MILTON J. MEKINS, SR.
Date of Death: April 2, 2013

 Milton (Jim) Mekins, Sr. decided to get involved in the volunteer fire service back in 1968 after the Glen Burnie Volunteer Fire Company responded to a near fatal accident that helped save his 4-year old son’s life.  This incident served as inspiration to both Jim and his wife, Peg, to dedicate themselves to serving the community.  In 1971, he joined the Glen Burnie Fire Company.  Two-years later (in 1973), he joined the Lake Shore Volunteer Fire Company which was near his home.  In 1972, he became the first volunteer Emergency Medical Technician in Anne Arundel County.  He has been involved in the fire service for 41-years and is a life member at Lake Shore.  Over the years, he has taken approximately 50 courses in firefighting, EMS, and administration.  There are three generations of Mekins in the fire company – father, son, and grandchildren.

Jim held the position of Chief at Lake Shore for many years as well as other line officer positions.  He also served as Vice President and President of the fire company.  Jim’s leadership yielded a 400% increase in the number of volunteers serving at Lake Shore.  He was a member of the Board of Directors for many years.  Jim was instrumental in obtaining many items for the fire company to include having the entire fire station inside and out painted by a local contractor for free; obtaining and placement of the office trailer to the far side of the fire company lot which is currently still there and being used; and obtaining and having the entire response bus refurbished to fit the fire department needs.

Jim was a delegate to the Anne Arundel County Volunteer Firefighter’s Association for countless years.  He was inducted in the Hall of Fame in 1998. 

Jim was also a delegate to the Maryland State Firemen’s Association Conventions for many years as well.

Jim retired as Chief Technical Inspector for the Mass Transit Administration.  He has lived in Anne Arundel County for over 50-years.  He is a member of the Anchor Baptist Church in Pasadena.  He also umpired in the Lake Shore Little League.  He served with the American Red Cross Disaster team for 2-years.  In 1994, his daughter, Peggy, nominated him for the 1994 Governor’s Volunteer Award for his total commitment and dedication to volunteerism.  In 1998, Jim was nominated again for the 1998 Governor’s Volunteer Award by John Thursby from the Lake Shore Fire Company and Jim’s daughter, Peggy.   Jim currently still holds a reserve police officer position for Anne Arundel County (he held it while an officer in the fire company).

Jim’s motto is “you lead by example”.  He would never have someone do something he would not do himself.  His colleagues were always impressed by the vigor with which he approached every task – large or small.