The Laytonsville Fire Department
Text from the Laytonsville History Booklet by Maude Burke, Susann Mick, and Anne Wolf
Copyright ©1998
Newspaper article from The Washington Star, Feb. 5, 1965

Fire has always been a much-feared enemy in Laytonsville. Over the years two mills had burned, George Mobley’s barn had been destroyed, and chimney fires in homes were frequent. On February 28, 1952, a meeting was held to discuss the need for a fire department.

On April 3 of that year, a meeting of 22 community leaders discussed the need for a local fire department. By May 17, 1952, the Laytonsville Fire Department was born. Harrison King donated $50.00 to obtain a State of Maryland Charter of Incorporation. The first fire chief was first fire chief was Spencer Brown and Al Perry was first president.

The charter issued on June 17, 1952, stated that the company could operate only in the town limits. Later Dorsey Road was made the limit, and by May of 1994, limits were to include the agricultural ground surrounding Laytonsville.

In December of 1952, Camp 15320 Modern Woodmen of America sold its Hall property to the Fire Department for $1.00. The Bank of Damascus lent the Fire Department $7,000.00 to prepare the Hall for the needed equipment. It was hoped that the new fire department would lower insurance rates. The rates were reduced 7 percent as property was classified as “Rural Protected.”

The department equipment was expanded by the purchase of a 1930 Brockway pumper, nicknamed “Minnie,” from the Hyattstown Volunteer Fire Department for $100.00.  The department “passed the hat” to collect the funds for this first pumper. Each year additional purchases were made to upgrade the department. A Diamond T pumper was bought from the Gaithersburg-Washington Grove Fire Department. This pumper replaced “Minnie,” but the old Brockway pumper was kept as a symbol of the long hours of hard work.

By February 4, 1965, the Laytonsville Fire Department was beginning to be very proud of its training and equipment. On that date the building caught fire and was leveled – estimated loss was $100,000.00. Only Old Minnie, stored in one fireman’s garage, escaped the blaze.  The Washington Star reported the event in this article.

The residents of Laytonsville and the surrounding area responded quickly and generous donations were received as the story of the fire reached the newspapers. The insurance settlement for the apparatus was $24,000.00 and for the building $33.000.00. The heirs of William H. Fulks donated one acre of land. Grover Armstrong gave a $3,000.00 check to start the donations. Five months after the fire, $31,000.00 had been received.

On October 15, 1966, the new fire house was dedicated. The dedication speech was given by the Honorable Louis L. Goldstein, Comptroller of Maryland. The Ladies Auxiliary served refreshments, and the Gaithersburg High School band played.

Duties performed by the firefighters have expanded beyond fires as the department staff now provide ambulance service, first aid attention, and general good neighborliness to the greater Laytonsville area. The much-enjoyed breakfasts and spaghetti dinners help the Department financially and bring the community together. Laytonsville Fire Department is staffed by both professionals and volunteers, men and women. And Minnie, the original fire engine, was dedicated in 1972 “to the men who served a bygone era.” She is kept in shining condition so she can shine in all the parades.

First Elected Officers – 1952
President Vice President Secretary Treasurer Membership Secretary Fire Chief	Al Perry Harrison King Lewis Kibbee Josephine Snouffer Henry Perry George Miller Spencer Brown

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