Gayle C. Bender
Past President 2005-2006

Dear Committee,

  I would like to nominate Gayle C. Bender to the Anne Arundel County Volunteer Firefighters Association Hall of Fame. Gayle has faithfully served the county, its citizens, and the Volunteer Firefighters Association for over eighteen years and is highly deserving of this honor. She has directly supported our department’s operational and administrative requirements as well as given thousands of hours in support of the Volunteer Firefighters Association and the Fire Advisory Board.

  Gayle has faithfully served the West Annapolis Fire and Improvement Association since 1985. From her first months with the company, she has willingly supported the needs of the company. If the company needed more EMTs, Gayle took EMT. If the company needed a recording secretary, Gayle accepted the position and performed masterfully. Whether it was taking a transfer crew or becoming Treasurer, if it needed to be done, Gayle would do it.

  To this day, Gayle still shows that same incredible can do attitude that she has displayed since her first day. She continues to serve the community as a qualified FADO, adding to her already impressive professional resume (Firefighter, Emergency Medical Technician, and Fire Lieutenant). She also continues to serve the company as Vice President, and in this position, has written our company By-Laws, updated and bringing them into compliance with the guidance and direction of the Board of Directors. As President of the company, I cannot over emphasis the effort and support that Gayle gives, everyday, to our members and our community.

  In addition to the support she gives to the company, Gayle plays an instrumental role in the Anne Arundel County Volunteer Firefighters Association. Gayle is a member of the public relations committee, assisting in the campaigns to increase the number of volunteers and to help the citizens of Anne Arundel County recognize the benefits of their Volunteer Firefighters. She also plays a prominent role in the Cadet program, instilling the same sense of community, service , and respect that she has; in our youngest volunteer firefighters.

  I offer my strongest recommendation to the committee in nominating Gayle C. Bender to the Volunteer Firefighters Hall of Fame. She has always been, and continues to be , a vital part of the West Annapolis Fire and Improvement Association and the Anne Arundel County Volunteer Firefighters Association. Gayle has dedicated thousands of hours of operational and administrative support to both organizations, and is truly deserving of this honor.

It is with the pride and honor of all members of the West Annapolis Fire and Improvement Association that I nominate Gayle C. Bender to the Anne Arundel County Volunteer Firefighters Association Hall of Fame
Very Respectfully
Douglas M. Beall
President