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CHARLES B. BURTON
Charles (Charlie) Burton was known statewide for his involvement with the fire service. His personality and character made a lasting impression on many others. Whether you wanted his opinion or not, he was going to give it to you and he wasn’t going to dance around the subject. He would give it to you straight. He was a regular attendee at the Anne Arundel County Volunteer Firemen’s Association meetings and as a result he was inducted in the Hall of Fame in 1997.
Charlie was a charter member of the Landover Hills Volunteer Fire Department in 1945 when plans began to organize the department. The first officers were named in 1946 and Charlie became Sergeant. He served as Chief for 30-years. Charlie was known to respond to fire calls even with his children in the car after picking them up from school. He was active in all aspects of the department. He was a life member and had almost 55-years of service when he died in line of duty on 29 November 1999 at the age of 84.
Charlie was active in the Prince George’s County Volunteer Fire Department. He served as President from 1959-1960. He was inducted in the Hall of Fame in September 1981.
Charlie was a member of the Prince George’s County Fire Commission for countless years. He was named Honorary Fire Chief of the Prince George’s County Fire and EMS Department for his unending service.
Charlie was extremely active in the Maryland State Firemen’s Association (MSFA). He served as President from 1979-1980. He served as Secretary for many, many years. He was named Secretary Emeritus when he stepped down from the position. In 1981, Charlie was inducted in the Hall of Fame. In 1994, he received the Gladhill-Thompson trophy which is the highest award the MSFA offers. In 1995, he received the Marbery F. Gates Service Cup award for 50-years of continuous service.
Charlie also served as President of the Maryland Fire Chief’s Association. In 1997, he received the Leslie B. Thompson Memorial Award which is the Fire Chief’s highest award.
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