Martin A. Disney, Chief
Fire Commissioner, 4th District 1943-1965

Martin A. Disney was born on 5 April 1918. He was the nephew of Lester L. Disney, a Charter Member of the Odenton Volunteer Company (OVFC). Martin joined the OVFC on 8 July1936. He served the company as a member of several committees and provided active support to the many fundraising efforts. Martin worked his way up through the suppression ranks in the OVFC serving in the positions of Lieutenant, Captain, Relief Driver, and was appointed Chief. He held the Chief’s position from 1953 –1959, 1961 – 1964, and 1969 – 1972. He was an advocate of initial and continual training and actively participated as a class member training alongside the new and older members of the OVFC. This dedication resulted in his completion of the University of Maryland Basic Firefighters course no less than 15 times between 1937 and 1971, the Advanced Firefighting course six times between 1955 and 1971, and the Fire Officers Training course more than six times between 1937 and 1971. In the mid to late 1960’s, Martin served as the company representative to the annual National Fire Department Instructors Conference. Martin was the one who started the tradition of inviting the Ladies Auxiliary members to the annual banquets.

 Martin served many years as the OVFC representative and delegate to the Anne Arundel County Volunteer Firemen’s (it wasn’t Firefighter’s back then) Association and was also an active participant in many of the Association’s committees. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1998.

 Prior to the establishment of Charter Government, Martin was appointed to serve the 4^th District as a member of the Board of Fire Commissioners from 1943 –1965 and following the inception of Charter Government, he continued to serve on the Fire Advisory Board until 1974.

His long history of dedication and service to the OVFC and the Volunteer Fire Service in Anne Arundel County, was greatly appreciated.

Martin passed away on 3 August 1985.