Bowie VFD Auxiliary Support Team

The Bowie Volunteer Fire Department would like to announce that our Annual Direct Mail Fund Drive will begin arriving at homes in our response area in early December. Although it traditionally starts in late October or early November, problems at the printer have caused a delay. The funds are used to repair and update the tools and apparatus used to provide fire and emergency medical services in Bowie and the surrounding area. As the stressed economy continues to challenge everyone, and funding from Prince George's County is cut back, we are working to provide the best possible service under the current conditions. The Department would ask everyone to do as much as they can to support our mission.

It is with great sadness that the Bowie Volunteer Fire Department announces the death of Alton (Bernie) Jones, Jr., who served as Deputy Chief 39B, on the evening of Thursday, October 8, 2009. Bernie and his wife, Andi, were active members of the Department until their move to Tennessee. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, October 14, 2009, at 10 AM at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Crossville. Visitation will be Tuesday, October 13, 2009 from 6 to 9 PM at Hood Funeral Home.

The Bowie Volunteer Fire Department participated in the City of Bowie's Back to School Bash on Saturday, August 18, 2009. Fire extinguisher training was provided, educational materials were distributed, and equipment was displayed.Several pieces of apparatus were on-hand, including Auxiliary 19, Canteen 39, Engines 192 and 432, the Special Events Ambulance, and Utility 49 with the Mobile Teaching Lab. Attendees included Auxiliary members Glenn Locker, Amy Locker, Wendi Howard, and Michelle Goodier and operation members included firefighter (FF) Ray Wingo, Deputy Chief Jason Bloom, Assistant Chief Jonathan Howard, Lt. Brandy Kreitzer, and FF Tevin Williams. Career staff from Station 43 also were on-hand to interact with the citizens and provide additional safety information.

Saturday, August 22, the City of Bowie will hold its annual Back to School Bash at the Bowie City Gym from 1000 to 1300. Auxiliary members are wanted to staff the Canteen. If interested, please contact Amy Locker or Michelle Goodier for additional details.

On 8/11/09 at 1720, Engine 392 (Bowie/Belair) was dispatched to the 2700 block of Felter Lane for a report of an outside fire. Upon arrival the officer on E392 (Vol. Capt. Blanton) notified PCS to fill the assignment, reporting an outside fire with extension to the house. Truck 19 (Bowie/Huntington), Canteen 19, Brush 39, Ambulance 399, Engine 432 (Bowie/Pointer Ridge), Rescue Engine 18 (Glenn Dale), and Arundel Engine 7 (nne Arundel County) all responded on the call. The source of the fire was found to be a defective gas grille that was placed too close to the house. Damage to the home was confined to the rear wall. All units cleared the scene at approximately 1820. Photos courtesy of Glenn Locker, BVFD PIO.

The Bowie VFD was happy to be invited by the Bowie Police Department to attend the National Night Out Against Crime on Tuesday, August 4. Auxiliary 19 (George Amyx), Canteen 39 (Lloyd Bass), Engine 391 (Kevin Loftus, Gary Blanton, Tom Hayden, Portia Suber, and Damon Sinclair), and Utility 39 (Ray Wingo) with the Mobile Teaching Lab in tow accompanied Chief 19 (Lee Havens) to Allen Pond. The Auxiliary gave out fire hats, pencils, pens, and coloring books to the kids. Adults were given safety information and tours of the apparatus.

Target made a generous donation of bottled water that will help us carry out our operational and educational activities.

The City of Bowie Police Department has invited the Bowie VFD to participate in the National Night Out at Allen Pond again this year. We will be on-hand to display apparatus and provide educational materials to our citizens on August 4 from 1800 to 2000. Please contact Special Events Coordinator Michelle Goodier if you're interested in participating.

The Maryland State Firemen's Association met Sunday, July 26, in the Training Hall at Company 43. A light breakfast was served before the meeting began, and lunch was provided in the afternoon. Thanks to Auxiliary members George Amyx, Michelle Goodier, Amy Locker, Glenn Locker, and Mary Locker for their hard work.

On June 13, 2009, the Bowie VFD participated in the Welcome Home American heroes program at Prince George's Stadium to thank our servicemen and -women for the sacrifices they make in the service of our country. Several members turned out, including President Bigony, and Canteen 39 and Engine 391 were among the units on display.

On July 5, nine members of the Department participated in Public Safety Day at the Bowie Farmer's Market on Annapolis Road in front of the library. There was a static display of several pieces of apparatus, including Auxiliary 19, Canteen 39, Brush 39, the Special Events Ambulance, and the antique 1964 Brockway. The BVFD Mobile Teaching Lab was on-hand as well, and fire extinguisher training was provided to anyone interested. Members passed out fire safety information and talked to lots of people about our equipment.

Members attending were George Amyx, Lloyd Bass, John Cole, Amy Locker, Glenn Locker, Mary Locker, Shirley Meadows, Jeff Nigro, and Ray Wingo.