It is with great sadness that we report the passing of Louise ‘Alice’ Long. Alice, at the age of 101 left us on July 30, 2007. Alice shared 70 years of service with the Capitol Heights Volunteer Fire Department and will be greatly missed by the both its members and auxiliary.
In the early 1900s, Alice’s father moved to the town of Capitol Heights. He later became one of the founders of the Capitol Heights Volunteer Fire Department. Alices’ two sisters, Frida and Emma, were also members of the Capitol Heights Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary, which is the first organized Ladies Auxiliary in the United States. In 1936, at the age of 30, Alice joined the auxiliary.
Alice was active in the workings of the organization and held various positions within the auxiliary, including two terms as President in 1966 and 1967. In addition, Alice held the office of Treasurer for thirty (30) years. Alice helped raise funds to purchase fire apparatus and equipment and to help build at least two (2) fire stations. During World War II, Alice and other members of the Capitol Heights Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary were trained to fight fires to augment staffing since so many volunteer firefighters had been called to service in the military.
Alice has served the Ladies Auxiliary to the Prince George’s County Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association and the Maryland State Fireman’s Association – Ladies Auxiliary for many years. In 1996 she was awarded a sixty (60) year service pin from the Ladies Auxiliary to the Prince George’s County Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association and was inducted in to that organization’s Hall of Fame.
She also received the Honey Award at the 2000 Maryland State Fireman’s Convention. Chief Ron Siarnicki presented the award for her dedication and service to the fire service and the ladies auxiliary.
Alice celebrated several milestones in 2006. She received the Governor’s Volunteer Service Award for Lifetime Achievement. This award was presented for her 70 years of faithful service to the Capitol Heights Fire Department and to her community. Less than a month later, Alice celebrated her 100th Birthday with family, friends and her extended firehouse family. The rank of Honorary Firefighter was bestowed upon Alice and the department presented her with a firefighter’s helmet.
During the 2006 Prince George’s County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association’s Annual Convention Alice was presented with a 70-year service pin. Once again, a new service pin was created since no one had ever achieved this landmark.
Alice was active in the ladies auxiliary until after her hundredth birthday. She was a perfect example of “service to others.” We will miss Alice and always treasure her friendship, love, guidance, and dedication to our department. We offer our sincerest condolences to Alice’s family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Funeral Arrangements:
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 1, 2007 from 2:00 – 4:00 pm and 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Fire Department Memorial Service will be held at 7:30 pm
Lee’s Funeral Home
6633 Old Alexander Ferry Rd.
Clinton, MD
Funeral Services will be held at 11:30 am with internment at Ft. Lincoln Cemetery with a repast following at the Capitol Heights Volunteer Fire Department