Now this story doesn't have any flames or smoke but it is equally important in showing the work our firefighters do on a regular basis. Under the direction of Life Member, Keith Fairfax and with the assistance of many of our members Mr. Fairfax identified water supply sources that during an emergency could be used to supply our fire trucks on a fire.

Now, yes all departments in St. Mary's County have tankers that carry at least 2,000 gallons of water but sometimes that is not enough for a large fire either a building or woods. This is when the locating of these water sources before the emergency is so important to the responding firefighters. If necessary, a fire truck can be diverted to the water source to provide additional water as needed. Seventh District (Company 5) has a special pumper, called water supply 5, that is dispatched on all calls that sound serious to serve the purpose to find additional water sources.

The work of Fairfax and his crew will long provide the firefighters of the county with a valuable asset on their battle with the red devil. So you, the general public, if riding around in our area you will see the signs and know what they mean. A lot of man hours provided again by your volunteers to better protect the citizens of St. Mary's County.