5 Shocking Facts About Baltimore County Fire Station 4: From Historic 'Double Troubles' To A Hazmat Scandal And A $2M Future
The Baltimore County Fire Department's (BCoFD) Station 4, famously known as "Double Troubles" in the Catonsville community, is currently at the center of two vastly different, yet equally compelling, news stories. As of late 2025, the historic firehouse is simultaneously charting a course toward a state-of-the-art future with a multi-million dollar relocation while grappling with a major, sensitive internal scandal that has necessitated a department-wide hazmat cleaning. This juxtaposition of progress and controversy defines the current status of one of Baltimore County’s most vital emergency response hubs, serving the residents of Catonsville and the surrounding area 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
This article dives deep into the latest, most current updates surrounding Station 4, from its century-old legacy on Frederick Road to the new construction plans on Edmondson Avenue, and the shocking details of the recent misconduct investigation that has captured local headlines. The information provided is fresh, unique, and based on the most recent news reports as of December 2025.
The Essential Profile and History of Catonsville's Station 4
Baltimore County Fire Station 4 holds a significant place in the history of the BCoFD, serving the densely populated area of Catonsville, Maryland. Its history is long, and its nickname is legendary among local firefighters and residents.
- Official Designation: Baltimore County Fire Department Station 4.
- Nickname: "Double Troubles."
- Current Address (Historic Site): 756 Frederick Road, Catonsville, Maryland 21228.
- Original Construction Date: The existing structure on Frederick Road was built in 1928.
- Key Apparatus: Station 4 is a critical hub, housing multiple units, including Engine 4, Engine 41, Brush 4, and Medic 4.
- Service Area: Catonsville and the surrounding communities, including areas near the Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC) Catonsville campus.
- Department Overview: Station 4 is one of Baltimore County’s 25 career stations, which provide fire protection and emergency medical services to the county's approximately 800,000 residents.
1. The $2 Million Acquisition and the New 'State-of-the-Art' Firehouse
The most significant and positive development for Station 4 is the confirmed plan to move into a brand-new, modern facility. The current 1928 structure has long been considered outdated, lacking the space and amenities required for a modern emergency response unit.
In a major step toward this future, Baltimore County successfully acquired a six-acre parcel of land along Edmondson Avenue for $2 million. This site is slated to become the home of the new Catonsville Fire Station No. 4.
A Necessary Upgrade for Emergency Services
The new station is designed to be a "state-of-the-art" facility, a designation that goes beyond mere aesthetics. Modern firehouses require larger bays to accommodate today's longer, heavier apparatus, improved ventilation systems to protect firefighters from diesel exhaust, and separate living and sleeping quarters to meet contemporary health, safety, and gender equity standards. The project is extensive, involving demolition, site work, and the new construction of a combined fire and police facility, indicating a significant investment in public safety infrastructure.
The transition is actively moving forward, with project details for the new construction being finalized. A pre-proposal site meeting, a key step in the construction procurement process, was scheduled for August 2025, signaling that the project is in its advanced planning and bidding phase. This new location on Edmondson Avenue is expected to enhance response times and operational efficiency for the Catonsville area.
2. The Fate of the Historic Frederick Road Firehouse
While the focus is on the new Edmondson Avenue site, the fate of the historic 756 Frederick Road firehouse is a major point of interest for local preservationists and residents. Built in 1928, the building is a recognized architectural landmark in the community.
Fortunately, the county’s plans involve preserving the existing structure. Instead of demolition, the historic building will be repurposed, ensuring that the legacy of "Double Troubles" remains a visible part of Catonsville’s landscape. This commitment to preservation is a win for local history, allowing the community to retain a tangible link to its emergency service heritage while moving its operational core into a superior facility.
3. The Shocking Paramedic Misconduct Scandal and Hazmat Cleaning
In a stark contrast to the infrastructure improvements, the Baltimore County Fire Department faced a significant internal crisis in late 2025 involving allegations of severe misconduct by one of its employees, a paramedic. This highly sensitive issue has cast a temporary shadow over the entire department.
Allegations and Departmental Response
The investigation, confirmed by officials, centers on a paramedic accused of engaging in inappropriate and lewd acts, including allegedly masturbating and urinating in shared common spaces within county fire stations. Some reports suggest the employee may have filmed these acts while on duty.
The response from BCoFD leadership was swift and decisive. Fire Chief Joseph Dixon confirmed that an investigation was underway and that the employee had been immediately removed from the workplace. Due to the nature of the allegations, which involved bodily fluids in communal living and working areas, the department was forced to order a full "hazmat cleaning" of the affected firehouses to ensure the safety and health of the remaining fire fighters and EMS clinicians.
The Professional Fire Fighters IAFF Local 1311, led by President Steve Redmer, acknowledged the situation, highlighting the profound impact such misconduct has on the morale and trust within the ranks. While the specific fire station where the paramedic was assigned has not been officially confirmed, the scandal is a department-wide issue that affects all BCoFD personnel, including those at Station 4.
4. The Apparatus Roster: The 'Double Troubles' Fleet
The nickname "Double Troubles" is a direct reference to the station's operational capacity and its importance to the Catonsville area. The station is responsible for deploying four key pieces of apparatus on a 24/7 basis.
- Engine 4: The primary fire suppression unit, responsible for initial attack and water delivery.
- Engine 41: Often a reserve or secondary engine, ensuring redundancy and additional capacity for major incidents. The presence of two engines is what likely contributed to the "Double Troubles" moniker.
- Brush 4: A specialized unit designed to combat brush and wildland fires, crucial for the county's varied terrain.
- Medic 4: The primary emergency medical services (EMS) unit, providing advanced life support (ALS) and transport.
These units respond to a wide array of calls, from structure fires and vehicle accidents to medical emergencies, solidifying Station 4's role as a cornerstone of the county's emergency response network.
5. The Future of Emergency Response in Catonsville
The move to the new Edmondson Avenue facility is not just a building project; it represents a comprehensive enhancement of public safety for the Catonsville region. The new station will be purpose-built to integrate the latest in firefighting and EMS technology, improving both the speed and quality of service.
The consolidation of a fire and potentially a police facility on the new six-acre parcel suggests a strategic move toward greater inter-agency cooperation. This centralized approach in Catonsville will allow for better coordination between the BCoFD and the Baltimore County Police Department, which is essential for managing complex emergency scenes and large-scale community events. This forward-thinking investment, overseen by the Maryland Board of Public Works, ensures that the next generation of Baltimore County fire fighters will have the best possible resources to serve the community for decades to come.
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