Lewistown VFD: 40 Years Young!
Come Celebrate with Us:
Sunday, June 27
12-5 p.m.
Fire Company Grounds, Hessong Bridge Road, off US 15
40th Anniversary Photo Gallery
The year is 1970. The Beatles are breaking up, people are protesting the Vietnam War, and the first Earth Day takes place.
Here in Lewistown, Utica and Mountaindale, we were celebrating a more positive, community-spirited accomplishment. With volunteer resources in Frederick City and Walkersville becoming increasingly stretched with more people moving to the county, a debate Lewistown area residents had been having about the need for our own fire service came to fruition with a new department: Company 22, based on Hessong Bridge Road. After a first meeting on June 3, We began with Engine 222, purchased in August 1970, for $1,800. It was the first diesel engine in county.
Founding Officers
President: James Grimes
Vice President: Donald Coyle
Secretary: John Reburn
Treasurer: Richard Ellis
James Grimes, who later would become mayor of Frederick, was instrumental in the early plans for the department, as well as Albert Powell, director of the State Fisheries in Lewistown; Donald Martin; John Reburn and Jack Barber. Within a year, Lewistown had purchased a garage owned by Jim Grimes and moved into the building with Engine 222, Truck T-22 and had a yard sale, a raffle and several suppers and 50/50s under the belt.
For more history, go to Lewistown's history page.
1939 American LaFrance Truck, acquired from Middletown Volunteer Fire Company, 1970
1961 Pirsch Engine 222, originally Engine 81 of Seat Pleasant Md.
Originally powered by gas engine but repowered with a Cummings diesel engine; 750 gpm Hale pump and 500 gallon water tank.
Key Historical Occurrences
- *June 3, 1970: First Community Meeting
- *Sept. 2, 1970: First Officers election
- *October 3, 1970: First Ham & Turkey dinner
Commemorative Items for Purchase on June 27!
American Traditions Baskets
Sold only til August 1!!!
$50.00
Basket info email: jillbjohnson66@aol.com