Everything Under The Sun: The Work Of New Windsor Fire & Hose Co No. 1

Getting a look at the new engine.

New Windsor, MD, is a small community located in Carroll County, with just over 1300 residents. Like most communities, it has its own fire department, NEW WINDSOR FIRE & HOSE CO NO. 1. Not only does it engage in fire and rescue, but it also has EMS and Haz-Mat responsibilities.

On Oct. 9, the department dedicated two new pieces of equipment. One was Engine 102, a 2016 Seagrave Marauder II Heavy Duty Rescue-Engine and the other, Utility 10, a 2016 Chevrolet Suburban. The community had invested $70,000 for this public safety equipment. Perry Jones, 2nd Vice President of the Carroll County Volunteer Emergency Services Association was Emcee. New Windsor Mayor Neal Roop and Commissioner Steve Wantz were present to offer their support and congratulations.

Back on Aug. 16, at around 4 AM, New Windsor received a call for a motor vehicle accident (MVA) on Avondale Rd. When Paramedic 109 arrived on the scene, they determined that the accident involved two tractor-trailers; one of the involved cabs had become detached from its frame. A call for a second ambulance and Haz Mat Unit went out for a second patient, along with a liquid spill from one of the tractors. Then crews set about containing the spill and caring for the injured. One patient was transported to Shock Trauma by Paramedic 109 and the other went to Carroll Hospital Center by Paramedic 38. The sheriff's office then assumed jurisdiction and completed the clean-up.

In late afternoon on October 17, New Windsor units responded jointly with units from Westminster, Winfield, and Gamber, to a house fire on Old Westminster Rd. Chief 3-1 from New Windsor arrived first and spotted smoke from the rear of the home. He was able to confirm an active fire was present. A few more engines arrived and fire fighters started working the fire. Brush 105 from New Windsor established a water refills site at a dry hydrant on Nicodemus Rd, so engines participating in the rural water supply could refill tankers. Thirty minutes after the first arrival, the fire was under control. Once the fire was out, it was determined that it had damaged the first and second floors of the home. There were no injuries. Maryland State Fire Marshal's Office took over the investigation.

A collision between two tractor trailers required the New Windsor department response.

The department held a fund-raiser on Oct. 11, preceded by an ordering period that ended 10 days before the event; it was a Crab Cake Sale. There were two different types of crab cakes for sale, raw or fried, at a cost of $5.50 each, Each type had designated pick-up times at the firehouse. The New Windsor Auxiliary put in much of the work.