Louise E. “Alice” Long Honored at the Founders’ Circle

On Saturday, September 25, 2010 Louise E. “Alice” Long was honored at the Founders’ Circle for her more than 70 years of active service to our department and community. Her name was engraved on the Capitol Heights stone along with Chief Frank Briguglio, Magdeline Schmidt, and Oscar Poore.

Dwayne Frost Receives PGCVFRA Armed Services Valor Award

On September 16, 2010 Capitol Heights Volunteer Fire Department Vice President Dwayne Frost received the Prince George’s County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association’s Armed Services Valor Award for Bravery. This award was presented during the Prince George’s County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association’s Annual Convention.

Capitol Heights Volunteer Fire Department Celebrates National Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week

On Sunday, May 16, 2010, members of the Capitol Heights Volunteer Fire Department kicked off National EMS Week at the 1st Baptist Church of Capitol Heights. Pastor Harold Dugger welcomed us to his congregation and approximately 100 parishioners were in attendance. Children are our most vulnerable citizens and as adults we have a responsibility to protect them. The upcoming summer months pose some specific hazards to children which we wanted to address.

Governor O’Malley Visits the Capitol Heights Volunteer Fire Department

Capitol Heights - Capital for a Day

On April 15, 2010 Governor O’Malley designated Capitol Heights as the state capital for the day in commemoration of its 100th year anniversary. Since the Capitol Heights Volunteer Fire Department has played a significant part in the town’s history, it was only fitting that today’s event was held at the fire station.

Work Initiation Conference Held for Station Renovation

On March 18, 2010, the Work Initiation Conference (WIC) was held at the station for our long awaited renovation project. Representatives from the County’s Central Services (Procurement), Facilities Operations & Maintenance (FOM), the PGFD, Chyke Maurice Associates (Architect), Paulco Engineering (Mechanical / Electrical Engineers), C&N Associates (Contractor) and Capitol Heights Volunteer Fire Department attended.

Recruitment Efforts Strengthen Department, Hopes for the Future

On August 2, 2009, the Capitol Heights Volunteer Fire Department lost all career staffing as part of Fire Chief Eugene Jones’ new staffing plan. This has had a tremendous impact on our ability to provide consistent service to the citizens of Capitol Heights and surrounding communities. While the Capitol Heights Volunteer Fire Department has always actively recruited, it was clear that our recruitment efforts would have to take on a whole new dimension for us to survive as a department. The department has actively recruited in the community, at George Washington University, Catholic University and by reaching out to family and friends. New recruitment efforts, coupled with our will to survive and our passion for the Capitol Heights Volunteer Fire Department and the citizens we serve, has made us a better department. However, we are not out of the woods yet.