Murray D. O’Malley, popularly referred to as the unofficial mayor of Odenton, was a man who was truly dedicated to his community and to helping others. Born in Elkridge, Maryland in 1903, he moved to Odenton in 1928 and opened a coal yard there where on 6 April 1931 he and other prominent members of the community organized and founded the Odenton Volunteer Fire Company. He served as the first Treasurer of the Company in 1931 and over the years served in many offices including two terms as President in 1951 and 1952. In addition to devoting his time and energy to the fire company, he was also known to have given personal loans for the purchase of fire equipment. In honor of his service, the Odenton Volunteer Fire Company dedicated its 1993 Rescue Pumper in his honor and to this day holds its annual award banquet in April in celebration of that day in 1931 when a group of men met in O’Malley’s Coal Yard and organized a fire company for the citizens of Odenton.

Mr. O’Malley served the community in a variety of other endeavors as well. He was a co-founder and the first President of the Odenton Improvement Association in 1946, donated the land for the Odenton Health Center, charter member and President (1953) of the Odenton Kiwanis Club, and was a member and contributor to the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church for 63-years. He was a successful businessman as well, starting with the O’Malley Coal Yard and culminating with over 35-years as a member of the Board of Director’s of the Bank of Glen Burnie. Also a success in politics, he was a member of the first County Council under the Charter form of government for Anne Arundel County. Until his death at age 92 on Christmas Eve in 1995, he continued to provide counsel to politicians, business leaders, and community activists.

A person of unquestionable honesty and virtue, loyal and loving family man, and a success in politics, business, and the community he sought no fame or reward but only to serve and to help others. Once when asked why he started the fire company, his answer spoke volumes about the man, he said simply “we needed one”.