On September 29, 2007, Oscar Poore was included on the Founders Circle Memorial located at the Cranford-Graves Fire Service Building in Landover Hills, Maryland. Oscar’s name was inscribed on the Capitol Heights stone for being instrumental in the history of our station.
Oscar Poore joined the Capitol Heights Volunteer Fire Department in March 1935. Oscar played an active role in the development of the Capitol Heights Volunteer Fire Department, as well as, the Prince George’s County fire service. Oscar served as President of the department from 1943 through 1956 and again in 1958. During his tenure as President, he provided critical leadership as the department purchased new fire apparatus and constructed a major addition to the existing fire station.
In addition to serving this company, Oscar served on many committees of the Prince George’s County Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association. He chaired the Athletic Committee for many years and promoted sports competitions between the fire companies. This competition helped build relationships amongst the member companies. Oscar was a sports enthusiast, despite his suffering from arthritis.
In 1942, Oscar helped organize and operate two Fire Control Boards that were used to alert fire companies throughout Prince George’s County when an emergency occurred. Fire Control Board # 1 was located at the Hyattsville fire station and Fire Control Board # 2 was located at the Capitol Heights fire station. Fire Control Board # 2 operated at the Capitol Heights fire station until 1957. As emergency communications and the dispatch systems evolved, so did Oscar, he continued to work for the Prince George’s County Fire Control Board, progressing through the ranks. Oscar retired in 1970 at the rank of Chief Dispatcher. Oscar’s hard work and commitment is the foundation of emergency dispatch and communications today.
In 1985, Oscar was recognized by the Capitol Heights Volunteer Fire Department for his 50 years of outstanding and dedicated service. In September 1991, Oscar was inducted into the Prince George’s County Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association’s Hall of Fame. He was proud of his membership in the Capitol Heights Volunteer Fire Department and the Prince George’s County fire service. We are equally proud of him and his accomplishments. Oscar died in 1992 and is survived by his wife Sarah who just recently passed away in 2007.