Marine Emergency Team 21

Marine Emergency Team 21 Marine Emergency Response Team covering 90 square miles of the upper Chesapeake Bay. Fire, Rescue, EMS That is larger than the entire city of Boston.

Each year thousands of motor, sailing and personal watercraft vessels, enjoy the waterways of the Maryland Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. Be it for pleasure or for work, vessels are subject to many obstacles that are associated with boating. Have you ever wondered though - what happens when an emergency happens on the open water? If you’re located on the waters of the upper Chesapeake Bay or

its tributaries, chances are Marine Emergency Team 21 will be involved in helping you. Comprised of 35 specially-trained response personnel, two Marine Fire/Rescue vessels, three shallow draft boats, one inflatable craft and several land-based response/towing vehicles, the Community Fire Department of Bowleys Quarters and Vicinity, operates the largest Marine Emergency Team in the Upper Bay area; Marine Emergency Team 21 (MET21). MET21 is one of few teams north of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge that can make year-round emergency responses in any weather condition. Team personnel are trained for all worst-case scenarios that they may be faced with. Common responses include vessel fires, collisions, hazardous material incidents and medical emergencies. Two of our vessels can provide Basic Life Support and when staffed by EMT’s are essentially ambulances on the water. MET21 receives most its distress calls through Baltimore County’s 911 dispatch, direct from the United States Coast Guard (USCG), or through Marine VHF channel 16. MET21’s primary response area covers 90 square miles of open water in the upper Chesapeake Bay. This includes all of Baltimore Counties waterfront communities, various popular boating locations, Hart-Miller Island, Poole’s Island, and the channels leading to and from the Eastern Shore. Secondary responses include mutual aid requests by Harford, Anne Arundel, Kent, Queens Anne's, and Cecil Counties as well as Baltimore City. The team also often works with many commercial tow vessels in the area. Supporting MET21’s response are other agencies such as Natural Resources Police, Baltimore County Marine Police, Aberdeen Proving Ground police and fire, Kent County Fire Department, North Point-Edgemere Volunteer Fire Company, and the United States Coast Guard sector Baltimore. Highly trained personnel as well as well-designed and maintained vessels are a critical component to our success.

08/11/2026

Key West meets country at this epic soulful country concert in Bowley's Quarters, MD! Proceeds benefit the BQVFD.

08/10/2026
08/03/2026

🚒 MEMBER MONDAY 🚒
This week, we're proud to highlight Suppression Lieutenant Tristan Stallings!
Tristan has been a dedicated member of the Bowleys Quarters Volunteer Fire Department for 3 years. His passion for the fire service began long before joining the department, driven by a lifelong desire to serve others and make a difference in the community.
When asked what he enjoys most about volunteering, Tristan shared:
"Being able to give back to the people and communities that made me the person I am today."
In addition to his role as a Suppression Lieutenant, Tristan also serves as a Surface Water Rescue Technician and Small Boat Operator on our Marine Emergency Team. He recently completed the Baltimore County Fire Department's Advanced Firefighter Rescue (AFR) program, continuing to expand his skills to better serve our community.
Thank you, Tristan, for your dedication, commitment, and willingness to answer the call on land and on the water! 👏🚒🌊

08/01/2026

Today, we pause to remember one of the darkest days in the history of Bowleys Quarters Volunteer Fire Department and Baltimore County.

On August 1, 1971, devastating flash floods swept through eastern Baltimore County, forever changing our community. During a water rescue, a sudden wall of water overwhelmed the scene, claiming the lives of four firefighters and four civilians.
Today, on the 55th anniversary of that tragedy, we honor the four firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice:
Milton DeSombre, 49 – Bowleys Quarters Volunteer Fire Department
Warren E. Schaffer, 23 – Bowleys Quarters Volunteer Fire Department
Charles Hopwood, 42 – Cowenton Volunteer Fire Department (now White Marsh Volunteer Fire Company)
Douglas Mueller, 18 – Cowenton Volunteer Fire Department (now White Marsh Volunteer Fire Company)

We also remember the four civilians who lost their lives that evening and acknowledge the bravery of Cowenton firefighters Robert Carr and William Barton, who survived the flood despite sustaining injuries. Robert Carr endured more than three hours clinging to a telephone pole before he could be rescued.
For Bowleys Quarters, this day holds special significance as we remember our own members. Their courage, selflessness, and dedication continue to define who we are as a department.

Please join us in keeping the families, friends, and all those affected by this tragedy in your thoughts today.
We will never forget.

07/31/2026

🚗 Tomorrow! 8/1 🚗
Don't forget to stop by the Bowleys Quarters Volunteer Fire Department tomorrow to support the Baltimore Bays Soccer Reign Girls Soccer Team at their Car Wash Fundraiser! ⚽🫧
Grab a clean car while supporting an amazing group of young athletes. We hope to see you there! 💙

07/31/2026

The Tarr Family Farm is hosting a concert Aug. 16 featuring Niko Moon to raise money for a new firehouse for Bowleys Quarters.

07/24/2026

🎤✨ Elvis Night is coming to Bowleys on the Bay! ✨🎤
Join us on Saturday, September 12th at Bowleys on the Bay for an evening of incredible entertainment featuring tribute performances honoring Elvis Presley, Patsy Cline, and Toby Keith. Enjoy great music, delicious food, games, prizes, and a 50/50 raffle—all in a fun, welcoming atmosphere.
🎟️ Tickets are on sale now, so don't wait to reserve your seat! https://secure.qgiv.com/for/bowleysquartersvolunteerfiredepartment/event/elvisnight/
🍽️ Your ticket includes:
• Bruschetta
• Salad
• Rosemary Chicken Pasta
• Sliders
• Mini desserts
• Soda, tea, and water
(Alcohol will be available for purchase.)
📍 Location: Bowleys on the Bay
📅 Date: Saturday, September 12

We can't wait to spend the evening with you!

07/16/2026

Over the last week, you may have noticed this bright yellow engine responding to calls throughout our community. While our engine was out for maintenance our friends at North Point - Edgemere Volunteer Fire Department stepped up and generously loaned us this apparatus so we could continue serving Bowleys Quarters without missing a beat.
Their support over the last week is a great example of what the fire service is all about. Departments helping departments to make sure our communities always have the resources they need.
If you see a member of North Point Edgemere Volunteer Fire Department, please take a moment to thank them for their support and for everything they do for our community. We are incredibly grateful for their partnership and willingness to help when we needed it most.
Thank you, North Point! We truly appreciate you.

Address

900 Bowleys Quarters Road
Middle River, MD
21220

Telephone

+14108875771

Website

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