Organized fire protection in Frederick County, Maryland, existed before the adoption of the Constitution. Follow the colorful history of the fire companies from the first fire engine in 1764 to the fire company militia units that were summoned to Harper's Ferry and fire halls used during the Civil War. Learn how the fire companies in Frederick County had statewide influence by organizing the Maryland State Firemen's Association in 1893. Read of the tradition of fire engines "throwing water over the town clock"--sometimes to test performance, other times just for bragging rights. Local author and volunteer firefighter Chip Jewell provides a snapshot of how each fire company was organized from the early 1800s to the most recent companies in the 1970s.

Images of America: Firefighting in Frederick County honors the contribution of both volunteer and career firefighters through the years. Captured in these 200 vintage images are the local volunteer fire companies, many support agencies, and other emergency services organizations that have been assisting Frederick County for centuries. Featured also will be photographs of the Independent Hose Company of Frederick, which has the honor of being the oldest continuously operating fire company in Maryland, having been founded in 1818. Today, Frederick County is home to the National Fire Academy and the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial, both located in Emmitsburg and featured in the book.