Bowie VFD Auxiliary Support Team

On Monday, October 13 2008, President Jon Bigony, Auxiliary members Mary Locker and Jeffery Nigro, and Junior member Mary Locker participated in the Risk Watch program at Chapel Forge Elementary. Apparatus on-hand included the 1964 Brockway, Canteen 19, and the Special Events Ambulance. The Bowie VFD is proud to participate in Risk Watch every year, and we work hard to teach skills that will keep children and their families safe.

Risk Watch, sponsored by the National Fire Protection Association, is a comprehensive injury prevention program designed for use in the classroom. Risk Watch teaches children and their families to be safe from unintentional injuries.

On Sunday October 12th the Bowie Volunteer Fire Department ran a rural water supply drill on Science Dr. in Co. 39's first due. Volunteer and career crews from Cos. 39 and 43 were joined by volunteers from Forestville (Co. 23), Anne Arundel County Company 7, and several other Anne Arundel County stations.

On Sunday September 28, 2008 several members of the Bowie Volunteer Fire Department and Auxiliary participated in the Fall Fling in Old Town Bowie from 1000 to 1400. They set up a table on the front ramp of Station 19, passing out safety information, fire hats for the kids, and trying to recruit new members. Participants included Auxiliary members Amy and Mary Locker, Shirley Meadows, and Jeff Nigro and Operational member Ray Wingo. Everyone had fun representing the Department and interacting with the citizens we serve.

At approximately 0300 on Sunday September 28, 2008 Canteen 39 was asked to respond on a call for the crash of Maryland State Police Helicopter Trooper 2 in the area of Walker Mill Park. Upon arrival on scene the unit was stationed on Berry Lane off of Ritchie Road. Canteen 801 arrived on scene at about 0630 and went both units worked together providing water, coffee, and snacks to the Police and Fire staff operating on the incident. At approximately 0830 Canteen 39 was reassigned to the MSP Command Post on Walker Mill Road, where the Auxiliary continued to support units operating on that side of the scene. Canteen 39 returned to service at about 1300.

The Bowie VFD has often worked with Trooper 2, and our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the flight crew, EMT, and patients on Trooper 2.

On Saturday September 27th, 2008 the Bowie Volunteer Fire Department and Auxiliary were invited to participate in St. Matthew's United Methodist Church's Emergency Preparedness Day. Canteens 39 and 19 were on display for the public while the staff gave out fire and home safety information. The Auxiliary also helped Operational members conduct fire extinguisher training for the public. Look for an interview and tour of Canteen 39 coming soon on the Bowie Cable Channel!

Twelve (12) units from the Bowie VFD, representing all three Bowie stations, participated in the 2008 Prince George's County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association convention parade in Beltsville, MD on September 20, 2008. Units participating in the parade were: President Jon Bigony's departmental vehicle, Antique Car 39, Chief 19's (Havens) buggy, Engine 192, Chief 39A's (Daly) buggy, Engine 392, the 1964 Brockway (antique fire engine), Tanker 39, Utility 39, Canteen 19, Canteen 39, and Engine 432.

Bowie won three trophies at this year's parade, including Best Appearing Multi-House Department (for the second consecutive year), Best Appearing Antique Apparatus (Antique Car 39, owned by Auxiliary member Lloyd Bass), and Best Overall. Many thanks to George Amyx and Glenn Locker, who spent most of the week washing, waxing, and detailing the pieces.

At about 1605 the call was put out for a house fire at 2521 Kenhill Drive in Company 39's first due. Chief 39A (Daly) arrived moments later and reported a working house fire with smoke and flames showing. Engine Companies 19, 39, 43 and Arundel 7, Tower 33 (Kentland), Rescue Engine 33, Truck 28 (West Lanham Hills), Ambulance 399 and A199 arrived soon after C39A and went to work putting a quick knock on the fire and opening up. Canteen 39 arrived on-scene at about 1615 with 2 volunteers (George Amyx and Glenn Locker) and gave out approximately 3 cases of water before returning to quarters at 1715. Chief 19 (Havens), Arundel Chief 7 (Ayers), and Battalion Chief 802 were also on the scene.

At approximately 1430 on September 4, 2008 Chief 19 (Havens) asked the Auxiliary to proceed to Company 39 to support the City of Bowie Police Department in their investigation of an automobile accident involving a fatality. The accident took place in the 15000 block of Annapolis Road in front of Company 39. Canteen 19 proceeded with two (Auxiliary Member Amy Locker and Junior Member Mary Locker).

At approximately 2215 on September 3, 2008 Chief 43B (Howard) ordered Canteen 39 to proceed to Company 43 for a standby in support of a water rescue operation taking place at Governor's Bridge Road South and Central Avenue in Company 43's first due. Canteen 39 responded from quarters with thee (George Amyx, John Cole, and Glenn Locker), and remained on standby for about 30 minutes before returning to quarters.

At approximately 2300 on August 31, 2008 a box was struck for a fire at Kenilworth Elementary School at 12520 Kembridge Drive in Company 39's first due (Box 39-12). Canteen 39 responded from quarters with thee (George Amyx, John Cole, and Glenn Locker) and was on-scene at approximately 2310 hours. Four (4) cases of water were distributed to volunteer and career crews, as well as officers of the Bowie Police Department. Canteen 39 operated for about three hours, returning to quarters at 0200.