UPDATE 4/6/15: Finally, we are moved into the building with a temporary use and occupancy permit. We still have a little work to do on the parking lot side and on the second floor. We are currently working with Senator Miller and Delegate Proctor for additional funds that were needed to complete all of the historic area and Chesapeake Bay Critical Area requirements. Thank you for all of your support throughout the project to this point.

The department is excited to be back in town. As soon as the remaining work is completed, the department will hold an open house for the community.

UPDATE 5/13/14: After mother nature caused many delays in the building project, we are back up and running. Over the last few weeks they have completed most of the structural steel, poured concrete on the second floor and are starting the wall studding. Over the next few weeks, the roof will start to be placed on the building and they will continue with the studding throughout the building. While the roof is being worked there will continue to be temporary closures of Hyatt Avenue to place items on the roof. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

As always, please keep safety in mind and do not take self guided tours of the new building. We understand that everyone is curious but we want to keep everyone's safety in mind. If you see the Chief, Brian Cusick in the area, please feel free to ask for a brief walk thru of the safe areas and an explanation of how the building is going to be laid out. Thank you for all of your support and understanding during this project.

1/9/14 UPDATE: The building is starting to take shape. Block and brick work is approximately 50% complete. Some structural steel is up. Rough in plumbing on the first floor is in and currently being inspected. Over the next few weeks, more structural steel will be going up and the concrete floors of the first level will be poured.

9/20/13 UPDATE: The building is finally on its way up with the footers poured and the walls going up on the new side. After a few complications with ground work, the construction team is charging forward with the masonry work.

8/1/13 - In 2004, the Benedict Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad started to process of improving their building to fit all the apparatus and provide the needed office space, training areas, storage areas, and member areas that the department needed. After nine years of hard work and dedication by the members to see this project to completion, the building is now under construction. This initial entry to the story will explain the road traveled to get the new station to the point it is now. Throughout the construction phase of the building we will update the community through this story with short explanations of what is happening and pictures of the progress.

When the project really kicked into high gear in 2008, the department teamed up with Larry Abell and Associates for architectural assistance. The architects involved assisted the department in designing a fire house that was not only a warehouse for apparatus but a second home for its volunteers and the community they protect. The new building will serve its normal duties as a fire house as well as provide a meeting and gathering place for the small community. The building will now provide spaces that were not available in the old building such as separate male and female bunkrooms, separate male and female locker rooms, adequate space to safely park apparatus and office space for its officers. The building will provide the volunteers with all essentials to carry out their day to day lives while donating their time to serve the community.

After the first preliminary drawings were completed, the department was required to obtain approval from the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Commission. Due to the location of the building being within a certain distance of Chesapeake Bay tributaries, the department was required to prove to the Commission that the water leaving the property would be cleaner that the water that fell on the property. After almost, two years of completing the task, the Commission finally approved the request to build.

The next hurdle was with creating a plan that met the requirements of the Charles County Benedict Revitalization Plan that was adopted by the County Commissioners just prior to the departments requests for permits. This plan created extra hurdles for the department as they designed the outside of the building and the landscaping to fit into the county's overall plan. The county's plan also includes a pocket park on the department's property that the county will fund and maintain.

Once all permissions were granted, the department awarded the construction contract to Rainbow Construction. Rainbow construction recently started the demolition portion of the project and is nearing completion. During the construction phase, the department and Rainbow Construction will do everything possible to not disrupt the day to day lives of the community.

As always, volunteer fire departments are always in need of donations. As the department moves into this new phase of its existence, and due to the extra costs incurred to comply with the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Commission and the Benedict Revitalization Plan, we are in need of donations now, more than ever. Anyone wanting to donate to the department can always send donations to: Benedict VFDRS, PO Box 303, Benedict, MD, 20612. Thank you in advance for any donations.

During the construction phase off the project, the department will temporary be located at 17035 Prince Frederick Road, Hughesville, MD. Also, we ask that all community members stay clear of the construction zone for their own safety. Anyone with any questions about the building can direct them to President, Buzzy Griffin or Chief, Brian Cusick.