ASSOCIATION HISTORY

Before the late 1700's, there was no organized fire protection. If a fire occurred and was discovered in time, the only protection available was for the residents to start a bucket brigade from the closest well or pond. Often, the only thing to do was to save the building's content, and watch it burn down. This type of fire protection was typical in the County and throughout the populated rural United States until late 1880.

The earliest record of an organized fire alarm system in the County was found in Upper Marlboro when, in 1879, an impromptu fire alarm system was put into place. Slowly, organized fire protection began to develop in the towns of Upper Marlboro, Hyattsville, Bladensburg and Laurel. Most organizations were started by local citizens after major fires had occurred in their towns.

The first incorporated fire company was started in Upper Marlboro after a large portion of hte town was destroyed by two separate fires during 1886. In response to these events, local citizens organized a volunteer fire company, the Marlboro Fire Association.

The Marlboro Fire Association was incorporated by the Circuit Court of Prince George's County on March 8, 1887. Donations were raised from the members, residents and businessmen.

The first equipment purchased was a hand drawn hook and ladder wagon, which could be pulled by horses when tehy were available. The wagon carried 12 leather buckets, two long-hooked spars, two red ladders and a brass gong for the firemen to sound while responding to an alarm. Unfortunately, the ladders were often not available when needed, the resident having borrowed them to paint their houses.

The Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department was the second organization to come into existence, after major fires destroyed several homes in the area during 1886.

The next large fire department formed was the Laurel Volunteer Fire Deparment. It is believed to have started in 1886, but did not come formally organized until October 13, 1902.

In 1905, Capitol Heights formed in order to cope with the problem of adequate fire protection. Other towns soon to follow were Mount Rainier in 1911, and the Riverdale Bucket Brigade in 1913.

In 1915, Seat Pleasant and Community Welfare Association came into existence. Berwyn Volunteer Fire Department formally organized in 1919.

In 1922, the following fire departments were formed: Cottage City - March 23, 1922; Bladensburg - August 2, 1922; Brentwood - September 14, 1922; Branchville - October 1922. Each of the new fire departments were unique in their own way.

In December of 1922, representatives from the volunteer fire departments of Hyattsville, Cottage City, Mount Rainier and Brentwood met at the home of John Klein. With the idea of creating an organization for the benefit of dissemination knowledge and education; and adding strength through a mutual unity of purpose the Prince George's Volunteer Firemen's Association was formed. However, at the time, not all of the existing fire companied around the County shared the views and as such did not initially join the Association.

The first officers elected were: John J. Fainter - President; John Klein - Vice President; Stephen Tillman - Secretary; and W.B. Harrison - Treasurer.

For a further glimpse into our past, please be sure to look for our upcoming Archives section.