Fire department-based emergency medical services in Cecil County evolved slowly after World War II. The first company to acquire an ambulance was Singerly in 1942. Before that, the American Legion in Elkton operated a unit for many years, but as the war approached, they pulled back. After that, Taylor McKenney’s Garage in Elkton answered medical transport calls until the fire service got involved. Beginning in 1935, the Conowingo State Police barracks operated a transport vehicle, and the service continued into the 1940s.
In the decade following Singerly’s inauguration of its ambulance service, other companies joined. In 1955, the Community Fire Company of Perryville and the Community Fire Company of Rising Sun began providing emergency medical transportation to the western end of Cecil County. North East Volunteer Fire Company followed in 1956. In the 1960s, two more organizations added ambulances to their fleets. The Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 of Chesapeake City started in 1963, and Water Witch of Port Deposit added a unit in 1964.
But in the early 1950s, there were few ambulances available in the county to respond to accidents and medical calls. So perhaps Ernie’s Cab Company saw a business opportunity, as the Elkton cabby announced in 1953 that he now had a fully equipped and approved ambulance for public use, available 24 hours a day to all residents of Cecil County and surrounding areas. What’s more, the rates were reasonable for local and long-distance calls.
Until the other local fire companies established ambulance service, Harford Memorial Hospital provided ambulance service to western Cecil County. This was continued after the hospital gave up the ambulance service and the Havre de Grace American Legion took it over. It took provided service to western Cecil County. The Havre de Grace fire company, the Susquehanna Hose Company never provided ambulance service.
John thanks for sharing that bit of history. I didn’t realize that Harford Memorial operated an ambulance in the days before the American Legion. You don’t happen to know the years do you. Anyway thanks for sharing that.
I really enjoy reading this kind of local history. Thanks
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Thanks Marie.
Approximately 1929 to 1953. The interesting part was what number to call since it was ran by the American Legion in Havre de Grace, since the Susquehanna Hose Company did not want it.
Back then, it was not uncommon for American Legions to operate them. The one in Georgetown, Delaware still operates one.
Thanks John.