DEPARTMENT HISTORY

THANKS GO TO THE FOLLOWING PEOPLE, FOR WITHOUT THEIR HELP THIS HISTORY WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN POSSIBLE.
DIANE DANIELS FOR ALL OF HER HARD WORK, AND LATE NIGHTS COMPILING AND TYPING OUR DEPARTMENT HISTORY.
HILDA ELLIS WHO PROVIDED COPIES OF MANY DOCUMENTS, ANNIVERSARY BULLETINS AND CONVENTION BOOKS THAT HELPED WITH
COMPLETING THE HISTORY.

RONNIE WILKINSON, DONALD PRATHER, KEN ROSE SR., AND THE PEYTON FAMILY FOR THEIR WORK AND INPUT
TO MAKE OUR DEPARTMENT HISTORY COMPLETE

DEPARTMENT HISTORY

HISTORY OF
THE VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT OF BRANDYWINE, INC.

After World War II, the southern corridor of Prince George’s County experienced rapid growth, particularly Brandywine District #11. Housing
developments and subdivisions were rapidly built. The Prince George’s County Volunteer Firemen’s Association recognized the need for an
additional fire company in the area. This would offer some relief to the over-worked companies of Accokeek, Clinton, Forestville, and Marlboro;
saving them some of the long and futile runs into this territory.

The Association directed Mr. Pete Dorsey of the Marlboro VFD to contact local civic groups about forming a fire department. He attended a Lions
Club meeting to state his case. The first meeting to organize a fire department in the Brandywine, Baden, and Aquasco area was held on
January 31, 1955. Mr. Pete Dorsey presided. Mr. Joseph N. Ridgley, Jr., was elected as the temporary President,
and Mr. Ed Middleton was elected Secretary.

Three months later, on March 7, 1955, a community meeting was held, attended by approximately 150 persons who expressed unanimous
approval of the plan to establish the Brandywine-Aquasco VFD. Officers were elected and corporation papers were drawn. President Ridgley
appointed a committee to locate a site for the construction of the first firehouse. The second and fourth Mondays of each month were announced
as the regular meeting nights for the department. On March 28, the financial report of the new company was: Seal $10, Recording fees $30,
Insurance $20, purchase of two used fire engines $2, total expenses were $62; leaving only $49 remaining in the treasury.

At a special meeting on April 24, 1955, Mr. George Curtis reported that the firehouse would be built in Baden, five miles south of the more
populated area originally proposed.
This location was unsatisfactory to the Brandywine citizens. In May 1955, they resigned from the Baden group, and applied for corporation as
The Volunteer Fire Department of Brandywine, Inc.
Immediately thereafter, the ladies organized the Auxiliary and set out to help raise funds through a variety of endeavors; e.g., putting on a Play;
the sale of cake, candy, and soft drinks during the Play; raffles during dances, etc.

The early Officers were:
President, Owen R. Loveday;
Vice President, Henry A. Meinhardt;
Secretary, George W. Brown;
Treasurer, Woodrow W. Townshend;
Fire Chief, Donald N. Schillinger.

In September 1955, the firehouse foundation was laid on property donated by retired Prince George’s County Police Court Judge, Alan Bowie.
Progress was slow during the winter months, and the members enrolled in the University of Maryland Basic Firefighting Course led by Mr.
Joseph Mayhew, President of the Prince George’s County Volunteer Firemen’s Association. After 20 weeks of three hours per week classes and
instruction, 17 graduates were ready to serve as the nucleus of Brandywine’s active firefighters. Sixteen (16) members satisfactorily completed
the American Red Cross Basic First Aid Course.

The Certificate of Corporation for the Volunteer Fire Department of Brandywine, Inc. was signed on the 30th of December, 1955,
by Owen R. Loveday, H.A. Meinhardt, Milton T. Holt, Durwood Highfill, and Julius Walder; witnessed by Geraldine Payne, Notary Public.

Dr. Richard A. Dobson donated a used Ford ambulance to the Company. The Procurement Committee worked hard to obtain bids on a new
engine. An American –Marsh 500 GPM Pumper on a GMC chassis was purchased from the
Glenn Culbert Co. at a cost of approximately $15,000.

With delays in the chassis reaching the factory, it was evident the new Pumper would not be delivered until September. Being anxious to
commence operation, a 750 GPM Seagrave Pumper was purchased from Mount Rainier VFD, and equipped.

A letter dated June 6, 1956, thanked the Ladies Auxiliary for their check in the amount of $250 for running gear to equip five (5) firemen with
helmets, coats, and boots.

In July 1956, an application for inspection and membership was submitted to the Prince George’s County Volunteer Firemen’s Association. After
passing inspection at 100%, the department was accepted into the Association on August 8, 1956. Company #40 was assigned. They stood
ready to serve their community. When an emergency arose in those early days, Mr. Samuel G. Townshend telephoned the volunteers with a
summons for help. A “bell box” alarm system was later installed in the homes. A siren also sounded the alarm.

An Open House and Dedication of the fire station was held on Sunday, October 6, 1956, from 3 to 6 p.m. The Honorable John R. Fletcher was
the guest speaker. The program included an overview of the department’s founding, organization, and training to date. Advance first aid and
advance firefighters courses would be taken in the near future. During the ceremony, the Ladies Auxiliary was recognized for their diligent work to
raise funds for the Company. They provided $500 for the heating plant; all costs to equip the kitchen; as well as the $250 for running gear. The
department expressed gratefulness to the member companies of the Association, especially the neighboring companies of Accokeek, Clinton,
Forestville, and Marlboro, for their valuable advice during the trying times of organizing, raising funds, and building the firehouse. It was
acknowledged that there were many members and residents, too numerous to mention, who had done outstanding jobs in the formation of the
Company. However, special recognition was given to Brandywine President Owen R. Loveday for his untiring effort, diplomacy, leadership, and
devotion to duty. The sentiment was expressed that without his competent leadership, the Brandywine Company could not have reached maturity
in such a short time. Prince George’s County now had two more volunteer fire departments in South County, where originally they hoped for one.

Brandywine VFD became a member of the Maryland State Fireman’s Association on April 28, 1957.

Later that year, the Brandywine department was the recipient of the Robert Bruce Criswell Memorial Trophy given by the Prince George’s County
Volunteer Firemen’s Association (PGCVFA.). The trophy is awarded annually to the first department in Prince George’s County, during the year
ending June 30th, that has established the best training record according to the records of the Fire Service Extension, University of Maryland.

The VFD of Brandywine continued to progress, and our outstanding leadership was made known throughout the County. In 1960, Owen Loveday
was elected PGCVFA President. Mrs. Alice McDonald was elected as the 31st President of the Ladies Auxiliary to the Prince George’s County
Volunteer Firemen’s Association (LAPGCVFA) for the year 1963-64.

With the hard work, there was also a little time for socializing. The family Christmas parties were a wonderful time of fellowship.

Fundraising continued to be a must. The firemen held Bingo games every Friday night, and the Ladies Auxiliary had delicious food and
homemade baked goods for sale.

From building a fire prevention float in a barn on Robert Lee Robertson’s family farm, to hosting their Annual Firemen’s Parade & Carnival in the
1960’s, it’s been evident the Brandywine department loves a parade. The Brandywine VFD Majorettes and Drum Corps was sponsored by the
department and remained competitive for many years.

The first contract firemen were assigned to Company 40 around 1965-1966.

A 1968 Cadillac Ambulance was dedicated in memory of Charter Member
Henry Alvin Meinhardt, Sr. “HAM” was the first Vice President of the department, and a signer of the Certificate of Corporation.

Brandywine, Baden, and Chillum-Adelphi Volunteer Fire Departments joined forces and filed a class action suit against Prince George’s County
to get tax monies the County was collecting for fire fighting, but was not distributing to the fire companies. President Francis S. Carroll
spearheaded most of Brandywine’s efforts in winning the lawsuit. It was Francis who attended the long court hearings, and represented
Brandywine through all the trying red tape.

The department mourned the loss of member Jan Franklin Wilson, CPL-E4-Marine Corps. Jan was killed March 7, 1968 in Quang Tri, South
Vietnam. He was 20 yrs. old.

In 1969, an agreement was entered into between the Brandywine Fire Department, Architect Darcy Diniz, and the Hill Corporation as builders, for
construction of two more bays for apparatus, and the fire department hall. A new Hahn Pumper was purchased.

Charter Member James H. Early died in 1969.

In 1970, a second Hahn Pumper was purchased.

Plans were made to dedicate one of the new Pumper’s in memory of Jan Wilson. When Jan’s mother passed away two weeks before the
dedication, membership elected to place his plaque at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Ronnie (Reds) Wilkinson and wife, Brenda, made this
humbling pilgrimage to “The Wall” to ensure Jan’s service to his community, as well as service to our country, will forever be documented in
history.

In June 1971, a jeep was added to the fleet.

The Ladies Auxiliary to the Prince George’s County Firemen’s Association dedicated the 1971 Convention Book to Mrs. Alice McDonald.

The last alarm for Durwood Highfill was noted in the Report of the Chaplain in the 1972 Convention Book. His death was not submitted in time to
appear in the 1971 book. He was a signer of the Certificate of Corporation.

In 1972, we lost dedicated Charter Member George N. “Smokey” McDonald. The Brandywine Fire Department and Ladies Auxiliary donated the
Four Man Standing Hook Up George “Smokey” McDonald Memorial Trophy award to be presented at the County convention for a period of five
years. Smokey was extremely dedicated to fire prevention education. His visits to Brandywine Elementary during Fire Prevention Week are fondly
remembered.

A second-hand squad was purchased from Cottage City VFD in 1974. Less than a year later, Squad 40 was put into service following a total
rebuild by the membership.

Mrs. Irene Harville was remembered during the September 11, 1975 Memorial Service at the County Convention. She had served the
Brandywine Auxiliary faithfully in many ways, before moving to Florida. Mrs. Harville died in July 1973.

The 7th Battalion was created from portions of the 3rd and 5th Battalions on April 26, 1976.
Battalion 7 includes Companies 20, 25, 36, 40, and 45.

In May 1976, the County Council passed CR-31, making the third week in May each year,
“Volunteer Firemen’s Appreciation Week” in Prince George’s County.

The Brandywine VFD Hall was dedicated as Carroll Hall in memory of Charter Member Francis Sylvester Carroll. Francis was another volunteer
whose sweat and toil helped build the original firehouse. A devoted leader, he became President in 1963 and was serving his fourteenth
consecutive term of office at the time of his death on July 24, 1976. He gave so much of himself for the Brandywine department to prosper. The
fire station renovation/additions (including the Hall), and all acquisitions of new equipment around this time were made possible through his
tenacious efforts in winning the lawsuit. The rental of Carroll Hall became an added source of revenue for the department. Francis had served
the Prince George’s County Fire & Rescue Association as a member of the Election Committee.

The first Cave-In Units for the County were built by Sergeant Donald Herring (Company 40) and Fire Fighter’s Clarence “Frank” Kent and Roy
Whitfield (Company 32). Units were constructed from two surplus dump trucks, with area contractors donating lumber,
nails, and trench jacks to outfit them.

The 1976 Convention Book notes the death of Owen R. Loveday, Charter Member and first President of Company 40; Past President of the Prince
George’s County Firemen’s Association. Ladies Auxiliary members Mary Wilkerson and Ruth Cooley died in February 1976,
and March 1976, respectively.

In 1977-1978, Mrs. Alice McDonald was elected President of the Ladies Auxiliary to the Maryland State Firemen’s Association.

Brandywine VFD was on the scene at the three-alarm fire at the Marlboro Race Track Grandstand. Over 100 firefighters battled the blaze for over
7 hours before gaining control. Damages were estimated at $700,000.

Charter Member Joseph (Ed) Carroll, Sr. passed away on October 8, 1983. He was a Past Chief of Company 40. Through his professional
experiences as Assistant Chief with the Andrews Air Force Base Fire Department, Ed was instrumental in organizing advanced training
endeavors for the Brandywine volunteers.

The members of Company 40 began to refer to themselves as “The Southside Terror.” A distinctive mural design of the Tasmanian Devil was
added to the side of each engine and the squad.

In 1983, Mrs. Alice McDonald was inducted into the Hall of Fame of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Prince George’s County Volunteer Fire & Rescue
Association. She served as Vice Chaplain, Historian, Secretary for two terms, Vice President, and as Director. She also served as Chairman of
the Mary Baker Memorial Committee, Credentials, and many others.

In 1987, the following equipment was in use by Company 40: Engine 401 – 1969 Hahn Open Cab 1000 GPM Pumper; Engine 402 – 1971 Hahn
Open Cab 1250 GPM Pumper; Rescue Squad 40 -1982 GMC/Eastern; and Ambulance 409 - 1985 Chevy Grumman. Two new 1987 Hahn 4-
Door Cab Pumpers were on order.

A new brush unit, BX40, was placed in service; 1988 Ford pick-up. Plans for a new Squad was in the works.

In 1986-1987, Woodrow W. Townshend, Sr. served as Board of Director of the Prince George’s County Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association
representing District #5.

One of the new 1987 Hahn Pumpers, Engine 402, was dedicated in honor of Earl Simmons. Earl was one of Brandywine’s first contract
firefighters. He was highly respected, the consummate professional, and generously shared his expertise and wealth of knowledge for the
betterment of Co. 40.

Brandywine VFD members formed their own softball team in 1988. For several years prior, they had played for teams sponsored by other
neighboring fire departments.

At the annual fire department picnic on July 22, 1989, a 1987 1250 GPM Hahn Pumper, Engine 401, was dedicated in memory of the untiring
service and support of
Melvin Leo (Skeeter) Ellis who died on June 2, 1988, with 34 years service. Skeeter was a Charter Member who helped build the original
firehouse. He served on numerous committees; as Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Sergeant at Arms, Fire Marshall, Chief, Director, and
also as delegate to the County and State Associations. Skeeter was a great fan of the softball team …the team dedicated their 1988 season to
him. A memorial trophy with a softball signed by all members of the team was presented to Mrs. Ellis.

Another fundraising activity has been the Christmas Tree Sales. In 1991, 250 trees were ordered.

Long-time Auxiliary President, Mrs. Alice McDonald, passed away in 1993. The VFD of Brandywine lost the foundation of their Ladies Auxiliary.

On September 16, 1993, Charter Member Woodrow W. Townshend, Sr. was inducted into the Hall of Fame for the Prince George’s County
Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association.

In October 1993, a new Squad 40 was placed in service; a 1993 Pierce Arrow six (6) person cab, 20’ box body squad powered by an 8V92 Detroit
diesel engine. The unit was custom painted to match the “twin” 1987 Hahn Pumpers (Engine 401 & 402); includes A/C, AM/FM radio. Special
equipment carries twin “Hurst” system, air bags, & 25K PTO driven generator.

The 1994 State of Maryland decision to stop charitable gaming activities eliminated a source of income from which Brandywine, and many other
fire companies, used to purchase new equipment and resources.   Several years of Las Vegas Nights had proved profitable enough to afford the
new engines, new squad, and other safety gear.

The Annual Awards Banquet and 40th Anniversary celebration was held at Solomons Island on August 5, 1995. The Officers at that time were:
Ronald S. Wilkinson, President; Woodrow W. Townshend, Sr., Vice President; Kenneth S. Rose, Jr., Treasurer; Charles R. Kale, Secretary;
Donald S. Prather, Chief; John O. Rulapaugh, Deputy Chief; Phillip Perry, Assistant Chief; Wm. Andrew Carr, Captain; Kenneth S. Rose, Jr.,
Lieutenant; Glenn L. Johnson, Sergeant; Phillip A. Rose, Fire Marshall; Corey Hulse, EDMS Sergeant. The Board of Directors were: Clyde S.
Beaton, D. Troy Hutchinson, Glenn L. Johnson, Cecil I. Peyton, and John O Rulapaugh.

In 1996, the 1993 Pierce Arrow - Squad 40 was dedicated in honor of Charter Member Cecil I. Peyton.

In 2000, Ladies Auxiliary Charter Member Colleen Peyton died.

The terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon happened during the 2001 Prince George’s County Volunteer Fire & Rescue
Association Convention. We commend the Association, and the Marlboro VFD, for their efforts to persevere under such emotional and physical
duress. From the heart-wrenching sadness of lives lost, to the heightened security measures we now endure, September 11, 2001 will forever
impact the way we live. Brandywine Engine 401 displays a mural in memory of the fallen FDNY firefighters.

In 2002, Mrs. Alice McDonald was posthumously inducted into the Hall of Fame of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Maryland State Firemen’s
Association. She was a Past President of the State Auxiliary.

On December 22, 2002, Charter Member Clyde S. Beaton was involved in an accident near the Brandywine station. Rescue personnel from Co.
40 responded, and were stunned to find one of their own. Clyde died several days later from injuries sustained in that accident. He had served
the fire department as Chief, President, and as a Board of Director. Clyde served on numerous committees for Co. 40, and was a past member
of the Paid Firefighter Committee of the Prince George’s County Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association.

Charter Member George Brown died in 2004. He was the first Secretary of the Brandywine VFD. George was associated with Company 34 and
25 after leaving 40.

In March 2004, the VFD of Brandywine was awarded a federal Fire Grant in the amount of $57,564 under the program area of Fire Operations and
Firefighter Safety. The grant was used to purchase an engine exhaust extraction system to improve the safety and health of the firefighters and
career personnel assigned to the fire station. The air quality at Co. 40 had been rated worst in the County for containing highly toxic vapors and
nitrous oxide caused by exhaust fumes. Through diligent efforts, the project was completed below the original cost projection. The savings was
enough to purchase imaging cameras and gas testing equipment for added safety.

On October 27, 2004, at Southern Maryland Hospital Center, Charter Member and Board of Director Cecil I. Peyton was honored for 50 years
active service to the Brandywine VFD. A bricklayer by trade, Cecil helped build the original fire station, actually laying one of the first bricks.
Diagnosed with cancer in May 2004, he had been in the hospital since early October. The cancer had spread, and his family wanted to take him
home. The waiting room of the hospital’s Sub-Acute Care Center was filled to capacity with an honor guard of hospital staff, Cecil’s fellow Mall
walkers, volunteer and career firefighters from Co. 40, and family members. Maryland Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr., the Prince
George’s Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association, and the Maryland State Fire & Rescue Association gave Cecil multiple awards. Senator Miller
also brought an award from Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. All gathered to thank Cecil for his many years of volunteer work. He was then taken home
on a Brandywine fire truck. Cecil Peyton, 80, died on November 7, 2004.

On November 3, 2004, Brandywine VFD was on the scene to assist as units from around Prince George’s County and surrounding areas battled
the 5-alarm blaze that engulfed the Prince George’s County Courthouse. Squad 40 helped with search operations.

Since the organization of this department in 1955, the Brandywine area has grown from a rural area to a suburb of Metropolitan Washington, D.
C. The population has doubled just in the past five (5) years. Recent statistics show approximately 10,900 citizens.

Our service area includes Brandywine and Cheltenham. Several federal government sites exist in our first due area, along with Conrail train
service, and U.S Route 301; a heavily traveled trucking corridor. Many of those trucks carry hazardous materials. Company 40 runs mutual aid to
neighboring Charles County, as well as Prince George’s County.

A public adequate facilities study conducted in 2004, determined Brandywine needs a replacement station to house additional equipment.
Possible locations for the new station have included parts of the Clinton area, as well as the Brandywine area. A final decision was made to
build the station on land owned by Co. 40. The County wants the land … in return they would build a new fire station. The Volunteers agree that a
new station is needed, but they want to be involved in the planning and construction process to ensure the Brandywine citizens receive a quality
built station.

In March 2005, planning and construction of the new $1.7 million Brandywine fire station was delayed pending an extensive environmental
assessment to determine if the land was suitable for building. By August 2005, the environmental study has passed, but the new station is “on
hold” until 2007 because of the delays. Money had been budgeted for the fire station this fiscal year, and is no longer available.

In September 2005, for the first time in the history of our department, the Volunteer Fire Department of Brandywine, Inc. will host the 83rd & 75th
Annual Conventions of the Prince George’s County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association, and their Ladies Auxiliary. We will also celebrate the
50 years of the founding of our department.

There’s much to be said about these 50 years, and this historical account is merely a work in progress. Many changes have occurred since the
first volunteers organized and manually labored to build the fire station. People have come and gone. The small hometown community is giving
way to more crowded landscapes, and the busyness of the times. Continued developments and use of highly sophisticated technologies greatly
enhance safety, operations, and communications. Mr. Sam Townshend’s telephoned alarms have been replaced by radio signal alerts to
personal alpha-numeric pagers. The siren is no longer used, but remains ready for Civil Defense purposes, or other dire emergencies.
Mascots Spot and Icabod are gone, but leave lasting stories of their antics, and amazement at the routines each displayed in response to alarms.

Some things haven’t changed, however. The Volunteer Fire Department of Brandywine continues their quest to provide state-of-the-art fire and
rescue services to an ever-growing community, and to meet these challenges with new technologies, equipment, and training. Brandywine is
home to Medic 40. Fire Safety education is promoted through Fire Prevention Week visits to Brandywine Elementary, and events sponsored by
local PTA’s, Cub Scouts, and Churches. The community looks forward to our Annual Santa Claus Run, organized by Chief Donald “Bub” Prather.

Having “rocked our Hall” from their early existence, our hometown favorite band, The Fabulous Hubcaps, continues to be our “band of preference”
for dances, banquets, and other special events. The air horn of Brandywine’s Engine 401, and acknowledgement of (Baden’s) Engine 361 “on
the air”, can be heard at the beginning of the Hubcaps recording, Fully Involved With You, from their 1983 album, “The Hubcaps.” Written by
Brandywine native, Rocky Simon, the song used fire & rescue jargon, and was a “must play” at firefighter events all over the country. Our
“Hubcaps” dances in earlier times also included a special performance, during intermission, of Company 40’s own, “The Brandentones”, with
Bruce Wilkinson as lead vocal; backup, and accompaniment by Ronnie Wilkinson, Michael Lantz, Brent Carter, and “The Hubcaps.”

In reflecting on these 50 years of service, it’s an honor to recognize the tireless efforts and steadfast dedication of Charter Member Woodrow W.
(Woodie) Townshend, Sr; first Treasurer of this department. Woodie has served Company 40 as Chief, President, Vice President, Board of
Director, and on numerous committees. He served the Prince George’s County Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association as a Board of Director, a
member of the Fire Control Board, and Ways and Means Committee; and also served as delegate to the Maryland State Firemen’s Association.
At or near 89 years of age, Woodie is our last surviving Charter Member with a lifetime of service. He resides in Baltimore, and still remains ready
to offer advisement, and share his wealth of knowledge.

Currently, our most senior active member is President Ronald (Reds) Wilkinson, with 36 years of service. Ronnie’s history is still in the making.

The Volunteer Fire Department of Brandywine, Inc. holds the heart and soul of many dedicated and committed individuals. Some have stayed for
a lifetime … others just happened through. Yet, all have shared the ultimate goal to save, serve, and protect. For this, we remain eternally
grateful …