The Second District Volunteer Fire Department was founded April 1, 1951, at McKays Beach, Valley Lee, Maryland, by the following people:

Victor A. Orsini, John P. Boston, Andrew Barbagello, Edward F. Koegel, Lawrence Koegel, John O. Koegel, Paul Hannen, Howard Dameron, Frank Walters, Claude Klouclussev, James Minot, and Carl Satterwhite.

The Beginning ...

A meeting was held at the home of Victor Orsini, at 3 p.m., Sunday afternoon, February 25, 1951.  Mr. Orsini and Mr. Hannen opened the meeting by telling what they had learned from various sources in regard to obtaining fire-fighting apparatus for McKays beach.

A motion was then put on the floor suggesting that a Civic group be formed under the auspices of which a VFD could be readily formed.  The motion was carried.  The group was to be known as the McKays Beach Civic Association.  Temporary Officers were elected as follows:

                President                         J. Boston

                Vice President                  C. Roger

                Treasurer                         L. Koegel

                Secretary                         J. Koegel

A committee of four men was then appointed to investigate the requirements of an adequate fire-fighting system for the McKays Beach area and report their findings at the next Civic Association meeting.  The four men appointed to the committee were as follows:

        C. Rogers

        C. Satterwhite

         V. Orsini

         P. Hannen

A building committee of two men was also appointed to obtain an estimate for the cost of a future Fire House.  Mr. E.F. Koegel and Mr. A. Barbagallo were on this committee.

Mr. Bernard McKay generously donated the tract of land just North of the road to Miller's cottage as the future site of the Fire House.

The next meeting was to be held at he home of J. Boston, March 11, at 3 P.M.

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The above are the first minutes of the meeting of the Civic Group at McKays Beach from which has grown the Second District Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad, Incorporated.

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The Second District Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad organized in early 1951, not at its' present site, but in a small community three miles away called McKays Beach, The department's original name.  The move to organize a Fire Department began after a fire in the community gutted a large home because the closet fire protection, located in Leonardtown, was twenty minutes away.

After the fire, initial discussions among residents centered around the possibilities of supplying manpower assistance to responding Fire Departments and setting a draft for a water supply.  To this end, a stationary pump was obtained from Civil Defense and placed close to the adjacent creek and next to the home of Marion and Victor Orsini.

The first formal meeting of local residents regarding  organization of a Volunteer Fire Department took place at the home of the Orsini's on February 25, 1951.  Those in attendance suggested forming a Civic Association and appointing a committee under this Association to investigate the needs and requirements in forming a Volunteer Fire Department.  Temporary  Officers for the Civic Association were J. Boston, President; C. Rogers, Vice President; L. Koegel, Treasurer; J. Koegel, Secretary.  A building committee was also appointed and Mr. Bernard McKay donated the land for the future Fire House.  Mr. Paul Hannen was asked to draft the Charter for the proposed Fire Department.

On April 1, 1951, the proposed Charter of the new Fire Department was presented to the members of the Civic Association by Paul Hannen and adopted.  At this point, the McKay's Beach Volunteer Fire Department  was established.  The Officers were: President - John P. Boston; Vice President - Charles Rogers; Treasurer - Lawrence Koegel; Secretary - Jack Koegel; and Chief - Victor Orsini.  Other Charter Members were: Andrew Barbagallo, Edward Koegel, Paul Hannen, Howard Dameron, Frank Watters, Claude Klouchesser, James Minot and Carl Satterwhite.

On May 12, 1951, The first fire truck was purchased. "Betsy," who had faithfully served the Ridge Volunteer Fire Department for many years, was purchased for $280.00 from Ridge.  "Betsy" was a 1937 Brockway/Autocar with a 500 g.p.m. pump.  She had "no brakes" and a 55-gallon drum for priming the pump.

On May 22, 1951, construction of the Fire Department officially began.  All the work necessary to complete the Fire House was done by the Department Members.  Many fund raisers were held to help pay for the construction.  And the members began to say,  "beg, borrow and steal nickels and dimes" to complete the building.  The first fund raiser was held on May 25, 1951, when a beer and crab feast was held at the Oakwood Lodge to benefit the department.  The first raffle fund raiser was held on May, 31 1951 when a 16" G.E. Television set was raffled at the Park Theater in Lexington Park, Maryland.

The first carnival, which netted $1,470.54, was held on September 7, 1952 on the ball field at Tall Timbers.  The grand prize was a Pinto Pony which was won by Bailey Russell.  The carnival would long serve as a major fund raiser for the Department.

In October 1952, The Ladies Auxiliary was organized. Marion Orsini was elected as President.

January 20, 1953 The Ladies Auxiliary held their first covered dish dinner and election of Officers.  This was the first of the many similar events held now on an annual basis by the Department's "Auxiliary."

January 23, 1953 First Oyster Scald held at McKays Beach Fire House.

Throughout the early 1950's , the McKays Beach Volunteer Fire Department continued to hold many types of fund raising events.  Raffles, dinners, and oyster scalds helped raise enough money to order a new fire truck.

February 7, 1953 A new Pumper truck was ordered from the American Fire Apparatus Company, Battle Creek, Michigan.  The 500 g.p.m. front mounted pumper was mounted on a 1952 F8 Ford cab and chassis.  The Ford chassis was purchased through George Aud's Sales Agency in Lexington Park, Maryland, which actually purchased the vehicle from the Aldridge Ford Company located at that time in Pine Tree, North Carolina.  Total cost of the truck was $11,500.00.  Delivery of the truck would not take place until July 8, 1953.

December 10, 1953 A Central Alarm System for the County was discussed ay a meeting at the Fire House.  The County Fire Association was interested in this program.

January 27, 1954 Second Annual Covered Dish Dinner by the Ladies Auxiliary.  Peggy Roger elected President.

March 28, 1954 Oyster Scald and Roast Beef Dinner for $1.00 at the Fire House.

March, 1954 R.E. "Puggy" Russell voted to Senior Membership.

April 10, 1954 Forest fire at Federal Ordnance Plant.

May, 1954 First "Ladies Nite Out" dinner and dance in appreciation for the work the Ladies Auxiliary had done for the Department.  This event turned into an annual affair looked forward to by the Department.

June19, 1954 Chief Rodgers resigns and moves to South Carolina.  Assistant Chief John O. Koegel assumes duties until the next elections.

July 2-5, 1954 Third Annual Carnival with more fund raising continued.  One of the big raffles was held during the annual carnival when a new black and yellow Buick Century automobile was the prize.  $1,800.00 was cleared on this raffle.

August 16, 1954 St. Mary's County Radio Control Center went into operation in Leonardtown.

November 7, 1954 Oyster scald and dinner held by the Ladies Auxiliary

December, 31, 1954 New Year's eve party held at the Fire House and enjoyed by all.

January 18, 1955 Third Annual Covered Dish Dinner and Ladies Auxiliary elections at the Fire House.  Betty Russell elected President.

April 9, 1955 Greenland Gardens burned down.

May 1, 1956 George Cecil's Mill destroyed by fire.

June 14, 1956 Leonardtown Hotel destroyed by Fire; Company 6 assisted in suppression.

In 1956, fireworks were held on the 4th of July during the annual carnival for the first time.  This became an annual tradition (July 4th fireworks) that would continue through 1988 when the carnivals were stopped.  The fireworks displays were a large crowd attraction and a tremendous fund raiser for the Fire Department.

During 1957, discussion began within the Department concerning moving the Fire Department from McKays Beach to Valley Lee.  The Department was becoming larger and needed to be more centrally located in the area it was serving.  The processing of moving to Valley Lee would take eight years.

April 16, 1957 Poe's Nursing Home fire, St. Georges Island.

May 1957 Pat Magee, member of the Department and an employee at the County Control Center, killed in an automobile accident in Drayden.

July 4, 1957 Sixth Annual Carnival at Valley Lee.

August 7, 1957 First Board of Directors Meeting.  Members of the Board were: V. Orsini; J. Hodges; J. Boston; T. Springer; J. Colvin (President); J. Koegel (Secretary).

Summer 1957 The Fire Tax is being discussed in earnest.

August 16, 1957 Open meeting in the Second District at the St. George's Episcopal Church hall to discuss the Fire Tax. J.F. Raley present.

August 1957 Fire Tax Referendum was defeated in the Second and Ninth Districts.  Passed in the Eighth District (Lexington Park).

August 1957 New Bridge to St. George's Island completed.

September 26, 1957 Oyster Scald -- First in two years.

October 9, 1957 First Discussions held concerning movement of the Fire Department to the Valley Lee area.

October 13, 1957 Oyster Scald and Dinner put on by the Ladies Auxiliary.

January 1958 Sixth Annual Covered Dish Dinner and election of Ladies Auxiliary Officers.  Bunny Scrivener elected President.

January 9, 1958 Charlotte Hall Military Academy dormitory fire.  First jet airplane crash in the Second District.

March 11, 1958 John Hodges barn destroyed by fire.

April 26, 1958 Square Dance at Little Flower School

May 17, 1958 House fire on St. George's Island in which Mr. Rice lost his life.

October, 1958 Engine 63, a 1943 vintage Ford fire truck was obtained from the Navy at Patuxent River and Jeep 6 was purchased through Civil Defense Agency surplus property at Jessup, Maryland.

FEBRUARY 1959   The Department's name was officially changed to the "Second District Volunteer Fire Department."  

July 1960   Annual Carnival held at Swann's store in Piney Point.

March 1961   Construction was started on a new Fire House in Valley Lee on land purchased from Mr. John Lynch.  Again, many fund raisers continued to be held to finance construction of the new building and operating expenses.

September 5, 1964   Monthly adult dances started; Greg Adams, Chairman.

August 25, 1964   New Truck Fund was established to help pay for a new truck to be purchased the next year.

December 31, 1964  Big New Year?s Eve Party and Dance at the Fire House, a great success that will become an annual affair.  Greg Adams, Chairman.

In 1964, a 1951 International Tanker obtained from a local heating/oil company was placed in service with the Fire Department.

January 4, 1965   The monthly $100.00 raffle was started to raise money for the new truck.  R. W. Lindsley, Chairman.  

February 13, 1965   Ladies Nite Out - Dinner and Dance at the Fire House.

February, 1965  Legislation has been introduced in the General Assembly to increase the annual allotment from the County Commissioners from $2,500.00 to $5,000.00.  This legislation was passed.

March 1, 1965   Board of Directors ruled to purchase a truck manufactured by the Mack Fire Truck Company, Allentown, Pennsylvania.

March 28, 1965  Annual Spring Dinner at the Fire House.

April 5, 1965   Board of Directors decided to go "Diesel" in the new Fire Truck.  Maximum limit placed at $31,000.00.  Plans for the dedication of the Fire House initiated; J. M. Colvin, Chairman.

May 3, 1965   The original Fire House at McKay's Beach sold to Mr. McWhorter for $3,500.00.

June 7, 1965   Insurance contracted out to J. F. Raley Insurance Company at an annual savings to the department of approximately $300.00.

July 4, 1965   Fourteenth Annual Carnival at the Fire House.

October 31, 1965   Annual Fall Dinner by the Ladies Auxiliary.

November 17, 1965   New Mack, 1000 g.p.m. diesel-powered Pumper delivered.  Total cost of $31,000.00.  The first ?Diesel? in Southern Maryland.

November 28, 1965   Dedication for the new Fire House was held.  The newly purchased Pumper was delivered in time for the ceremony.  Senator Tydings was the guest speaker.

In 1971, a new Ford/Bevier Tanker was purchased to replace the 1951 International.

In 1972, a Ford Brush Truck and a Ford Scout were purchased to replace Engine 63 and the Civil Defense Jeep.

May 15, 1972   A large-scale fire occurred in the Second District's first response area.  A 100,000 gallon barrel storage tank at the Steuart Petroleum Plant in Piney Point containing AVGAS was struck by lightning.  Firefighters from three Southern Maryland Counties battled the blaze all night long before it was finally extinguished.

In 1973, the Rescue Squad was incorporated into the Fire Department.  A 1973 Cadillac was purchased at this time to handle emergency rescue calls.  Ambulance services in the Second and Ninth Districts were previously handled by the Lexington Park Volunteer Rescue Squad.  The Second District is the only company in St. Mary's County where both Fire and Emergency Medical Services personnel are combined in one Company.

In 1975, a Mack 1,000 g.p.m. pumper was purchased.

March 1976   A five-alarm blaze gutted the Hewitt Lumber Company in Callaway, Maryland.  The fire was caused by a downed 69 KVW power line knocked over during a violent wind storm.  The power line fell on top of an air conditioning unit on the roof of the building, charged the metal duct, and set the building on fire.  Water supply was also a hindrance in extinguishing the fire.

In 1984 a Swab Ambulance replaced the 1973 Cadillac.

January 9, 1977   A large blaze at the Harry Lundeburg School of Seamanship occurred when a 30' x 100' creosote barge used for a woodworking shop caught fire during a major snow storm.  The barge was loaded with many flammables including a 250-gallon oil tank.  Logistics of obtaining access to the fire were even more difficult due to its location in the water.

September 12, 1980   Steuart Petroleum's pipeline exploded when five people were working on it.  One person was killed, one had 2nd and 3rd degree burns on 85% of his body, while the other three experienced minor burns and injuries.

November 4, 1986   The Fire Tax Referendum was passed after being defeated in 1957, 29 years after initial discussion.

December 21, 1986   A barge being unloaded at the end of the Steuart Petroleum 1,200 foot pier on the Potomac River exploded.  Four workers were killed and one injured.  County firefighters battled the blaze all night long.

Just weeks prior to the Steuart barge fire, the Department had taken delivery of a new Hahn 1,250 g.p.m. pumper.  The new Engine 61 replaced the 1965 Mack, which was converted into a rescue/pumper.  The new Engine 61 was the first unit at the Second District Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad to be equipped with a 1,000 foot load of 4-inch hose.

Like many Departments in St. Mary's County, the Second District Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad operated its own carnival equipment.  It also presented extensive fireworks displays on the 4th of July during the annual carnival as its main fund raising activity.  However, in 1988 drastic increases in insurance rates forced the department to discontinue these activities that had become a County event attracting thousands of spectators since 1956.

In 1988, a new Jeep 6 was placed in service.

In the Summer of 1989, a replacement for Ambulance 68, a diesel-powered Road Rescue Ambulance was obtained.

In 1991, a Seagraves, dual purpose, Pumper/Tanker was purchased for $274,000.00.  This replaced both Tanker 6 and Engine 65.  With the shortage of daytime firefighters, the Pumper/Tanker insures a faster response with a smaller crew while still providing the community with the essential coverage.

In 1995, an International/Med-Tech ambulance was added to the fleet as the Department's third ambulance.

In 1996, a Chevrolet Suburban was added for the purpose of Command and Utility.

In 1998, a Chevrolet pick-up truck was purchased to replace Brush 6, the 1972 Ford Brush Truck.

In 1999, the young Members wanted to have the Department become more involved in fire prevention.  They built a Fire Prevention House on a trailer to be able to demonstrate fire prevention techniques at schools and other events.