The Rosedale Volunteer Fire Company was founded in 1930 — the first volunteer fire department in eastern Baltimore County. According to the company’s own history, the community chose a volunteer company over a paid one because Rosedale was considered too close to the Baltimore City line for county resources.
They started with a used engine stored at a florist shop on Philadelphia Road. By 1935 they had moved into a remodeled school building. Their current station at 8037 Philadelphia Road was built in 1989 — half a mile east of the old location — and is where they operate today.
The Rosedale VFC is staffed entirely by volunteers from the community — business owners, engineers, police officers, medical professionals, construction workers, and career firefighters who choose to give their time. Their response area covers the Pulaski Highway corridor from the Baltimore City line eastward, including Interstate 95 north to the Beltway — which puts Red House Run squarely in their zone.
They run two fire engines, an ambulance, and a special unit out of Station 28. Beyond fire suppression, they also provide emergency medical services and rescue operations.
In an emergency, always call 911
Do not call the fire station directly in an emergency. Dial 911 — dispatch will contact the appropriate units. The station phone number is for non-emergency inquiries only.