The Reorganization

On January 15, 1923, a pivotal meeting was held at the Masonic Temple to reorganize the fire company. After considerable discussion, it was unanimously agreed that the organization would adopt a revised structure while continuing to operate under its existing constitution and bylaws.

Under this governance model, the company’s affairs were overseen by a seven-member Board of Directors elected annually. The board included three representatives of property owners, two active firemen, and two members of the town board. The Chief retained full operational command of firefighting personnel and apparatus, directing all activities at emergency scenes.

Leadership and Membership (1923)

The Board of Directors for the first year of reorganization included:

• President: Wylie Hopkins

• Vice President: Stanley McComas

• Secretary-Treasurer: Herbert McComas

• Board Members: Dr. Purnell F. Sappington, Frank L. Hiser

• Chief: Malcolm N. Stewart

• Captain: William A. Warns

The operational officers were:

• Chief: Malcolm N. Stewart

• Captain: William A. Warns

• Lieutenant: William Bauer

The membership at the time included 22 active individuals who formed the foundation of the reorganized company.

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Formal Incorporation

Although the organization had long been referred to as the Bel Air Fire Company or Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company, its official incorporated name had remained the Bel Air Fire and Salvage Company, Inc. To align its identity with common usage, new Articles of Incorporation were filed on March 21, 1924. From that date forward, the organization was formally recognized as the Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company, Inc.

The first recorded alarm under the reorganized company occurred on March 3, 1925, for a chimney fire. In its first full year of incorporation, the company responded to 53 alarms.

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Need for Modern Apparatus

As early as April 10, 1923, the company recognized that its existing apparatus - while adequate for in-town incidents - was insufficient for the growing number of calls outside town limits. Members identified the need for a more powerful, faster apparatus equipped with a fire pump and modern features.

This need became evident on August 14, 1923, during the Worthington Estate fire. Although firefighters initially brought the fire under control, repeated hose failures resulted in significant delays. Ultimately, the residence and much of its contents were lost. In response, the Susquehanna Hose Company of Havre de Grace loaned 400 feet of hose until new equipment could be procured. Within one week, the company had purchased and received 500 feet of replacement hose.

This incident underscored the urgent need for improved equipment and directly influenced future apparatus decisions.

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Acquisition of the Seagrave Pumper

On August 29, 1923, the company launched a fundraising campaign with a goal of $8,500 to purchase modern fire apparatus and equipment. After careful evaluation, the company selected a Seagrave Model 560 Triple Combination Pumper.

The order was placed on November 7, 1923, at a cost of $11,500. The apparatus featured:

• 500 GPM pump

• 1,000 feet of 2½-inch hose capacity

• 40-gallon chemical tank with 200 feet of hose

• Pump-to-chemical line connection for dual use

• Solid disk wheels

Painted in a light cream color, the pumper quickly became one of the most powerful units in both Harford and Cecil Counties. Its capabilities were so highly regarded that the Susquehanna Power and Light Company retained the company’s services for potential incidents at the Conowingo Hydroelectric Dam.

The engine was delivered by rail to Baltimore on February 26, 1924, and driven to Bel Air by a factory representative. Due to ongoing renovations at the station, it was temporarily housed at the Harford Garage before being placed into service at the Main Street station on April 30, 1924.

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Establishment of the Main Street Station

As apparatus capabilities expanded, the company quickly outgrew the Courtland Street firehouse. In December 1923, the company finalized the purchase of property at 34–36 North Main Street from the Whitaker Estate for $5,000.

The building, consisting of a storefront and adjoining residence, underwent significant renovations:

• Storefront removed and floor lowered to street level

• Concrete flooring installed

• Two large apparatus bay doors constructed

The newly renovated station was completed on April 30, 1924, and became the company’s new headquarters, housing both the Seagrave pumper and the existing Ford/American LaFrance unit.

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Fundraising and Community Engagement

The financial burden of purchasing apparatus and renovating the new station required innovative fundraising efforts. In 1924, the company organized its first firemen’s carnival - an event that would become a long-standing community tradition.

Held from July 26 through August 2 on Pennsylvania Avenue, the carnival included a parade and a variety of attractions. Despite initial uncertainty, the event was a tremendous success, generating approximately $5,200 in revenue, with over $2,000 in net proceeds. This success established the carnival as an annual fundraising event for many years.

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Formation of the Fire Company Band

In 1925, the company expanded its community presence by organizing a fire company band. Established on February 20 at the Armory, the band was led by:

• President: Dr. Frank Swartz

• Secretary/Treasurer: Henry Tarring

• Band Leader: Irvin Smith

The band performed at parades, conventions, and public concerts, including a series of summer performances on the courthouse plaza. While short-lived, the band reflected the company’s strong connection to the community.

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Apparatus Modernization and Expansion

By 1929, increasing call volume and deteriorating road conditions had taken a toll on the Seagrave pumper. After a mechanical failure on October 28, 1929, the unit was taken out of service for a complete overhaul.

Recognizing the urgency, the Board of Directors acted quickly and purchased a 1929 GMC/American LaFrance Type 199 pumper for $5,900. Delivered on November 2, 1929, the new apparatus featured:

• 6-cylinder GMC engine

• 500 GPM rotary pump

• 100-gallon water tank

• Ground ladders and firefighting tools

• Electric siren and spotlight

Unlike its predecessor, the new pumper was painted fire engine red, prompting the repainting of the Seagrave unit to match.

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Regional Impact and Mutual Aid

During this period, the Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company provided fire protection to surrounding communities, including Jarrettsville. However, as population and development increased, these communities began forming their own fire departments.

In late 1929, the company sold its Ford/American LaFrance hose wagon to the newly established Jarrettsville Volunteer Fire Company for $600. This marked a significant step in the expansion of organized fire protection throughout the region.

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This reorganization period marked a turning point in the company’s history - transitioning from a small, locally focused organization into a more structured, better equipped, and regionally impactful fire service.