On October 19, 2022, members of the Beltsville Volunteer Fire Department were honored to escort Mr. Tom Collins, our very first member after the department was chartered, to his final resting place.

In a procession escorted by multiple local police departments, Mr. Collins was carried on the departments antique, 1967 Ward LaFrance pumper along with members of the Collins family in the cab. Other members of the Collins family rode in in the departments newest pumper. The procession passed through the traditional ladder arch in front of the Beltsville firehouse on the way to the Fort Lincoln cemetery.

The graveside service included military honors from the Navy Honor Guard in recognition of his military service in the Navy, as well as a bagpiper playing the hymn Amazing Grace.

We extend our sincerest condolences to the Collins family and our thanks for allowing us to take Tom on his final ride.

We are also grateful to the Laurel Volunteer Fire Department for invaluable support with specialized equipment and personnel for this occasion.