BAVFC 1944 Activity History Highlights Fires, Mutual Aid Responses, Field Fires, and Loss of Chief Frank Bateman

The Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company’s 1944 activity history reflects a year of fire suppression, mutual aid response, field and woods fire activity, and community service during a difficult period in the department’s history. Throughout the year, BAVFC crews responded to building fires, dwelling fires, field fires, woods fires, agricultural fires, and mutual aid assignments across Bel Air and surrounding communities.

The year began on January 7 with a building fire at Fulford Store, owned by Harward. Companies 2 and 4 also assisted at the scene. Crews operated for approximately four hours, and F.E. Hiser served as acting officer.

On January 14, BAVFC responded to a field fire at Hickory Corner involving approximately six acres. F.E. Hiser served as acting officer.

On February 25, crews responded to a field fire in Scarboroughtown involving approximately 10 acres.

During the first week of June, the department suffered a significant loss when active Chief Frank Bateman was shot and killed while performing his duties as a Deputy Sheriff. The shooting occurred in the Town of Bel Air. His death marked a solemn moment in the company’s history and was remembered alongside the department’s continued service to the community.

On March 29, BAVFC responded to a building fire on High Point Road at the Henderson property. Approximately 500 chicks died in the fire. F.E. Hiser served as acting officer.

April included a field fire and a mutual aid response. On April 4, crews responded to a field fire near Clayton Road and Route 152 involving approximately 21 acres. Firefighters operated for approximately two hours. F.E. Hiser served as acting officer.

On April 21, Company 3 assisted with a mutual aid building fire at the Belcamp Hotel. Companies 4 and 2 also operated on the scene. F.E. Hiser served as acting officer.

May was an active month for building and wildland fire responses. On May 1, BAVFC assisted with a mutual aid building fire about one mile south of Kingsville involving a barn and shed. Baltimore County units from Stations 38, 8, and 1 also operated on the scene. Crews worked for approximately two hours, and F.E. Hiser served as acting officer.

On May 3, crews responded to a woods fire in the Rocks area involving approximately 25 acres. Firefighters operated for approximately four hours. F.E. Hiser served as acting officer.

On May 23, BAVFC responded to a dwelling fire on Chestnut Hill Road at the Walter property. The fire was small in nature. F.E. Hiser served as acting officer.

On May 26, Company 3 assisted with a mutual aid building fire in Bradshaw involving a garage. Baltimore County Stations 38 and 8 also operated on the scene. F.E. Hiser served as acting officer.

On May 27, crews responded to a building fire on Berkeley Road in Darlington involving a two-story chicken house measuring approximately 60 feet by 25 feet. The structure was a total loss, and approximately 800 chicks died. The fire was caused by a coal brooder. F.E. Hiser served as acting officer.

On June 12, BAVFC responded to a dwelling fire in Level at the Edwards property. A shed also burned during the incident, and Company 2 assisted. F.E. Hiser served as acting officer.

On September 7, Company 3 assisted with a mutual aid building fire in Whiteford. Company 6 and York County Company 57 also operated on the scene. M. Purcell served as acting officer.

On October 2, BAVFC responded to a building fire on Archer Street at the Hanna Moore property involving a garage. B. King served as acting officer.

November included building and dwelling fire responses. On November 20, crews responded to a building fire in Benson involving a car garage. The garage was a total loss, and firefighters operated for approximately three and a half hours. F.E. Hiser served as acting officer.

On November 21, BAVFC responded to a dwelling fire on Main Street at the Young property. Hildt served as acting officer.

December closed the year with two dwelling fires. On December 24, crews responded to a dwelling fire near Bond Street and Alice Anne Street. The home was a total loss. Bradley served as acting officer.

On December 30, BAVFC responded to a dwelling fire on Hays Street. Crews made a strong save, limiting damage to approximately $200. J. Guercio served as acting officer.

The 1944 activity history demonstrates the broad range of services provided by the Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company, including fire suppression, mutual aid coverage, field fire response, woods fire operations, and rural fireground support. The year was also marked by the loss of Chief Frank Bateman, whose service to the community remains an important part of the department’s history.

Residents are encouraged to follow BAVFC for department updates, fire prevention information, and opportunities to support or volunteer with the company.