On 1 March 1954, Joseph H. Klein was at the planning meeting to start the Arundel Volunteer Fire Department. The need for a fire department came about after three children had been killed in a house fire. He was on the committee to find land as a possible location for the new department. Joe was quoted as saying, “back in those days, there was a strong sense of belonging and helping one another. That is what helped put the company together”. As a result, from the company’s inception to operation, the fire department came on line faster than any other department. Joe was in the first group of volunteers graduated from the University of Maryland Firemen’s Training course on 20 April 1955. Joe was named the first Chief of the department. He was named Chief due to the large part of the standard training all sailors had in firefighting and his leadership experience. He also served a number of years as President of the fire department. Joe’s two daughters, a grandson, and a step grandson were also members of the department at one time.

Joe was active in the Anne Arundel County Volunteer Firemen’s Association. He was inducted in the Hall of Fame in 1997.

 

Joe was also active in the Maryland State Firemen’s Association. He served as Education Chairman for many years. He taught regular classes in Nuclear Defense and Radiological Management for the State and County Emergency Management organizations.

Joe was born on 9 September 1921 in Granite in rural Baltimore County. He joined the United States Navy in 1939 after failing the tenth grade and trained as a Hospital Corpsman. He served with the Marine Corps during the Battle for Guadalcanal in World War II and abroad several ships in combat and overseas duty stations. He was discharged in 1945 with the rank of Chief Pharmacists Mate. He was well educated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry. He went to graduate school and received a Master’s Degree in Chemistry in 1951. Joe was awarded a PhD from Catholic University in 1972. He went to work at the US Naval Academy as a Chemistry Professor in 1951 and retired from the Naval Academy in 1975. After his retirement, he went on to an active career as a private consultant with expertise in chemistry, fire investigations, and other related fields. He was also active in other community organizations to include the local Ruritans and the County Forestry Board. Joe passed away on 6 June 1990.