Jonathan “Jack” Carson joined the Rivera Beach Volunteer Company in the summer of 1983 and is a Life Member. 
Jack’s journey began when he came to see Edwin “Boots” Raynor to earn three merit badges for Safety, First Aid, and Firemenship and achieved this before the age of 16. He knew then he wanted a fire department life. When he became a volunteer, he was issued his gear including ¾ boots, black long duct coat, fireball gloves, and a yellow aluminum helmet. This was his most cherished memory in 1983 and he has he never looked back.

Along with riding tailboards and the front seat while only having a driver, Jack took his Basic Fire and EMT while still attending High School. After graduation, Jack enlisted in the Navy for three years while still volunteering and coming home on leave to work the annual carnival and other fundraising events. When Jack’s enlistment ended, he returned to Pasadena to continue volunteering regularly for the next 36 years to date.  He regularly assists at Open Houses, Bingo, Pit Beef Food Stand, and other fundraising events.

On the administrative side, Jack served on the Board of Directors for 10 years, is a past President, and received the Company President Award in 1995. He served on many committees to include Gun Bash, Apparatus, Fundraising, Building and Grounds, Prom Promise, and Fire Prevention. Jack was also an alternate delegate for the Anne Arundel County Firefighters Association.

On the operations side, Jack held positions to include Tillerman, Pump Operator, Rescue
Tech, FADO II, Firefighter II, EMT, and received the Chief’s Award for Fire Prevention.  He has
not rode the equipment these past few years, but due to needing riding members, he is currently enrolled to take EMT again to ensure there are riding members and also to motivate others to start riding more and again.

Jack is a strong force to members and promotes a positive attitude to being a volunteer firefighter including any volunteering throughout the company. He mentors the younger and newer members of the company.  He has lived in Caroline County for the past 17 years and despite the distance and time to the company, he continuously demonstrates to the company and members what commitment is. He is the go to guy when the company needs help. He demonstrates to all that we should always remember we are here to help the community. Jack is well known, respected, and appreciated for everything he has done and still does for the company and is a true asset.