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Page 12 September 2018 The Catoctin Banner Newspaper www.TheCatoctinBanner.com Published by www.EPlusPromotes.com
Community news
Community Bids Farewell to Respected Fire Chief
On Wednesday, August 8, 2018, Fire/Rescue Photo by Grace Eyler
family members, along with First Association.
Responders of Emmitsburg’s local The antique rigs
volunteer fire department, the there were also
Vigilant Hose Company (VHC), as adorned with Courtesy Photos
well as area citizens and civic leaders black bunting,
from across the region, gathered to including VHC’s
say farewell to past VHC fire chief Old Engine 63
Tom White (pictured right), who (a 1945 Ford
passed away on Friday, August 3, pumper). At
2018, at the age of seventy-six. the cemetery Tom White in the 2009
During viewings the previous day at in Thurmont, Town Parade — VHC’s 125
th
the Myers-Durboraw Funeral Home VHC’s Tower Anniversary Year.
in Emmitsburg, the large attendance 6 proudly
was testament to an individual who displayed a large
had placed great importance on American Flag,
community service during his entire which waved
lifetime. Having previously held all gently during the graveside service. and that allowed others to step up
leadership ranks within VHC over Tom was a maintenance specialist and learn the job.”
the years, Tom became Vigilant with State Farm Insurance Company A lifetime member of VHC, Tom
Hose Company’s chief in 1984—the in Frederick for twenty-three years. was inducted into the VHC Hall of
th
department’s 100 anniversary year. He was previously employed by Fame in 1998 for his distinguished and
Chief White was carried to his Myers Radio and TV in Emmitsburg. extraordinary service to the company
final resting place aboard VHC’s He was a member of St. Joseph and the community. He was also past
Engine 63 (a 1989 Pierce custom Catholic Church in Emmitsburg, president of the Frederick County Hub and Tom in uniform at the fire station’s
pumper), which he had helped design and was a proud Veteran of the Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association. podium in the 1980s.
and purchase during his years as Army National Guard. A lifetime
chief of department. Upon leaving the member of VHC, he loved spending *Please note that in Tom’s obituaries in both the Gettysburg Times and the
church, his funeral procession passed time at the firehouse, where he could Frederick News Post, his late brother Sterling “Hub” White was referred to as
along Emmitsburg’s West Main Street be found brewing the first pot of “Bud,” which was incorrect. Hub served as VHC’s Fire Chief during the 1950s.
and VHC’s stationhouse, where coffee every morning for the “Coffee
members had assembled to render Club” and sharing the day’s news
their final salute while positioned in and stories of what was happening Self Storage
front of emergency vehicles draped in around town with fellow members.
memorial black bunting. About Tom, VHC’s president and
From the Town Square, the long-time friend, Frank Davis,
procession continued down South shared, “He was a firefighter’s fire Need Room? NEW! PORTABLE STORAGE
Seton Avenue, pausing briefly while chief. He would teach and give others CONTAINERS
passing the Frederick County Fire/ the opportunity to learn and lead.” Too Much Clutter?
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