On March 19, 1930, the Cabin John Park Volunteer Fire Department began its history as an incorporated fire service to “control, prevent, limit and combat damage by fire…” In January of this year, after 88 years, the department made history again by voting Corrine Piccardi the first female fire chief in a volunteer company in Montgomery County.
The original CJPVFD station was built shortly after the department’s founding at the corner of MacArthur Blvd. and Seven Locks Road.
“The first meeting was held at the new station in 1932, and this station was occupied until our present quarters on River Road [Station 10] was opened in 1984,” according to the department’s website.
Station 30, 9404 Falls Road, was opened in 1970.
“Our service has changed greatly since 1930. Today, in addition to fire prevention, education, and suppression activities, we also are the primary care providers of emergency medical services, river rescue services, and heavy rescue. The unique nature of our area gives us many diverse operations, ranging from rescues along the Potomac River and C&O Canal to high rise fire protection in downtown Bethesda. Interstate 495 and the Clara Barton Parkway provide accidents that may range from routine fender benders to large hazardous materials incidents such as the Interstate 270 Tanker Fire in the fall of 1992. Despite all of these changes, one thing has remained constant; the proud service of the members of our department to our community. That single fact binds our members today to the founders of our department in 1930,” the department’s website reads.
Persons interested in becoming members of Cabin John Park Volunteer Fire Department can call Station 10, 240-773-4710 or email membership@cjpvfd.org.
CJPVFD also hosts children’s birthday parties at the River Road Station. Parties include:
A guided tour of the fire station and fire apparatus
The opportunity to get up close and personal with firefighters and their equipment
A fire safety presentation and equipment demonstration hosted by one of the firefighters
A fire safety gift-bag and fire helmet for each child in attendance.
For more information, call 301-365-2028.