History of Firefighting

An Old Friend Returns          

Clarence “Chip” Jewell returned to Mount Airy on Tuesday, March 22, to give a ‘living history’ presentation on The History of Firefighting in the Carroll and Frederick County area.  This event was another in the series of history programs offered by the Mount Airy Main Street Association, and is free and open to all.

Chip has deep roots in our community; he lived in Mount Airy, working in the insurance business with Frederick Underwriters and Sherman Insurance for many years. He is a past president of the Greater Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce. He has been active in fire service for over 41 years, serving in many capacities with the Mount Airy Volunteer Fire Company.  Presently, he is the Director of the Department of Emergency Communications for Frederick County, and is the President of the Frederick County Fire and Rescue Museum and Preservation Society, Inc.

Mr. Jewell was elected to Maryland State Fireman’s Hall of Fame in 1995.  His book, Firefighting in Frederick, was published in 2004 by Arcadia Publishing.  It is available from local bookstores.  “I’ll consider creating similar books about the history of firefighting in Carroll, Howard and Montgomery Counties when I retire”, he reports with a smile.