Some 60 years ago (some may say 100), a new piece of equipment made its way into the HVFD’s firehouse on Belcrest Road as critical and important as any fire truck, hoseline or AED – the Bunn-O-Matic coffee maker.

Built in 1958, the firehouse itself was fresh and new then, together the station and coffee maker would see thousands of volunteer and career firefighters, first responders, community members, visitors and more make their way through Hyattsville’s day room. It was always ready, serving enough piping hot cups of coffee over the years to fill an ocean and then some. Whether it was the daily coffee club, a hot cup to stay up to study or a quick warm up after coming back from that 3 a.m. winter house fire or EMS run, the Bunn-O-Matic was always ready.

Over the years, there were dings, short circuits and broken components. But with the help of a myriad of members and vendors, searches on eBay and phone calls around the country, the Bunn-O-Matic was repaired and always placed back into service. It became something of a legend, asked about often by its admirers longing for another cup.

Until, sadly, 2020.

Recently, despite the best efforts of many, our long time friend is no more. Its time was special and will not be forgotten.

But, where there is an end, there is also a new beginning.

Thanks to a generous gift by John Stehl from Commercial Beverage Service, Inc., we are the proud new owners of — a “new to us” Bunn-O-Matic. Perhaps a new legend will be born, but regardless a hot cup of coffee is once again just a few steps away at the HVFD.

Thanks to a generous gift by John Stehl from Commercial Beverage Service, Inc!