Michael W. Robinson, Chief
Past President 1988-1990

  It is an honor and privilege for the Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Company to submit the name of our Life member and Past Chief Michael W. Robinson in the Anne Arundel County Volunteer Firefighters Association Hall of Fame for 2001. Michael has committed 20 plus years to the fire service at the company, county, and state levels. It is our strong belief that Michael’s leadership and dedication record makes him most deserving of this tribute in recognition of his lifetime of service.

  Michael became a member of the Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Company in 1975 from this point Michael excelled through the ranks from Lieutenant, Captain, Assistant Chief, and Chief of the Company. Which he held for nine  and a half years. He became the first Volunteer to be an EMT-P, Hazmat Specialist, and Certified Fire Officer IV. Commanding the respect of both career and Volunteer personnel, as evidenced by his command level responsibilities at major incidents. During his time as Chief, the company grew to be the largest combination company in Anne Arundel County, operating three engines, a squad, basic life support ambulance, brush truck, hazmat support unit, and paramedic unit. As an active responder/commander Michael consistently responded to calls as one of the top ten responders at Earleigh Heights for fifteen plus years.

Michael championed the development of the Anne Arundel County Hazardous Materials Team and insured the inclusion of Volunteers in this high profile and demanding new challenge to the fire service. When people said that Volunteers would not be able to acquire the needed training to be entry level qualified. Michael took the lead and insured that Earleigh Heights would have personnel who meet all levels of Hazmat response. His knowledge and leadership were called on whenever there was a Hazardous Materials incident. He regularly commanded most of Hazardous Material incidents that he responded to. He took the lead on developing the only Hazardous Materials support unit the county has ever had. Insuring that the Hazmat responders had the equipment at hand when the need arose.

On the county level Michael served as the Chair of the Fire Advisory Board and as a member for eight years. Served as a member (one of four volunteers) on the special committee of County Executive John Gary to restore the rank of Volunteer Chief. Setting the standards for officers career and volunteer insuring that everyone was seen as an equal no matter what rank they held. Served as the Chair of the Training Committee, which was instrumental in developing the standard for training that is available today. Served as the Chair of the Chiefs Association and later the Chiefs Committee for four years.

Michael served as the President (1988-1990) of the Anne Arundel County Volunteer Firefighters Association for two plus years. Filling out a term and being elected to two consecutive terms. During his terms he developed working relations between the volunteers and local 1563 regarding numerous issues.

Michael actively served as an instructor for the Anne Arundel County Fire Department, and the Maryland Fire Rescue Institute in all disciplines, fire/ems/rescue/hazmat. He was also the first from Anne Arundel County career or Volunteer to serve as an Adjunct Faculty to the National Fire Academy.

Michael’s leadership on the state level developed and implemented the state of Maryland Pro-Qual system as well as that of the Anne Arundel County Fire Department. Michael was appointed the first Volunteer Chief of the state system a position he still maintains today.

Michael’s experiences and knowledge of the Anne Arundel County Fire Service and the Maryland State Firemen’s Association have made him a valuable source of information for the present President of the Anne Arundel County Volunteer Firefighters Association our own John F. Long, Jr.

Therefore, the officers and members of the Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Company deem Michael W. Robinson to be most deserving of being inducted into the Anne Arundel County Volunteer Firefighters Association Hall of Fame, and thus submit his name in consideration to receive this prestigious honor.

Respectfully submitted,
William C. Smith
Secretary

2012 UPDATE:

Mike was inducted in the Maryland State Firemen’s Association Hall of Fame in 1994.