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The Auxiliary to the Laurel Volunteer Fire Department was organized in May 1929 with the charter membership of 11 ladies.  The purpose of this organization is to assist the volunteer fire department in its civic and financial activities.

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Become A Member Of The Laurel Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary

The Laurel Auxiliary is looking for new members.  The Maryland Tax Incentive Program provides $3,500 in tax deductions on the state level for members of the Auxiliary.  You must first be a member for three years and maintain membership with 50 points to qualify for this deduction.  Please come join us to support the Laurel Volunteer Fire Department.  Please contact President, Marian tNicholson at (301) 490-4559 for more information. Click here to print out a membership application.

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Auxiliary Celebrates 75 Years Of Service

Members pose for a group shot during the party

May 15, 2004.  The auxiliary held its 75th anniversary banquet at the Branchville Volunteer Fire Department in College Park Saturday.  The ladies gained recognition as the country's first female firefighters, with stories published in the Chicago Daily Times and The Evening Sun of Baltimore.  An October 1944 article in the Washington Daily News carried the headline "Laurel has lady smoke-eaters," with photos of the women pulling up their boots and putting on lipstick.  Marian Nicholson, president of the Auxiliary, said the city in 1943 gave the women coveralls to wear when they fought fires.  The ladies also supported the men during the war by purchasing $100 war bonds, later donating them to the department, Nicholson said.   Joanne Kutzera, 93, was the eldest member at the banquet, having joined the auxiliary 63 years ago. "I like the organization," she said. "I even went on a fire once."

The auxiliary held its first meeting May 6, 1929 at the home of Rose Baker. The other charter members were Annie Burnett, Emma Fairall, Hazel Beall, Minnie Whitmore, Ida Timmons, Mildred Harrison, Rose Baker, Hazel Kidwell, Emma Shipley, Gertrude Beall, Ella Herberson and Susie Sakers.  Kidwell, who died in 2000 at the age of 94, was the last living charter member.  Story courtesy of the Laurel Leader.  Click here for the Laurel Leader's complete story.