Protectors Of The Ridge Traditional Geocache

The first meeting of the Rocky Ridge Volunteer Fire Company was on May 9, 1949, with Marshall Fishpaw as President. Elections of officers at the first meeting were: President-Leslie Fox, Secretary-Floyd Wetzel, Treasurer-Luther Stambaugh. First order of business of the company was to refund a bill to Ray Valentine for materials at the water pond. Also it was voted to take the light company into the fire company, now being organized.

A community meeting was held in April 1950 by President Leslie Fox. It was decided to have the fire company take over the pond and the streetlights. The newly founded fire company accepted the hall from the Rocky Ridge Hall Association. The Hall was located on Longs Mill Road just south of the square in Rocky Ridge. It was then agreed that any organization within the limits of Rocky Ridge should have the use of the hall for any purpose, free of charge. In May of 1950 the dues for the fire company were $1.00. The first seven directors of the company were: James Sixx, Charles Mumma, Oscar Saylor, Charles Troxell, Howard Miller, Roy Dinterman, and Luther Stambaugh. The regular monthly meetings would be the first Friday of each month. A well was being dug and an addition was being added to the kitchen. For fund raising they had card parties and a two-day festival. A fence was put around the fire pond. Mr. H. L. Stambaugh installed the fence and the fire company paid half of the cost.

The gross income for 1950 was $359.94. In 1951 the company had one call and it was the sliding board in Mt. Tabor Park. The company was on the scene for 7 ½ hours. Fundraisers included card parties, two-day festivals, running a stand for the Hank Snow show and a supper. In March of 1951, was the first talk of buying the Model A Ford engine from Vigilant Hose Company for $1000.00.
Gross income for 1951 was $4550.62. Rocky Ridge became a member of the Maryland State Fireman’s Association in 1952. A building was needed for the engine and Mr. and Mrs. William Martin sold land to the company. Leon Stover and Roy Dinterman would build the engine room. The company purchased equipment for the engine: 200’ of 2 ½” hose, 200’ of 1 ½” hose, 2- 1 ½” combo nozzles, and a Gated Y for the price of $764.30. Fundraisers included: card parties, suppers with the prices of $1. for adults and $.60 for children, Ernest Tubb Show and Hank Snow Show. It was decided to have a supper, the last Saturday in September to help with the cost of maintaining the street lights. A convalescent fund was started for members and wives. Each member would give a penny for every year old he is on his birthday.

Most fire calls were verbal calls. In 1953 there were six calls and all were verbal except for one. Fundraisers included: card parties, two-day festivals, and a supper. First fire company banquet was to be held in November, the second Tuesday and every year after this until 1990 and then the banquet was changed to the fourth Thursday in January. The fire company would go to church as a body in November and every year after that until 1988 when there was a lack of interest to go.
In 1954, the company had its first barn fire at the residence of Roy Valentine. The length of the call was 7 ¾ hours. Fundraisers in 1954 were penny bingo, and two suppers, with the prices of $1.25 for adults and $.65 for children. The company paid off the Model A Ford Engine. In July, the company lost their first member- Victor Sharrer.

A new fire engine was purchased in 1955. A Dodge truck equipped with American Fire Apparatus body, 400-gallon booster tank and a 500 GPM front mount pump. Purchases for the new fire engine included: 400’ of 2 ½” hose, 50’ of 1 ½” hose, 2 ½” double male, 2 ½” double female, 2 ½” stacked tip nozzle, 2- all service gas mask, 4 hose straps, 1 salvage cover, 4 brooms, 4-12qt buckets, 2 hatchets, and 1 shovel for the total cost of $1175.00. There was an open house in June so everyone could see the new truck, and a group picture was taken with the new engine. The first fire fighting class was completed in April, with the following firefighters attending: Charles Mumma, John Kaas, John Hahn, Howard Miller, Donald Fisher, and Ralph Keilholtz-Instructor. In September, a basic fire training class started and continued for 20 weeks with the following people attending: Ray Etheridge, Leon Stover, James Sixx, Ernest Staub, Ernest Staub Jr., Ken Mumma, George Fisher, Dee Saylor, John Hahn, Howard Miller, Grayson Clem, John Eigenbrode, Ken Mathias, Charles Mumma, John Kaas, J Welty, Robert Albaugh, C Smith, W Kaas, A Stambaugh, Carl Smith, and Calvin Staub. Mr. Carmack was the instructor. Fundraisers for the year were a supper and a carnival with a parade and also the company sponsored a donkey ball game. The Pastorette family donated a piano to the company. The phone company had a system completed and they had given our stamps to the community with the correct phone number to call incase of fire. In August, the fire company hosted the Frederick County Fireman’s Convention for the first time with Charles Mumma presiding. There were eight calls in 1955, one of which was at the residence of Raymond Albaugh, for a fire at his house and surrounding buildings, where the company was on the scene for 14 hours.
In 1956 there were 24 calls, 18 of them were drills. In December, a barn fire was set by children near St. Anthony’s. Fundraisers included: card parties, penny bingo, two suppers, a carnival, fund drive and a donkey ballgame.

The fire police was organized in 1957. Fundraisers were a carnival, suppers, card parties, fund drive and bingo. The company had five calls with a property loss of $25.

In 1958 there were eight calls with a property loss of $5400.00. The fire company had two suppers with the price of $1.50 adults and $.65 for children. Also as fundraisers were a carnival and a fund drive.

Fundraisers in 1959 were two suppers, a donkey ballgame, and a carnival. There was a total of eight calls, one of which was a stolen 57 Hudson owned by B Overstreet. It was stolen and set on fire. The company had a fire loss of $2325.00.
In 1960 there were no fire calls. Fundraisers included: a carnival, two suppers, a donkey ballgame, and Don Owens and his Blue Grass Champs Show and fund drive.

In 1961 the company had five calls with a fire loss of $2000.00. Fundraisers were: suppers, fund drive and a carnival.
A change was made in the by-laws in 1962. The member’s dues needed to be paid between January 1 and March 31 or they would be dropped from the list of members. Fundraisers included: a carnival, suppers, fund drive, and a donkey ballgame. There were three calls with a property loss of $3625.00. One firefighter was treated for burns on a storage building fire in April. The firefighter was Roger Clem.
In 1963 the fire company decided to have bingo every Saturday night with the ladies and go 50/50 with the profits. The bingo would start in the fall and go into winter. Other fundraisers included suppers, fund drive, and a carnival. There were 10 calls with a loss of $3070.00.
In October of 1964, the company purchased property from Mrs. Newton Sharrer consisting of a house sitting on 1-½ acres on Motters Station Road just north of the square. The company planned to rent the house and then planned to build a new firehall on the property. The company had 12 calls this year with a loss of $27,510.00. Fundraisers for the year included a fund drive, a supper, and a carnival. Also the company had their first butchering. They butchered four hogs and sold the meat for these prices: Roast $.50, Sausage $.50 Sirloin & Fish $1., Backbone $.50, Pudding $.40, Scrapple $.25, Ribs $.40, Lard $.10 plus cost of can. The profit from the butchering was $1000.17.
The new firehall was started in October of 1965. The company had rented the house for $50.00 a month. Fundraisers included a carnival, fund drive, a butchering, suppers, and bingo. There were nine calls, eight house fires and one field fire, with a loss of $12,500.00.
Dedication of the new hall was on October 23, 1966. Congressman Charles McMathias and the State Comptroller Louis Goldstein made presentation of the U.S.A. flag and Maryland flag respectively. James R Sixx, chairman of the building committee, made the presentation of the building keys to President Charles W Mumma. Other members of the committee were: John D Kaas, Ernest Staub Sr., Kenneth Mathias, Ralph Baker, and Wayne Williar. The old firehall was sold for $7000.00. Fundraisers were fund drive, butcherings, a carnival, suppers-prices of $1.75 for adults and $1.00 for children, and bingo. There were 24 calls with a loss of $24,650.00. On October 18, they were host to the 32nd Annual Frederick County Volunteer Fireman’s Association with Charles Mumma presiding.
Fundraisers in 1967 consist of a community sale, suppers, butcherings, a carnival, Martha Carson Show, Happy Johnny Show, Jeanne Sheppard Show, and a turkey shoot. There were 14 calls with a property loss of $20,405.00.

In 1968 the third pumper was purchased, a 1950 Dodge equipped with an American Fire Apparatus body, a 500-gallon booster tank, and a 500 GPM midship pump. The company had their first farm accident with Karl Smith pulling a disc harrow out of the mud and the tractor overturned on him. Also on Christmas Day, there was a house fire from an overheated pipe and chimney that left the Dudderar family homeless. The company was on the scene for 4 ½ hours; it was so cold, that everything was freezing up. The company had property loss of $12,735.00 in 1968. Fundraisers were butcherings, fund drive, a carnival, suppers with prices of $2.00 for adults and $1.00 for children, a community sale, bingo, 50/50 club, a turkey shoot, and a turkey and ham shoot.

In June of 1969, a memorial fund was started for Mr. and Mrs. Weybright. Mr. Weybright was the chaplain of the company for 18 years. The memorial fund would be used to build a trophy case, hat and coat racks, a desk and bulletin board in the entrance of the new firehall. The fourth piece of equipment was put into service in the spring, a 1955 Dodge tank truck. Fundraisers for the year were butcherings, a public auction, carnival- a motion was made and past to have an auction on one of the nights at the carnival, which lasted until 1991, bingo, a skating party, suppers, fund drive, 100 club, and turkey shoots. Children were playing with matches and burnt down a shed at the residence of George Moser, this is just one of the 17 calls that the company had in 1969. The property loss was $40, 700.00.
There were 33 calls in 1970 with a property loss of $5610.00. One of the calls included an attempted suicide where the owner set his house on fire. Other calls included: six false alarms, and a fatal accident on Rt. 77 one-mile west of the square. Fundraisers included: a fund drive, a carnival-motion was made and passed to have a shot gun wedding play at the carnival on Monday night, suppers-prices $2.25 for adults and $1.00 for children, turkey shoots, bingo, a community sale, a skating party, 100 club-which is called the Double R club now, and butcherings.

In 1971 there were 21 calls with a property loss of $11,650.00. Some of the fire calls included a garage fire, two false alarms, a house trailer fire on Longs Mill Road, barn fire at Roland Smith’s residence, and two fatal accidents-bike and car on Longs Mill Road and child and car on Rt.77. Fundraisers for the year were a fund drive, suppers, turkey shoots, butcherings, consignment sales, and bingo. For other enjoyment through the fire company, a hook up contest was being sponsored by New Midway Volunteer Fire Company, and the Rocky Ridge Volunteer Fire company participated. They took fourth place in the contest. A slow pitch softball team was organized, but they only won three games. A 10 horsepower 3-phrase house siren was ordered in December. Additional wiring and another pole was installed and was in service by March of 1972.

The softball team did better in 1972; they tied for first place but lost in the play-offs. The company had nine calls with a loss of $4450.00. The company helped with the flood in Detour with a total of 62 ½ hours of service, three hours on a house fire on Bollinger Road at the Vernon Hines residence where lightning had struck a bed in the back bedroom, a barn fire at Mrs. Ray Dinterman, and an accident on Motters Station Road. The junior fire company was organized in June. The company began to sponsor a Halloween Party for the community of Rocky Ridge. It was accepted favorably by everyone for the safety of the children and is still being sponsored as of now. Fundraisers for the year were: a fund drive, butcherings, consignment sales, suppers, skating parties, bingo and the Double R Club.
In March of 1973, the company voted to purchase a Barton American Pumper which would be delivered in 1974. A Louisville Ford truck chassis was ordered from Sperry Ford of Emmitsburg in October but was unable to be delivered so plans were made to purchase a chassis from Grimes Truck Center of Frederick, to be delivered in 1974. The company had 15 calls with a loss of $2600.00. Calls included a barn fire at Charles Heims residence on New Cut Road. The cause of fire was a light bulb in the hay. Other calls were a three hour pasture fire at Amos Flohr residence because light wires were down, a garage fire at Stambaugh’s due to an explosion, and lightning had struck the barn floor of Roland Smith’s farm. The softball team was in first place this year. Fundraisers were: consignment sales, suppers, a carnival-six day carnival with a majorette parade on Saturday, fund drive, and bingo.

The new Barton American midship pumper was placed in service in October of 1974. The company decided in November to sell the 1950 white dodge fire truck and put a new tank on the red Dodge truck. In December of 1974, the truck committee recommended the purchase of a new 1975 International truck for under the tank, all agreed to buy the chassis. The Ladies Auxiliary of the fire company paid off the old mortgage. The company entered a hookup contest at Emmitsburg in May. The softball team was in first place, but lost in the playoffs. Fundraisers in 1974 were: butcherings, consignment sales, a fund drive, suppers, a carnival-there would be no Thursday night parade, only a majorette parade on Saturday. The parade committee wanted to present a memorial trophy in memory of James Sixx who passed away in May. There were a total of 21 calls with a loss of $1900.00. Calls included: a barn fire at Russell Seiss’; which was arson, a barn fire at Jay Longs, a house fire at Keefer Lewis’ which was arson, a house fire at Larry Fraley’s and a fatal accident on Rt.77- ½ mile east of Detour.

In 1975 there were 22 calls with a property loss of $14,000.00. In March the train set fire to fields at Old Mill Road, Loys Station, Myers Road, and Rt. 76, arson at a building at Baltimore Brick Co, a barn fire at James Fritz’s residence, and water rescues at Grimes Road and Toms Creek, Pike Creek in Detour, and Forest and Stream Club Road, on Christmas Day there was a shed fire at the Charles Heims’ residence. The ball team came in second place. Fundraisers for 1975 were a fund drive, butcherings, consignment sales, and suppers.

In June of 1976, the company purchased a 1964 Chevy Brush truck from Clarksville. The rental house was taken down by the fire company and was finished by August. Fundraisers included: butcherings, a carnival-no parade, a fund drive, and suppers. Fire calls consists of 33 calls with a loss of $6500.00. Children playing with matches caused a barn fire at John Wivell’s farm on Keysville Road, a fatal accident on Rt.77-car into a tree, injured 3 and 1 DOA, one false alarm, a water rescue at the Covered Bridge on Old Frederick Road, a house fire on Old Mill Road, and a field fire on Motters Station Road.

In 1977, there were 32 calls with 0-property loss. There is no longer a junior fire company because there are no new members. Ball team was in first place. In December, the company purchased a 1967 Ford pickup truck to use as a utility truck. Fundraisers were a fund drive, butcherings, a carnival-a motion was passed to play for money at bingo instead of prizes, and consignment sales.

In September of 1978, a motion was made and passed to buy a GMC 750 GPM pumper as proposed by the truck committee, less extinguishers and booster hose, for the sum of $44,099.00. The $3500.00 note on the 1974 International truck was paid off at this time. The new truck arrived from Emergency One in December. The company purchased three smokeaters on a trial basis and the company still has the smokeaters. Thurmont hosted a field day and Rocky Ridge team #1 won the bucket brigade, and team #2 won the pole bucket. The ball team won the Northern Division and came in second place in the playoffs. There were 37 calls with a loss of $85,700.00. The company spent eight hours in Detour for a flood, a 12 hour call at a house fire on Mumma Ford Road caused by a refrigerator, and a broken leg in a snow storm at Roland Smith’s. Fundraisers for the year included consignment sales, suppers-prices $4.00 for adults and $2.00 for children, butchering, carnival and a fund drive. The Rocky Ridge Volunteer Fire Company was awarded the Clinton Hughes Memorial Trophy in August for the most outstanding fire prevention activities that year in Frederick County. This award was also awarded again in 1981 to the company.

In 1979 there were 37 calls. Some of the calls were a roller upset on a construction worker at the new bridge on Longs Mill Road, a house fire on Longs Mill Road, a house fire on Rt. 77, and a barn fire at Mr. Fuss’. Fundraising activities included: consignment sales, suppers, carnival, and a fund drive. There was no ball team this year. Linda Albaugh, daughter of Robert and Nancy Albaugh, was chosen for Fire Prevention Queen. After the regular monthly meeting in October, a surprise party was help to honor President Charles W Mumma for his 25 years of service to the Rocky Ridge Volunteer Fire Company. He was presented a new gold watch, and an enlarged photograph of him commemorating this occasion and was placed on the wall of the dining room with the other honor plaques.
In 1980, Linda Albaugh, Fire Prevention Queen rode on Engine 134 in the convention parade in Ocean City. The truck won a trophy for coming the longest distance for the state convention parade. The company had 68 calls with a loss of $31,900.00. Some of the calls were: a basement fire on New Cut Road, a body shop fire on Rt. 77, a paint shop fire at Rt. 77, and a train derailment in Detour. The fundraisers for 1980 consist of butcherings, fund drive, a carnival, consignment sales and suppers. On August 7th Rocky Ridge hosted the 46th Annual Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Convention with Robert Mumma presiding. The junior fire company was reorganized again. There was a field day in Walkersville in May and the company came in second place in the hookup contest and first and second place in the bucket brigade. There was a hookup contest in September at Emmitsburg, and the company took first place.
Fundraisers in 1981 included: a fund drive, consignment sales, suppers-prices $4.50 for adults and $2.50 for children, and a carnival. There were 58 calls, property loss of $3200.00. Some of the calls were an accident on Rt. 77 which four people were injured, a fatal accident on Rt.76 and Mumma Ford Road, and a fatal accident on Rt.77 and Old Frederick Road. Rocky Ridge Volunteer Fire Company was awarded the Maryland Agricultural Safety and Health Award in 1981 and 1982.

In 1982 there were 69 calls with a loss of $33,100.00. Some of the calls consist of a house fire at the residence of James Saylor on Mumma Ford Road, and a six-hour call at Joe Wivell’s farm for a silo fire. Fundraising events for 1982 included butcherings, consignment sales, a carnival, fund drive-a motion was passed to send our mail back envelopes for next years fund drive, suppers-prices for October’s supper was $5.00 for adults and $2.50 for children. The company also sold fried country ham sandwiches at the MT. Tabor Park during the colorfest weekend and has continued to the present time. The central alarm’s 911 system went into effect in August.

The Mumma family donated land in 1983 for a new pond on the west side of town. The pond was completed by September. In 1983, a Ford F-150 Horton Ambulance was purchased for Special Unit 13 from Silver Springs Fire Company and was in service in July. The company had 91 calls but only $1000.00 loss. Some of the calls consisted of a house fire on Motters Station Road where two firefighters were injured-one for a burn on the leg, and the other one for a cut on his face, a house fire on Longs Mill Road where children playing with matches set clothes on fire on the attic floor, and hot wires. Fundraisers for the year were: consignment sales, fund drive, a carnival and suppers. There was a field day held in Lewistown in May and the company won the bucket brigade.

In 1984 the Ladies Auxiliary was voted into the fire company. The company had 95 calls with a loss of $16,400.00. Calls consist of an 8 ½ hour call for a barn fire at Old Frederick Road, a 6 ½ hour call for a barn fire at Shyrock Mill Road and old Frederick Road, a broken hip on Longs Mill Road, a 1981 Cadillac car fire on Myers Road, and a storage shed fire at Joe Wivell’s farm. The fundraisers for the year included a butchering, a fund drive, suppers-prices in October to be $5.50 for adults and $3.00 for children, a carnival, and consignment sales. A field day activity was in May and the company received an Overall Participation Trophy. The company had some unfortunate legal problems, which began in March and continued into 1988.

1985 fires consist of a 8 ½ hour call for a house fire on Mumma Ford Road, a house fire on Longs Mill Road, barn fire on Haugh’s Church Road, a 12 ½ hour barn fire call at Mr. Fuss’ barn, and the company had their first fatal fire which was a house fire on Motters Station Road. The company had 109 calls and loss was $55,500.00. Fundraisers activities included a carnival, fund drive, consignment sales, butcherings, and suppers-prices in October were $6.00 for adults and $3.00 for children.

In 1986, the company had 107 calls with only $100.00 property loss. The biggest fire of the year was Hokes Furniture store, it was a 17-hour call. Fundraisers for 1986 were: butcherings, fund drives, suppers, consignment sales and a carnival.

The company had 85 calls in 1987 with a property loss of $12,800.00. A building fire in Detour was one of the calls. A truck committee was appointed to look into a new fire truck. Fundraiser activities included a fund drive, butcherings, a breakfast, suppers, consignment sales, a carnival and bingo to start again in October.

In 1988 the company voted to purchase a new pumper from West Potomac Fire equipment in Williamsport. The new engine will be a custom built cab and body with a 1200 GPM midship pump, 6v92 Detroit engine, 1000-gallon booster tank at a cost of around $170,000.00. The company voted not to have suppers. There were 112 calls with a property loss of $4500.00. Some of the calls were: a fire at the Woodsboro American Legion, a fatal shooting on Motters Station Road, a fatal shooting on Rt. 77 and a fatal accident on Rt. 77 at the Baltimore Brick Company. Fundraisers included a carnival, fund drive, butcherings and breakfasts, consignment sales and bingo.
The price of the new engine will be $172,360.50. There were 71 calls with $9000.00 loss for the year. Some of the calls were: an arson barn fire on Motters Station Road, barn fire in Carroll County which lasted for 12 ½ hours, and a trash fire at Loys Station Park. The fundraisers for the year included: butcherings and breakfasts, consignment sales, bingo, carnival and a fund drive. A motion was passed in 1989 to start the Charles Mumma Firefighter of the Year Award.

There were 87 calls in 1990 with a property loss of $230,100.00. Some of the calls were: a house fire on Longs Mill Road, a grain elevator fire, and on Thanksgiving evening there was a house fire on Warner Road. Fundraiser activities for the year were consignment sales, fund drive, butcherings and breakfasts, a carnival and bingo. The new engine was placed in service in June. The company voted to rehab Engine 134 for a cost of $60,000.00 to $65,000.00. The rehab took place at Heildersburg, Lady, and Taylor Pennsylvania Fire Apparatus. The company also voted to purchase a Collin Ambulance from West Potomac Fire Apparatus in Williamsport for Special Unit 13 for $10,500.00. The Briggs Library was given to the fire company and the officers of the company would be the officers of the Library. In December, the company had portable radios stolen from the engine when it was parked outside. Central Alarm was able to help the fire company find out that it was two students from Mt. St. Marys College. Both students were sentenced to three years probation and a fine.
In 1991, the postal service closed our post office. The company decided to rent the meeting room to the postal service for no money. The postal service came back with a rental figure of $1 a year for a five-year contract. The company agreed. The post office dedication was on December 16th. The new unit for Special Unit 13 was placed in service in February and the company voted to buy a car from the sheriff’s department for a chief’s car. The company had 118 calls with a property loss of $123,000.00. One of the most upsetting fire calls was on June 27th with a truck set on fire inside the covered bridge on Old Frederick Road. The fundraisers for the year consist of butchering and breakfasts, a fund drive, and a carnival.

The company purchased a 1990 Ford four-wheel drive pickup for $9800.00 for the utility truck in 1992. The company ran 126 calls with a loss of $82,550.00. Some of the calls were: a suicide on Legore Bridge, and a fatal accident on Rt.550 in Creagerstown. Fundraisers for the year were a carnival with no auction, butchering and breakfasts, and a fund drive.

The blizzard of 1993 took its toll on fire calls, the company had a diabetic call where the ambulance crew came on snowmobiles, and then the company had to watch a house burn down, because the road was blocked and the engines could not get there. The company ran 111 calls with a property loss of $76,500.00. Some of the other calls that was ran in the year were a barn fire, a serious motorcycle accident on Motters Station Road, a lawn tractor fire on Longs Mill Road (wonder where that was Robert Albaugh), and a fatal pedestrian struck. The company voted to have a parade this year at our carnival. Other fundraisers included a gun raffle, a fund drive, butchering and breakfasts, and bingo.

The company purchased land in 1994 from the Church of the Brethren to build a new fire hall. The land is on Motters Station Road just north of the present fire station. The cost of the land was $35,500.00. The company had 135 calls with a property loss of $176,125.00. The calls included a house fire, which the company was at for 10 hours, and an eight-hour barn fire. Fundraisers for the year were bingo, a fund drive, a carnival, butchering and breakfasts, and gun raffles. The covered bridge at Loys Station was dedicated on June 25. The fire hall was repainted on the inside and a new ceiling was put in along with new lights.

In 1995, there were a total of 137 calls with only $750.00 property loss. Two of the calls for the year were a farm accident where a victim was caught in a corn picker and a mutual aid call to Carroll County with a house fire. Fundraising activities for the year consist of a fund drive, bingo, a carnival, gun raffles, butchering and breakfasts. The company will purchase a Morton building for the new hall, the engine room will be 90 X 81 and the office area will be 30 X 102. The area comes to about 10,350 square feet. The price for the Morton building for the new fire hall was $255,000.00. The building committee consists of: Robert Mumma-Chairman, Barry Burrier, Ralph Baker, Danny Whetzel, Larry Eyler, Steve Whetzel, Robert Albaugh, Ronnie Eyler, Paul Eyler, Paulette Mathias, and John Hart.

1996 had 156 calls with a property loss of $130,000.00. It started out with building collapses due to heavy snow; the first one was on Oak Hill Road at Glen Eaves farm. The company was there for 17 ½ hours, there were cattle trapped underneath the roof. The other collapses happened on Haugh’s Church Road, Mud College Road, Old Frederick Road, Frushour Road, Sixes Bridge Road, and Bollinger Road, then came pumping basements when the snow began to melt. Also with the melting snow, came overflowing creeks where the company had to rescue cattle on Sixes Road. The year did not end any better, with a barn fire, which was arson on Motters Station Road, and on Christmas day there was a house fire on Rocky Ridge Road. Fundraisers for the year were a fund drive, a carnival, bingo, gun raffles, butchering and breakfasts. The new fire hall was finished on the outside by May, now the inside needed to be completed.

Mr. Charles Brauer was given a special presentation in January of 1997 for his continued support and 30 years of service as the company’s chaplain. The dedication of the new fire hall was on May 25, 1997. The total cost of the building was around $570,000.00. Fundraisers for the year included a fund drive, bingo, a carnival, butchering and breakfasts, and gun raffles. The company had 135 calls some of those calls were a barn fire, and an injured person from a fall on Motters Station Road.

Fundraisers for 1998 included: butchering and breakfasts, a carnival, gun raffles, a tool raffle, fund drive, and bingo. The company voted to continue to have parades during our carnival. A motion was passed to be able to sell T-shirts, hats, patches or any other item that have our name on them, to non-members. The company ran 173 calls and the property loss was $8000.00. Honor member this year was Betty L Mumma and Honorary Member was Bruce Reeder.

Our fifty-year celebration started off with our banquet on January 28, 1999. We gave the souvenir booklets, mugs, and pocket calendars away at the banquet. We had around 216 people there. The banner was displayed inside the fire hall, and we set up another little display at the back of the fire hall. It was a fun and exciting year. We had T-shirts, golf shirts, and sweatshirts made up with the old fire station and the model A and the new fire station and Engine 132 on the back. The banner that was on display was a picture of the Model A Ford with 50th anniversary and 1949-1999 dates on. In February, at the breakfast, we gave away coasters, and pocket calendars. In March, we had a special banquet for our members and their spouses. The banquet was to honor the spouses for allowing the members to donate their time at the fire company. The ladies all received corsages. The 4-H group served the meal for us and they did a fantastic job. In April, the ladies auxiliary had a basket bingo and the 50th anniversary committee donated a two-pie server with the large mixing bowl for a special game at the bingo. On the last night of bingo in April will gave away mugs, key lights, and pens. On May 9th, we had our open house celebration. We gave away booklets, mugs, balloons, pens, pencils, key lights, and fire hats for children. We had Smokey the Bear and Sparky the firedog. There were 265 people to sign the guest book. In May also we had the Frederick County Fireman’s Association Meeting and we gave away coasters, key lights, and mugs. In August, at our carnival, we gave away pencils and re-acted the skit for the mock wedding that they used to do. Bride-Robert Albaugh, Groom-Luke Humerick, Maid of Honor-Robert Eyler, Best Man-Tom Myerly, Flower Girl-Melvin Troxell, Ring Bearer-John Treadway, Father of the Bride-Alan Hurley. In September at the community show, the company was honored, 13 members were given awards at the show. We had a booth set up and gave away Kool cups, booklets, pens, pencils, balloons and fire hats. At the gun raffle in September, we gave away mugs and pencils. In October for the Halloween party, we gave trick or treat bags, coloring books, and crayons. At the Ridgefest we gave away Band-Aid dispensers, fire prevention items and Vials of Life. At the November breakfasts, we gave away coasters, kool cups, booklets, pens, pencils, crayons and coloring books. At the last night of bingo before Christmas break, we gave tote bags and kool cups to the ladies and hats and kool cups to the men. We also kept track of our most active member for the “50th year” Anniversary, excluding the committee members, and that member was Charles Riggs. He will be given his award on our banquet night of January 27,2000. The 50th Anniversary committee consisted of: Bonny Hurley- co-chairman, Linda Northrup-co-chairman, Robert Albaugh, Kevin Albaugh, Alan Brauer Sr., Robert Eyler, Larry Humerick, Alan Hurley, Bob Kaas, Leonard King, Tom Myerly, John Treadway, and Melvin Troxell. The company ran 171calls with no property loss. 
Fundraising events included a fund drive, a carnival, bingo, gun raffles, butchering and breakfasts.

The Millimuem Year-2000- we lost six members this year. Mr. Murray Eyler in January. Mr. Albert Tabler in April. Albert was very active for a long time in our company, he was our auctioneer at the sales, he helped to fry oysters and chicken for our suppers and he loved the children around the fire hall, he always had a great time with them. Mr. Robert Albaugh in April. Robert was also very active in the company for many years, the fire company was his life, and he was willing to do anything to have the company succeed. Mr. Kenneth Mumma in June. Kenneth was a man of few words, a quite gentle person. He also was very active in the company. He had many offices while in the company and was an asset to our company. Mr. Robert Ogle in August. Everyone called him “Mikey”. Bob used to take care of our butcherings and he always enjoyed them. He was a person that didn’t beat around the bush, he told you what he thought. He was a fair person and treated everyone with respect. Mr. Vernon Horn in October. Vernon used to be the postmaster in Rocky Ridge. He helped whenever he could at our functions. The company has suffered a great loss and these men will be greatly missed.

The company ran 166 calls with a property loss of $1100. Fundraisers for the year were bingo, carnival, gun raffles, butcherings, breakfast and fund drive. In December, renovations to the activities building were started. The handicapped bathrooms are being installed and the overhead doors were being removed. This year we took Santa around on the fire truck and checked out the smoke detectors and installed some if they were needed. It was voted on at the December’s meeting to start Bingo the first Saturday in November next year instead of October.

In January of 2001, the renovations were completed on the new bathrooms and the overhead doors. New windows were replaced by Jim Hackett’s company-Aspen Window Service in October. Fundraisers for the year were: bingo, carnival, gun raffles, butcherings and breakfasts and the annual fund drive. 

The company lost two members this year, Naomi Baker in November and Carrollton (Toot) Houck in December.
The company ran 180 calls with property loss of $67,500.00.
Santa and Mrs. Claus were a success this year. We sent out flyers in November, but did not have a good response. We went to everyone house that had children that we knew of and we visited 122 children. One Sunday we went to the Village Store and visited with the children in Detour.

At the Director and Line Officer’s meeting in January of 2002, it was voted on to send out acknowledgement cards for donations to the Fire Company with the exception of the annual fund drive. The Assistant Secretary will handle this responsibility. There was some discussion about the rental of the hall. There were some problems with outsiders renting the hall, so it was voted on and only the members of the Fire Company and the people in the community are allowed to rent out the activities building. There were changes made for the award for the Honor Member and the Charles Mumma Award. The members that are already Honor Members will be the committee for the Honor Member Award each year and the members that have received the Charles Mumma Award, will be the committee for the Charles Mumma Award. With the memorial funds, we had showcases made for the trophies for our meeting room. On May 19th we had an Open House to dedicate these showcases. We had blood pressure screening, fingerprint sets for the children from the Sheriff’s Office, Whale program and door prizes and Smokey the Bear was there for a visit. There was an extrication demonstration and a lot of fire prevention items for the children. Fundraising activities this year included Bingo, carnival, fund drive, gun raffles, butchering and breakfast. Santa detail happened in December and we saw 117 children, gave away four smoke detectors and 2 batteries. We made bags up with coloring books, crayons, balloons, fire prevention items, pencils, erasers, and candy. We gave fire hats, and stuff toys away also. The fire company ran 136 calls and we had a property loss of $67,000.00.

2003- The company ran 137 calls and had no fire loss for the year. Fund raisers for the year included Bingo, carnival, fund drive, gun raffles, butchering and breakfast. Santa detail happened again in December and we saw about 175 children, gave away bags with coloring books, slinkys, crayons, balloons, fire prevention items, pencils erasers and candy. This year we paid off the mortgage to the new fire station. We also ordered a new engine/tanker. It should be delivered in late February or early March. The total cost of the new truck was $454,000.00.

2004- The engine/tanker was delivered in March; it was placed in service on April 16, 2004 at 9:15 pm. It is a 2004 Pierce Lance pumper, 8 man cab, has 2000 gal water tank, a 1500 GPM pump, carries 1200’ of 5” hose and has a 30 gals of compressed air foam system it will be known as engine/tanker 134.We lost a special member –Melvin Troxell. He passed away suddenly and he will be greatly missed. We had 129 calls this year and had a property loss of 310,500.00. Fund raisers included: Bingo, carnival, fund drive, gun raffles, butchering and breakfasts, and a car show. Santa came around again in December, he saw 97 children, gave away bags with coloring books, little footballs, bubbles, crayons, fire prevention items, candy, fire hats, and candy canes.

We loss two members in the year of 2005: Ralph Baker and Daniel Kaas, both of these men will be missed. We had 160 calls this year with only a property loss of $2000.00. Fund raisers were bingo, carnival, fund drive, gun raffles, Dale Earnhart gun raffle, butchering and breakfasts, and a car show. Santa did not go around this year on the fire engine, but fire prevention committee had a Santa’s workshop in December. In the activities building, air conditioners were installed in the new windows, fan was put up, and a new floor was put down. In the spring of 2006 the black top will be replaced.

2006-We had 170 calls with a property loss of $36,000.00. Fundraising activities included bingo, carnival, fund drive, gun raffles, butchering and breakfasts, and a car show. We loss one member in 2006-Paul Burrier and he will be greatly missed. Blacktop was laid at the activities building in the spring. We placed in service on December 14th a 2007 Silverado Pickup that will replace our old Special Unit. Santa did go around this year on the fire truck and we saw around 100 children and gave away bags with coloring books, balls, bubbles, cards, candy canes, stickers and a ornament that had the children’s name on it.

2007- We ran 176 emergency calls this year with a property loss of $83,000.00. Fund raisers were carnival, bingo, gun raffles, butchering and breakfast (2) and a car show. Santa saw over 100 children this year and gave away bags with coloring books, ball, bubbles, cards, candy canes, and ornaments that we wrote the children’s name on.

2008-Fire Company ran 192 calls, with a property loss of $255,000.00. Fund raisers were carnival; bingo; gun raffle; butchering and breakfasts; car show and a fund drive. Santa detail was around this year and he visited over 100 children. We loss a fire company member in December, Mrs. Helen Ogle, she will be greatly missed. 

2009-The fire company ran 170 calls, with a property loss of $550,000.00. Fundraisers were fund drive, bingo, a gun raffle, carnival, butchering and breakfast (2), and a car show. We lost 1 member this year-Robert Kaas, he will be greatly missed. Santa traveled on the fire engine to visit children in the community this year, he saw around 100 children and handed out bags with coloring books, crayons, candy canes, ornaments, etc. Santa Detail was held in December also. 

2010-The fire company ran 207 calls with a property loss of $3600.00. Fundraisers included a fund drive, weekly bingo, a gun raffle, carnival, butchering and breakfast (2), car show, and a House Tour. We lost 1 member this year-Kenneth King. Santa traveled on the fire engine to see children this year and handed out bags with coloring books, crayons, candy canes, ornaments etc. In February a Facilities Committee was organized to take care of the maintenance on the buildings. At the Maryland State Convention in June, Linda Northrup received Certification of Recognition of the Robert Shimer Administrative of the Year Award. In August a committee was formed to rehab the Model A fire truck.

 

2011-The fire company ran 170 calls with a property loss of $100,000.00.  Fundraisers included a fund drive, weekley bingo, a gun raffle, carnival, butchering and breakfast (2), car show, Friday Night Dinner (2), house tour and a 12 Days of Christmas Raffle.  We lost 2 members this year-Robert Mumma and Leon Stover Sr. They will both be missed very much.  Santa traveled on the fire engine to see childredn again this year and handed out bags with coloring books, crayons, candy canes, ornaments, etc.  At the Maryland State Convention in June, Bonny Hurley received Certification of Recognition of the Robert Shimer Administrative of the Year Award, which was presented to her during the Frederick Count Fireman's Assocation meeting held at our fire hall in July.  The Model A is still being rehabed and hopefully will be ready for the unveiling at our annual banquet in January.