Our Band of Brothers and Sisters

People who are drawn to serve and protect others often choose to do so in many ways. Some choose to serve in the military, protecting our freedom and some serve as volunteer firefighters, saving lives and protecting property from the ravages of fire. This Veterans’ Day, the Capitol Heights Volunteer Fire Department would like to pay tribute to those individuals that did both, by serving in the military and serving their community as a member of our department.

Looking back through the Capitol Heights Volunteer Fire Department’s long history of service, we have been able to identify members who have served in the military. We have been able to chronicle their contributions dating as far back as the Spanish American War right up through the recent wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Some of these members served in war times, while others served in times of peace. Regardless of when they served, the Capitol Heights Volunteer Fire Department is proud of their service to the United States of America and to our department.

These CHVFD members gave their lives in service to our country in World War II.

To all of our veterans, we say THANK YOU!

Sweet as Roses, But Tough as Nails

The deployment of so many volunteer firefighters during World War II had a tremendous impact on our ability to maintain fire protection. The Capitol Heights Volunteer Fire Dept. Ladies Auxiliary, the first organized fire department ladies auxiliary in the United States, was called upon to help fill that gap. They were trained to drive the fire apparatus and fight fires. These courageous ladies were not afraid to take on these duties. Louise “Alice” Long, who died in 2007 at the age of 101, and Evelyn Mockabee, who died in October 2009 at the age of 86, were the last remaining survivors of this outstanding group of ladies. The Capitol Heights Fire Volunteer Department and the community will forever be in their debt.