The Brandywine Volunteer Fire Department hosted the Prince George’s County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association’s 83rd Annual Convention during the week of September 17 – 24, 2005. This was an eventful year for the Capitol Heights Volunteer Fire Department. Several of our members were running for positions within the Association and Ladies Auxiliary’s ranks; we also had a new inductee into the PGCVFRA Hall of Fame.
On Friday, September 23, 2005, the Association meeting was called to order, after roll call was taken the Hall of Fame committee proceeded to induct 10 new members into the hall of fame. Capitol Heights’ own Bill Devine, Sr. was inducted into the hall of fame. Bill Devine joined the Capitol Heights Volunteer Fire Department in 1942 and remained active in the department until his death in 1982. During his forty (40) years of service he rose through the ranks, holding various line officer positions. He was elected Chief of the department in 1944. Bill also held various executive officer positions as well. He served as Secretary and served as President in 1955, 1967, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1976, and 1978.
Bill was active in all facets of the department. He was an American Red Cross First Aid Instructor and taught many members throughout Prince George’s County before the inception of the Emergency Medical Technician program. He represented the department at meetings of the Prince George’s County Volunteer Firemen’s Association and the Prince George’s County Rescue Squad Association, before they were merged to become the Prince George’s County Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association, as we know it today. Bill held various offices while serving the Rescue Squad Association. In addition, Bill served as a delegate to the Maryland State Firemen’s Association for many years.
Bill was very active in the community. He served on the Town Council for Capitol Heights for nearly two decades. He represented the citizens, as well as, kept the department up to date on developments within the town.
Bill’s two sons Jack and William “Andy” Devine both followed their father’s footsteps in the fire department.
Members of the department and Bill’s grandsons Billy, Chris, and Patrick celebrated the long overdue honor. The family received two plaques: one for the family and one to hang in the station.
After the Hall of Fame and special awards were given out, the election results were read for 2005 PGCVFRA Officers. Capitol Heights’ own Bob Russell was elected to the position of Second Vice President of the PGCVFRA. The new officers were then sworn in for their 2005 term. Congratulations to Bob and best wishes for a successful 2005 term!
Soon after the officers were sworn in, the officers of the Ladies Auxiliary and Fire Prevention Representatives were presented. CHVFDLA’s Vivian Morgan will serve in the role of Secretary of the PGCVFRALA for 2005. Congratulations Vivian and best wishes to you for a successful year!
Last, but certainly not least, Miss Sara Russell was announced as Miss Fire Prevention 2005. Sara joined CHVFD in 2004 and plays an active roll in our Ladies Auxiliary. Sara also won second place in 2004 Miss Fire Prevention contest. Fire Prevention contestants are judged on their appearance and their fire prevention presentation. Congratulations Sara!
CHVFD members Charlie Miller and Jennifer McClelland plan to work the 50/50 circuit. Both members were winners of the convention’s 50/50 raffle on Thursday and Friday night.
We thank the Brandywine Volunteer Fire Department for their hospitality and wish the Brandywine Volunteer Fire Department a successful year.