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(Formerly Lexington Park Volunteer Fire Department, Inc.)
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In 1943, the Federal Public Housing Authority (FPHA) played a significant role in the development of housing and community infrastructure in Lexington Park. They operated several housing complexes, including the Flat Tops (formerly Lexington Manor), Carver Heights (currently South Hampton), and the Cedar Park Trailer community (now the location of the Days Inn, previously the Belvedere Motel and Restaurant). Additionally, they managed the Lexington Park Hotel/Motel, which included the former Plaza movie theater and small retail stores, located across from the old Fire House on South Coral Drive in Lexington Park. Similar housing complexes existed in Carver Heights.
During this time, there were three community buildings:
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The Felix Johnson Community Center, now the site of Freedom Landing at the corner of Tulagi Place and Rt-235.
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The Carver Heights Community Center, which was previously located on Lincoln Ave and is now the previous location of the Health Department building.
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The Cedar Park office.
FPHA also constructed and leased out stores on Tulagi Place, which included a food market, variety store, drug store, and other small retail establishments.
Furthermore, FPHA played a crucial role in setting up a citizens association. When the NAS Patuxent River Fire Department declined responsibility for fire protection in Lexington Park and the surrounding area, FPHA approached the citizens association and encouraged them to establish a fire department. As part of this initiative, FPHA agreed to purchase a fire engine, hoses, and protective gear (running gear), and to construct a fire station, which is the current location of the Lexington Park Station of the Bay District VFD, Inc.
In October 1943, the Lexington Park Volunteer Fire Department was formally incorporated. While the fire engine was being acquired, the fire department received a hose cart that required two horses to pull. This setup proved impractical, leading the Navy to provide a jeep to pull a trailer equipped with a 500 GPM pump and 500 feet of 2 ½” fire hose (strictly for firefighting, with no drilling allowed using this equipment). Eventually, the department obtained a 500-class B pumper with 200 gallons of water on a General chassis from General Fire Apparatus in Detroit, MI.
Initially, this engine was housed in the garage section of the Felix Johnson Community Center building. However, in 1945, the first three bays of the current Lexington Park Station were constructed, and the engine (which is still in possession of the department and was refurbished in 2023) was relocated to the new station. This newly established fire department played a vital role in providing fire protection services, and it was served by the Great Mills telephone exchange. This exchange covered the areas south of Sandy Bottom on Rt-235, Chingville Road, Rt-5 south to Piney Point/St. Georges Island, and Point Lookout. These areas are currently served by the Ridge VFD (1949), Second District VFD&RC (formerly McKay's Beach - 1949), and the Hollywood VFD (1957).
The Lexington Park Volunteer Fire Department was at the forefront of adopting innovative technologies during its wartime establishment.
Throughout its history, the Lexington Park Volunteer Fire Department has consistently embraced and integrated innovative technologies and equipment into its firefighting efforts. Here are some key milestones in the adoption of firefighting technology and apparatus:
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Fog Nozzles & 1 ½" Fire Hose: Early utilization of fog nozzles and 1 ½" fire hose, which provided improved firefighting capabilities.
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Two-Way Radios (June 1950): Introduction of two-way radios for enhanced communication during firefighting operations.
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1 ½" Pre-Connected Hose Lines: Implementation of 1 ½" pre-connected hose lines for quick deployment.
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Portable Radios: Adoption of portable radios for improved on-scene communication.
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Soft Sleeve for Hydrant Connection: Use of soft sleeves for hydrant connections, facilitating efficient water supply.
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Water Tanker: Introduction of water tankers for increased water capacity during rural firefighting operations.
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Fire Tax (1957): Implementation of a fire tax system to support fire department funding.
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Aerial Ladder Truck: Acquisition of an aerial ladder truck, enabling elevated firefighting and rescue operations.
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Ladder Tower: Deployment of ladder tower apparatus for versatile firefighting capabilities.
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Master Stream Devices: Integration of master stream devices for high-volume water delivery.
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3" Water Supply Hose Line: Utilization of 3" water supply hose lines for robust water transfer.
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Pre-Connected 2 ½" Attack Line with Santa Rosa Nozzle: Use of pre-connected 2 ½" attack lines with specialized nozzles for effective firefighting.
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Breathing Air Compressor: Adoption of breathing air compressors to support firefighters with clean air supply.
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30-Minute & 1-Hour SCBA: Introduction of Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) with different duration options for firefighter safety.
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Cab-Ahead Fire Apparatus (1960) with SCBA Integrated into Jump Seats: Innovative cab-ahead fire apparatus design with integrated SCBA storage for quick access.
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Color-Coded Attack Hose Lines: Implementation of color-coded attack hose lines for efficient identification during firefighting operations.
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Personal Accountability Tags (PAT Tags - 1969): Introduction of Personal Accountability Tags to enhance firefighter accountability and safety (featured in a Fire Engineering article).
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Four-Door Cab Apparatus (1986): Transition to four-door cab apparatus with no personnel on the rear step, improving firefighter safety.
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Around the Pump Foam System Integrated with Pump & Roll Capability: Integration of a foam system around the pump, enabling effective foam application during fire suppression, including the ability to apply foam while the apparatus is in motion (pump & roll capability).
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500 GPM Foam Nozzle on Pre-Connected Deck Gun: Addition of a 500 GPM foam nozzle on a pre-connected deck gun for enhanced firefighting capabilities.
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Bunk Room Integrated into the Fire Station: Inclusion of a bunk room within the fire station for 24/7 firefighter readiness and response.
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California Station of the Bay District VFD, Inc. (Opened December 1993): Establishment of the California Station to enhance service coverage.
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Safety Officer and Safety Committee to Meet NFPA 1500 Requirements: Appointment of a Safety Officer and formation of a safety committee to align with NFPA 1500 standards for firefighter safety.
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Pre-Connected Deck Gun in Conjunction with 2 ½" SS Nozzle & 2 ½" Shut Off: Use of a pre-connected deck gun in tandem with a specialized 2 ½" smooth bore nozzle and shut-off valve for versatile firefighting applications.
These technological advancements and equipment upgrades have been instrumental in enhancing the capabilities and safety of the Lexington Park Volunteer Fire Department over the years, ensuring efficient and effective firefighting responses to protect lives and property.
ISO
ISO, which stands for Insurance Services Office, conducts assessments of community fire defenses to establish fire insurance rates. This evaluation takes into account various factors, each with its own weighting:
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Fire Department: This component carries a weight of 50% in the assessment, emphasizing the effectiveness and capabilities of the local fire department.
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Water Supply: The availability and adequacy of the water supply for firefighting purposes contribute 40% to the overall evaluation.
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Communications - Receiving & Handling Alarms: The efficiency of the communications system for receiving and handling fire alarms holds a 10% weight in the assessment.
The Bay District VFD, Inc., an all-volunteer fire department, has earned a fire protection rating of Class 2. Fire protection ratings for both commercial and residential properties typically range from 1 to 10, with 1 representing the highest and most favorable rating. A lower class rating correlates with lower fire insurance rates for commercial or residential properties. This Class 2 rating reflects the department's outstanding commitment and effectiveness in ensuring the safety and protection of the community it serves.
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