May 9, 2024, marked the 75th anniversary of a volunteer fire company in the small town of Rocky Ridge, seven miles east of Thurmont.
The founders of the Rocky Ridge Volunteer Fire Company set the foundation; now, the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th generations of those that have gone before continue to provide volunteer services to the ever-increasing community. In 2024, nine of the current members have served their community for 50-plus years. Bernard Wivell, who is 90 years old, still serves as the treasurer. They are also looking for new members willing to join and start this tradition in their own families.
The first meeting of the fire company was on May 9, 1949, with Marshall Fishpaw acting as president. Elections of officers at the first meeting were conducted, with Leslie Fox being voted in as president, Floyd Wetzel as secretary, and Luther Stambaugh as treasurer.
A community meeting was held in April 1950 by President Leslie Fox. It was decided to have the fire company take over the pond and the streetlights. The newly founded fire company accepted the hall from the Rocky Ridge Hall Association. The hall was located on Longs Mill Road, just south of the square in Rocky Ridge. The first seven directors of the company were James Sixx, Charle s Mumma, Oscar Saylor, Charles Troxell, Howard Miller, Roy Dinterman, and Luther Stambaugh.
The company had only one call in 1951, and it was the fire that caused the destruction of the wooden sliding board in Mt. Tabor Park. The company was on the scene for seven-and-a-half hours. In March 1951, the com pany began the discussion of buying the Model A Ford engine from Vigilant Hose Company for $1,000.
Rocky Ridge Volunteer Fire Company became a member of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association in 1952. In 1953, there were only six calls. For comparison, the company currently runs approximately 200 calls per year. Most fire calls at the time were verbal calls. People did not call 91 1 like they do today. Calls were taken by members of the fire company , and then the members were alerted.
A new fire engine was purchased in 1955. It was a Dodge truck equipped with an American Fire Apparatus body, a 400-gallon booster tank, and a 500 GPM front-mount pump, for the cost of $1,175. It was during this ye ar that the annual Rocky Ridge Carnival began.
The fire company hosted the Frederick County Firemen’s Convention for the first time in 1955, with Charles Mumma presiding. There were eight calls that year, one of which the company was on the scene for 14 hours! The fire police was organized in 1957. This group helps to direct traffic and keep the public at a safe distance from emergency incidents.
In October 1964, the company purchased property on Motters Station Road, just north of the square. The company planned to build a new firehall on the property. The company also had its first butchering this year. One year later, in October 1965, the company broke ground on the new firehall, which still stands today and is the current activities building. They were able to dedicate the new hall on October 23, 1966. Congressman Charles McMathias presented the U.S. flag, and State Comptroller Louis Goldstein p resented the Maryland flag at the dedication.
On October 18, 1966, the company hosted the 32 nd Annual Frederick County Volunteer Firemen’s Association, with Charles Mumma again presiding.
In 1968, the third pumper was purchased, a 1950 Dodge, equipped with an American Fire Apparatus body, a 500-gallon booster tank, and a 500 GPM midship pump. The company had a house fire on Christmas day that kept the company on the scene for four-and-a-half hours; it was so cold that everything was freezing up.
In 1969, the fourth piece of equipment was put into service in the spring : a 1955 Dodge tank truck. In December 1971, a 10-horsepower 3-ph ase house siren was ordered. Additional wiring and another pole was installed and was in service by March of 1972. The company helped with the flood in Detour , with a total of sixty-two-and-a-half hours of service. The first junior fire organization was established in June 1972.
The first brush truck was purchased in June 1976. This is a 1964 Chevy brush truck that is still in service today . It has had some improvements over the years, including adding power steering and rehabbing the body i n 2016.
In 1980, the fire company again hosted the Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association’s Convention, with Robert Mumma presiding. The junior organization was reorganized after being dissolved in 1977 for lack of members. The county 911 alarm system went into effect in August 1982. This allowed for the central dispatch of calls throughout the county . The company placed the first Special Unit 13 in service in 1983, a Ford F-1 50 Horton Ambulance.
The Mumma family has played a la ge part in the volunteer fire company over the years. The three sons, Charles, Kenneth, and Robert Mumma, donated a parcel of land that was bequeathed to Rocky Ridge Volunteer Fire Company from the estate of Charles L. and Ethel M. Mumma in 1983, with stipulations a fire pond be established for the community of Rocky Ridge. This parcel is located on the west end of town.
The company became the guardian of the Briggs Library in 1990. In 1994, the company purchased land from the Rocky Ridge Church of the Brethren and built the current fire station. The junior organization was, unfortunately, disbanded in 1991; but, in 2004, Assistant Chief Luke Humerick began the task of re-establishing the group. It is still going strong tod ay.
Throughout the 75 years as a volunteer fire company , there have been a lot of fundraising events to support the company and to serve t he community. These include card games, butcherings/breakfasts, suppers, fund drives, the annual carnivals, ham sandwich sales, bingos, turkey shoots, car shows, sportsmen nights, drive-thrus, and many more. They also have started a store through their website at www.rockyridgevfc.com.
The members enjoy giving back to the community in more ways than just providing emergency care. They have held Halloween parties in October; Santa Workshops in December; and most recently , Christmas in Rocky Ridge with a tree-lighting ceremony. They also bring Santa around on the firetruck to the children in their area during the second week in December.
The company has a strong supporting auxiliary behind them. They help with all of the company fundraisers and also sponsor their own fundraising events. This group was organized in 1955, and in 1984, they were voted in as members of the fire company as a group. From the beginning, they have always donated a portion of their funds to the company each yea r to help support their efforts.
The company celebrated 50 years of service in 1999. Now , in 2024, they are celebrating 75 years. Just like in 1949, they are still an all- volunteer company. They have purchased several new pieces of equipment throughout the years, the newest being Engine 133 in 2014. The Model A Ford, their first fire truck, was rehabbed during the years 2010–2012 and is now on display i n the station.
Various members have also served at the county level, including three past presidents of the Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association: Charles Mumma, Robert Mumma, and Alan Hurley. Alan Brauer was the chairman of the Frederick County Fire Prevention Committee, and Linda Northrup was the county Miss Fire Prevention in 1980. Her broth er, Kevin Albaugh, currently serves as the Frederick County Fire Police Captain. Other members serve on various other committees for the county.
Although they are a small company in comparison to other companies in the county, Rocky Ridge Volunteer Fire Company serves its community and surrounding areas with compassion and dedication.
Fire Company
Auxiliary
Junior Organization
Their first fire truck, Model A Ford, was rehabbed during the years 2010– 2012 and is now on display in the station.
Most recently purchased unit, Engine 133, in 2014.
Fire Company — 50+ Years
Auxiliary — 50+ Years
