To be able to read through the history of Beltsville's origination makes me so proud to be the grand daughter of Thomas P. Collins. In 1950 he was one of first members. Now the Collins's family owns tone of the orginal pieces of equipment BVFD purchased; The 1955 International Pumper. Now, the Collins Family continues its interest in fire and rescue, as my brother Brian Collins followed in our father's Wayne Collins, and grandfathers footsteps to become a firefighter as well. Beltsville has changed throughout the years, but it will always be my home. And running through that firehouse growing up is a memory that I will never forget. Although, living on Harford Ave directly behind the siren was one I did forget until I moved to a small town in Caroline County, and on my first night living there... The Siren blew. Brought back so many good memories. Take Care of that house, and that town. I miss it, and the wonderful people who made Company 31 the great station is today.
Want to say Hi and Wish Everyone a Happy and Healthy New Year. Still have to make my way back down to visit, haven't been down since I graduated from Maryland.
best wishes and safe 2010 to all the members from all of us !!
Signed on October 29, 2009 at 4:46 PM
Guest Name:
Charlie Bouse
Location:
Chicopee Ma
Comments:
Looks like everyone had a great time at the blast. I wish I could have been there. Maybe one year try one in the summer. Everyone be SAFE.
Signed on September 04, 2009 at 9:24 AM
Guest Name:
Gerald Perkins
Location:
Apopka, Florida
Comments:
I joined BVFD in November 1962. I just got the notifacation from the Greek Boy Kavakos about the October Blast from the Past. I would love to attend but I have an all day outreach event planned with my local church. Just wanted to say hello and wish you all safe responses.
Signed on May 07, 2009 at 12:15 PM
Guest Name:
Debbie Lawrence
Location:
Laurel, MD
Comments:
Hey, I was sent a few picks from a friends wife that he had downloaded. And much to my amazement, there I was in one of the pictures of the majorettes. I do believe I'm about 9 or 10 years old. So, with that, you know you are old when you find yourself on a website in the tab "Photos" and the link to "In the Past"! What a hoot!! I sure do miss those days of the parade coming down Powder Mill Road and on to Prince George Street. My family used to sit at my Great-Aunt's house on Prince George Street and cheer us on.
Signed on April 17, 2009 at 2:42 PM
Guest Name:
Kennis Termini
Comments:
Best regards
Signed on March 28, 2009 at 10:10 AM
Guest Name:
Roberta Duncan Fifield
Location:
Jacksonville, FL
Comments:
A former PG Co Police Captain's daughter, cousin of Gary Steen...just dropping in as a proud onlooker and fan of our Firefighters and Policemen. Be safe.
Signed on March 25, 2009 at 4:34 AM
Guest Name:
Audey
Rank/Title:
Friend
Location:
Laurel
Comments:
Dear Al and Samantha, I would like to congratulate you on the birth of your son AJ. He is adorabled. AJ sure weighed alot. I'm glad Sam is over the worst of it. You two will make wonderful parents God Bless all of you. 9 pounds and 9ounces he sure was a big healthy baby. I see he came early........ Al if you need anything ask Christine for my #. Best wishes and Good luck.
Signed on March 03, 2009 at 4:50 PM
Guest Name:
JOSE L DE LEON
Rank/Title:
VOL.FF
Location:
HIGHLANDS LAKES FL
Comments:
BE SAFE. FF DE LEON FF LOUZAU.
Signed on February 17, 2009 at 8:55 PM
Guest Name:
scott johnston
Rank/Title:
pff
Location:
aa county fire dept
Comments:
I used to volunteer there back in 1995 just saying hi
Signed on January 17, 2009 at 7:48 PM
Guest Name:
barry neuwirth
Comments:
i know rich and his sister debbie for a long time and we will miss him a lot sorry to here what happen to him.. it was worng
Signed on December 26, 2008 at 11:01 AM
Guest Name:
Wendy Friend
Comments:
Please forward this to Kelly and the girls for me. I miss you guys Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Love ya guys
My First Christmas in Heaven
I see the countless Christmas trees around the world below with tiny lights like Heaven's stars reflecting on the snow. The sight is so spectacular, please wipe away your tears, for I am sharing Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.
I hear many Christmas songs that people hold so dear. But the sounds of Music can't compare with the Christmas Choir here. I have no words to tell you the joy their voices bring. It's far beyond description, to hear the angels sing.
I know how much you miss me. I see the pain within your heart. But I am not so far away, we really aren't apart. So be happy for me loved ones, you know I hold you dear. And be glad I'm spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.
I send you each a special gift from my heavenly home above. I send you each a memory of my undying love. After all "love" is the gift more precious than gold. It was always most important in the stories Jesus told.
Please love and keep each other, as my Father said to do. For I can't count the blessings for the love he has for you. So, have a Merry Christmas and wipe away those tears. For I am sharing Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.
I love you all and miss you, I am always here for you Kelly and my other family at Beltsville Volunteer Fire Department. Take care
Love Wendy and my Rugrat Patrol
Signed on November 17, 2008 at 6:49 PM
Guest Name:
Sue Mischke
Location:
Beltsville
Comments:
Thank you for posting information on your website regarding recent incidents. We really appreciate finding out what happened in the end.
To All of the Members and Officers of the Beltsville Volunteer Fire Department and Ladies Auxillary, I would like to say thank you for a great time this year at the convention. All of the members and officers at Company 40 had nothing but good things to say about the convention this year, and can not wait to see all of you in Accokeek next year. Thank you for a great time, and if there is anything you need let us know!!!
Dear Chief Schwartz, Mrs. Schwartz & all of our wonderful Firefighters,
Thank you for a very enjoyable Sunday and then today. Joey & I had a such a wonderful time! Thank you so much for the t-shirts. Joey will wear them with lots of pride! We will be visiting you soon. You may even see Joey out & about ... proudly wearing his BVFD shirts! I got some great pictures & videos today!
Thank you for being so great with Joey. He is a very special little boy ... but he is a 'true blue boy' & a total handful!!!
See you soon, Sandy & Joey
Signed on September 07, 2008 at 10:25 AM
Guest Name:
Steve Bartholomew
Rank/Title:
Training Officer JTFD/Probationary FF BHVFD
Location:
Jim Thorpe Fire Department PA
Comments:
First Of all I would like to thank all the members of Beltsville fire department for extending there house to me to visit while I was down. Even though I have now become a member of station 14. I always look forward to seeing you guys on runs. I thank the officers and the firefighters of 31 for making things easy for me while I visited. The work you guys are doing on your firehouse is great. Please take care of my brother kyle for sometimes he needs guidance, and may you all continue to do the work at hand of protecting Lives and property and staying safe while doing that. Thank you and God Bless Steve Bartholomew Jim Thorpe Fire Department Training Officer/Phoenix Hose Co #2 Squad Company 51 & BHVFD Station 14 Probationary FF
Signed on August 29, 2008 at 2:03 PM
Guest Name:
Audrey
Location:
Laurel, MD
Comments:
To Al and all the members of the BVFD, I would like to send my condolences to each and everyone of you in regards to Rich's departure. He was such a wonderful guy. His sense of humor, and beautiful smile will be missed greatly. Kelly I know you don't know me, but I would like to say I'm so sorry for what you and your daughters are going through. With the grace of GOD he will give you the strength to help you through this difficult time. If there is anything I can do for you Kelly please don't hesitate to ask. I'm good friends of the Fletcher family. I would also like to comment on the fundraiser that was held on Aug. 23,2008. There was such a wonderful turnout. The motorcycles looked awesome. RIP RICH Al the fire department website is the best I have seen. Keep up the good work and may GOD bless each and everyone of you. Kelly you and the girls will be in my prayers at all times. I would also like to say to Rich's parents I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm so blessed to have known Rich. Rich may be gone but he will never be forgotten.
Signed on August 08, 2008 at 3:33 PM
Guest Name:
Andy Taylor
Location:
beltsville
Comments:
Lots of great pics. I really like checking out the older stuff from back in the day. Need more pics of my old man
Signed on August 06, 2008 at 1:54 PM
Guest Name:
Wendy Friend
Location:
Florida
Comments:
Kelly & the girls,
You girls are always in my prayers and I love you guys. I was blessed to have had the opportunity to have Rich in my life for the short time I did. The blessing also brought you and the girls to enrich my life also. I am so sorry for your lost and I am here for you all. Here is a little something that I wanted to pass to you girls.
"Welcome Home"
For those I Love and For those who Love me
When I am gone, release me, Let me go, I have so many things too see and do
You mustn't tie yourself to me with tears. Be happy that we had so many years.
I gave you my love. You can only guess how much you gave to me in happiness.
I thank you for the love you each have shown, But now its time I traveled on alone.
So grieve a while for me, if grieve you must; Then let your grief be comforted by trust.
It's only for a while we must part, So bless the memories that lie within your heart.
I won't be far away, for life goes on. So if you need me call and I will come . . . .
Tho you can't see me or touch me, I'll be near. And if you listen with your heart you will hear All of my love around you soft and clear.
And then when you come this way alone . . . I'll greet you with a smile and "Welcome Home"
Kelly this is dedicated to Rich but it gave me much comfort when I needed it. I love you guys!!!!! God Bless You
Signed on August 05, 2008 at 7:30 PM
Guest Name:
Carol Brown
Rank/Title:
Ladies Auxiliary
Location:
Big Island,Va.
Comments:
Iloved your site. I was born and raised in Beltsville. When I got married 35 yrs. ago I moved to Virigina with my husband and raised a family.He was a member of the First Aid Crew. Now my son Danny Brown is a member of the Big Island Volunteer Fire Department he works for the Bedford CountyE911 dispatch.I try to vist Firehouses when I go to vist, but this year my Husband passed away. I am going to e-mail your site to him.
Danny Brown bivfd219@aol.co site BigIslandVolunteerFireDepartment
Carol U. Brown
Signed on July 29, 2008 at 11:44 PM
Guest Name:
Lisa Termini-Byerly
Rank/Title:
MCFRS * EMS*
Location:
Damascus, Maryland
Comments:
May the lord bless his wife and his daughters thur this difficult time.
Peace be with you!
Lisa Termini-Byerly
Signed on July 15, 2008 at 10:07 AM
Guest Name:
Richard G. Findlay
Rank/Title:
Fire Inspector
Location:
Bradenton, FL
Comments:
I have been a member of the Bradenton Fire Department for 17 years.
My condolences to Richard's family and to your department.
Richard G. Findla Fire Inspector Bradenton Fire Deparetment
Signed on July 09, 2008 at 9:47 PM
Guest Name:
karen coakley
Location:
Beltsville Maryland
Comments:
To Kelly and Rich's daughters, and his brothers and sisters at Beltsville Volunteer Fire Department and Prince George's County Police Department. Rich was a true "HERO"! Everywhere I have been around Beltsville I have heard a "tale" about Rich. Rich made people laugh, he put a smile on their face. Rich loved his family and his community. God Bless Rich. I will keep all of his family in my thoughts and prayers. We may have lost a HERO but he will not be forgotten. Karen
Signed on July 09, 2008 at 4:25 PM
Guest Name:
Kevin Howard
Location:
Winter Garden, Florida
Comments:
To The Findley Family: As you embark on this most difficult time in your life, Remember that God is with you and turn to Him for comfort as you deal with these unfortunate circumstances. My Family will continue to up lift your Family in Prayer. May the Peace of the Lord be with you and your Family.
Respectfully, The Howard Family
Signed on July 08, 2008 at 9:40 PM
Guest Name:
Pollack Family
Location:
Beltsville
Comments:
As a retired police Captain with the City of Laurel, I can understand your absolute grief and sorrow experienced by members of Beltsville Volunteer Fire Department with the tragic loss of one of your members. Word cannot begin to express our deepest thoughts for your members who have lost a valuable friend and co-worker.
Signed on July 07, 2008 at 4:54 PM
Guest Name:
Forestville Vol. Fire Dept., Co. 23
Rank/Title:
Chaplain and Past President - Helen Kulle
Location:
Forestville, MD.
Comments:
The members of the Forestville Vol. Fire Dept. extend their deepest sorrows for your loss of a fellow Firefighter, dedicated Police Officer and devoted father and husband.
May our thoughts and prayers be a comfort to you at this very difficult time.
Signed on July 06, 2008 at 7:38 PM
Guest Name:
Stephen Dubuque
Rank/Title:
former emt
Location:
Usa
Comments:
I just wanted to send my condolences to your entire department, and the family of Richard Findley. I was in the parking lot, right after this occured. I find it a shame, that this dedicated public servant was rund down as cruelly as he was. Please tell his wife that your family is in my prayers every night. God bless "findog".
Signed on July 06, 2008 at 9:42 AM
Guest Name:
Fletcher Family
Rank/Title:
Family friend/Fire Department family & Police Department family
Comments:
The loss of you as a friend, firefighter and police officer is devastating, we knew you as all of those. But most importantly as a husband and father. We will continue forever to be there for Kelly, Nicole and Lauren aka (Little Rich), because we know that is what you would have wanted. Rich, you will be forever in our hearts!
Thank you Rich for coming into our lives!
I hope this prayer will comfort family and friends.
DON'T GRIEVE FOR ME, FOR NOW I'M FREE! I FOLLOW THE PLAN GOD LAID FOR ME. I SAW HIS FACE, I HEARD HIS CALL, I TOOK HIS HAND AND LEFT IT ALL... I COULD NOT STAY ANOTHER DAY, TO LOVE, TO LAUGH, TO WORK OR PLAY; TASKS LEFT UNDONE MUST STAY THAT WAY. AND IF MY PARTING HAS LEFT A VOID, THEN FILL IT WITH REMEMBERED JOY. A FRIENDSHIP SHARED, A LAUGH, A KISS... AH YES, THESE THINGS I, TOO, SHALL MISS. MY LIFE'S BEEN FULL, I'VE SAVOURED MUCH: GOOD TIMES, GOOD FRIENDS, A LOVED-ONE'S TOUCH. PERHAPS MY TIME SEEMED ALL TOO BRIEF- DON'T SHORTEN THEM WITH UNDUE GRIEF. BE NOT BURDENED WITH TEARS OF SORROW, ENJOY THE SUNSHINE OF THE MORROW.
