To provide superior fire, rescue, and emergency medical services to the Arbutus and surrounding communities. We strive to protect life, property, and the environment through intervention, prevention, education, training, and community involvement.

Description:
The Arbutus VFD provides Fire suppresion, Emegency Medical Services, and Rescue services anywhere we are dispatched. To accomplish this we maintain a diverse membership which include firefighters, emergency medical technicians, rescue technicians, accountants, computer technicians, maintenace technicans, etc.
We are emergency service organization which is supported by a administration which operates like a $1 Million dollar business.
We need volunteers to handle emergency calls and support the administrative functions of the department.

History:
1938 - 17 men of the Violetteville Volunteer Fire Department left to start a new fire department in the Arbutus community.

The Arbutus Community Association leased a portion of their property and donated their carnival dance floor for the men to begin construction on the new firehouse on Linden Avenue next to Herbert’s Run.

1927 American La France used as the first engine and a 1932 Kissel used as the first ambulance.



1942 - Arbutus Community Association moved across the street to present day Town Hall and sold their property and hall to AVFD. AVFD converted upstairs of hall into a recreation room and bunkroom. Continued to use the hall and the original building until 1965.



1945 - Addition built onto the old hall.



1947 - ’47 International Panel Truck placed in service as the first Floodlight/ Rescue Squad.



1961 - Age requirement for membership lowered from 21 to 18.



1963 - Ladies Auxiliary formed for the support of the Department

Member Ed Kelly develops patient suction device run off of ambulance engine manifold



1965 - All equipment moved from Linden Avenue buildings to new quarters at 5200 Southwestern Blvd. Old buildings razed.



1981 - First women join AVFD general membership.



1990 - Ladies Auxiliary dissolved.



1995 - Age requirement for membership lowered from 18 to 16 with parental consent.



1997 - AVFD Swift Water Rescue Team (SRT-35) developed.

Auxiliary reorganized and opened to both male and female members for the support of the Department.

Contact people:

John McDowell, President, (phone), (email) Glen Peacock, Chief Operating Officer, (phone), (email) Steve Gower, Vice President, (phone)

Address:

5200 Southwestern Boulevard Arbutus, MD 21227 (See a map)

Directions:

From the outer loop of the beltway take exit 12A, we are on the right at the bottom of the ramp. From the inner loop of the beltway take exit 10 (Washington Blvd) and make a left at the top of. . . (more)   Nearest Metro/Subway Stop: none

Miscellaneous Information

Does this agency accept court appointed volunteers?
	Yes