On July 2, 1970, the Seventh District Volunteer Fire Department responded to a fire on Route 242 across from Kopels Marina, where lightning had struck the bell tower of an old chapel owned by John Choporis of Tacoma Park, MD. Twenty firefighters responded under the direction of Chief George McWilliams III. Because the bell in the tower was unsafe, Chief McWilliams directed the firefighters to remove it and bring it to the firehouse for safekeeping. In July 1970, John Choporis gave custody of the bell to the Seventh District Fire Department on the condition that it be maintained in good condition and protected from the elements. In 1979, the bell was placed on the base where it is displayed today.