Department History

Formerly Lexington Park Volunteer Fire Department, Inc.

Early Beginnings in Lexington Park

In 1943, the Federal Public Housing Authority played a significant role in the development of housing and community infrastructure in Lexington Park. The FPHA operated several housing complexes, including the Flat Tops, formerly Lexington Manor; Carver Heights, currently South Hampton; and the Cedar Park Trailer community, now the location of the Days Inn and previously the Belvedere Motel and Restaurant.

The FPHA also managed the Lexington Park Hotel/Motel, which included the former Plaza movie theater and small retail stores located across from the old firehouse on South Coral Drive in Lexington Park. Similar housing complexes also existed in Carver Heights.

During this time, there were three community buildings:

The FPHA also constructed and leased stores on Tulagi Place, including a food market, variety store, drug store, and other small retail establishments.

Formation of the Fire Department

FPHA played a key role in helping establish a citizens association. When the NAS Patuxent River Fire Department declined responsibility for fire protection in Lexington Park and the surrounding area, FPHA approached the citizens association and encouraged them to establish a fire department.

As part of this effort, FPHA agreed to purchase a fire engine, hose, and protective gear, and to construct a fire station at what is now the Lexington Park Station of the Bay District Volunteer Fire Department.

In October 1943, the Lexington Park Volunteer Fire Department was formally incorporated. While the fire engine was being acquired, the department received a hose cart that required two horses to pull. This arrangement proved impractical, and the Navy later provided a jeep to pull a trailer equipped with a 500 GPM pump and 500 feet of 2 1/2-inch fire hose.

The department eventually obtained a 500-class B pumper with 200 gallons of water on a General chassis from General Fire Apparatus in Detroit, Michigan.

The First Station and Service Area

Initially, the engine was housed in the garage section of the Felix Johnson Community Center. In 1945, the first three bays of the current Lexington Park Station were constructed, and the engine was moved to the new fire station.

That engine remains in the department’s possession and was refurbished in 2023.

The newly established fire department provided fire protection across a large area served by the Great Mills telephone exchange. This area included communities south of Sandy Bottom on Route 235, Chingville Road, Route 5 south to Piney Point and St. George Island, and Point Lookout. These areas are now served by the Ridge Volunteer Fire Department, Second District Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad, and the Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department.

Innovation and Fire Service Milestones

Throughout its history, the Lexington Park Volunteer Fire Department consistently embraced innovative technologies, equipment, and operational improvements to strengthen firefighting capabilities and firefighter safety.

These advancements helped enhance the department’s capabilities and improve firefighter safety while supporting effective responses to protect lives and property.

ISO Fire Protection Rating

ISO, which stands for Insurance Services Office, conducts assessments of community fire defenses to help establish fire insurance rates. This evaluation considers several major areas of fire protection readiness.

Historic Photos