Graceham Volunteer Fire Company closes after 64 years of service
Donates Building to FFA Alumni Association
Alisha Yocum & JAMES RADA, JR.
On September 27, members and supporters gathered at Graceham Volunteer Fire Company (GVFC) to meet one last time in their building on Graceham Road in Thurmont.
The volunteer fire company had been placed on operational pause in June 2022 by the Frederick County Division of Fire and Rescue Services. After trying hard to meet the call requirements put forth by the county, members made the difficult decision in November 2023 to close its doors.
Though it was a bittersweet occasion, the Board of Directors and event organizers focused on celebrating the 64 years of dedicated service the volunteers provided to Graceham and the surrounding communities. Brian Boller served as the master of ceremonies, recounting the rich history of GVFC, which dates back to 1917, when the first conversations about fire prevention began in Graceham. Although opinions were divided at the time over the need for a fire company, by 1960, volunteers were holding meetings in residents’ basements. The organization was formally incorporated by founding members, Leslie Sovocool Sr., Leslie Sovocool Jr., and Richard Waynant. Over the years, the company grew and established its current 40×40 two-bay station, built on land donated by Stanley Rogan and his wife in 1962. GVFC purchased its first fire apparatus in 1948, marking a major milestone in its early operations.
Harve “Eddie” Woods, the only original member present at the event, shared brief but heartfelt remarks. “This has been one tough outfit for 60 years,” he said, recalling how he first got involved after learning about the station’s construction. After attending his first meeting, he became a lifelong member of the GVFC.
Throughout the ceremony, others reminisced, sharing memories of answering calls and working fundraisers, bringing both laughter and tears to the crowd.
Chief Louis Powell Jr., who has served as chief for the past three years, reflected on his own 30-year journey with the company and what GVFC has meant to him.
Amanda “Kate” Lott, the company’s president, also addressed the group, expressing how difficult the decision to close was and thanking all the volunteers for their years of service.
The ceremony continued with the recognition of GVFC’s Life Members, Honorary Members, and other contributors. Plans were announced to establish a memorial wall on the property to honor these individuals and preserve the fire company’s legacy. Much like an organ donor goes on living in organ recipients, so will GVFC continue on in other companies that now have equipment from the company.
Engine Tanker 184 was donated to the Edgewater Park Volunteer Fire Department in Apache, Oklahoma.
B185 was returned to the Maryland Forestry Department.
B186 was sold to the City of Benton, Illinois.
SU18 was donated to Hawkins County Volunteer Fireman’s Association on behalf of the Stanley Valley Volunteer Fire Department in Surgoinsville, Tennessee.
In addition, the GVFC also donated $5,000 each to the Guardian Hose Company, Thurmont Community Ambulance Service, Rocky Ridge Volunteer Fire Company, Lewistown Volunteer Fire Company, and Wolfsville Volunteer Fire Company.
The ceremony came to a close with a memorial service held to remember members who have passed. As each name was read aloud, a bell rang, and the fire siren sounded one final time, marking the end of GVFC’s service to the community.
After accepting over 60 applications, the GVFC voted to donate the building to the Catoctin Future Farmers of America (FFA) Alumni Association. President Robert Hahn and Treasurer Tyler Wolf accepted a plague on behalf of the organization, as they make the GVFC their new home. Hahn and Wolf said they plan to use the building to hold meetings and fundraisers. Current members of the Catoctin High School FFA were onsite to serve dinner at the event to show their appreciation to the GVFC.
The Graceham Volunteer Fire Company (GVFC) gifted its building to the Catoctin FFA Alumni Association. Pictured (from left): GVFC’s Chief Louis Powell Jr., Catoctin FFA’s President Robert Hahn and Catoctin FFAs Treasurer Tyler Wolf, and GVFC President Amanda “Kate” Lott.
A GVFC member browses historical documents from the fire company’s 64 years of service.
Organizers of the event display many historical photos as part of the ceremony.
Members of the Graceham Volunteer Fire Company enjoy one last meal together before its closing.+
