In 1925, after fires completely destroyed two large Bethesda homes, a group of civic-minded citizens saw the need for a fire department. It was obvious that horse drawn equipment coming from the District of Columbia was inadequate. Meetings were held, money was donated, and plans formulated for the founding of the Bethesda Fire Department. On the Fourth of July 1925, six residents met and each donated $1,000 toward the beginning of a fire department. Many more planning meetings and money raising affairs were held. The leaders found that not only was there interest in having a fire department in Bethesda, but many capable young men were willing to serve in the new fire department.

At a mass meeting on May 24, 1926, a plan was approved to create the Bethesda Fire Board and establish the Bethesda Fire Department, Inc. Each person who contributed $1,000 could have a seat on the board. Each existing citizens association would have a seat on the board, and for every $1,000 contributed, the citizens associations could have an additional member.

Walter Tuckerman, President of the Bank of Bethesda, donated a parcel of land at 7620 Georgetown Road for a fire station. The fire station was dedicated in December 1926 and two 1926 American LaFrance pumpers were put in service.

From its founding in 1926 until June 30, 1939, the department was manned by volunteers. On July 1, 1939, Bethesda became a fully paid fire department and Angelo J. Bargagni was the first Fire Chief. With continuing growth in the area, more fire protection became necessary. In October 1957, Fire Station No. 20 was put into service on the corner of Cedar Lane and Old Georgetown Road. Between 1960 and 1974 Bethesda operated Station No. 22 at 7108 Bradley Boulevard, but that station was closed when Station No. 26 was opened on Democracy Boulevard.

When the Bethesda Fire Board converted to a fully paid fire service, the volunteers formed their own organization which lasted until World War II when many of the young men went into military service. When the new Station No. 6 was opened in 1969 on Wisconsin Avenue and Bradley Boulevard, old Station No. 5 on Old Georgetown Road was closed and eventually torn down to make way for the extension of Woodmont Avenue.

After all these years, the basic purpose of the fire department remains the same, that is, to save lives and property. Our objective is to do the very best job we can. Everything we do and everything we have is aimed at doing our job and improving how we do it.

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