Robert E. McClelland Inducted into the MSFA Hall of Fame

On June 23, 2015, Past CHVFD President Robert E. McClelland, Sr. was inducted into the Maryland State Firemen’s Association’s Hall of Fame.

Robert joined the Capitol Heights Volunteer Fire Department in 1949 and still actively participates in the workings of our department today. During his 66 years of faithful and dedicated service he has held various line and executive officer positions, including Lieutenant, Captain, Assistant Chief, Vice President and President (a position he held for 14 years). He currently serves on the Board of Directors.

During his tenure he has served on numerous committees and has served as a delegate or alternate to the MSFA Convention for decades.

In 1954, when the department placed its first ambulance in service, he was part of the crew on its inaugural run.

In addition to serving the Capitol Heights Volunteer Fire Department, he served the Prince George’s County as an emergency dispatcher. He was hired in 1949 to work at the Fire Control Board which was the first dispatch system in the County. He was instrumental in helping to develop the system in its infancy. He retired from the Prince George’s County Fire Department – Communications Center in 1976 after 25 years of service.

He represents the second of four generations to serve in the volunteer fire service in Prince George’s County. We are proud of his service and cannot think of a better way to acknowledge his service to our department, community, County and State.