Fireman First Class Dennis P. Quill

U.S.S. Dixie (North Atlantic Fleet) – U.S. Navy

Dennis P. Quill served in the U.S. Navy as a Fireman First Class aboard the U.S.S. Dixie during the Spanish American War with other members of the Maryland Naval Militia. The U.S.S. Dixie was part of the North Atlantic Fleet, which cruised the West Indies, transporting Army troops while on blockade duty. Members of the U.S.S. Dixie also participated in the capture of Ponce, Puerto Rico in 1898.

Dennis was a Charter Member of the Capitol Heights Volunteer Fire Department and served as the department’s first Quartermaster.

His his wife, Dora, who is buried with him, was a Charter Member of the Capitol Heights Volunteer Fire Department’s Ladies Auxiliary. Legend has it that their disagreement about how much time he was spending at the firehouse started a group that would be the first organized fire department ladies auxiliary in the United States and the world.