The Carrollton Volunteer Fire Department’s charter members dipped into their own pockets and bought used helmets, turnout coats and boots in 1966.

Both the department’s first engine — a 1942 pumper — and the air raid siren that summoned firefighters to emergencies were government surpluses after World War II.

The founders mortgaged their homes to buy land for the department’s original two-bay garage, which is still in use today as a classroom.

The Carrollton fire department is holding an open house to celebrate its 50th anniversary from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the firehouse, 15020 Carrollton Blvd. Visitors can learn more the department’s history, climb aboard a fire engine and see lifesaving and vehicle extrication demonstrations.

Volunteers are looking forward to sharing the department’s story with the community, said Chief Tim Nunez, a volunteer for the past 12 years.

“As our department and community grows, we wanted people to see how we started and where we are now,” said Nunez.

The department was responding to more than 50 calls annually by 1969, according to firefighter Albert Burckard.

Last year, volunteers responded to more than 1,000 emergency calls, logging between 5,000 and 6,000 volunteer hours a month, said Nunez, who also works as a York County firefighter.

Fred Mitchell, the fire department’s president, said he grew up in the department. His father, Joe Mitchell, was a charter member and former chief.

Growing up, his family would pack picnic lunches and go to training burns to watch volunteer practice training.

“Growing up around the station was having another set of parents around,” said Mitchell. Although he took 15 years off when his children were young, he returned because he missed his “fire department family.”