Lovettsville Volunteer Fire and Rescue, Station 12, is located just south of the Lovettsville town limits.

1965-1968: The Lovettsville 12 Decide to "go it alone"

In 1965 a group of interested men discussed the possibility of forming a fire and rescue company.  Prior to that year, Lovettsville had to rely on Brunswick MD, Purcellville, VA and other surrounding towns to provide fire services and on Loudoun Rescue Squad for rescue services.  The group determined that there was a real need for such vital services to be nearby, and in February 1966 first aid courses were initiated.

 "During the1960’s the Loudoun County Rescue Squad, which was based at Hamilton, established outposts at Leesburg and Purcellville.  When their idea of branching out into the eastern portion of the county failed, they decided to explore the requests of several Lovettsville citizens to locate a unit there. Dewey HIll and I were assigned the task of conducting the Red Cross Standard and Advanced First Aid Courses which ran from February through May of 1966.  When the County Squad was informed that 12 men had qualified to become Rescue Squadmen, the whole arrangement fell apart as the Lovettsville 12 would have too much voting power in the parent organizaiton.  They calculated on only about 5 new members.  That's when the Lovettsville Rescue Squad was started".  - Bob Grubb

The Lovettsville Rescue Squad became a reality in August 1966.  The original rescue vehicle was a 1955 Ford Van, loaned by Dr. George Hocker. 

"Dr. Hocker loaned first ambulance and stretcher.  Kept it at the Game Club, under back of building.  I got equipment from Ft. Detrick, Mt. Airy -- first aid kits, uniforms, oxygen, equipment, blankets, sheets --- that's how we got equipped.  There were a few monitors, old ones. I remember the first ambulance trip.  Marguerite Payne needed to get to the hospital.  Bill Laird, Jim Gabbert and I took her.  I was the 'Aid Man'.  Went to Arlington Hospital, went through red lights; I held the ice bag."  - Bob Riddlemoser

The following spring, Loudoun Rescue Squad donated a 1958 4x4 vehicle formerly used for Civil Defense.

 "Then we got a Cadlilac Ambulance; we outfitted it the same way.  Wonder they didn't shoot us.  Then the CD 4-wheel drive --- same way". - Bob Riddlemoser

A fire company was formed in April 1967 and the organization incorporated as the Lovettsville District Fire and Rescue Company, Inc.

"I remember fire schools with Bill Sheetz and 'Snake' Compher.  I remember chicken barbecues, banquets, the float for the Armistice Day Parade, spiked water in the canteen, being taken home from Laird's in three feet of snow, not feeling too well."  - Bob Riddlemoser

The first fire truck was a 1947 Pumper. 

"I remember the first house fire; Dave Redmond died in the fire".  - Bob Riddlemoser

"I remember one some of our early fire runs on some of the Lovettsville one-lane back roads.  The equipment, of course, was old and the early drivers only knew how to drive fast.  I was trying to hang onto the bar on the rear platform -- didn't think we would ever get there in one piece". - John Lemp

The Company rented a barn outside of town (the old Hardy Feed Store) and in 1968 purchased 0.6 acres of land adjoining the barn site in order to have enough land to comply with county regulations to erect a metal building.

"I remember we had our first meeting in Mr. Dan Hardy's old feed store/barn.  Chief Riddlemoser was describing where the office and equipment bays would be.  All I could think of was the old feeding stalls, the concrete trough in the floor and the wood stacked up everywhere". - John Lemp

"I was asked to dismantle the old feed store.  Cliff, Larry Frye, and Reggie's brother helped to do the work.  The building was put together with wooden pegs.  We found some wooden water pipes in the top of the barn.  I have always heard that the building was used as a supply store during the Civil War." - William Painter

1968: The Ladies Join the Gents

Mae Bramhall, Dolly Gabbert, Ann Hardy, Beryl Harrington, Elaine Neal, JoAnn Peck, Peggy Shugars, Elaine Walker and Shirley Wells stepped forward to form the Ladies Auxiliary which was granted a charter in 1968.

1974: Bingo Begins

More history to follow... 

The first banquet was held on October 27, 1966 at 7:00 PM at the Lovettsville Elementary School.  The meal was served by the Lovettsville PTA.  Menu: Celery, Cranberry Sauce, Roast Turkey, Dressing, Gravy, Mashed Potatoes, Cole Slaw, Peas, Hot Rolls, Coffee, and Pie a la Mode.  Program: Invocation by Rev. Mike Kretsinger, Welcome by George Wells, Toastmaster - Hugh Grubb, Presentation of Red Cross First Aid Cards by Robert Grubb, Guest Speaker - Charles "Chick" Seay, Movie - "That They May Live".

The first slate of officers: President George Wells, Vice President Ken Harrington, Secretary/Treasurer John Lemp, Rescue Captain Peter F. Legard, Jr., Engineer Robert C. Riddlemoser, Medical Advisor Dr. George T. Hocker, Legal Advisor Sterling M. Harrison.