Saluting Centuries of Service

Last month, the oldest and longest serving member of the Independent Hose Company No. 1 died. Charles W. Bare turned 99 in January and received special recognition from the Independent Hose Company for 80 years of service.

Until just the past few years, Charlie would still attend fire company functions. He was one of four members of the company who reached the age of at least 90 this year and were still active members.

With the death of Charlie, John F. “Jack” Fleischman is now the longest serving member of the Independent Hose Company, also attaining 80 years of service this year.

At 96 years old, “Mr. Jack,” as he is respectfully called at the firehouse, goes to the firehouse nearly every morning for coffee and firehouse banter.

When I joined in 1969, Jack was a mentor to young firemen, the “firemen’s fireman” who responded to nearly every call. I was fortunate to have Jack serve with me as the first vice president of the Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association the year I served as president.

George W. Fulmer has “only” been a member of the Independent Hose Company for 58 years. However, he has nearly 10 additional years of volunteer service with Braddock Heights Volunteer Fire Company before joining the Independents.

For many years, he not only drove apparatus as a volunteer, but also worked as an “extra driver” covering for the paid engine driver on duty on days off. He also loves antique fire apparatus and collected several local fire engines. Most of his collection is still owned by his family or local firefighters.

Robert “Bob” Whitmore will be 91 in May of this year and has been a member of the Independent Hose Company for 75 years.

Bob served many years as the captain, now considered the rank of chief, of the Independent Hose Company and was on the scene of some of Frederick’s largest fires. I also worked with Bob during his time as a part time Central Alarm dispatcher.

Not only have these four members of the Independent Hose Co. No. 1 dedicated 303 years of service to our community, each of these men served our nation as veterans of military service. Charlie Bare was extremely proud of his service to our country in the United States Army in World War II. He received numerous medals, including the Philippine Liberation Medal and Bronze Stars. Until just a few years ago, Charlie would proudly wear his original military uniform from when he was discharged from the Army as he rode in a historic military staff car in the annual Veterans Day Parade in Brunswick.

Jack Fleischman was in the United States Army and saw heavy combat in the Korean War. He earned numerous medals, including a Purple Heart for injuries suffered in battle.

George Fulmer Sr. served in the United States Army and guarded prisoners in Germany toward the end of World War II.

Bob Whitmore joined the United State Marine Corp during the Korean War and was in boot camp as the “police action” was ending.

Not only have these four brave men placed themselves in peril serving their community as volunteer firefighters, but each man also served their nation in military service. They have dedicated centuries of service to their community and decades of service to our country.

Rest in peace, Charlie. And thank you Jack, George and Bob for your service.

Clarence “Chip” Jewell is a Frederick County native who has only served 56 years in the county fire rescue service and been fortunate to personally know each of these dedicated members of Independent Hose Company No. 1.

COMMENTARY by Chip Jewell