This year the Prince George’s County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association Convention was sponsored by the Association and the events were held in multiple locations.  The Marlboro Volunteer Fire Department agreed to host the Meeting of the Association and the Ladies Auxiliary to the Prince George’s County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association, the Awards Ceremony, Hall of Fame Inductions, voting and the swearing in of the newly elected officers among the many events happening on September 13th and 14th at the station.  Thank you to Association President William “Billy” Cunningham, and Ladies President Becky Cunningham for your service, and we welcome the new officers to the PGCVFRA President Mark Trader, LAPGCVFRA President Kristi Harmon, and all of their newly installed Officers.

This year we also saw the induction of Marlboro VFD Past Chief William “Bill” Edwards post humus into the Hall of Fame, we lost Bill in March of 2010 after a battle with cancer, so his award was accepted by wife Darci, members of his family, Association President William “Billy” Cunningham, President Donnie Strine, Chief Robert Beavers, and Past President Julian “Jay” Tucker .

Thank you to all who attended the events at the Marlboro VFD, and those who continue to support volunteers and the association.

Attached is the Nomination Written for Past Chief William Bill Edwards

The Marlboro VFD would like to nominate, Post Humus, William Aaron Edwards for consideration to the Hall of Fame.

William A. Edwards initially joined the Marlboro Volunteer Fire Department on November 1, 1988. At Station 45 which was closest to his life-long residence in Queensland community in company 45’s first due. William A. Edwards who preferred to be called “William” was better known to members as “Bill”. Bill was known by all for his service excellence, and his high standards of training and class attendance. He was always the first one to sign up for new classes and from the start quickly became a firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician. Bill quickly rose through the ranks holding the offices of Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, Deputy and Assistant Chief. He also held the honor of becoming Chief 20, Chief of both stations 20 and 45, an accomplishment held by less than 10 people since 1950 prior to his election to the office of Chief. He also held various administrative positions and multiple terms on the Board of Directors.

He was always the person members went to for questions about the fire department and was known for his ability to be “on top” of new advances in the fire service. His fire service certifications included Fire Fighter II. Fire Officer II, Instructor II, Ariel apparatus, multiple FEMA & NFPA certifications, as well as MSP Certifications for landing zone and medical assistance training.

He was instrumental in ensuring new members of the department were in compliance with classes and certifications, and has been credited by multiple members of company 45 with inspiring them to become career firefighters and paramedics in area departments. He received recognition on several occasions for his knowledgeable fire ground actions, and tactics.

Bill served several terms on the Board of Directors and helped the department advance with apparatus and equipment purchases. He served as a Delegate and Alternate for the department at the state and county conventions, ensuring all were aware of coming changes with the county and state. He always served the department with dedication, honor, and Pride. Bill was active in representing the department at various meetings.

On March 25, 2010, we lost Bill to cancer, his loss was huge impact on the department and its’ membership, the Department, and the county. His loss was truly evident during his memorial services as he was honored by the department, and large gathering of members from Marlboro and the surrounding departments.

Through all his years at the Marlboro VFD Bill consistently remained active ensuring that the department is run smoothly and helps to ensure the departments’ future success. His membership has helped to ensure the Marlboro VFD continues to be a successful volunteer corporation. It is for his dedicated service to the Marlboro VFD, that we proudly nominate William Aaron Edwards for consideration of induction into the Hall of Fame.