On July 14, 1947, the first meeting was held at the Circle Inn to organize a fire department. Foreseeing the need of fire protection in the community, approximately 20 men attended. Ironically, the birthplace of the Bowling Green VFD, the Circle Inn, was destroyed by a fire in 1977. Late 1947, the first fire hall was built, mostly with volunteer labor. This building also served as St. Matthew United Church of Christ until their present building was built in 1949-1950.
The communities of Roberts Place, Bowling Green & Potomac Park make up the first due area of the Bowling Green Volunteer Fire Department located between Cumberland to the north, Cresaptown to the south, the Potomac River to the east and Haystack Mountain to the west. For many years, the community was mostly farmland but was later divided into building lots by the Buchanan, Roberts and Long families. The CSX Railroad skirts the community along the river and in earlier years maintained the Roberts Train Station which has since been closed.
Within the boundaries of the community are the Upper Potomac Industrial Park, the Allegany County Fairgrounds, the Western Correctional Institution, and approximately 850 homes, apartments, and businesses.
In June 1948, the Bowling Green Volunteer Fire Department was incorporated. The first fire truck, a 1928 American 
La France, was purchased from Everett, PA Fire Department and kept in-service until 1968. It was sold to Earl Loap Jr. of Hyndman, PA and is still used as a show piece. In 1954, a new GMC chassis was purchased and a Howe Apparatus was built to specifications which was kept in-service until 1997. A 
1200 gallon surplus tank truck was purchased in 1960 which greatly augmented Company's Company’s water supply until 1982 when a new water system and hydrants were installed in the community. The tanker was sold to Centerville Pennsylvania VFD.
In 1956, the Maryland State Roads Department purchased the fire department property for the relocation of Route 220 which
bi-sects the area north and south. The new road was never built but resulted in relocating to our present location on Route 220 – McMullen Highway. The Department purchased the old property back from the state when it was decided not to build the proposed road. In 2006, a large storage garage was placed on the original cement slab. The storage building at the road of the firehouse was torn down to allow for additional parking.
In August 1968, a new American La France pumper was purchased to replace its 40-year old predecessor and in 1970 a Chevrolet step-van was purchased to serve as a utility truck. An old army Jeep was acquired from Civil Defense and used for brush fires for many years.
In 1973, the property at the rear of the fire hall was purchased for additional parking and fund-raising activities. Each July, the parking lot was transformed into a carnival area with games, rides, and festival food. With the combined effort of the Ladies Auxiliary and the department membership, the annual bazaar grew to be a very large affair in the community and surrounding areas. The highlight was fireman's fireman’s parade with marching bands and local fire departments, as well as the local Shrine Club units.
On July 2, 1976, at a special election, the citizens of the community approved an area fire tax. The referendum was approved a rate of 7 cents per $100 of assessed value. The department, like all others in the county must submit their annual financial report to the Allegany County Commissioners and the County Fire Board.
In 1981, we accepted delivery of a new Peter Pirsch Class A 1250 GPM pumper which became our first line piece of 
equipment.
In January 1982, the original flat roof of the station was replaced with a gable roof which greatly enhanced the outside appearance of the building. In addition, a major remodeling project of blocking up windows, insulating and paneling the social hall was completed in 1983. The Ladies Auxiliary made major improvements to the kitchen later that year.
In 1990, an addition was built on the present station which added 4 garage bays – 2 bays at the street level fronting Rt. 220 and 2 bays below at the parking lot level. The basement of this addition was later finished into a second social hall. Also, the bazaar was discontinued because of the inability to close Route 220 which had become a very busy thoroughfare, as well as stricter state regulations on the use of carnival rides. This forced the sale of the carnival rides and the need to add another fund raiser to replace the bazaar. The membership decided to organize and provide to the area an Arts and Crafts Show – “a Taste of Fall Fest”. The first show was held in 1990 has since become an annual event attracting over 60 artists and craftsmen who gather to demonstrate, display and sell their creations.
The Department purchased an International chassis in 1992 and E-One/Frontline custom built a rescue
box to replace the aging 1970 step-van. Then in 1997, the Department contracted with Sutphen Corporation to custom build a 1500 GPM pumper to replace the 1954 GMC Pumper and 1968 American La France. The GMC GCM Pumper was sold to an antique fire apparatus collector from Montgomery County, Maryland.
In the summer of 2000, the Department purchased a Ford 1 ton 4-wheel drive pick-up to act as a utility truck and personnel transport vehicle, as well as provide response to EMS calls.
In 2005, the second building addition extended the two south bays into four, increased the size of the social hall, added three handicap accessible bathrooms, and two new offices. A station air cascade system, sprinkler system, and a building alarm system was also added at that time.
In 2006, the county started a Water Rescue Team. Since Bowling Green is currently in charge of this team, the department purchased a jet powered rigid inflatable inflateable boat and houses the county owned rescue trailer. Also in 2006, we replaced our Army surplus brush unit with a 2006 GMC 3/4 ton extended cab truck. Our water tank, pump unit, and hose were transfered onto the new brush unit. A new utility trailer was also purchased to haul our 4-wheeler and additional brush equipment.
The department is very active at fund raising. In addition to our Fall Fest, Bingo is held weekly and a stand is operated each year at the Allegany County Fair. In 2003, “Our Greatest Raffle Ever” was held and awarded over $150,000 in prizes.
Our Fire Line Officers insist that our fire fighters get as much training as possible. Many of our members have completed basic, intermediate, and advanced firefighting courses, as well as basic and advanced emergency medical courses. All our line officers are FEMA compliant.
The Department holds membership in the Allegany-Garrett Counties Volunteer Fireman's Association and the Maryland State Fireman's Association. In the past, the Bowling Green Volunteer Fire Department has been very fortunate to be represented by numerous members at the county and state level. There was representation in the County Association by David Kirk, President and Editor; Austin Snyder, Secretary; Robert Saville, Secretary; Charles Crawford, President; Donald Broome, President; and Larry Thompson, President. David Kirk, President and Treasurer; Robert Saville, Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer; and John Wolford, Assistant Treasurer represented the Department in the State Association.