J. B. Peat was a charter member of the Herald Harbor Volunteer Fire Department. He was one of the attendees at the organizational meeting on 20 June 1925. He served as treasurer.

 

J.B. was active in the Anne Arundel County Volunteer Firemen's Association and served as President from 1930-1931. He served as a Trustee in 1933. He was inducted in the Hall of Fame in 2005.