La Plata VFD
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Charles County Company 1
Organized in 1929 per the recommendation of the county's Committee of Fire, LaPlata VFD operates as the first volunteer fire company established in Charles County. Present day, thirty
active volunteers answer 1,500-2,000 runs annually providing Fire and Rescue protection as well
as first response EMS for high priority medical calls.
The department's original firehouse was built following their organization in 1929, it was later upgraded in 1942 with plumbing installed along with bunk beds which began the practice of sleep-in crews. The first countywide communications center was established in 1954
on the second floor of the firehouse. The present day firehouse which was occupied in 1999 houses the entire fleet while providing living quarters including bunk rooms for up to 24 firefighters.
Rescue Engine 1 - 2020 Pierce Enforcer 1250 gpm/600 gal.
Seating six (five with seat mounted SCBA + additional for the driver), this rig replaced a 2005 Pierce Dash 1250/600 rescue pumper. It is outfitted with Holmatro® hydraulic extrication tools, a battery powered combi-tool, struts, air bags, water and rope rescue gear. It's hose complement includes a bumper mounted 150' 1-1/2" pre-connect, three pre-connects (two 200' 1-1/2", one 250' 2") and a rear bed carrying 400' of 1-1/2" attack line, 550' of 3" and 1,400' of 4" supply line.
Truck 1 - 2017 Pierce Arrow XT 100' HD
Having established the first truck company serving Charles County in 1969 with a 1954 American LaFrance 700 Series 65' mid-mount aerial, the present day rig was dedicated in 2019 on the fiftieth anniversary to Fire Chief Garyton C. Echols Jr. for his efforts in organizing, equipping and training the company. The current apparatus replaced their original tractor drawn aerial, a 2002 Pierce Dash 100' that now serves the career City of Passaic FD in New Jersey.
Seating seven (five with SCBA), it is outfitted with 285' of ground ladders, rope rescue gear, a combi-tool and two additional SCBA for the driver/tillerman.
Tanker 1 - 2001 Kenworth/Pierce 750 gpm/2800 gal./200 gal. AFFF foam
La Plata VFD as the first department organized in Charles County achieved many milestones including the first quick dump valve on a tanker that was built in-house in 1963 to replace their tanker that was totaled in an accident.
Having replaced a 1981 Mack R/Pierce 750/1600 tanker, the present day rig features a Detroit Series 60 motor, an around-the-pump foam proportioner and in-cab dump valve controls.
Collapse Rescue 1 - 2011 International/Hackney
Assigned on all collapse incidents in Charles County as well as for mutual aid, it is outfitted with Paratech® medium/high pressure air bags, rescue struts, air shores, shoring/lumber and trench panels. Its' tool complement includes a portable compressor, battery powered reciprocating saws, a Milwaukee® 10-1/4" circular saw, Hilti® concrete rotary saw, pavement breaker, core drill and an oxy-acetylene torch on a wheeled cart.
La PlataInternationalHackneyHeavy RescueSpecial OperationsTechnical Support
Engine 12 (Retired) - 1962 Mack B70/Young 750 gpm/750 gal.
Featuring a 707 gas engine, Hale® two stage 750 gpm pump and the first 500 gpm master stream in Charles County, this rig was in active service from 1962 to 1988. Maintained in original condition (with the minor exception of the rims and some motor work), it holds the distinction of being one of only two Young brand apparatus mounted on a Mack cab/chassis both of which were operated by La Plata including
a 1980 Mack CF with Young bodywork and a American LaFrance 100' mid-mount aerial.