Bernie Phipps and Charlie Doegen

DEALE VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT
AND RESCUE SQUAD, INC.
P.O. BOX 114    6007 DRUM POINT ROAD
                                                        DEALE, MARYLAND 20751                                                      

 May 23, 2011

 Dear Hall of Fame Committee Members:

 The Deale Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad would like to nominate Bernard “Bernie” Phipps to Anne Arundel County Volunteer Firefighters Association Hall of Fame.   Bernie joined the Deale Volunteer Fire Department in 1985 and is an active Life Member. He has twenty five years of service to Deale and the surrounding communities. In his early membership years Bernie was an active riding member and responded to many fire calls. He now serves the Department as an active administrative member.

Since joining the Deale Volunteer Fire Department, Bernie has held the office of Board of Directors. He has been a member of the Board of Directors since 1999, giving him over 10 years of continuous service on the Board. In his position as a member of the Board of Directors he has provided guidance, direction and participated in decisions on administrative and personnel matters for the Department.  His input and expertise has been invaluable to the Board and the Department.

Bernie has served for many years on the Oyster Roast and Fundraising Committees. Deale holds an oyster roast twice a year – one in the spring and one in the fall. As a member of the Oyster Roast Committee Bernie orders the oysters, meets the vendor in advance to receive the oysters and unload them and works with the chairperson to ensure all other preparations are completed. On the day of the oyster roast, he works the kitchen and helps direct activities and assist wherever necessary.  Fundraising activities are an on going effort at Deale. As of member of the Fundraising Committee, Bernie has given his time and support for all of our fund-raising events, such as the annual week long carnival, July 4^th at Herrington Harbour and the 10 day haunted house. He works in many capacities at these fundraisers. For example he may be found in the fry shed or organizing units at the parade at the carnival, working in the kitchen selling food or as a “character” at the haunted house. Bernie is always willing to serve in any capacity that he is needed.  Over the years, he has received many Department awards for his service hours involving fund raising activities.

 Bernie has been active in the Anne Arundel County Volunteer Firefighters Association serving as an alternate delegate for over 10 years. Bernie was a member of the AACVFA Convention Committee when Deale hosted the convention.   He was involved in the planning and served as one of the staff members at the convention events. 

 Bernie has faithfully served for over 20 years as one of Deale’s delegates to the Maryland State Volunteer Firemen’s Association annual convention.

 Bernie is a true leader at the Deale Volunteer Fire Department and is respected by the entire administration and membership. His continuing serve to the Deale Volunteer Fire Department has helped to ensure we continue as an active volunteer fire department and a vital part of the community we serve.

 I am requesting your consideration for Bernard “Bernie” Phipps for recognition as an inductee into the Anne Arundel County Volunteer Firefighters Association Hall of Fame.  

Sincerely,
Gayle Moreland, President