Bowie VFD Auxiliary Support Team

The Bowie VFD was honored to pay its respects to Chief Victor Size by hosting a dinner at Company 39 following the fire department memorial service Sunday night. A number of people provided much-appreciated help with the dinner, including Auxiliary members Amy and Glenn Locker, Shirley Meadows, and Jeff Nigro; operational members Tim Daly (Chief 39A), Marty Goodier, and Ray Wingo; and Chief Dave Ayers (Arundel Company 7).

Chief Victor Size passed away last week after a battle with cancer. Chief Size was serving his second term as Chief of the United Communities Volunteer Fire Department in Queen Anne's County, MD, and was a life member and former Chief of the Marlboro Volunteer Fire Department (Company 20) in Prince George's County, MD.

The Bowie VFD and Auxiliary participated in the Bowie Farmer's Market Community Day on Sunday July 6, 2008. Educational materials (fire hats, coloring books, stickers, and brochures) were distributed, and several potential volunteers were given application materials. Too many children to count enjoyed hands-on tours of Canteen 39, Engine 192, and the Special Events Ambulance. Everyone had a great time, and we enjoyed the chance to show support for our community.

Participants included Auxiliary members Lloyd Bass, John Cole, Amy Locker, Glenn Locker, Shirley Meadows, and Jeff Nigro; operational members Tim Daly (Chief 39A), Bill Franklin, Marty Goodier, and Ray Wingo; and Junior member Mary Locker.

Glenn Locker and John Cole responded to a fire at 400 Prince George's Boulevard in Company 43's area at approximately 1430 on Saturday, July 5. Auxiliary 19 staged at the command post and approximately two cases of bottled water were distributed.

Members from Companies 39 and 43 celebrated our nation's birthday with a cook-out at Allen's Pond on July 4. Marty Goodier manned the grill, producing a steady stream of hamburgers, hot dogs, and brats for everyone. A game of pick-up football proved to be very entertaining, and the fireworks were excellent. Several pieces of apparatus were on hand, including Canteen 39, Engine 391, Tower 39, and Tower 43.

Lloyd and Sharon Bass represented Bowie in the Morningside (Company 27) VFD's annual parade. The line-up was next to Co. 27, and included their Engine and Heavy Rescue Squad. The parade began at 11:30 and lasted for about one hour. Candy was tossed to many children, and lots of noise was made along the route. Rain threatened but never came, and a good time was had by all.

Life member of Company 31 (Beltsville) and Prince George's County Police Corporal Richard Findley was tragically killed in the line of duty on June 27, 2008. He left behind a wife, two daughters, and a proud legacy of service to his community. His loss is deeply mourned by his comrades in the fire service and brother officers.

The Bowie VFD Auxiliary was honored to be asked to provide canteen services along with the Ladies' Auxiliary of the Prince George's County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association during Corporal Findley's funeral at Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church in Beltsville on July 3. Auxiliary members Lloyd Bass, John Cole, and Glenn Locker distributed 30 cases of bottled water, 6 gallons of instant iced tea, and 5 gallons of instant sports beverage to the officers gathered to pay their respects.

George Amyx and Lloyd Bass responded to a working house fire on the 15000 Block of Jenkins Ridge Road in Company 43's first due. Several cases of water and sandwiches were distributed before Auxiliary 19 returned to quarters.

Chief 19 (Havens) was the incident commander. Operational details are available on the Bowie VFD article about the fire.

On Thursday, May 29, 2008 the Bowie Auxiliary participated in the "First Annual Northview Elementary School Career Day". Auxiliary members George Amyx, Wendi Howard, and Lloyd Bass participated along with career and volunteer members of the department. Coloring books, helmets, pencils, pens, and a fire prevention materials were provided to the students, teachers, and administrators. (Chief Jonathan Howard (19B) contributed to this story.)

Volunteer and career members from all three Bowie VFD stations participated in the City of Bowie's fifth annual Memorial Day Parade on May 24, 2008. Turnout was very good and included Engines 191 and Ambulance 199 from Company 19; Engines 391 and 392, Tower 39, Brush Truck 39, Tanker 39, Ambulance 399, the Special Events Ambulance, and Utility 39 from Company 39; and Utility 43 from Company 43. The Auxiliary staffed Auxiliary 19 and Canteen 39, and Auxiliary member Lloyd Bass drove Antique Car 39. All Bowie VFD units were staged together and were an impressive site as the parade rolled. The people of Bowie were very generous with their applause and thanks. A great time was had by all participants.

On Wednesday, May 14, Auxiliary member Jeffrey Nigro participated in a Risk Watch program at Frances Fuchs Early Childhood Center in Beltsville, MD. Jeffrey took the Special Events Ambulance and taught students about when and how the ambulance is used to help people. Students were also taught how and when to call 911, as well as how to behave in various emergency situations.