The 1960s

The 1960s marked a decade of significant growth and transformation for the Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company. Increasing call volumes for both fire and emergency medical services drove the need for expanded facilities, additional apparatus, and new programs to support the next generation of firefighters.

Growth and a New Firehouse

By 1962, the company had outgrown the Bond Street station. As call volume continued to rise, discussions began regarding the need for a larger and more functional facility. Initial inquiries into available properties were unsuccessful, but in April 1963, an opportunity emerged.

The fire company entered into an agreement with Harford County to exchange the Bond Street property for a county-owned parcel at the corner of Churchville Road and Dallam Place (now Hickory Avenue). The site included a large garage structure and office space previously used by the Highway and Welfare Departments.

Renovations began in March 1964, and on September 26, 1964, the company officially moved into its new firehouse. The first alarm handled from the new station was a field and brush fire on the Shaffer property along Kalmia Road. Notably, the incident report recorded that the station siren “did not blow from Headquarters.”

Expansion of EMS Services

Emergency medical call volume increased significantly during the early 1960s. In August 1962, the company approved the purchase of a new ambulance to replace the aging 1957 Cadillac Superior unit. A 1962 Pontiac Superior “Rescuer” ambulance was delivered on October 1, 1962, and placed into service shortly thereafter.

During discussions surrounding this purchase, members recognized the growing demand for EMS services and debated the feasibility of operating two ambulances. The decision was ultimately made to staff and operate two units—making Bel Air the first fire company in Harford County to provide dual-ambulance service.

In 1965, the company further upgraded its EMS fleet with the purchase of a 1965 Pontiac Superior “Rescuer” ambulance, which was placed into service on October 5, 1965.

By 1968, continued demand led to the acquisition of a Cadillac Miller-Meteor “Classic” ambulance. Delivered in September 1968, it was placed into service on September 17, further strengthening the company’s EMS capabilities.

Notable Incident: Bond Street Fire (1964)

On August 2, 1964, the company responded to a tragic early morning fire at 18 North Bond Street. Twenty-two firefighters responded to the incident. Upon arrival, one occupant jumped from the building and died, while another was rescued but fled the scene.

Firefighters worked under extreme conditions to gain access to the structure. Three members were transported to the hospital with injuries including cuts, sprains, smoke inhalation, and steam burns. Tragically, another occupant was later found deceased inside the building. The incident underscored the dangers faced by firefighters and the challenges of interior operations during that era.

Development of the Cadet Program

In an effort to develop future members, the company expanded its youth involvement programs. After sponsoring a Boy Scout Explorer program for several years, the department formally established a Junior Fireman (Cadet) Program in 1967.

This initiative required updates to the company’s bylaws and standard operating procedures. On July 2, 1968, the first cadets were officially accepted into membership, marking the beginning of a program that would support recruitment and training for generations to come.

Apparatus Modernization

As operational demands increased, the company continued to modernize its apparatus fleet.

In 1966, a committee was formed to evaluate the need for a new pumper. After extensive research and specification development, the company placed an order with Seagrave Fire Apparatus, Inc. on October 18, 1966, for a Model 88-KB-1000 pumper.

Delivered in December 1967, the unit featured:

• 325 HP Waukesha gasoline engine

• 5-speed transmission

• 1,000 GPM two-stage centrifugal pump

• 600-gallon booster tank

• 1,600 feet of 3-inch hose

• Multiple preconnected attack lines

• 3,000-watt generator

• Full complement of ladders and tools

The pumper was placed into service in January 1968 and quickly earned the nickname “The Spoiler” due to its speed, handling, and performance.

Recognizing the value of this design, the company ordered a second, nearly identical Seagrave pumper in 1968. Delivered in December 1969, it entered service on December 31, 1969, responding to a dwelling fire on Sharon Road.

Community and Company Culture

In addition to emergency response, the fire company maintained strong relationships with neighboring departments through friendly competitions and events. Activities included basketball games, softball leagues, and first aid competitions. In one county-wide first aid competition held at the Joppa-Magnolia Volunteer Fire Company, Bel Air tied with Level for first place.

A unique aspect of this camaraderie was the tradition of practical jokes between departments—particularly between Bel Air and Jarrettsville. One notable incident involved the placement of a fully constructed outhouse on the station ramp, labeled “Company 7 Sub-Station.” The structure was complete with flashing lights, a siren, and even a mechanically operated toilet seat. Such pranks became part of a long-standing tradition of friendly rivalry.

Major Incident: Million-Rutherford Fire (1969)

On November 27, 1969, the company responded to one of the largest fires of the decade at the Million-Rutherford Company in Fallston. The fire, discovered at approximately 3:30 a.m., destroyed the main assembly building where grandfather clocks were manufactured for the Daneker Company.

Fueled by gas lines and combustible materials, the fire caused an estimated $500,000 in damage and destroyed approximately 700 clocks. Despite the intensity of the blaze, firefighters successfully protected three adjacent buildings, demonstrating effective multi-alarm operations and mutual aid coordination.

The 1960s were a defining decade for the Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company. Through facility expansion, advancements in EMS and firefighting apparatus, and the development of youth programs, the company strengthened its operational capabilities and laid the groundwork for continued growth into the modern era.