The Family of Frank B. Dillard (March 4, 2023)

In early January 2023, the Westminster Fire Department was contacted by the family of a past fire department member. The family of Frank B. Dillard was interested in learning the department’s history when he served. They had several artifacts showing that he was active in his time. After some research, Historian Jeffrey Ausherman found much information for the family. Historian Ausherman forwarded this to the family, who were excited to see how active he was. 

Frank B. Dillard was elected to membership in January 1914 and served until August 1938. He served proudly as President from 1925-1926. He also held the titles of First Vice President, Second Vice President, and Assistant Marshall. He was also very active in attending the County and State Conventions most of those years. 

Mr. Dillard served on the committee that purchased our 1924 American LaFrance City Service ladder truck, which remains in our museum today. He was assigned as a Ladderman, according to a booklet the family shared with Historian Ausherman. Mr. Dillard served our department when we purchased our first motorized fire truck, transitioning from using hand-pulled hose carts, which are still on display in our museum today.

On March 4, 2023, Historian Ausherman invited the family to tour The Historical Museum of the Westminster Fire Department. The family was very grateful for all our work and the great information they could obtain about their family member. Too much enjoyment for the family; they were able to see the equipment their grandfather was involved in purchasing and operated when he was a member. President Daniel Plunkert, Assistant Historian Jeffrey Alexander, and Member Bryan VanFossen assisted with the tour.

The family was kind enough to donate a few items to The Historical Museum of the Westminster Fire Department, pictured below. We are fortunate to receive such fine items for our museum. We humbly thank the Blizzard, Houseman, and Ratte families for their visit and thoughtful donation. After the visit, we presented the families with our new 200th Anniversary Challenge coins.  

Eugene Bauerlien-LODD October 19, 1996

Westminster Fire Engine & Hose Company #1~Carroll County ~ Maryland

October 19, 1996 Firefighter/Fire Policeman Eugene Bauerlien had been on-duty all morning at the Westminster VFC cooking for the fire company’s pancake breakfast. At about 11 am, he took off his apron, donned his fire police attire, and headed up to the Western Maryland College campus, located on the west end of the City of Westminster, to assist with directing college homecoming traffic. Afterwards, FP Bauerlien returned to the Westminster VFC pancake breakfast to help with cleanup and suffered sudden cardiac arrest. Sadly, all resuscitation attempts were unsuccessful.

Firefighter/Fire Policeman Eugene Bauerlien was 72 years old and had served 22.5 years.

*All information has been provided by the Maryland Fire Rescue Services Memorial Foundation

Passing of Life Member Gilbert A. Roper

With deep regret, the Westminster Fire Department announces the passing of Life Member Gilbert A. Roper. Gil served Westminster Fire Department faithfully since his start date in April 1992. Gil served as an EMS Lieutenant and EMS Captain for many years and was a firefighter and an avid fundraiser. We ask that all fire department volunteers and community members keep his wife Brenda, his brother Gus, and the entire Roper family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

WFD Statement on the Resignation of Director Robert McCoy

Please read the attached statement regarding the Westminster Fire Department’s stance on the resignation announcement of Fire and EMS Director Robert McCoy.

The Jacob Thompson’s Livery Stable Fire (4/9/1883)

Tragedy struck Westminster on April 9, 1883, when Jacob Thompson’s livery stable, which was on an alley behind West Main Street at the corner of John Street, went up in flames. Four men were playing cards in one of the carriages in the livery stable. They were using a candle, set on one of the seats, to provide light. A dispute arose when one man was accused of cheating. The accused grabbed the money and ran. The other men scuffled before taking off after the man with the money. In the scuffle, the candle was knocked over and started the fire. When caught, the men claimed they didn’t know the fire had started.

The alarm sounded about 11:30 p.m. By the time the firemen arrived, the stable was fully engulfed and a strong wind was spreading the flames to neighboring structures. At the time, Westminster had no city water supply and firemen fought the blaze with their chemical engine and water carried from nearby wells. The light of the fire was reportedly observable for a radius of 25 miles. The Gettysburg Compiler claimed a number of local residents saw the glow. The Hanover Spectator said “The light of the conflagration was so vivid and intense that it illuminated the whole of the Southwestern sky . . .”

By morning the fire had destroyed 16 houses, Grace Lutheran Church on Carroll Street, two manufactories, and eight stables. Seventeen families and thirteen businesses were left homeless. Total fire damage was estimated at $135,000. Two men who had been sleeping on the second floor of the stable where the fire began perished as did a number of horses and cattle.

To read the full account of the fire, go to the Library of Congress’ Chronicling America project at https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/…/1883…/ed-1/seq-3/

Remembering Our Own- Fireman Joseph G. Hahn

Honoring & Remembering Maryland Fallen Heroes.

Westminster VFC ~ Carroll County ~ Maryland

January 26,1931

At approximately 10:00 a.m. on Monday, January 26, 1931, the Westminster Fire Engine & Hose Co.No.1 responded to the Oscar Hess residence, on Manchester State Road near Cranberry, for a gasoline stove explosion in the kitchen. The flames were quickly extinguished by the Westminster firemen. The kitchen was mostly destroyed from the blast, but the rest of the house was saved, having suffered only smoke damage and some broken window panes.

While the firemen were performing salvage and overhaul, Fireman Joseph G. Hahn suffered a heart attack and fell over. Before medical aid could be summoned, death occurred.

Fireman Joseph G. Hahn was 46 years old

Westminster Fire Department’s 2021 Big Money Drawing!

Click below to watch the 2021 Big Money Drawing. Click HERE for the full list of prize winners.  Thank you to everyone who has helped us by buying a ticket and to our event sponsors.

Gov. Hogan’s Coronavirus Update: 3/19/2020

Please review the attached copy of the press conference given by Maryland Governor Larry Hogan on March 19, 2020.

Practice good hygiene techniques, wash your hands, and if you feel sick, stay home and limit contact with other people. Practice social distancing strategies and limit groups of people to 10 or less (less preferred!).

In emergency situations, dial 911.

Gov. Hogan’s Coronavirus Update: 3/12/2020

Please review the attached copy of the press conference given by Maryland Governor Larry Hogan on March 12, 2020.

Practice good hygiene techniques, wash your hands, and if you feel sick, stay home and limit contact with other people. In emergency situations, dial 911.