The History of IHC.....

The Independent Hose Company No. 1, the host company of the 1992 Centennial Convention, has the proud distinction of being the oldest volunteer fire company in the State of Maryland still in continuous operation.

Originally named the Frederick Hose Company, it was officially organized in 1818 and the name changed to the Independent Hose Company. At this time the color green, and the number 1 were adopted, which are still in use today.

The first quarters were located near the old courthouse. In 1846, ground was broken on West Church Street for a new two-story firehouse that was occupied until 1978. At that time, due to the large growth rate of Frederick City, IHC moved to its present four-bay modern quarters on Baughmans Lane in the western section of town to better serve the growing community. The first piece of apparatus used by IHC was a small hand engine affectionately known as "Grandfather"; made in 1764 and used until 1880 when it was replaced by a steamer made by LaFrance named "Romeo".

In 1908, IHC purchased the first motorized apparatus in the state, a pumper from Howe Company. IHC has continued to replace and update its apparatus. Currently serving are two structural engines (E-11 and E-12), a tanker (TNK-1), a ladder tower (TWR-1), a brush truck (B-16), two ambulances (A-18 & A-19), a canteen (CAN-1), a utility truck (U-1), a utility van (U1-1), a duty buggy (D-1), and the Chief's buggy (C-1).

Today, IHC is a combination volunteer / career station with approximately 250 members, 75 of these being active volunteers and 7 career personnel on shift. IHC responds to over 6000 calls yearly, please see our statistics boxes on the home page. Training is accomplished through the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute, in-house training, and out-of-state courses.

The Independent Hose Company is proud of its past, accomplishments, and members.