When the citizens of Clinton today ride past the magnificent Clinton firehouse and scrutinize the modern equipment and when a response to a call is made by firemen, it is the culmination of a vision by a strong and determined group of men that dates back to 1936.

As the Village of Clinton and its environs developed, most of the structures were built of wood, the prime target for fires. This was true of houses, barns, stables and in the center of the village, business firms and churches. The only brick building was the Clinton bank which opened in 1920. Indeed, two fires in the village in the 1920’s served to propel the movement for the establishment of a fire fighting unit. The John Jenkins home, located at the end of Bradley Lane, burned to the ground and all possessions were lost. On a stormy summer morning the large barn used by the Schultz Brothers Store was struck by lightning and since it was filled with bales of hay, straw and other goods, it burned rapidly and completely.

It was about this time that a young builder and designer came to Clinton and proceeded to buy lots fronting on Old Branch Avenue near the Episcopal and Catholic Churches. He constructed several frame houses and in 1927, the Gwynn brick house. In 1928, he built the Christ Episcopal Church. The builder, Mr. Harry Bradley, visualized the need and devoted his efforts to accomplish the organization of the Clinton Volunteer Fire Department. The temperature was chilly that day on December 28, 1936, but that evening fifteen men from Clinton gathered to organize “Company 25″. Mr. Harry Bradley was elected Chief and first president and sent the enthusiastic members to collect donations from private citizens and business firms.

In February 1937, the first fire truck was obtained and Mr. Frank Reh allowed the truck to be parked on his farm (opposite the entrance to Chris Mar). Fire calls were received at the Schultz Brothers General Store and then from there firemen were called as quickly as possible to meet at the fire truck and proceed to the fire.

On a small parcel of land obtained directly behind the Clinton Bank, almost opposite the present fire house, a two-engine house was begun in 1937 and occupied in 1938. It served the Clinton area for 22 years. Another new Brockway tanker was bought in 1940, the beginning of the company acquiring new equipment as needs arose and as funds could be obtained. An early fund raising method was the annual carnival. This was supplemented by special events, dances, raffles and pledges to donate. The roster of early members has been lost but charter member Millard Schultz recalls some of the original members: E. White, E. England, E. Melson, T. Miller, B. Gwynn, R. Schultz, A. Dellinger, G. Singer, M. McKinney, H. Miskell, K. Dennison, B. Thompson, J.T. White, A. Penn, and H. Bradley.

Steady progress toward the full realization of the outstanding outfit that it is today began after World War II when in 1946 two lots across Woodyard Road from the existing fire house were purchased for $1750.00, and plans for fund raising and design for a new building were made. The shell of the fire house was built in 1950 and the interior work, electrical, plumbing, heating, ceilings, floors, steel and appointments, were done by volunteers. In 1970 money was borrowed from Prince George’s County for an addition to house a ladder truck and renovation to provide sleeping quarters for 18 men. The original parcel was sold to the Clinton Bank and today Company 25 is situated in a modern, comfortable, and highly functional building.

One has to visit the busy and efficient fire house organization to realize the responsibility accepted by the Volunteers in the effective performance of their duties and to sense the enthusiasm and dedication of it’s members in performing this valuable service to their fellow men.