Bay District Volunteer Fire Department

The dedication of the memorial to the fallen members of Bay District Volunteer Fire Department (formerly Lexington Park VFD) on September 13, 2015, was a significant event attended by numerous dignitaries and members of the community. The ceremony was a solemn and meaningful tribute to those who had dedicated their lives to the fire service and who are remembered and honored through the memorial.

- Blessing of the monument by Father Tom Gude, former Chaplain of BDVFD.
- Presence and remarks from various dignitaries, including Congressman Steny Hoyer, State Delegate Anthony O’Donnell, County Commissioner Mike Hewitt, and others.
- Participation of important fire service organizations, such as the Southern Maryland Volunteer Firemen’s Association and the Maryland Firemen’s Association Ladies Auxiliary.
- A moving ceremony featuring bagpipe music, presentation of colors, and the playing of taps by the Southern Maryland Fireman’s Association Honor Guard.
- A touching moment when all the names on the memorial were read aloud by Bob Braddock, followed by the ringing of the bell by Chaplain Keith Fairfax.

The dedication of the memorial was the result of extensive planning and collaboration by a dedicated committee. The members of the committee played a vital role in ensuring the success of this meaningful tribute to the fallen members of Bay District Volunteer Fire Department.

Chairman – Vice President Doug Medley
Vice Chairman – Past President Bob Braddock
President Wayne Johnson
Deputy Chief Steve Stockwell
Captain Daniel Burroughs
Sgt. Daniel Martin
Sgt. Jermaine Sewell
Firefighter Lauren (Buhl) Johnson
Firefighter Rick Montrose

Brother, when you weep for me,
Remember that it was meant to be.

Lay me down and when you leave,
Remember I’ll be at your sleeve.

In every dark and choking hall,
I’ll be there as you slowly crawl.

On every roof in driving snow,
I’ll hold your coat, and you will know.

The house from which I now respond,
Is overstaffed with heroes gone.

Men who answered one last bell,
Did the job and did it well.

As firefighters we understand,
That death’s card dealt in our hand.

A card we hope we never play,
But one we hold there anyway.

That card is something we ignore,
As we crawl across a weakened floor.

For we know that we’re the only prayer,
For anyone that might be there.

So remember as you wipe your tears,
The joy I knew throughout the years.

As I did the job I loved to do,
I pray that thought will see you through.

When I am called to duty, God, whenever flames may rage, give me strength to save some life whatever be its age.

Help me embrace a little child before it is too late, or save an old person from the horror of that fate.

Enable me to be alert and hear the weakest shout, to quickly and efficiently put the fire out.

I want to fill my calling and to give the best in me, to guard my every neighbor and protect his property.

And if according to my fate I am to lose my life, please bless with your protecting hand my children and my wife.

The Mourning Band

This small piece of elastic cloth is the heaviest thing I have ever lifted.

Sometimes if feels as though it carries with it the weight of the world.

Although it is small, it contains the fear of many. It carries with it the heartache that another brother or sister is no longer with us.

As you place it over your star or badge or shield, you carry with it the heartache of a family that is now missing a husband or wife, a brother or sister, an aunt or uncle.

You are now carrying with you the broken heart of a young child that will never get to play ball or dress up with their hero parent.

You carry the thoughts and prayers and sadness of an entire community that is feeling terrified that their community has lost a protector and defender.

You are carrying with you the deep seeded fear that the next time someone places their mourning band on their star, badge or shield that they might be placing it to remember you.

However heavy it is, you carry on. You go out day after day or night after night because of your love.

You move forward because your dedication to duty and your devotion to service.

One call at a time you carry the thought and prayers and heartache because to not it would be a disservice to the memory of who you wear it for.

You saddle up and and say "I love you" to your significant other not knowing what the shift may hold. When they say be safe, you reply with "Always."

You don't press forward for the money, but for the greater sense of good. Knowing there is innocence that needs protected from the evil in this world.

To some it's a piece of cloth, to me the Mourning band, is the heaviest thing in the world.

Author Unknown

In the heart of Bay District, where courage stood tall,
Lived heroes in helmets, who answered the call.
Their spirits as mighty as the ocean is wide,
The fallen firefighters, our source of pride.

With sirens that whispered the risks of their trade,
Through smoke and through flame, they never delayed.
In the dance of the dangerous, they moved with grace,
In the darkest of hours, they found their place.

Not just the blaze, but hearts, they would tame,
A comforting presence amidst fear and flame.
Their laughter, a beacon in the shadow of night,
Their resolve, a testament to their fight.

For those who have fallen, we raise our voice high,
Their legacy lives on, it will never die.
In the quiet moments, we hear their call,
Guiding, protecting, watching over us all.

Let the bells toll softly in the Bay District's heart,
For our heroes departed, who've done their part.
We'll remember their sacrifice, the love they did show,
In the glow of the embers, their memories glow.

So here's to the brave, who stood tall and true,
The guardians of daybreak, in skies of blue.
Their journey continues in the stars above,
In the Bay District's heart, they forever move.