Greenbelt Volunteer Fire Department - Timeline
- 1936- A paid fire department is established. There was no official station building at the time.
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1946- In October, the Greenbelt Volunteer Rescue Squad, Inc. is created.
November- first ambulance purchased - 1947- In July, three garages are obtained from the Federal Public Housing Authority
- 1953- First ladies auxiliary formed in May
- 1954- Executive Committee consisting of a president, chief, recording secretary, and other members established
- 1955- Rescue Squad and paid Fire Department merge to create the Greenbelt Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad, Inc.
The volunteers at the GVFD exemplify the spirit of unity and sacrifice for the greater good that the Greenbelt community was built upon. Chief Brian Rudy grew up in Greenbelt; his parents were involved in several town committees and always attended community functions. Although he is no longer a Greenbelt resident, he has been volunteering at the GVFD for 16 years and considers living in a cooperative community to be an advantage because the city is well maintained, especially in terms of landscaping and infrastructure. Another veteran of the GVFD, George Moore, has lived in one of the original Greenbelt homes since 1945, and he is also a member of the GHI (Greenbelt Homes Incorporated) Board of Directors. The firefighters who reside in Greenbelt (or used to) all have fond memories of playing in their courts with the other children, participating in town events, and sharing a close bond with their neighbors. Like almost all Greenbelt residents, they do not feel that the atmosphere of friendliness and cooperation has diminished with time, only changed to fit the newer generation.
