The 1970s

The 1970s brought continued change and growth to the Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company. Fire and EMS call volume continued to increase, the company acquired its first aerial ladder truck, a new station was established in the Forest Hill community, and emergency medical care advanced significantly with the introduction of higher-level certifications such as the Cardiac Rescue Technician (CRT) program.

Security Concerns and a National Spotlight

In March 1970, the Town of Bel Air drew national attention when H. Rap Brown was scheduled to be tried at the Harford County Courthouse on charges related to riots in Cambridge, Maryland. As the trial date approached, tensions rose throughout the town and law enforcement presence increased dramatically. Officers and members of the fire company guarded the firehouse around the clock, and additional officers were appointed to help maintain readiness.

The tension reached a peak on March 23, 1970, when a car exploded on Route 1 near Tollgate Road, killing two men. It was believed that the bomb, which detonated prematurely, had been intended for the courthouse. Ultimately, the trial was moved to another county.

EMS Expansion and New Ambulances

The company purchased a Cadillac Miller-Meteor “Volunteer” model ambulance in December 1969. Equipped with the most modern medical equipment available at the time, it was delivered to Bel Air in March 1970 and placed into service on March 18, 1970.

As EMS demand continued to grow, the company added more ambulances throughout the decade. In April 1972, another Cadillac Miller-Meteor “Volunteer” ambulance was purchased and placed into service on April 1, 1972. In May 1973, the company purchased an Oldsmobile Cotner-Bevington “Volunteer” model ambulance, which entered service on June 1, 1973. This unit was later sold to the Darlington Volunteer Fire Company in April 1976 after their ambulance was involved in an accident.

In January 1974, the company purchased a Cadillac Miller-Meteor “Criterion” model ambulance. It was delivered in June 1974 and placed into service on July 6, 1974. Then, in August 1975, the company purchased a Chevrolet Horton Type I “Model 400” ambulance. A federal grant of $7,500 helped offset the cost. After considerable discussion, the company approved its first “box-type” ambulance body. The unit was delivered in December 1975 and placed into service on January 12, 1976.

The EMS fleet continued to expand in September 1977 with the purchase of a Chevrolet Horton Type I “Model 450” ambulance. It was delivered in December 1977 and placed into service on January 1, 1978.

Entry Into the Aerial Ladder Service

In 1970, the fire company decided it was time to enter the aerial ladder service. The company chose first to purchase a used aerial apparatus so members could gain operational experience while detailed specifications were prepared for a future new truck.

On October 6, 1970, the company purchased a 1951 Maxim 85-foot aerial ladder truck from the Jenkintown Fire Department. After it arrived in Bel Air, several immediate modifications were made. One booster reel was removed to allow installation of a 5,000-watt Onan generator, smoke ejectors were added, and the 35-foot and 50-foot wooden extension ladders were replaced with 35-foot and 45-foot Alco-Lite aluminum extension ladders.

The truck was equipped with a PTO-driven booster pump, a 150-gallon booster tank, and two booster reels, each carrying 150 feet of ¾-inch hose. It also carried a small hose bed containing several hundred feet of 3-inch hose for the ladder pipe. In addition to the aerial, the truck carried a 45-foot and 35-foot extension ladder; 28-foot, 24-foot, 20-foot, and 16-foot straight ladders; a 14-foot roof ladder; a 14-foot A-frame ladder; and two 10-foot folding ladders. It also carried the standard tools of a truck company, including axes, hooks, Halligan bars, smoke ejectors, rope, extinguishers, and various ladder pipe tips.

The unit was placed in service in December 1970 and answered its first alarm on December 24, 1970, for an ambulance assist in which a patient had to be removed through a second-floor window because access through the doorway was impossible.

Major Fires and Significant Incidents

On January 14, 1970, in subfreezing weather, the company responded to a fire at the Hickory Hills Apartment complex. The apartments were still under construction and unoccupied, but 12 units were completely destroyed. Due to the presence of fire walls and quick action by the company, a third section of the complex was saved. During the incident, however, the front and left cab doors of the 1967 Seagrave were severely damaged by radiant heat.

On February 1, 1971, the Western Auto Store on Main Street in Bel Air caught fire on a cold, snowy morning. Fire officials later blamed a faulty light fixture for the $90,000 fire that destroyed the building. More than 60 firefighters responded on three alarms with apparatus from Bel Air, Jarrettsville, Abingdon, Level, and Joppa-Magnolia. Subzero temperatures hampered operations as water and equipment froze, and Main Street became coated in ice. It took approximately two and a half hours to bring the fire under control.

On January 30, 1972, a tragic fire occurred at Gene’s Bar and Grill on Old Jarrettsville Road in Cooptown. Three Bel Air firefighters were injured while attempting to rescue two teenage girls trapped inside the building. Their efforts were unsuccessful, and the victims were later recovered beneath the debris. Firefighters James Foard, Mel Kulis, and Steve Cox suffered burns that required hospital treatment.

Only days later, on the snowy morning of February 2, 1972, Bel Air responded to one of the largest fires in the company’s history. Sixty-one members from Bel Air, joined by 164 firefighters from mutual aid companies, battled a massive downtown fire that caused approximately $2 million in damage. The fire was traced to a ruptured fuel oil tank in the rear of the Red Fox Restaurant. Eleven fire companies fought the blaze for four hours before bringing it under control.

Losses from the fire included the total destruction of the Red Fox Lounge, Talles Jewelers, and the Main Street Market. Bel Air Office Products suffered smoke and water damage. The Vaughn Building sustained partial loss to two second-floor apartments and total loss to two third-floor apartments. Mike’s Barber Shop suffered water damage, Boyd and Fulford’s Drug Store sustained partial loss, and Hub Men’s Store experienced smoke damage and minor roof damage.

Mayor James O’Neill commented that the orderly deployment of companies and the close cooperation among them undoubtedly saved the remainder of the downtown business district.

Brush Unit and Utility Apparatus Development

In 1970, the company replaced its older brush truck with a new unit built by fire company members. Designed both as a brush truck and as a winch vehicle for rescue incidents, the apparatus was built on a 1-ton 4x4 chassis purchased from Hickory International in May 1970. Because International did not manufacture a one-ton wide-side pickup at that time, the chassis and body were ordered separately and assembled locally. High-flotation tires and a PTO-driven 12,000-pound winch mounted on a front bumper extension were added.

Company members installed a slide-in fiberglass 200-gallon tank, a 35-GPM pump, an electric rewind booster reel carrying 300 feet of ¾-inch hose, a three-person bench seat behind the tank, and all warning lights, siren, and air horn. The unit carried axes, brush rakes, Indian tanks, and other basic brush firefighting tools. It was placed in service on March 1, 1971, and answered its first alarm the following day for a field and woods fire at Route 1 and Old Jarrettsville Road in Hickory. The unit remains in service with the company as one of its brush units and is currently housed at the Forest Hill Station.

In 1974, the company also purchased a new air unit/emergency support vehicle. Ordered in September 1973, it was outfitted with six 200-cubic-inch cylinders for an air cascade system. It also served as a backup ambulance, with cabinetry for medical supplies and bench seating for patient transport. The unit was placed in service in February 1974 and answered its first alarm on February 17, 1974, for a three-alarm house fire on Route 440 in the Dublin area. When the temporary Forest Hill station opened in 1976, this apparatus was relocated there so members living in that area could respond more effectively.

Station Expansion and Modernized Dispatching

With the continued growth in apparatus, the company again found itself in need of additional space. It ultimately decided to expand the firehouse by adding a rear three-bay addition. Ground was broken on April 3, 1973, and later that month the Town of Bel Air released its annual budget, which included a $45,000 appropriation to help fund the project. By late September 1973, the addition was complete, and it was formally dedicated during the annual Fire Prevention Open House on October 7, 1973.

In July 1972, Harford County fire companies changed from a two-digit apparatus numbering system to the three-digit numbering system still used today.

In November 1972, county fire companies began exploring the use of phantom box cards for dispatching apparatus. After months of planning and preparation, the box card system was placed into service in December 1973. This greatly improved operations, as the officer in charge no longer had to request individual units one at a time. Instead, additional help could be summoned simply by requesting the next alarm assignment.

New Pumpers and Rescue Capability

In February 1971, a committee was appointed to develop specifications and request bids for a new pumper. On February 1, 1972, the company signed a contract with Fire Equipment Supply Company for a new Seagrave Model PB 1000 pumper. This apparatus differed from the company’s earlier Seagraves by featuring a “P”-style cab, as Seagrave had discontinued the older “K”-style, and it was powered by a diesel engine.

The pumper was equipped with a Detroit Diesel 8V71 engine, Jacobs engine brake, Spicer 5-speed transmission, Seagrave two-stage 1,000-GPM centrifugal pump, 600-gallon booster tank, 3.2-kilowatt generator, deck monitor, 1,600 feet of 3-inch hose arranged in two 800-foot beds, two 1½-inch preconnects, and 100 feet of 2½-inch hose with nozzle. It also carried a 35-foot extension ladder, a 14-foot roof ladder, and a 10-foot folding ladder, along with the standard complement of tools and appliances. Members inspected the pumper at the factory on September 24, 1973, and then drove it back to Bel Air. It was placed in service on October 14, 1973, and answered its first alarm on October 22, 1973, for a dwelling fire on Fallston Road.

In June 1976, the company accepted a bid from Fire Equipment Supply Company for another Seagrave pumper. This apparatus featured a major design change: a longer-than-standard wheelbase and extended front body compartments so it could serve primarily as an automobile rescue and accident-response unit while still functioning as a Class A pumper.

The pumper was equipped with a Detroit Diesel 8V71 engine, Jacobs engine brake, Allison HT-740 automatic transmission, Waterous two-stage 1,250-GPM pump, 600-gallon booster tank, two 20-gallon foam tanks, and a 4.5-kilowatt generator. It also carried rescue equipment including a Hurst hydraulic rescue tool, Porta-Power, Stokes basket, line gun, ropes and rigging, air chisels, air bags, chains, hooks, jacks, cribbing, and EMS supplies. The apparatus was inspected at the factory in April 1977, delivered to Bel Air, and placed in service on July 5, 1977. It answered its first alarm the next day for an automobile accident on Route 22 at Bynum Run.

In June 1977, the company approved yet another Seagrave pumper with specifications similar to the 1976 unit, though without the high-side compartments and with a diesel generator mounted above the pump panel. This pumper was equipped with the same basic engine, transmission, pump, tank, hose load, ladders, and equipment complement. After factory inspection in January 1979, it was delivered, outfitted, and placed in service on March 28, 1979. It answered its first alarm that same day for a chimney fire on Shelburne Road.

Advancing EMS Care

While firefighting technology continued to improve during the 1970s, emergency medical services advanced even more rapidly. Earlier first aid training had largely been provided by the American Red Cross, but new state and national programs brought more advanced medical care to the field.

The first advanced training introduced in Harford County was the Emergency Medical Technician course, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Transportation and administered by the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Later, this course was taught by the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute. In 1974, Maryland introduced the Cardiac Rescue Technician course, which was taught in Havre de Grace. At the outset, the state did not believe volunteer personnel could successfully be trained in advanced life support procedures. Bel Air members proved otherwise.

In December 1974, Bel Air graduated three CRTs: Kenneth Atwell, Donald Holmes, who later became a CRT instructor, and Richard Woodward. In 1976, the first Intravenous Injection course was taught at Kirk Army Hospital on Aberdeen Proving Ground. In 1977, ambulance personnel were trained in the use of esophageal airways, and in 1978 they learned how to use Medical Anti-Shock Trousers, commonly known as MAST.

These developments marked a major step forward in the company’s EMS capabilities and in the quality of prehospital care delivered to the community.

The Forest Hill Station

The Forest Hill community began expressing interest in having a fire station in its area in 1973. In May of that year, a meeting was held with local residents. It was agreed that interested residents would join the fire company, complete training, and become active members, while the company would explore the feasibility of establishing a station there if membership support continued to grow. A membership drive followed, and participation from the Forest Hill area steadily increased.

By 1975, the officers of the company reported to the Board of Directors that they fully supported the concept of a Forest Hill station. A temporary location was secured in a small building on the Hicks property at the intersection of Route 24 and Old Jarrettsville Road while the company looked for land for a permanent station.

In January 1976, Air 361 was placed in service at the temporary Forest Hill station. In March 1977, the station had to be relocated to the Forest Hill Airpark after the previous property was sold. There, the company rented a hangar and converted it into a temporary firehouse. In May 1977, the 1948 Mack was moved to Forest Hill, followed by the 1969 Seagrave in September 1977.

In early 1978, a parcel on East Jarrettsville Road was generously donated by Ralph and Ruth Klein, well-known residents and proprietors in the Forest Hill community. Ground was broken for the permanent Forest Hill station in October 1978. The station was officially completed and opened on September 1, 1979, and formally dedicated on October 28, 1979.

Inclusion and Membership Growth

In 1974, Pamela MacLean submitted her application for membership in the Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company. Bel Air, known as a progressive department, accepted her in September 1974 as its first female member. She was only 16 years old, but she was determined to ride the apparatus and become a firefighter. More than four decades later, Pam remained a life member of Bel Air and retired from the Baltimore County Fire Department with the rank of Fire Captain.

Since that time, many women have served the fire company as both firefighters and EMS providers.

In 1978, the company also created the rank of Sergeant, placing it between Apparatus Driver and Senior Firefighter in the organizational structure. The first Sergeants were Richard Davis, Sr., and Mark Warble.

The First New Tower Ladder

In 1974, after several years of experience operating the used Maxim aerial, the company began writing specifications for a new ladder truck. In February 1974, it placed an order through Fire Equipment Supply Company for a new aerial tower. The chassis was built by Seagrave in June 1975 and sent to LTI, where the 85-foot aerial tower was installed. It was then sent to Clintonville Fire Apparatus in Wisconsin for completion of the custom body.

The finished truck featured an “S”-style Seagrave cab, Detroit Diesel 8V71 engine, and Allison HT-740 automatic transmission. Its 85-foot aerial tower included a unique four-outrigger system originally designed by Grove Crane Company. The outriggers extended outward and downward, providing greater stability and operating capacity in all directions.

The truck carried a full complement of ladders, including 45-foot, 35-foot, 28-foot, and 24-foot extension ladders; 18-foot and 14-foot roof ladders; 10-foot and 8-foot folding ladders; and a 14-foot A-frame ladder. It also carried the standard tools of a truck company, including axes, hooks, Halligan bars, smoke ejectors, rope, extinguishers, and ladder pipe tips.

The unit also carried Jet-Axe devices, a specialized explosive forcible-entry tool intended to cut openings in walls, doors, and other barriers. Although these devices were never used by the company, they remained on the apparatus for some time before being removed from service and turned over to the State Fire Marshal for disposal.

The new tower ladder was placed in service in June 1976 and answered its first alarm on June 20, 1976, for a dwelling fire on West Riding Drive in the West Riding development south of town.

Property Improvements

In September 1978, the company purchased the adjacent house and property at the corner of Churchville Road and Hickory Avenue. The existing house was later demolished, and the lot was converted into an auxiliary parking area.

End of the Decade

By the close of the 1970s, the Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company was in excellent condition, led by capable officers and supported by a well-trained and dedicated membership. Fire calls, ambulance runs, training demands, and organizational responsibilities had all increased significantly. As a result, the weekly bingo games that had once served as an important fundraising source were discontinued, leaving the Board of Directors with the challenge of identifying new revenue streams to support the company’s continued growth and service.