It is with great sadness that we report that Honorary Lifetime Member Richard Ager died on Tuesday, September 16, 2014 after a courageous battle with lymphoma. Richard joined the department in 1942 as a junior member. In August, the Capitol Heights Volunteer Fire Department made Richard an Honorary Lifetime Member, for his previous service to the department and for being a valuable resource for documenting our company’s history. Richard’s grandfather, George Adams, was the first Captain (today’s equivalent of Chief) of the Capitol Heights Volunteer Fire Department.
At our member appreciation and “Old Timer” cook out this past April, we were able to spend some time with Richard. He had some new stories to share with us and reminisced with members over some old ones. In 2004, as we prepared for the 90th Anniversary Banquet, he shared his grandfathers’ Captain badge with us. We photographed, the small hand-made badge and designed a special pin for the anniversary.
Richard was a veteran of World War II; he served in the Navy. He served as President and Secretary of the US Naval Destroyer Escort Group (DESA) and was a VFW Commander and Chaplain. As a member of Barbershop Quartet Singers (AIRS), he performed at the PG County Public Playhouse and as part of the Glee Club.
The officers and members of the Capitol Heights Volunteer Fire Department send our thoughts and prayers to the Ager family. We are saddened that Richard will miss his grandfather’s induction into the Founders Circle on September 27, 2014. The Founder’s Circle recognizes contributions of members to their departments in Prince George’s County. We will proudly stand up in honor of both George Adams and Richard that day.
Visitation and Funeral Service is as follows:
Beall Funeral Home
6512 NW Crain Highway
Bowie, Maryland 20715
Visitation: Saturday, September 20, 2014 from 2 – 5 p.m.
Funeral Service: Sunday, September 21, 2014 starting at 1 p.m.
Interment will be private and at a later date at the Maryland Veterans Cemetery in Cheltenham, Maryland.