George Smith, Sr.
Riviera Beach Volunteer Fire Company

George Smith, Sr. was born into the fire service.  His father, Frank Smith, Sr., once served as the Deputy Chief of the Green Haven Volunteer Fire Department (GHVFD).  The Smith family home was directly across the street from the Green Haven fire house so it was only natural for George to inherit the bug.  He grew up at the firehouse and by the time he turned 16 was enrolled in Firefighter classes.  George progressed through training and acquired his EMT certification, Fire fighter II, Rescue Technician, and many others.  The GHFD closed its doors and joined with the Powhattan Beach Volunteer Fire Department to form the Armiger Volunteer Fire Company in the early 90’s.  After a couple years, George spread his wings and ended up at the Odenton Volunteer Fire Company. (OVFC). While there, George obtained his Fire Officer Certification and was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant as soon as he was 21.  During his time at OVFC, he was mentored by some of the best leaders and officers in the Anne Arundel County Volunteer Firefighters Association.

After serving the communities of Odenton for a few years, George again found himself on the move.  This time to the RBVFC in late 1996.  He continued his driver training and acquired his certifications to drive and operate engines, squads, and trucks.  However, at Riviera Beach he had to train and obtain his license and complete training to become a “Tillerman” for Truck 13.   George quickly became a part of the family at “the Beach House” and in April of 1997 he was appointed to the rank of Lieutenant.   He was involved in training probationary firefighters to the rank of Red Stripe, at which point the trainees would be enrolled in Firefighter I class at the Training Academy.  George spent a few years as a Lieutenant while acquiring his Fire Officer II class and Instructor courses for his certification. 

During one’s career in the fire service, they find their niche.  Some find their love of driving and operating an engine or truck.  It was evident over the years George was good at leading his crew.  He spent 18-months as a Captain before he was elected and promoted to the rank of Assistant Chief, a position he held for eight years.  He trained and gained a multitude of experience in command functions over those years, again learning from some of the best.   In 2012, with the support of his wife and two sons, George was elected to the position of Chief.  In all, George was a Fire Officer for the RBVFC for 20 straight years, making him one of the longest continuous running fire officers in the history of the fire company.   While Chief, George presented an idea to the Chiefs Committee that was later accepted by the county Fire Department. That idea was the Orange helmet program.  Under this program, a member of a company can do ride-a-longs on the equipment after meeting the criteria set forth, so that they may keep their interest in between semesters, while waiting for the next class to start. 

George has received many awards, but those that stand out include two Meritorious Conduct awards for selfless actions in attempting to rescue a victim from a burning building, unit citations as well as individual citations.  He was awarded EMS person of the Year by the Knights of Columbus for his efforts in the rescue of a little boy trapped in a burning home that occurred on his 23^rd birthday.  He received the Volunteer Station Commander of the Year award in 2013.  He has been the recipient of the Fire Officer of the Year Award many times at RBVFC, the Edwin “Boots” Raynor award, which is the companies highest recognition that is awarded to an individual that exemplifies commitment and dedication to the company.  He has been a part of committees that have designed attack pumpers, squads, a Quint, and a Tractor Drawn Aerial Ladder truck.   

While accomplishing all these fire service achievements, at work he was excelling as well.  He began his career with the Anne Arundel County Detention facilities in September 2001 and now holds the rank of Corporal.  There he is a Fire Emergency Instructor, has received Employee of the Month many times, Employee of the Year twice, was recognized on two occasions at the county awards ceremony for his quick actions and leadership on medical emergencies.  He is a member of the Special Operations Recovery Team (SORT).  He was recognized at the 100 Club Annual Awards Ceremony in 2019 for outstanding service at the Jennifer Road Detention Center.  

In 2017, George became a Life Member of RBVFC after 20-years of service.  In 2018, after 20-years as a Fire line Officer, he stepped down as Chief for a much needed break.   In all, George has dedicated almost 32-years of his life to the citizens of  Anne Arundel County and the Anne Arundel Volunteer Fire Service, all while building a successful professional career and being a dedicated father and husband to his wife, Kim of 23 years.