Frederick County
Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association, Inc.
History 

On the evening of October 2, 1931, a group of volunteer firemen, representing most of the fire companies in Frederick City and County, met in Frederick to discuss the possibilities of forming an association.   Dr. A. Atlee Radcliffe of the Independent Hose Co., acted as chairman of the meeting.

Addresses were given by George R. Lindsey, Hagerstown, secretary of the Maryland State Firemen's Association, and T.W. Venemann, Riverdale, member of the fire college committee.   These speakers pointed out the benefits and advantages of county organizations in assisting with programs throughout the state.

There followed a general discussion of the information available to form a Volunteer Firemen's Association in Frederick county, after which Robert A. Bennett of the United Steam Fire Engine Co. No. 3, made a motion that the county organization be formed.   The motion was seconded and unanimously passed.   The following officers were elected:

• Treasurer, Jesse I. Renner, New Midway.

  President Smith stated that he would appoint a committee to draw up a Constitution and By-laws at a later date.   The preamble of the Constitution and By-laws of the Frederick County Volunteer Firemen's Association (FCVFRA) carries these important thoughts:

  "We, the delegates of the Volunteer Fire Companies in Frederick County, State of Maryland, in convention assembled, in order to form a perfect organization, establish harmony, insure prosperity, and success, cultivate fraternal fellowship among the companies and promote the best interests of the Volunteer Firemen of Frederick County, Maryland do hereby adopt the following constitution."

  Down through the years the Volunteer Fire Companies of Frederick county have proudly worn the emblem of Community Service and will continue to do so in the years that lie ahead.   The firemen's halls in most communities are actually centers of community life.