Robert E. Vice, Jr., Chief

  The West Annapolis Volunteer Fire and Improvement Company nominates Chief Robert E. Vice, Jr. for induction into the Anne Arundel County Volunteer Firefighters Association Hall of Fame. Chief Vice has served the citizens of Anne Arundel County for nearly twenty-five years. He first started in September of 1977, after transferring here from the Eastport Volunteer Fire Company. He has consistently been a leader within the company, and earned promotions in the earliest possible time, culminating in his election as Chief in 1987.

  During his rise to Chief, he has also contributed outside the Company. When the County Association Office in Crownsville needed rehabilitation, he freely gave his expertise to help. Also when the Maryland State Firemen’s Association office at 17 State Circle needed renovation, he showed up to help and work. He also actively supports the community with his involvement in the Elks, Moose, and VFW Post.

  After making Chief, he continued to actively serve the community. The Company feels the largest impact in the amount of time he spends responding and working on tasks at the station. Chief Vice does whatever it takes to keep the station in service, even driving the ambulance.

  Chief Vice has shepherded the Company through turbulent times. When he started as Chief, we had two full time drivers and two daytime firefighters. Our growth has increased our staffing level to seven full-time personnel and one daytime firefighter. During these changing times, Chief Vice always provides excellent leadership that makes the relationship between the Volunteers and paid personnel mutually beneficial and amiable.

  Chief Vice has served on three apparatus design and purchase committees. His expertise and recommendations have led to the purchase of a Tanker, and Pumper-Tanker, which provide much needed water supply units to the community we serve.

  Chief Vice also serves as mentor to many people in the Company. He continues to strive for excellence in everything he does. When the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute first offered training for certification at the Fire Officer I and II levels, Chief Vice attended the first offerings in the state, even though he could have been certified based on the substantial training he had already received. His training even enabled him to receive certification as a Fire Officer III. His leadership extends to neighboring counties. Numerous volunteers that served under Chief Vice have gone on to other public service careers, including several paid firefighters and police officer. As the hazards increase, the requirement for training and certification do also. Chief Vice has ridden herd on the members of this company, and ensures that everyone meets the latest requirements.

  Chief Vice doesn’t restrict his contributions to the Company. He served on the Rural Water Supply Committee that the Anne Arundel County Fire Department created. His expertise and advice has reduced the water supply problems that we used to face. He also serves the county as the Co-Chair of the Chiefs Committee. This committee has an important job of communicating between the Chiefs and the Fire Administrator.

  Based upon Chief Vice’s superior service and contributions to the West Annapolis Fire and Improvement Company, Inc. and the citizens we serve, we would like to recognize Chief Vice with induction into the Hall of Fame.

J. Andrew Carfield, III
Treasurer