EDWIN “BOOTS” RAYNOR

Edwin “Boots” Raynor joined the Riviera Beach Volunteer Fire Department at the age of 16. He was an extremely active member and was awarded life membership. He remained active until his line of duty death in the spring 1986. Boots was responding to the marsh area fire at Bayside Beach and had a major heart attack. He lived approximately 1-month and passed away on 1 May 1986.

Boots served as Chief for many, many years. He was known to fix the fire trucks and whatever else needed fixed. He was active in the carnival and other fundraisers the company held.

Boots was a long time rescue instructor for the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute. He was also active in the International Rescue and First Aid Competitions held each year and served as Captain for the Riviera Beach team. The competitions were held in Baltimore, Ohio, Philadelphia, Canada, Virginia, and Florida. Of those years, the team won third place in the Canada competition and first place in the Florida completion. They also won one other year. The team included his longtime friend, Norman Rowens, also of Riviera Beach.

In honor of his years of dedication to the Riviera Beach Fire Department, Edwin Raynor Boulevard in Riviera Beach is named in his honor. At the annual banquet at Riviera Beach, an annual award is presented in his honor. Boots also was honored to have apparatus dedicated to him at Riviera Beach.

Each year at the Anne Arundel County Volunteer Firefighter’s Convention, the Edwin Raynor Award is presented. The award was instituted in 1988 by the Riviera Beach Volunteer Fire Department. The purpose of the award is to recognize the individual who dedicates the most hours to fire, rescue, or related training during the year.