Throughout the daylong celebration, Fountaindale department members and the public sharesd stories and poured over photo albums of the station’s legacy. In addition, fire apparatus and vehicles were on display along with commemorative anniversary T-shirts and challenge coins for purchase.

Going strong since 1946, Fountaindale is a completely volunteer-based organization driven by the dedication of its members to serve 600 houses in portions of Hamiltonban & Liberty Townships, and Carroll Valley Borough. One of the largest accomplishments of Fountaindale was the Jack’s Mountain fire in 1998 that lasted 48 hours and required a joint effort of 45 stations and the support of the entire community.

Although firefighting technology and equipment has updated since, the passion in the men and women of Fountaindale to be ready to serve their community at a moment’s notice is as strong as ever.

Karen Rudisill joined the department along with her husband Department President Keith Rudisill and before long had her two daughters qualified as interior fire fighters.

Dana Lowe became involved with the department when her son Isaac joined the Junior Fire Fighter program to learn the basics and never looked back. "I knew I wanted to be involved as well," she said.

Lieutenant Sarah Ginn was born and raised in the fire service and has been devoted to Fountaindale since she began as a junior fire fighter at the age of 14. "We appreciate the support of the community getting us here and we look forward to another 75 years and more," she said.

Fire departments must be able to adapt and change to continue serving the community, according to Deputy Chief Sam Ginn. "It’s a challenge for any organization to have to change with the times," he said.

Actively fighting fires is never a requirement to be a member of the fire department. Many different aspects of keeping the department running fall on to social members, for instance fundraising and organizing community events. Fountaindale takes pride in the family atmosphere they have worked hard to build that welcomes anyone who wants to join the department. "We have a great group of volunteers. Everybody has a voice, and we want everyone to be involved," he said.

Being a volunteer means dedication and answering the tough call of duty, but it also means a family and a support system. As more local fire departments face difficulty maintaining volunteers, Fountaindale is proud to share its dedication milestone with the community and looks forward to many more decades of service.

Also in attendance at the celebration were Adams County Board of Commissioners Randy Phiel, Jim Martin, and Marty Qually as well as Pennsylvania Representative Dan Moul, with a citation of recognition to honor Fountaindale’s milestone.