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Kenneth Michael
Hedrick
On January 12th 1992, Engine Company 27 was dispatched for a first due
house fire at 3807 Walls Lane in Suitland. Kenny had been in the structure and made a rescue of the family's
seven year old son. Kenny reentered the house to search for
additional victims. While searching the basement, he became trapped under debris and perished.
Kenny had been a member of the department for about two years. Les Hedrick, his father, was Fire Chief at the time but was not on the call. Kenny attended
LaPlata High School and had his sights set on becoming a career firefighter in the
Washington DC area. Kenny's uncle, Ford Gallagher, at the time was a 12 year veteran of the Prince George's County Fire Department
(PGFD). At Kenny's funeral, PGFD Fire Chief Steve Edwards made Kenny a honorary career firefighter in the
PFGD. The new Rescue Squad 27 is dedicated to Kenny. Kenny's parents are still active in the department today; Les serves on the Board of Directors as well as being Vice President and his mother Cathy is still active in the Ladies
Auxiliary. Both Les and Cathy are active members in the Fallen Firefighters Foundation and are counselors for families of other fallen firefighters across the Nation. Kenny will be missed by his family both in and out of the fire station. His love and devotion to the fire service will live on as an inspiration to all.
We love you, Kenny.
Michael P.
McCarthy
On September 12th 1983, Engine Company 27 was dispatched for a kitchen fire in the 7000 block of Berkshire Drive in Company 32's area. Mike was riding the back step en route to the call. The engine driver had difficulty negotiating the turn onto Berkshire, stopped, and then began to back up, not knowing that Mike had stepped off the rear step. The engine hit Mike, knocking him down, and the rear wheels backed over him. He was pronounced dead at Malcolm Grow Medical Center on Andrews Air Force Base. Mike had been a member of the department less than a year. The "Pride of Morningside", Engine 271 is dedicated to Mike. Mike was a 1st Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force and served as a security police officer stationed at Andrews Air Force Base.
He was in charge of the base's Emergency Services Team (SWAT). He was born at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, and was a 1979 graduate of Penn State University. Mike joined Morningside VFD on March 18, 1982 and was a live-in member at the time of his death. He was a valuable member of the department, his enthusiasm and devotion to duty made him well liked. He was
truly the image of a dedicated volunteer.
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The
Last Bell
Rest
my brother – go back to sleep,
the bells you hear are not for you.
So stay in bed and let us go,
you’ve served your time, you’ve earned your keep.
Rest
my brother – you needn’t wake,
the engine rolls without you now.
Though in our hearts you’ll always be,
your love for life, no blaze can take.
Rest
my brother – don’t you fret,
your children are looked after well.
We will protect and raise them strong,
but their loving father, they will not forget.
Rest
my brother – you mustn't weep,
your family is our family now.
We’ll take them in as you would ours,
but in their hearts your memories keep.
Rest
my brother – you shouldn’t tire,
the sirens here no longer wail.
But we see you there across the seat,
each time we roll to another fire.
Rest
my brother – go back to sleep,
all is well, all is well.
You’ve done your time, earned your keep,
no more tapping of the bell.
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