Dottie Davis Nominated by: Phyllis Kelly At 91, Dorothy (Dottie) Davis acknowledges that she is not as active as she once was, but her dedication to the Emmitsburg community remains unwavering. Born and raised in Thurmont, it was after marrying her late husband, Alan Davis, that she moved to Emmitsburg, where she still resides in…

Members of the public joined Vigilant Hose Company (VHC) for a time-honored fire services tradition of a “Push-In”on June 3, when firefighters and citizens “pushed” the new Tower 6 into the stationhouse at 25 West Main Street. The event went great, with over 100 attendees on hand. Firefighters and citizens “push” the new Tower 6…

No doubt, many Emmitsburg residents and business owners have already noticed the community’s newest fire and rescue vehicle traversing area roadways while being used for driver/operator training in recent weeks. Soley due to wonderful ongoing community-wide support, the men and women of the Vigilant Hose Company (VHC) are proud to announce that a Dedication Ceremony…

The Vigilant Hose Company’s Six of Hearts finally had a JACKPOT winner! After 268 days of the Six of Hearts board being up, the winning number was finally picked on Monday, September 25. Craig Mayne had his very lucky ticket pulled, revealing number 52 and the Six of Hearts, winning the company’s biggest Six of…

Early in 2022, the Vigilant Hose Company (VHC) formed a committee to replace its aging Aerial Unit, Tower 6, that has served this community faithfully for over 22 years. Shortly after forming the committee and receiving the approximate cost of the endeavor, President Tom Ward kicked off a fundraising campaign to help offset the estimated…

Cheryl Lenhart Thurmont Grange #409 hosted its First Responders Appreciation Night at the Thurmont Town Park on June 27. After an invocation given by Nancy Wine, all members and guests in attendance enjoyed a covered-dish picnic dinner. Lecturer Niki Eyler then turned the program over to Grange members who introduced our First Responders. Graceham VFC…

Richard Fulton The Emmitsburg Vigilant Hose Company (VHC) offers Mount Saint Mary’s University (MSMU) students, and other area residents, a rare opportunity to train for fire and rescue services while residing in an actual firehouse. The opportunity, known as the Live-In Program, allows for up to five individuals to participate at a time. Participants must…

Tom Ward Frederick County Division of Fire and Rescue Services recognized Vigilant Hose Company personnel Monday morning, April 25, 2022, for their efforts in rescuing two individuals trapped in a house fire on March 29 in Fairfield, Pennsylvania. A Unit Citation was presented for “The quick and decisive actions displayed by the personnel on Ambulance…

The Vigilant Hose Company held its Award and Recognition program on January 8, 2022, at the Vigilant Hose Activities Building in Emmitsburg. The welcome and presentation were given by Tim Clarke, board of director member. A moment of silence was held for the members who passed away in the years 2020 and 2021: Bo Cadle,…

At the October 2021 monthly meeting of the Vigilant Hose Company, the membership voted upon a recommendation from the organization’s board of directors to pay off the remaining mortgage on the fire station, located at 25 W. Main Street, and the balance remaining on the loan for its recently purchased Engine 61. The total debt…

On Thursday, August 27, 2020, while this edition of The Catoctin Banner Newzine was at press, the Town of Emmitsburg hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to unveil four wayside exhibits along the future historic walking tour route in Emmitsburg. The four signs explain the history of the Vigilant Hose Company, the Great Fire of 1863 (pictured…

The men and women of Emmitsburg’s community fire, rescue, and emergency medical services proudly announce their annual Fire and Life Safety Open House on Thursday evening, October 10, 2019, from 6:00-8:30 p.m., at the Fire Station, located at 25 West Main Street in Emmitsburg. This will be the 64th year that Vigilant Hose Company (VHC)…

Dianne Walbrecker Emmitsburg rolls out the red carpet for neighbors and visitors alike at its biggest event of the year: Community Heritage Day. This year, at our 38th annual festival, we roll out all the games you love, the BBQ chicken, car show, horseshoe contest, parade, and music, but all at a later time than…

Deb Abraham Spalding The 135th Annual Banquet of the Vigilant Hose Company (VHC) was held on Saturday, January 5, 2019, at the Vigilant Hose Company Activities Building on Creamery Road in Emmitsburg. Former Company president and current member, Tim Clarke, acted as master of ceremonies and delivered an enjoyable and comical presentation. Frederick County Executive…

Cuddles Cat Rescue Holds Unique and Successful Fundraiser Cuddles Cat Rescue (CCR) had some awesome fundraisers in 2015: a pizza night at Rocky’s New York Pizza; Cuddles Cat Rescue and Friends calendar with photographer, Gina Rubino McCracken donating her time; a booth set up at Colorfest; and a paint night at The Furnace with Laura…

by James Rada, Jr. 1909 — Emmitsburg’s Third Great Fire Emmitsburg has a long history of both fires and fire protection. The Great Emmitsburg Fire of 1863 is considered the most serious fire in the town’s history. By the time the flames sputtered out, twenty-eight houses and nine businesses had been damaged or destroyed. Three…

James Rada, Jr. Rain couldn’t stop the annual Emmitsburg Community Heritage Day. With the exception of the Vigilant Hose Company’s Community Breakfast that was held Saturday morning, it just delayed the event for a day. The Emmitsburg Lions Club, which hosts the event, made the decision to postpone the festival. Community Heritage Day is typically…

Guardian Hose Company Yard Sale The Guardian Hose Company is sponsoring a yard sale on May 30, 2015, at the Thurmont carnival grounds on 123 East Main Street in Thurmont. Spaces are $5.00 each. Vigilant Hose Company’s Spring Fling The Vigilant Hose Company’s Annual Spring Fling will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2014, at…

The Catoctin High School (CHS) Committee for a Safe and Sane graduation is continually working hard to raise the necessary funds for the after-graduation party. A sincere thank you to everyone who has supported us to this point—we couldn’t do this without you! We have some more exciting events planned and ask for your continued…