Bowie VFD Auxiliary Support Team

The Auxiliary currently owns and operates two pieces of apparatus. Auxiliary 19 is a full-sized van used in a number of roles, and Canteen 39 is a large canteen unit used for large or long-duration events.

Auxiliary 19 was the first unit placed in service by the Auxiliary Support Team. It is a 1990 Ford van that carries bottled water, coolers, and light snacks. It was aquired from Company 43 member John Feely. The bodywork, paint, and lettering was donated by Marlboro Auto Body. The unit is repaired and maintained for us by the owners and staff at Auto Tech Car Care in Bowie. Auxiliary 19 is used for public relations events, rehab on minor incidents, and as a support unit for Canteen 39.

Canteen 39 is the latest unit to be placed in service. It is an aluminum 1988 GMC stepvan with a GM diesel engine. This unit is equipped as a full mobile kitchen with running water, a hot water heater, a stove, a large coffee urn, and a full-size refrigerator/freezer. Power is provided by a propane-powered generator. The canteen was originally used in Baltimore, MD by the Box 414 Association. It was purchased by a combined effort of the operational and auxiliary members of the department. Repairs and upgrades were performed in-house at Company 39 under the leadership of President Jon Bigony and Deputy Chief Tim Daly, with help from many other members. Canteen 39 is used for large incidents and extended training exercises.