History of Station 49 - Butler Volunteer Fire Company, Inc.

The Butler Volunteer Fire Company was officially organized on December 8, 1953, to provide essential fire protection to an area that previously lacked adequate coverage. On March 22, 1954, it was formally chartered as the Butler Volunteer Fire Company, Baltimore County, Maryland, Inc.

The land for the station was generously donated by Mr. Will Davis and his sister, May, whose family had occupied the property since 1732. The location was chosen strategically, situated near the intersection of key roads that serve the community.

Early Apparatus and Milestones

In July 1954, the company purchased its first fire engine—a 1934 Seagrave pumper—which members modified to meet local firefighting needs. This engine responded to the company’s very first call, a chimney fire on March 9, 1955.

The year 1956 was a significant one for the department:

• January – The company was officially admitted into the Baltimore County Volunteer Firemen's Association.
• July – A firefighting jeep was added to the fleet.
• August 18 – The company won the Baltimore County Pumping Contest using the original Seagrave engine.

To further enhance fire protection, a new modern pumper—an International 200 equipped with an American Marsh 750 GPM pump—was purchased on May 7, 1958. With this addition, the company earned certification from the Maryland Fire Underwriters Bureau on May 19, 1958. This certification led to reduced fire insurance rates for properties within a four-mile radius, which later expanded to five miles due to continued improvements in fire protection services.

Building a Permanent Fire Station

With growing equipment needs and increasing community involvement, the company quickly outgrew its original station. In October 1958, a fundraising campaign was launched to construct a modern fire station with expanded apparatus bays and a social hall for community activities and fundraising events. That same month, the company joined the Maryland State Volunteer Firemen's Association.

The fundraising efforts led to the construction of the current fire station, designed by Lincoln Norcott Hall and built by Ira C. Rigger, Inc. The station was officially dedicated on August 6, 1960, with a formal ceremony. A portion of the dedication program included the following statement:

“This building is erected in the public service, more especially the fire service, dedicated to the protection of life and property.”

“May it be ever so.”

Since its founding, the Butler Volunteer Fire Company has remained steadfast in its commitment to protecting lives and property in Baltimore County. Today, Station 49 continues to uphold its proud tradition of service, excellence, and dedication to the community.

New Station Built in 1960 The Butler Volunteer Fire Station
Members standing near “Old Betsy”	Fire Apparatus sitting out side of first station in 1958	“Old Betsy” 1934 Seagrave in action.