Howard R. (Bob) Belford joined the Lake Shore Volunteer Fire Company in 1962 at the age of 16.  During that time, he has served in numerous operational positions such as Firefighter, Pump Operator, Lieutenant, and Captain.  Bob has also served numerous times as a member of the Board of Directors and currently serves as Chaplain.  He was also a member of the Riviera Beach Volunteer Fire Company for 10-years giving him a total of 52-years serving the citizens of Anne Arundel County.

Bob’s volunteer service was briefly interrupted while he served for 4-years in the United States Navy with two of those years in Vietnam.  While in the Navy, he received additional firefighting training in special fires and aircraft firefighting.  When Bob returned, he picked up where he left off.

Bob is an ordained minister.  In addition to his duties at Lake Shore, he currently serves as a member of the Chaplain Corps for the Anne Arundel County Fire Department and Sheriff’s Department.  His commitment to the spiritual welfare for the County’s bravest and finest is vast.  He ministers to members who have recently lost a loved one, looks in on a sick friend, or picks up a prescription if they need him to.

Bob’s 52-years of dedicated service to the fire service and citizens of Anne Arundel County make him most deserving of induction in the Hall of Fame.