Fire News West Virginia 11-2025

Fatality at Corriganville 3-Alarmer

A joint investigation continued after a three-alarm house fire claimed the life of a Corriganville woman.

See story on page 4

Long Job for Kanawha County Crews

Crews established a water supply, and worked for about three hours to extinguish the blaze.

See story on page 6

Rand and Malden

Handle 2-Story Fire

The Rand Volunteer Fire Department, along with the Malden Fire Department, responded to a fully involved two-story structure.

See story on page 8

Marmet House Fire

A portable unit enroute to the station advised of a working fire.

See story on page 10

Nutter Fork

Residential Fire

Multiple companies were alerted for a structure fire in Nutter Fork.

See story on page 11

Junior Firefighter Day

Participants ages six to 11 got to experience a day in the life of a firefighter.

See story on page 22

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Focus of the Month

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Fatality at Corriganville 3-Alarmer

A joint investigation between the Office of the State Fire Marshal and the Combined County Criminal Investigations Unit (C3I) continued after a three-alarm house fire claimed the life of a Corriganville woman on September 26, 2025. At 1153 hours Corriganville Volunteer Fire Department and surrounding departments responded to Proenty Road NW in Corriganville after a 911 caller reported a house fire with possible entrapment. Firefighters arrived within minutes and discovered heavy fire conditions throughout the two-story home. The three-alarm blaze brought dozens of firefighters to the scene and took nearly an hour to bring

under control. After the fire was extinguished, firefighters discovered the body of a 69-year-old female occupant of the home. Her body was transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore. Deputy State Fire Marshals were assisted at the scene by the Maryland State Police Crime Scene Unit and K9 Blondie, which is standard operating procedure whenever a fatal fire occurs. One firefighter sustained minor injuries and was treated and released on the scene.

- Photos courtesy Maryland State Fire Marshal, and Cumberland On Patrol Raw

Long Job for Kanawha County Crews

On September 13, 2025 at 2207, Kanawha County’s Station 2 Pinch, and Station 3 Malden, were dispatched to Offuitt Drive in Area 2 for a house fire. Crews established a water supply, and crews worked for about three hours to extinguish the blaze. There were no injuries reported, Units that responded were Pinch Engine 21 and 22, Squad 2 Utility 25 and 28, Malden Engine 32, Utility 3, KCEAA 175.

- Fire News photo by AC Bradley ‘Sparky’ Scott,and Malden VFD

RE 33 Handles Basement Fire in Upper Marlboro

As Kentland Rescue Engine 33 was clearing one of its typical early morning Beltway crashes, box 20-04N was sounded for a house fire and RE 33 was dispatched as the second-due engine. Company 20 arrived to a working basement fire. RE 33 stretched 350 feet of 1.5inch line and backed up Company 20 in the basement and then completed primary searches. The “N” in the box number above indicates a non-hydrant response area and RE 33 laid out over 700 feet of supply line to ensure the inside crews had sufficient water supply.

- Photo courtesy of Kentland VFD

Rand and Malden Handle

2-Story Fire

Annapolis at Structure Fire

- Photo courtesy of Rand VFD

The Rand Volunteer Fire Department, along with dual response partner Malden Fire Department, responded to a fully involved two-story structure. The decision to go defensive was immediately made, and lines were laid to protect exposures, including main utility lines serving 100 families in the neighborhood. A loud boom was heard throughout the community shortly before the fire department was dispatched. The cause of the fire was unknown. Responding units included Rand 41, 42 and 43, and Malden Engine 33.

Pickup Fire on Coal Fork Drive

On September 7, 2025 at 0050 hours Kanawha County Station 3 Malden was alerted for a vehicle fire on Coal Fork Drive at Chesswood Drive. Rescue Engine 33 arrived to a pickup fully involved in the middle of the road. Crews quickly knocked down the fire and determined the driver of the vehicle had fled the scene. Hutch’s Wrecker Service was contacted and they removed the vehicle. Units that responded were Rescue Engine 33, Utility 3 and Hutch’s Wrecker Service.

- Fire News photo by AC Bradley ‘Sparky’ Scott, Malden VFD

2 Fatal in Salisbury House Fire

Investigators with the Office of the State Fire Marshal and the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office were investigating the cause of a house fire in Salisbury that claimed the lives of two people early on September 5, 2025. At around 0210 hours, the Salisbury Fire Department and surrounding departments responded to Middleneck Drive after a neighbor called 911 to report a house fire. Firefighters arrived to find heavy fire throughout a two-story, single-family home. Crews entered the residence, located two adult victims, and brought them to EMS, where CPR was started. The victims were transported by ambulance to TidalHealth Peninsula Regional and later pronounced deceased. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will confirm the victims’ identities; however, investigators have preliminarily identified them as the 85-year-old husband and his 79-year-old wife, the homeowners. Deputy State Fire Marshals determined the fire originated in the living room, but the exact cause remained under investigation. While no evidence of arson was found, investigators are focusing on possible accidental causes, including an overloaded electrical surge protector. Investigators also reported that no smoke alarms were located in the home. A joint investigation between the Office of the State Fire Marshal and the local law enforcement agency having jurisdiction is standard procedure for all fatal fires.

- Photo courtesy Maryland State Fire Marshal

Child Dies in Early Morning Parsonsburg Blaze

The Office of the State Fire Marshal and the Maryland State Police were investigating a fatal house fire that claimed the life of an 11year-old boy early on August 29, 2025, in Parsonsburg. At around 0420 hours the Parsonsburg Volunteer Fire Department and surrounding departments responded to a reported house fire on Zion Road. Upon arrival, firefighters encountered heavy fire conditions within the one-and-a-half-story single-family dwelling. Three adults were able to escape and told firefighters that a child was still inside the home. Despite rescue efforts, the boy was later pronounced deceased at the scene. The preliminary investigation determined that smoke alarms were present and activated during the fire. The exact origin and cause remained under investigation; however, investigators believe the fire began in the rear of the home. A joint investigation between the Office of the State Fire Marshal and the Maryland State Police Criminal Enforcement Division remains ongoing, which is standard procedure for all fatal fires.

- Photo courtesy Maryland State Fire Marshal

Marmet House Fire

On August 27, 2025, at 1328 hours, Kanawha County Station 15 Marmet was dispatched to Oregon Avenue in Marmet for a house fire. A portable unit en route to the station advised of a working fire and Station 3 Malden was added to the call. Crews worked for about 2-1/2 hours to extinguish the blaze. The occupants were not home when the fire broke out. There were no injuries reported. Unit that responded were Marmet Engines 151 and 152, Utility 150, Malden Engine 31, Utility 3, Marmet PD 210 and 215, KCEAA 181, KCOEM 990 and 997.

- Fire News photo by AC Bradley ‘Sparky’ Scott, Malden VFD

Nutter Fork Residential Fire

At 1255 hours on August 10, 2025, Company 7 Fire and EMS, Engines 121 Stonewood, 11 Anmoore and Ladder 521 Bridgeport were alerted for a structure fire on the 100 block of Pennsylvania Avenue in Nutter Fort. Initial calls indicated smoke coming from a residence. Medic 718 arrived to find a two-story dwelling with smoke showing throughout initially and then fire showing from the Charlie side with unknown occupancy. An adjacent residence was also an exposure risk. Truck 7 staffed with four responded and arrived in three minutes of dispatch. Engine 72 and Squad 7 staffed with additional four personnel also arrived on scene in four minutes of dispatch. Crews placed a 1-3/4 inch crosslay in service and forced entry through the front door to be met with heavy smoke conditions and a well involved kitchen fire. Truck 7 and 72 established a water supply and laddered the structure using the aerial device and two ground ladders. Crews began a primary search and placed two additional handlines in service for exposure protection and to supplement interior crews. Engine 123 and 12, and Ladder 521 supplied manpower. The fire was placed under control within 30 minutes. During a secondary search, a dog was located and removed into the care of EMS to begin first aid with our donated pet oxygen masks. EMS provided rehab to firefighters since the “real feel” temperature was reaching over 90 degrees. Deputy Chief Rohrbough held command.

- Photos courtesy of Nutter Fort FD

Cover Story

Quick Stop at Kanawha Co. Fire

On October 4, 2025 at 0040 hours, Kanawha County Station 3 Malden, Station 4 Rand and Station 5 Belle were dispatched to Springfork Drive in Area 3 for a structure fire. Malden Engine 32 arrived at the scene at 0047 advising a detached garage fully involved with exposure issues to a house. Crews quickly knocked

down the blaze. Crews were on scene for about an hour and half and there were no injuries reported. Units that responded were Malden Engines 31, 32 and 33, Utility 3, Rand Engines 42 and 43 Belle Engine 53, and KCEAA 591

- Fire News photo by AC Bradley ‘Sparky’ Scott, Malden VFD

Heavy Damage to House on Carriage Way

Teays Valley Fire responded to a working fire on Carriage Way with Nitro, Winfield Hurricane, Putnam County Emergency Management, the Putnam County Fire Coordinator, Putnam County EMS, and the American Red Cross. The home sustained heavy fire damage to the back of the house and attic, with smoke

and water damage throughout the rest of the structure. No one was home at the time. Culloden, Poca, Bancroft and Eleanor were called up to provide continued protection for the community.

- Submitted by Teays Valley FD

Basement Fire in Bladensburg

Recently, Kentland Engine 332 and Truck 33 were alerted to a house on fire on box 09-07. Engine Company 9 arrived to a working basement fire. Truck 33 was first-due truck and was assigned as the basement supervisor to work with Engine 9. The inside team located the seat of the fire, searched and opened up, while the outside team threw ladders and vented windows. Engine 332 was the fourth-due engine and established RIT. Kentland crews worked for about 1.5 hours before making the short trip home to Landover.

- Photo courtesy of Kentland VFD

Four-Alarm Fire Causes $2 Million in Damage

The Office of the State Fire Marshal was investigating a fire that caused an estimated $2 million in damage to Rookies Hilltop Bar and Restaurant on Hilltop Road in Elkton early on September 19, 2025. Shortly after midnight, an employee discovered smoke from the two-story restaurant’s basement. Thirty-five firefighters from the Singerly Volunteer Fire Company and surrounding departments responded and brought the initial one-alarm fire under control within 30 minutes. Deputy State Fire Marshals determined the fire originated in the basement and was accidental, caused by an electrical fault in a basement panel. No injuries were reported. Firefighters and investigators cleared the scene around 0300 hours. Nearly four hours later, just before 0700 firefighters were called back to the popular bar after flames reignited. Crews encountered heavy fire throughout the building, quickly escalating to a fouralarm blaze. Multiple departments, including those from Delaware, Pennsylvania and Kent County MD assisted as firefighters worked for several hours to control the fire. Investigators confirmed the restaurant was not equipped with smoke alarms, sprinklers, or a fire alarm system.

- Photo courtesy Maryland State Fire Marshal, Sean Parkes, Cecil Whig and Carl Hamilton

House Fire in Area 26

On August 27, 2025 at 0613 hours, Kanawha County’s Station 26 Sissonville and Station 3 Malden were dispatched to Derricks Utah Hollow Road in Area 26 for a house fire. Crews arrived to a fully involved house fire and worked for about two hours to extinguish the blaze. The house was not occupied and was being renovated at the time of the fire. There were no injuries reported. Units that responded were Sissonville Engine 263 and 264, Tanker 262, Malden Engine 31, KCEAA 175 and KCOEM 990.

- Fire News photo by AC Bradley ‘Sparky’ Scott, Malden VFD

St. Albans 2-Car MVA

Saint Albans Fire Department responded to a two-vehicle crash with injuries on August 31, 2025, on Kanawha Terrace. Saint Albans Police Department and Kanawha County Emergency Ambulance Authority handled the investigation and medical transport while fire crews initiated EMS care and tended to other hazards. Engine 952 and Utility 974 pictured, Truck 961 and Rescue 981 were off camera.

- Photo courtesy of St. Albans Fire Department

I-64 Rollover with Entrapment

Teays Valley Fire and the Nitro Fire Department were dispatched to the 41 milemarker on Interstate-64 east for a single-vehicle rollover with entrapment; Nitro Fire was mutual aid. Crews arrived to find the vehicle on its side with the driver still inside. Crews removed the

Training

windshield and assisted the driver, who sustained only very minor injuries, out of the vehicle. Putnam County EMS and Putnam County Sheriff’s Office were also on scene.

- Photos courtesy of Teays Valley FD

EMT Students Go Hands-on in Extrication

The nine students in the Kanawha County Emergency Ambulance Authority current EMT Academy received hands-on vehicle extrication instruction from officials from Kanawha County Emergency Management and Floodplain Management and Nitro Fire

Department on August 14, 2025, at Abbott’s Towing in Nitro. Also participating in the training was NFD’s newest Probationary Firefighter Darian Nelson.

- Photos courtesy of Nitro FD

Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Training

Charleston firefighters recently focused on Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) training. This is just one of many training disciplines that CFD members stay proficient in. As always, thank you

to our partners in public safety at the 130th Professional Firefighters Local 4889 for the opportunity.

CFSI EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR BILL WEBB ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT

After serving as CFSI Executive Director for the past 30 years, Bill Webb announced his retirement effective December 31, 2025. He made the announcement a reception attended by members of the CFSI National Advisory Com-mittee and others.

“A friend of mine recently summed up his career by saying you never have to work a day in your life if you enjoy what you’re doing,” said Webb in his remarks. “For the most part, those words describe how I feel about my work. I”

As Executive Director, Webb worked with six administrations and 10 U.S. Fire Administrators. His contributions to the fire service, including his role in the creation of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program in 2000, his support for the United States Fire Administration and National Fire Academy, and his advocacy for fire safety and prevention, among other issues, have significantly impacted public safety in our nation. In lauding Webb for his contributions to the fire service, CFSI President Jim Estepp quoted Harry Truman who said, “It’s amazing what you can accomplish if you don’t care who gets the credit.”

“At times a quiet force, Bill has undoubtedly proven himself as a pivotal fire service leader, influencing important issues in Washington, DC, that have greatly benefited our nation’s fire and emergency services,” said CFSI President Jim Estepp. “We will miss his leadership.”

STATE FARM AND NVFC SUPPORT LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENTS WITH $1.5 MILLION IN GRANTS

State Farm® and the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) have teamed up for the second year to support local volunteer fire departments with funding to secure needed equipment to help keep their responders safe and protect their communities. Through this year’s Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program, 150 departments in 44 states received a $10,000 grant.

Many of these small-town and rural fire departments operate with limited budgets, making it difficult to meet the rising costs of the equipment and gear they need to best serve their communities These grants are a lifeline for local departments to obtain equipment that will increase safety, efficiency, and effectiveness. Grants will be used to purchase a wide variety of department necessities, including personal protective equipment, EMS and rescue tools, communication devices, and much more.

State Farm and the NVFC will also join 10 of the fire department recipients at a community engagement event this fall, which may include an open house, fire prevention event, parade, or other local gathering.

“The NVFC is proud to team up with State Farm to continue the Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program and provide critical assistance to volunteer fire departments,” said NVFC Chair Steve Hirsch. “Firefighting and rescue equipment is expensive, and many departments struggle to find the funding they need. These grants from State Farm enable small departments to secure equipment they need to be better prepared to serve their communities and protect their responders.

Estepp announced that CFSI Director of Government Affairs Michaela Campbell, a seasoned leader with a strong track record, will serve as the organization’s next Executive Director. “Throughout the years, Michaela has demonstrated herself to be a strong leader and effective voice for our nation’s fire services,” said Estepp. “I am confident that she will continue the legacy of strong leadership set by Bill Webb as our next Executive Director.”

Since the Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program launched in 2024, $2.5 million has been awarded to 250 local fire departments. Find information about the grant program, including a list of departments receiving the grants, on the NVFC web site at www.nvfc.org/statefarm.

SAFE Program a Cooperative Effort

The non-profit organization Furry Frans, Inc., partnered with DC Fire and EMS to host a gathering in support of the SAFE (Stuffed Animals for Emergencies) program. Thanks to the generosity of the community, more than 500 stuffed animals were collected. The SAFE program provides comfort to children during difficult moments. Through this initiative, DC Fire and EMS distributes stuffed animals to pediatric patients experiencing emergencies.

These small tokens of care help calm children, reduce fear, and provide a sense of security when they need it most. The S.A.F.E. program was created by DC Fire and EMS Public Affairs Specialist, Irene Johnson and continues to grow through community partnerships such as this one. We extend our sincere thanks to Furry Frans and all who donated.

- Photos courtesy of DC Fire & EMS

Odenton’s Donald Evick Receives AACVFA Award

Life Member and Past Chief, Donald ‘Don’ R. Evick, of the Odenton Volunteer Fire Company (OVFC), received the Anne Arundel County Volunteer Firefighters Association’s (AACVFA) Fire, Rescue, EMS Individual of the Year award on September 5, 2025. Don has faithfully served the fire company for 38 years and cumulatively the AACVFA and the Maryland fire service for 47 years.

Don’s work experiences with the US Corps of Engineers have truly benefited the OVFC, as Don has served as a company advisor on projects such as OVFC’s major kitchen renovation, HVAC maintenance program, bay door and floor replacements, roof repairs, and capital projects.

Don has done a phenomenal job leading the OVFC awards committee. He has identified all available County, State, and National organization awards for which OVFC members may qualify. This is a time-consuming process, but because of Don’s diligence, OVFC members have received countless awards.

As chair of the AACVFA Outstanding Member of the Quarter committee over the last five years, AACVFA has received 40 nominations and made 20 awards to members of eight different companies.

Don served as OVFC Chief from 20102011. He was an active Chief who regularly rode the right front seat with the duty crew. As Chief, Don was an active member of the AACVFA Chiefs Committee and always stood strong for volunteerism in Anne Arundel County. Although Don no longer rides apparatus, he remains dedicated to the OVFC and wears many hats supporting operations and administration.

Until 2025, Don chaired the maps committee for operations. He is technical advisor to the Mailout and Photo Fund Drive committees. He is Chair of the Governance Committee, which is responsible for reviewing, revising, and creating new elements to the OVFC bylaws, rules, regulations, and policies to ensure a cohesive governance model for fair, effective, and efficient business and operational functions.

Don spent numerous hours updating the OVFC Uniform Policy. Most notably, he identified the proper uniform ribbons for members receiving national, state, county, and local awards. There is considerable research given before any new ribbons are awarded, and Don is to be commended for his efforts in identifying the ribbons. Don works with the Public

Relations committee to identify award writeups that are worth posting in the different venues. He is one of the most detail-oriented members of the OVFC. He makes sure everything is precise and follows up until the task is completed.

Don received the OVFC President’s Award in 1998 and 2018, and the Chief’s Award in 1992 and 1999. Don was inducted into the AACVFA Hall of Fame in 2016 and received the AACVFA Outstanding Member of the Quarter award in 2018. - Submitted by Patti Kidwell

Junior Firefighter Day

On June 18, 2025 — Junior Firefighter Day — Frederick County Fire and Rescue partnered with Frederick County Parks and Recreation to welcome 130-plus children to the Public Safety Training Facility for their second annual Junior Firefighter Day. Participants ages six to 11 got to experience a day in the life of a firefighter by rotating through eight activity stations that included resembled modified training activities in the recruit academy; activities included physical training, learning about apparatus, flowing water through a hose, dressing in turnout gear, understanding the purpose of smoke alarms and escape plans, practicing 9-1-1 calls, and becoming familiar with EMS equipment. The day concluded with a small graduation ceremony and commemorating the day by receiving a challenge coin. The Junior Firefighter Academy first began in 2024 in an effort to build upon existing outreach by bringing more people into fire and rescue facilities. The program is an important opportunity to learn about fire and life safety as well as to allow the community to get an upclose look up close at what life is like inside the Fire Department and what it means to be a firefighter in Frederick County — possibly sparking an interest in a career later in life.

- Submitted by Sarah Campbell

Office of the State Fire Marshal Unveils

Redesigned 2024 Annual Fire Fatality Report

New interactive graphics and county level breakdowns empower Marylanders to learn from each tragedy and strengthen fire safety efforts

The Office of the State Fire Marshal has released its 2024 Annual Fire Fatality Report, providing a detailed and transparent look into fire-related deaths across Maryland. The report has been completely redesigned for 2024, offering easy-to-read graphics, interactive data visuals, and a comprehensive breakdown of each fatality by county and Baltimore City.

In total, 73 fire-related deaths were recorded in Maryland during 2024. The report includes insights on contributing factors such as the absence of working smoke alarms, heating sources, age demographics, and time of day. This new version of the report prioritizes accessibility and clarity, aiming better to inform the public, first responders, and policymakers.

"Our goal is not just to report numbers, but to tell the stories behind the statistics—to learn from every tragic incident and prevent future loss of life," said Acting State Fire Marshal Jason Mowbray. "The redesigned report makes it easier than ever for the public to see where and how these incidents occur. Transparency and education are vital in our mission to make Maryland safer."

Key features of the 2024 report include:

• County-by-county breakdowns, including Baltimore City

• Color-coded charts showing trends over the past five years

• Detailed case summaries with contributing causes and circumstances

• Comparative data on residential, vehicle, and outdoor fire deaths

• Highlighted safety messages and prevention tips

One of the Office of the State Fire Marshal's most impactful recent developments is the launch of "Get Alarmed Maryland" a publicfacing portal that allows residents to request smoke alarms directly through our office. This enhanced campaign is complemented by a new tracking system that collects vital data to better inform and target future fire prevention campaigns.

To further enhance our capabilities, the OSFM has recently acquired new Records Management System (RMS) software to support our inspection and engineering operations. This, along with the National Emergency Response Information System (NERIS), will

allow a unified system that captures comprehensive fire incident data from start to finish. With these advancements, the Office of the State Fire Marshal anticipates even greater accuracy and efficiency in data collection, analysis, and response planning.

The OSFM encourages our partners in fire investigations and inspections, fire service personnel, and Marylanders to review the report and consider the critical role fire safety plays in their homes and communities. Working smoke alarms, practiced escape plans, and fire-safe behavior can significantly reduce the risk of tragedy.

- Photos courtesy of Maryland State Fire Marshal

New Ambulance for Nutter Fork

We are proud to announce that our first brand new ambulance was officially placed in service at at 2000 hours on September 19, 2025.

Medic 716 is a 2024 Ford Transit 350 AWD high roof by Medix Specialty Vehicles. It is fully ALS equipped including a Stryker Power Load system with power stretcher. With its all-wheel drive, it is better equipped to respond in our harsh winter weather. We send our thanks and appreciation to the Town of Nutter Fort for their

continued support, Atlantic Emergency Solutions and FUBAR Enterprises for the upfitting, our salesman Joe Engelhardt, Penn Care sales representative Chris Lucas for assisting us with all of the equipment needed, and Auto Trim FX for the striping and lettering. A near identical twin is also on order to replace Medic 717 that is slated for a late fall 2025 delivery.

- Courtesy of Nutter Fort FD

Annual Pump Testing for Malden

Capt. Roland Dembeck 40 Year Award

Captain Roland Dembeck received his 40-year wreath in recognition of 40 years of service at the Baltimore County Fire Department. Thank you for your dedication and hard work serving the Baltimore County community.

- Photos courtesy of Baltimore County FD

Tribute Up Close & Personal

Nutter Fork’s

George Dennis Owens

George Dennis Owens, 83, of the Lake Floyd community in Bristol passed away on Tuesday, July 22, 2025. He was 83 years-old. He was born in Clarksburg on June 25, 1942, a son of the late George W. and Lillie “Lil” Asher Owens. Mr. Owens was a graduate of Bridgeport High School and was a sales representative and manager of Finley Fire Equipment with 36 years of service. He also served 25 years with the Nutter Fort Fire Department, over 20 years of which was as Fire Chief. George enjoyed fly fishing and spending time with his grandchildren who affectionately knew him as “Papaw Jeep” because he always owned a Jeep. He is survived by one son, George D. “Denny” “DJ” Owens, Jr. and his wife JD of Bridgeport; one daughter, Sherri Kennedy of Lost Creek; one step son, Ryan Roberts and his wife Helen; three grandchildren, Matthew Owens, and Owen and Ava Roberts; and one brother, Ron Owens and his wife Karen of Clarksburg. He was also preceded in death by one daughter, Kimberly Hilliard.

- Photo courtesy of Nutter Fort FD

College Friends

ATHENS — The leaders of two southern West Virginia fire departments are among the founding fathers of Concord University’s Pi Kappa Phi chapter, Eta Alpha. While the fraternity is no longer active on campus, both Princeton Fire Department Chief Charlie Croy and Beckley Fire Chief Ed Thompson said their involvement and their time at Concord shaped who they are today.

It was a time of uncertainty for Ed, who said he’d been accepted to multiple schools and wasn’t sure what to study. He commuted to the Athens campus his freshman year before fully immersing himself in the college experience. “The campus was pretty full at that time, and it was a very vibrant place,” Ed recalled.

Charlie attended middle and high school at Athens School and was comfortable in the community, so continuing his education at Concord felt natural. He majored in Communication Arts with concentrations in theater and public relations.

Charlie, ’95, and Ed, ’94, met recently at Princeton Fire Department to check out some new protective equipment that their teams may soon be using during emergencies. Both agreed the lessons they learned at Concord extended far beyond the classroom. “Concord was a local school, right down the street from where

I went to high school. It was affordable, and I felt like it was the best option for me,” Charlie said.

He met a friend who became a fraternity brother. “A guy that I sat next to in Collegiate Singers — Chris Godfrey — started talking about this group that he was a part of and that they were going to do some good things,” Charlie recalled. “He said that he thought that I would be a good fit. I went to an interest meeting, realized that I already knew some of the guys involved.”

That interest meeting was for the Concord chapter of Pi Kappa Phi, the local chapter named Eta Alpha.

Ed was a political science major who minored in history and philosophy. Like Charlie, the more he got involved in on-campus activities, he also got involved in what would soon become Eta Alpha, the local unit of the Pi Kapps. “We had some really good leadership — upper classmen — and they had been working toward that goal for several years,” Ed said. “They were just a lot of really friendly, personable guys. One of them was there when we were doing freshman move-in, and they were helping the new guys move in. They really had their act together and made you feel a part of the group right away, made you feel a part of what was going on.”

Ed and Charlie agreed that they left college different men than when they arrived, and while much of their transformation over the four years at Concord was due to their involvement in the Pi Kapps — including Eta Alpha’s dedication to social and philosophical outreach projects, much of it was also due to Concord’s nurturing environment and the opportunity for growth it allowed.

- Courtesy of Tammie Toler Presley