Volunteers From Bay District Say Good-Bye to Associate Gail Kropp
 
By Public Information Officer Douglas Medley
January 2, 2015
 

It was a cold and blustery day as the members of Bay District along with family and friends escorted Associate Member Gail Elizabeth Kropp to her final resting place beside her beloved husband Peter who passed away almost exactly one year ago. There are so many things that I could say about Gail but those that know her know all that so I just want to give those who read my stories a little heads up about this wonderful lady.

Gail Elizabeth Kropp was born on October 22, 1942 in the great state of New York where she lived until meeting her husband Pete and getting married and moving to St. Mary’s County where Pete went to work for the government at Patuxent River, Maryland. Now Pete was introduced to the fire department by our Life Member John Logalbo and from then on it was history.

Gail tagged along with Pete most of the time and when you saw one the other would be by their side. When the Associates were formed Gail was one of the first to sign up and when she signed up for a job you could always count on her being there. I don’t think she ever missed working at our breakfasts you could always see the little juice lady working the end of the food line. When the firefighters needed re-hab on drills or fires she was one of the first to get it ready. It was so sad to see her go.

But having said that I know that she is with her beloved Pete and they are both united in heaven. It was so hard to see Pete go as he fought to the end and Gail was at our Christmas party on Monday but she was not eating anything. Everyone tried to get her to eat and she just picked at her food. That Wednesday she was feeling worse so her good friends John and Ann Logalbo took her to the hospital where she was admitted right away. That Saturday night we were all notified that she was not going to last much longer so we all headed to the hospital to be with her as there was no family down yet from New York. Our Chaplain Keith Fairfax was asked to give her last rites from the church which he did a great job of and all there were much moved. Even me and Keith.

So now she and Pete rest side by side and I’m sure they are always going to watch over all us Bay District Guys and Gals. Rest in Peace Gail I know that Pete was waiting for you.
 
Units: Engine 91, Brush 9, Tower 9, Utility 9, Associate Van Truck 3, Command 3
 
Trucks 3 in front of Charles Memorial Gardens.
Trucks 3 in front of Charles Memorial Gardens.
Tower 9 on the other side of the entrance.
Tower 9 on the other side of the entrance.
 
Getting everything lined up just right.
Getting everything lined up just right.
There she is. Nothing looks any prettier that this. Just wish it was a parade and not a funeral.
There she is. Nothing looks any prettier that this. Just wish it was a parade and not a funeral.
 
We always try to help other companies out if they want a flag over the entrance to the cemetery. It's the least we can do for our departed brothers and sisters.
We always try to help other companies out if they want a flag over the entrance to the cemetery. It's the least we can do for our departed brothers and sisters.
Mrs. Rita "B" prepared a very nice lunch for all after the service at the gravesite.
Mrs. Rita "B" prepared a very nice lunch for all after the service at the gravesite.
 
A nice crowd for fellowship after the service in our social hall.
A nice crowd for fellowship after the service in our social hall.