The Frederick County Division of Aging and Independence is conducting a feasibility study to ensure senior centers meet the evolving needs of older adults today and in the years to come. The study will look at where new senior centers might be needed and what programs should be offered. Members of the community are invited to attend sessions and complete surveys to share their input.

The Division ... (Full Story)

20 Years Ago Monday Jan. 2, 2006

Firefighters from 14 local companies spent New Year’s Eve battling a massive blaze at a grain mill. About 10:37 p.m., a passerby spotted the fire in an upstairs office of the Thurmont Cooperative on Walnut Street, said Chris Kinnaird, the chief of Guardian Hose Company, the lead fire company. No one was injured by damages are estimated at about $200,000, he said. ... (Full Story)

Our volunteers demonstrate dedication and professionalism every day as they prepare to serve their community.

We come from all walks of life. Our volunteers work as mechanics, bankers, and retail store employees. Some of us are in real estate, car sales, and the fast-food industry. We build houses, farm, and drive trucks. We have volunteers who can embroider shirts and those who are students and ... (Full Story & Photos)

As many of you are aware, I have written that the fire station of the United Steam Fire Engine Co. NO. 3 at 79 South Market Street is the oldest continuously operating fire station in the United States. I have been in recent communications with Paul Vincent, a firefighter in the City of York, PA, historian and Trustee of the Laurel Fire Company in York. He has been doing some extensive research and, ... (Full Story & Photos)

We live in a part of the country that gets snow and ice. Winter driving isn’t solely about dealing with snow, ice on the road is a bigger threat. Black ice, in particular, is very dangerous because it’s invisible. Are you prepared to drive in these conditions?

Planning and preventative maintenance are important year-round—but especially when it comes to winter driving. We have attached for your ... (Full Story & Photos)

As we embark on January, recognized as Fire Fighter Cancer Awareness Month, it is crucial to underscore our commitment to comprehensive health and safety practices. Recent statistics from the 2023 IAFF Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial reveal that 63% of the names added to the wall were members who succumbed to occupational cancer. In response, our collective efforts are vital protocols for cancer prevention ... (Full Story & Photos)

Winter Storm WARNINGS can be life-threatening and severe winter conditions have begun or will begin within 24 hours.

Winter storms create higher risk of car accidents, hypothermia, frostbite, carbon monoxide poisoning and heart attacks from overexertion. Winter storms and blizzards can bring extreme cold, freezing rain, snow, ice and high winds.

Winter storms can: last a few hours to several ... (Full Story & Photos)

As winter and colder weather approach, the use of portable heaters increases. Electric or gas heaters are very handy to supplement insufficient heat in offices, homes, and other areas; however, they can create hazards if not used properly. Without careful monitoring, heaters can create an electric shock hazard, burns to users, carbon monoxide poisoning, fires, or possibly even explosions.

Recent ... (Full Story)

As the seasons change, prepare for the heating your home safely by following some simple safety steps.

Have you chimney cleaned and checked before using fireplace or woodstove.

Have you furnace checked and cleaned.

Make sure you dispose of all coals and embers in water, never in plastic bags, paper bags or cardboard boxes. Embers can remain hot for several days. Do not store embers inside of house, ... (Full Story & Photos)

Maryland State Police Reminding Motorists Move Over Law Expanded To All Vehicles on Oct. 1, 2022

(PIKESVILLE, MD) – The Maryland State Police are reminding motorists that on October 1, 2022, the Move Over Law in Maryland expanded to require motorists to make a lane change or slow down when approaching any stopped, standing, or parked vehicle displaying warning signals – including hazard warning ... (Full Story & Photos)

Frederick County Schools are in session! Frederick County Fire and Rescue Services would like to remind motorists to be alert when travelling through school zones and neighborhoods where children are present. Children are difficult to see and are the most unpredictable pedestrians. Children are usually very comfortable in their surroundings, whether they are running and playing with friends, or ... (Full Story & Photos)

Keeping hands clean through improved hand hygiene is one of the most important steps we can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. Many diseases and conditions are spread by not washing hands with soap and clean, running water. If clean, running water is not accessible, as is common in many parts of the world, use soap and available water. If soap and water are unavailable, use ... (Full Story & Photos)

Whether you work full time outside the home or are simply going out for the evening, you want the best possible care for your children while you are away from them. Before you hire anyone to watch over your children, make sure they are a mature, experienced, capable individual who truly cares about the welfare of the children.

Babysitting can be a great money earning opportunity but it comes with ... (Full Story & Photos)

Is Your Family Riding in a Safe Manner?

Protecting children in cars requires a long-term commitment. Field experience during child safety seat checkpoints show that 9 out of 10 child safety seats are not being used or installed correctly.

Children progress through the use of infant seats, toddler seats and finally booster seats before they are of the proper age, height, and weight to wear the vehicle ... (Full Story & Photos)

Do you have what it takes to be a volunteer firefighter?

Our selection criteria require that volunteers:
• Be at least 16 years of age.
• Have a valid driver’s license.
• Be healthy and in good physical condition.
• Complete basic fire or EMS training
• Live in close proximity to the fire station.
• Have a clean criminal record.
• Meet the minimum ongoing training requirements.
• Respond to a certain ... (Full Story & Photos)