Lower Shore Station News

Here's some local goings on that have been sitting in my 'to do' box far too long. Back in May, the Ocean City FD vacated Station 5. That is their West Ocean City house on Kyser Point Road north of US 50. Opened in 1974, this metal building with brick facade was expanded in 1991. The assigned engine and probably one of the tankers are next door at the Public Works Yard. The truck, other tanker and possibly reserve ambulance and boat are at Trimper's warehouse reportedly somewhere off Route 611 near the Ocean City Harbor area.

The vacated firehouse was subsequently razed. Construction is currently underway to build a new and much larger 5-bay station on site. This will certainly be far more accommodating of assigned units and the many volunteers running out of this house. This general area is where most of the OCFD's membership live and there has long been talk of a sort of alternate Headquarters here. Of course during the transition period when the OCVFCo merged with he OCDES and became the OCFD, the volunteers threatened at one point to leave the island (Stations 1-4 to the city) setting up from this location.

In other news just to the west in Wicomico County, the Parsonsburg VFCo Station 6 is about to move to its new more accommodating digs just east of the previous on Route 346 east of Parsonsburg Road. This 6-bay metal building has two drive through bays on left plus a large community hall at rear. Expected to open soon, this replaces their outdated circa 1927 facility they have so long occupied. For more on this, log onto parsonsburgfire.com.

Continuing west into Dorchester County, it seems the East New Market VFD Station 21 is also moving soon to a new 5-bay metal station. This replaces their much smaller 1948 occupied brick building at 101 Main Street at Railroad Avenue. That building was previously Neighbors Tavern, People's Service Station and originally Millenson's Department Store built about 1913 or 14. The location of the new house is as yet confirmed, believed to be south of town along Route 392. More to follow on this one. For info log onto eastnewmarketvfd.com.

COMING SOON

An announcement from the RR Technical Department. Coming to a PC near you a new website & storefront featuring Rusty's Rosters. Works are now available in downloadable e-book (pdf) format so you may select and download getting your roster right then and there. No more waiting for processing and mailing. No more lost in the mail. No more CDs. Works will include oldies and new ones including station apparatus rosters, histories and other related works. This web site launch is expected within the next week or two. Stay tuned here for further announcements and the site address.

Berlin FCo at 100

Sunday August 8 was the 100 Year open house held by for the Berlin Fire Co of Worcester County. The company's organization meeting was called by the Mayor and Town Council on January 28, 1910. Before that, the town was protected by an informal if you will brigade its roots traced back to the purchase of a hand pumper in late 1894. In August 1895, the hand pumper was destroyed in one of many fires to strike Berlin. A bucket brigade is all that remained until the current entity formed. (Photo by me)

Their first motorized was a 1912 (seen also '16) Oldsmobile "Autocrat" that reportedly popped its tires responding to the Great Fire of Pocomoke City in 1922. In 1924 came the 1924 Mack "AB" that was restored back in 1983 now frequenting the parade circuit. There have been many other rigs in the fleet since. A picture of a picture (above)  reveals an interesting line up at the 1924 built station annex (today's Berlin Planning Dept) at 3 Bay Street. This is behind the 1916 occupied station (today's Police Dept and Town Hall) at 10 Wiliam Street. As identified L-R is a snub nosed '39 Ford, unknown body as E2 later to the Newark VFCo. A '49 Ford, American 750-gpm as E6 and a '57 Chevy "5000", American FM-750gpm as E5. (Berlin FCo photo, unknown photographer).

Another interesting pic of a pic (again Berlin FCo photo unknown photographer) shows L-R a late 50s Caddy in unique white over green livery for A-2 and their first ambo a '63 Caddy as A1 in service in 1964. This building is recognizable but has large bushes in front. The grey stone  above the door reads "FIRE DEPT 1924".

Days events included a visit by Trooper 4 plus an auto extrication demo. That's my youngest who I can assure you is trying to figure out how to start the thing. (he does that). It seems a few collectable parts of the mutilated car came home as did  the usual assortment of rubber gloves and medical masks taken from the ambo. (Photo by me)

Above left is the latest Brush 602 a 2009 Chevy "K-3500HD", Winsteads 250gpm (Hale) /300gwt/5gft.  At right is a last look at Tanker 6 (previously 605) a '81 Mack "MR-696", Amthor 750gpm/4300gwt. This was reportedly rescued from a life as a trash truck will be replaced soon by a larger tandem rear axle Spartan, Rosenbauer 1500gpm with 4500gwt. As told this old girl still runs great (just like an old Mack ) and her tank still holds its load quite nicely. (Photos by me)

The Berlin FCo currently operates from this their No 1 house at 214 N Main Street in Berlin. This was dedicated in June 1967 and added onto in 1992. Station 2 opened in 1990 and is at 8427 Route 611 just north of Route 376 at Lewis Corner (east of Berlin). Station 3 opened in late 2008 early 2009 in a rented building on the north side of US 50 addressed 10823 east of Friendship Road Route 452 northeast of Berlin . All time suppression apps roster follows. The '24 E1 and '33 E 2 were open cab all the rest enclosed. Berlin FCo also operate A1, A2 and A3 all International, PL Custom ('06, '04 and '07 vintage) plus several utility, command and fire police vehicles.

E1 1924 Mack AB 500/300

E2 1933 Chevy chemical

>Showell VFCo

E3 1938 Mack E-75 500/300

E2 1939 Ford, 500/         

>Newark VFCo

E6 1949 Ford, American 750/

B2? 1954 Dodge M-37 (Power Wagon) military style brush >unknown when in service or unit number.

E5 1957 Chevy 5000, American FM750/500?

E6 1960 Ford F-800, American FM750/750

The 600 prefix company # came to be with central dispatching circa 1965.

E607 1967 Ford C-950, American 1000/1000

B602 1972 Chevy K-30 brush truck

600R1 1975  Mack MB-487B, Swab

>Ocean City still IS as R18

E604 1974 Mack CF-600 (1st canopy cab)

>Bakerton Jefferson Co WVA since sold

E603 1977 Mack CF-600 1500/500 + 50 TeleSqurt

>Truck 603 at Sta 3.

K605 1981 Mack MR-696, Amthor 750/4300

E607 1988 Mack CF-600, Swab 1500/750 @ Sta 2

>being rehabbed

B602 1989 Chevy K-3500 pick-up 250/250 brush

R6     1993 E-One Cyclone 20' walk-around >Had issues and was replaced with a newer near identical model in 2000. Tip check the raised cab area for difference.

E608 1998 Spartan Gladiator, Quality 2000/750 (1st 4dr)

@ Sta 3 now Sta 2(temp)

R6     2000 E-One Cyclone walk-around

To 6  2003 Spartan Gladiator, Quality 2000/300 RK Aerials 100' MM

E604 2006 Pierce Dash 2000/750/20 Extrication

B602 2009 Chevy K-3500 pickup 250gpm/300gwt/5gft

Of course any additions and corrections are welcome. Thanks to long time member and past Chief Engineer Billy Taylor for sharing his expertise on the fleet. Happy 100th Birthday Company 600 thank you for the hospitality!   

MSFA Convention Report

Some quick takes from the MSFA Convention in Ocean City. These are from the front parking lot not the inside convention hall. First up is the Pocomoke VFD's new Tanker 1 the Intertnational, Biouvac 750gpm with 3000-gallon tank for Lower Worcester County. From Wicomico County the new Tanker 12 from the West Side VFD is in attendance (see shadowey photo right) this a tandem rear axle International, Seagrave 1500gpm with at least a 3000-gallon water tank.

Rosenbauer has much to show this year including the new Engine 231 for Urbana in Frederick County. This is a big rig (see photo left) with 2000gpm pump, 750-gallon water tank and 30-gallons of foam. From the Baltimore County order, the latest Spartan, Rosenbauer for Engine 13 (36562) is on hand as is Medic 60 (36187) from Parkton a '09 Freightliner, Wheeled Coach.

Rosenbauer also built the utility style body for the Branywine Hundred of New Castle County Delaware's new Brush 11-1. This is matched to a four-door '09 Ford "F-550" with Delmarva Pump Center (DPC) skid with a 20hp Hale pump, 200-gallon water tank and 10-gallon class A foam cell. Next to it is the new Brush 36 (or 836) from Baden in PG County this a '09 Ford "F-350" with DPC skid with Hale 20hp and 150-gallon water tank. (Photo above left w/ 11-1 in background)

As a surprise new delivery to me we have a new Seagrave "Marauder II" 1750-gpm triple for Indian Head Engine 92 in Charles County. Cecil County Truck 4 from Cecilton has on hand their tandem rear axle 2010 Seagrave "Marauder II" quint with 2000-gpm pump and 100-foot rear mount ladder. From Pierce is the '09 Velocity 1500gpm with 750-gallon water tank for Engine 272 of Baltimore County's Wise Avenue VFCo. The Leonardtown VFD of Saint Mary's County has their new  Engine 11 a 2010 "Arrow XT" 1250gpm with 750-gallon wate rtank and 30-gallon foam cell.

A favorite of mine is the latest Frederick Tanker 7 a tandem rear axle, '09 Mack "Granite", Pierce 1250gpm with 3000-gallon tank from the Middletown VFD (photo right).

One other noteworthy attendee is the Rosenbauer tanker demo on a new International "Lone Star" chassis. I am sure this has been well photographed at various evenets but as you can see I could not resist either. Reminds me of what was it the late 80s Stephen King film "Maximum Overdrive" where Emilio Estevez and co are held hostage in the truck stop by demonic alien controlled trucks .

In other nearby news, a new Ferrara Intruder has made it to Mount Vernon in Somerset County as Engine 607 and Rehobeth Beach in Sussex Delaware has a new Pierce Contender for Engine 86-9. This looks to be replacing one of their last surviving Mack CFs (sad, sad).  For those not able to attend I hope this is at least a worthy update and for those yet to arrive this is an appetizer and I'll likely see ya the parade on Wednesday or maybe yea, the place above. Remember, Ocean City is a drinking town with a fishing problem. 

Bloxom Progress

Well folks albeit late here's an update on the Bloxom VFCo of Accomack County (Eastern Shore) Virginia. Some background. Back in January 2006, fire struck Station 6 while they were out on another working fire. The firehouse was gutted with two ambulances including one new not as yet in service delivery destroyed. See this Link for details and photos.

After, the company briefly moved down the road to Parksley VFCo Co 7 then to a pole barn across the field opposite the railroad tracks from their original firehouse. [recent photo at left] This is correctly addressed on Bull St (Rd 2507) at Parks St (Rd 2505).  By summer, a metal shed had been built close by behind the town office at 26129 Mitchel Rd (Rte 187) at Hall Rd this the "EMS Station". A number of other departments came to their aid donating various  apparatus. A private ambulance carrier loaned them an ambo for a time.

In my latest visit, a new firehouse is under construction finally on the site of the previous [photo at right] at Rte 316 and Rte 187 . As you can see, it's progressing and since this was shot on May 1 is certainly farther along. Here's what Co 6 is running these days.

Engine 6-3 '84 Hahn canopy cab 1250/500    xKeansburg NJ

Engine 6-4 '99 Pierce "Saber" 4dr cab 1250/500

Tanker 6-7 '95 International "4800" 2dr, S&S 750/1800

Squad 6     '83 GMC (7000) 2dr, Saulsbury 22'-walk-in    xGoldsboro MD, Laurel DE

Amb 6-0    '10 Chevy "C-4500", Medix

Amb 6-1    '06 Ford "E-450", Medix    xWindsor VA RS 

Amb 6-2    '94 Ford "F-350", Medtec  xIsle of Wight County

I have not seen for some time their '95 Dodge "Ram 3500", M&W attack minipumper know as Rescue 6. Also gone is Amb 6-0 a '95 Ford "F-350" Life Line I believe came from Caroline County MD EMS. Some other previous rigs include an ex Salisbury Maryland '72 ALF "900" (E6-4) and the '70 ALF "Pioneer" (E6-5) ex Onancock that went to the Gibson Island Brigade then the Lake Shore VFD in Anne Arundel County Maryland. To keep up with FD happenings on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, check out this new site easternshorefire.com. Till next post.

Station Apps Roster & History Book Update

I first off I want to thank everyone for their orders and ongoing support. Also want to update everyone on goings on with the rosters and histories. I have for some weeks been working on a web site with all works rosters and histories available as downloadable e-books. Select, pay, press button and bingo you have it then and there. Seems the old man is not as techno savvy as once was hence the site is as yet "operational". I still plan to get 'er going hopefully within the month (mid June) so stay tuned. My first error was choosing the wrong hosting service as the site did not do what I wanted it to.

As for the rosters, we are updating all for this spring DC Metro Maryland, Baltimore-Annapolis, NoVa Metro and Southern Maryland. Plan as well to be coming out with a Lower Delmarva covering Worcester, Wicomico and Somerset Counties including of course Ocean City.

In the history book department, we have a number of new releases pending. A General History on Alrington County and Fairfax County plus smaller works on History of Ladder Trucks in Fairfax County plus History of Rescue Trucks and Special Units in Fairfax County. The latter two, albeit short and sweet also have photos. Hopefully some pics will also be added to the other works as well. Stay tuned for history works on PG County as well. For now, purchases are still at the Ebay Store but do stay tuned as were gonna get one line eventually. -Rusty

Delmarva Parade

With the long awaited onslaught of spring comes the array of events and parades sometimes making it a tough choice as to which I will attend. The weekend of May 1 brings me either a long ride to Winchester or the as I chose closer Delmarva Association parade held this year in Parksley Virginia. For those unfamiliar with the sho' thats in Accomack County about an hours drive. The Delmarva parade while not huge often brings less frequently seen rigs out of the back corners and bays of some stations. As for this year in Virginia, departments in both Accomack and Northampton County are often receipients of many a used rig. With all that said, lets get on with I saw.  Also a word of caution I had a camera failure and had to use my "stand in". Its lousy as digitals go hence some shots are lets just say "not great".

First off few Maryland Departments were in attendance no surprise. Princess Anne with their new Ford brush truck, Marion with engine, Easton with engine and Denton with Velocity rescue. From Delaware was Delmar's ladder quint, the '50 ALF engine from Ellendale plus the '70 Cadillac ambulance from Gumboro.

Most surprises if you will were as expected from Virginia. First off Tasley recenlty sold their ex Lewes Delaware International, Saulsbury rescue. UPDATE: As per Mike Sanders and Jerry Puryear this has gone to a film company in Vancouver BC. In its place they have added (reportedly in service April 2010) a Pierce "Lance" rescue engine. (photo at right) UPDATE: Thanks to Mike Sanders I now know why this was so familiar as its from the Ashburn VFD&RS in Loudoun County. A '96 Lance with 1250-gpm pump 500-gallons of water and 40 of foam. Looks a little different in red!


Greenbackville brought their new Tanker 2 and yes I photographed it twice. Both shots came out awful so sorry 'bout that I'll have to make another trip. This striking new water wagon is a tandem rear axle 2010 Kenworth "340", Freedom Fire 500-gpm with 3000-gallon tank. It like a recent new ambo there has a slate grey roof over red.

Farther south on US 13 is Cape Charles known for its various used apparatus over the years. Several new additions there including a rescue squad that happens to be the '84 Ford "C-8000", EVF outta Denton in Caroline County (photo left). This was replaced in 2008 so I'm not sure exactly when this one made it south.

Also in Co 15's line-up is another Maryland piece the '77 International "S-2654", '99 New Lexingron with front mount 1000-gpm pump and 3000-gallon brushed elliptical tank. Tanker 15-8 (photo at right) last ran with the Pittsville VFCo in Wicomico County and originated with now thankfully gone orange paint scheme from Allegheny Township Pennsylvania.

The last surprise from the Cape is a '88 E-One "Hurricane" 95-foot tower with 1500-gpm pump. (photo at left) UPDATE: Thanks again to Mike Sanders who confirms this as from Independence Missouri east of Kansas City and birthplace of Harry S Truman. It has 300-gallons of water and serial number 6453. Cape Charles has run other used aerials over the years including an all red open cab waterfall grill '45 Seagrave midmount and another possibly ex Norfolk aerial the details of both not at my disposal. (Anybody out there who knows more do tell) Yes they stil have their ex Virginia Beach '84 Duplex, E-One as Engine 15-3 described as their "favorite". Reportedly their ex Richmond '84 GMC, Grumman mini-pumper 15-5 is gone.

Nearby Cheriton, is running as Tanker 14-4 the tandem rear axle, '88 Pierce "Lance" 2000/2500 that originated from Sharptown in Wicomico County. This actually ran with Dagsboro in Sussex County from September 2005 until sometime in 2009. Sorry no shots on this one. UPDATE: And yes they still have their Oshkosh, Snorkel from Monmouth New Jersey pics came out bad on that one too!

If you have any input on any of these or other mentioned rigs please post.

Visit here again soon as I'll have another post on the goings on at Bloxom.

 -Rusty