dedication to Travis Norwood was held on July 14. Doug Alexander was elected as 2nd Vice President of the Carroll County Volunteer Emergency Services Association. Squad 1, which was replaced by the Rescue Pumper, was sold to the Hampton Volunteer Fire Company in Virginia. A building access system using a key fob or an access card was installed to make the building more secure. A new thermal imaging camera was purchased to replace the one currently in service since the technology has vastly improved. President Bush visited Mt. Airy, and the fire company provided support as requested.

The "no smoking" ban in the firehouse was expanded to also include the engine bays. Nominated by the Mayor of Mount Airy, the Fire Company received a sterling silver plate as the recipient of the Maryland Governor's Volunteer Services Award. Doug Alexander was elected as 1st Vice President of the Carroll County Volunteer Emergency Services Association. Full-time staff began on August 18, 2008. The company approved the Ambulance Replacement Committee's recommendation to purchase two new ambulances and to keep Ambulance 19 as a reserve unit.

In 2007, a committee was again appointed to look into the purchase of a ladder truck. For 2 years that committee gathered information from other truck companies and brought in trucks for inspection by the company, resulting in a recommendation to the company in early 2009 to purchase a truck with a rear mount tower device, no pump and no tank, to be placed in service no sooner than January 2012. The vote to approve purchase of this truck was by written ballot and was defeated by a vote of 15 for and 30 against. Some of the key points that resulted in this defeat were issues concerning staffing of the truck and funding. The Company requested the Town Planning and Zoning Commission to consider a change in zoning for the carnival grounds. The two new ambulances were received and placed in service, along with the reserve ambulance. Doug Alexander was elected as President of the Carroll County Volunteer Emergency Services Association. Company decided to sell Utility 1 (the 1995 3/4 ton 4-wheel drive Chevrolet Suburban).

Three committees were established to replace Utility 1, the Tanker (1978 Mack Tanker/Pumper), and Engine 12 (1995 Spartan Saulsbury Pumper). The Company approved purchase of the tanker replacement from Four Guys on a Mack chassis. The Company approved purchase of the Engine 12 replacement with a Rosenbauer engine on a Spartan chassis with side compartment doors painted red. Still looking into a zoning change for the carnival grounds as the draft Master Plan currently under consideration does not address the fire company's issues. Company approved purchase of Utility 1 replacement with a Ford F350 diesel with 4-door crew cab, 6-foot bed, 4-wheel drive, snowplow, electric windows, extended warranty, and a Knapheide utility body with locking device.

The new Utility 1 was delivered in February but would not be placed in service until after the upfitting was completed (installation of lights, radios, etc.). In March, the Town Planning and Zoning Committee stated there will be no change to the carnival ground zoning. Company will look into next steps in this process. The Dalton Memorial Scholarship Fund was set up through the Community Foundation of Frederick County. This fund was set up by the Dalton family in memory of Charlie Dalton who was a Junior Member of the Junior Fire Company and was intended to be used by members to further their education. A proposal by the Brindlee Mountain Fire Apparatus Company to purchase both Engine 12 and Engine-Tanker 14 was approved by the Company, with a delivery date of March 1, 2012. The new Tanker was delivered on August 1 and placed in service on October 7. New Engine 12 was delivered on December 1. A new 2'9" x 9'11" monochrome sign was purchased to replace the sign on the carnival grounds.

The new Engine 12 went into service on February 13. Another letter was sent to the Town's Planning and Zoning Committee to request that the carnival grounds be zoned as Community-Commercial. Mortgage was paid off for the new firehouse and a mortgage burning ceremony was held on September 30 during the Carnival "Thank You" feed. A replacement for the station generator was purchased with partial funding coming from an $80,000 grant from the Baltimore Urban Area Security Initiative. The Company approved the replacement of Ambulance 19 with a 2013 International Terrastar chassis with a Horton 623 box and a cot to be determined by the operational officers. The committee decided to purchase a FERNO Power Cot. New front doors were installed in the engine bay area. Company approved the installation of a 24' by 120' pavilion-style building on the carnival grounds to replace the five tents used by vendors during the annual carnival.

Company approved purchase of a 2013 Chevrolet Suburban to be used as a command vehicle. The Planning and Zoning Committee again voted to deny a change in the zoning of the Carnival Grounds for the Master Plan. The issue will now be brought to the Town Council. Company approved sale of Car 1 (Chevrolet Tahoe) to Brandywine VFC. Company approved the replacement of all self-contained breathing apparatus, utilizing funding through a regional grant valued at $985,680. New ambulance 19 went into service on July 11, 2013. New Car 1 was also placed in service in July. Issues were discussed with the Town concerning the Frederick County fire tax for Mt. Airy citizens and what contribution should be coming to the MAVFC. An Activities Building Study Committee was appointed to look at what immediate repairs are needed, what future repairs are likely, and cost of building a new building. Discussions were initiated to determine the cost of professionally restoring Engine 1. Company approved replacing the roof on the Activities Building.

In the Town's draft Master Plan, the carnival grounds have been rezoned to Community/Commercial; however, the Town Council could still reject this rezoning. The Company approved purchase of a surveillance camera system for the carnival grounds. The President appointed a committee to handle the restoration of Engine 1. The Company approved purchase of a new frontline ambulance and decided not to own a third transport unit. The Company accepted a $10,000 offer from West Texas Ambulance Service-Alpine EMS for 2009 Ford E450 Horton Type III ambulance known as A-17. Medic 1 was placed in service. Dave Pyatt authored several editorials in the local newspapers and gathered approximately 500 signatures from town citizens that was presented to the Town Council concerning opposition to the rezoning of the carnival grounds. The President presented the Fire Company's position on this issue to the Town Council. After much discussion, the rezoning for the carnival grounds was included in the Town Master Plan. The Town Council will vote on Mt. Airy Town Ordnance 2014-17, which includes the rezoning of the carnival grounds, at their January 2015 meeting. The Company approved the purchase of a PL Custom unit with a Freightliner M2 chassis. The Company approved modifications to the men's shower room and the TV room.

The rezoning of the carnival grounds to Community Commercial was approved by the Town Council at their January meeting. The Company approved turning the meeting room over to the train garden to allow for modifications and improvements throughout the year instead of having to tear it down and put it up new each Christmas. The Fire Company helped the Auxiliary to celebrate their 75th anniversary by preparing and serving the meal for their annual banquet. The Company approved the restoration of Engine 1 by Swab Wagon Company. The Company approved purchase of a new 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe to replace Medic 1 and to reallocate Medic 1 to a duty/utility vehicle. A kitchen fire in the firehouse while all personnel were out on a call resulted in a complete renovation of the kitchen as well as other changes to ensure this doesn't happen again. Such changes include a Carroll County lockbox that will contain a grand master key and other appropriate keys as well as a short drill held after the September meeting for all members on how to properly shutdown various firehouse systems, such as the sprinkler system, electric, HVAC, and water. Ambulance 18 was sold to the West Texas Ambulance Service in Alpine, Texas. New Ambulance 18 went in service in October. Preliminary planning is under way for renovations to the Activities Building. The purchase of an ATV is under consideration. The Mt. Airy Rails to Trails will donate half of their proceeds from a basket bingo towards the cost of the ATV, and the Company is looking into other grants to cover the cost.

A graphic rendering and floor plan of an addition to the front of the Activities Building was presented to the Company. Bids have been solicited from six construction companies. The Company approved purchase of a new station alerting system. Mt. Airy Rails to Trails donated $3,000 towards the purchase of the ATV. The Company approved allowing the Treasurer to obtain a $750,000 line of credit loan with the bank to be used toward the renovation of the Activities Building. A committee was also appointed to work on redesigning the interior of the Activities Building. The Company approved the repair/replacement of ceiling and painting in the engine bays. The annual $5,000 scholarship donation from the Charles Dalton Fund will be used towards the purchase of the ATV this year as there were no scholarship candidates. Company approved purchase of a Polaris 6x6 ATV, a skid unit, and a trailer. The cost will be offset by the $3,000 donation from Rails to Trails, the $5,000 donation from the Charles Dalton Fund, and an additional grant of $3,500 from the Department of Natural Resources. This year the Mount Airy Lions Club decided not to hold their annual carnival, so the Fire Company decided to go ahead and honor the contract with Rosedale Amusements and hold a Community Carnival in addition to our regular annual carnival, but would have local businesses, vendors, and other service organizations provide the food and games. The Community Carnival was a successful fundraiser, bringing in over $17,000 to the Fire Company. The 4-County Lions Club notified the Fire Company that they would be interested in taking over the Community Carnival in coming years. Company approved renovation of the Activities Building by Pfaff Builders. The Company approved moving forward to purchase a new Freightliner ambulance from PL Custom to replace Ambulance 19. The Company approved coating the engine bay floor.

With the renovations being done on the Activities Building, the Company needed to look into improvements in marketing the building. Company approved hiring a marketer to develop a plan to market the newly renovated Activities Building. The Company approved building a structure over the MFRI door and the garage doors at the Activities Building, with MFRI covering $3,300 of the costs. With the completion of the renovation, the name of the Activities Building was changed to the MAVFC Reception Hall. The Company approved upgrades and painting on the outside of the Reception Hall. The last payment was made on Rescue 1. Funds from the Charles Dalton Fund ($5,000) went toward the ATV again this year. The Company approved purchase of six new back doors and four door openers for the engine bays. Old Ambulance 19 was sold to Global Emergency Vehicles. New Ambulance 19 went into service in July. The Company approved renovating the Reception Hall's kitchen by Pfaff Builders. The Board of Managers approved increasing the number of paid personnel to five positions, Monday - Friday from 0700 to 1700 hours, and four positions on weekends for 48 hours using part-time personnel with the intent of having an engine driver in station 24 hours each day. The Company approved the repair and repaving of the parking lots around the fire station by M. T. Laney.

A burst sprinkler head in the Reception Hall caused considerable damage. The Company approved repair of the damage by Cornerstone Construction, which was covered by insurance. The Company sent a letter to the Carroll County State delegates in support of the legislation to have the Commissioners administer and direct the delivery of the fire and emergency medical services in Carroll County. The County legislative delegation unanimously approved the proposal, and it was drafted into a bill and introduced during the legislative session. The Governor signed the bill in April. The restoration of Engine 1 was completed by Swab Wagon except for the new radiator, which has been a choke point for some time. Engine 1 was moved back to Mount Airy to await the completion of the radiator, which was finally completed and retrieved in June. Engine 1's first event was the carnival parade. Two new committees were appointed: one for purchase of an aerial device and another to determine the future of Rescue 1. Medic 1, which was approved to be replaced in 2015, was replaced with a 2018 Ford Interceptor from Hertrich Ford. The Company approved the purchase of a Power Load System on both ambulances. Governor Hogan visited the Mount Airy Volunteer Company on May 9. Fireworks had been an annual feature of the carnival for many years, but with the July 3 fireworks in Mount Airy and fireworks shows at neighboring carnivals, attendance has been waning. The Company approved doing away with fireworks at the 2019 carnival and instead booking an upscale band with a beer garden for Saturday night. The Company approved purchase of new Hurst hydraulic rescue tools from MES. The Company approved the replacement of the rain gutters with new 7 inch seamless gutters on the firehouse. Utility 1-1was sold to Buckman & Company. New Medic 1 went into service in November, and the old medic unit became Utility 1-1.

The Company voted to no longer have the Turkey, Ham, and Oyster dinners. Company approved purchase of an E-One Cyclone II HR100 Aluminum Aerial Ladder Truck with a Cummins ISX engine. Patriot Fire will be the dealer. Cost - $1,024,536 (includes three trips to Florida). Committee also recommends an additional $60,000 for any change orders and equipment mounting costs as well as another $50,000 for purchase of any additional miscellaneous equipment, bringing the total cost to $1,134,536.00. There will be a 16-month build-out time frame from the date the contract is signed. Final paperwork for the truck was signed in July, with a proposed delivery date of June 2020. The carnival this year was not plagued by rainy weather. While the first night started out with a tornado warning and torrential downpours, the rest of the week was beautiful. The decision to have the Amish Outlaws on Saturday night with a beer garden was a great success, leading to a decision to book the Amish Outlaws again next year if they are available with another beer garden. The maximum points to be earned for LOSAP each year was increased in three categories: Incident Responses increased to a maximum of 30 points, Training increased to a maximum of 35 points, and Collateral/Fundraising increased to a maximum of 40 points.

The Company went under extreme changes to respond to emergency incidents due to the COVID-19 guidelines in March 2020.  All of our fundraising efforts were cancelled.  This was the first time since WWII that there was no Fire Company carnival.

In 2021, Truck 1 was placed in service.  This was a new special service that we provided to the Mt. Airy Community and the 4-County area.

As COVID-19 restrictions started to ease in 2022, the annual carnival returned and other fundraisers were back.  We were alerted to over 2400 emergency incidents which is the most that we have ever responded to.