ROBERT H. LOUGHREY
Odenton Volunteer Fire Company
Anne Arundel County Volunteer Firefighters Association Hall of Fame Inductee

Life Member and immediate Past Chief Robert H. (Rob) Loughrey was inducted in the Anne Arundel County Volunteer Firefighters Association (AACVFA) Hall of Fame on September 9, 2022. 

Rob joined the Odenton Volunteer Fire Company (OVFC) in April 1998 while still in the United States Navy and serving nearby.  After leaving the Navy as a Chief Petty Officer, having served for 11 years, he worked for the University of Maryland Hospital System as a construction manager overseeing several large building projects.  He is now employed for the Department of Defense.

Rob completed his basic fire training in 1998 and over the ensuing years pursued an aggressive training program in firefighting, rescue, emergency vehicle operations, hazardous materials, instructional methods, leadership, and other topics.  He attained national certification as a Fire Service Instructor III and Fire Officer III in 2010.  He has responded on over 4,600 calls in his career.  Rob is also a highly skilled engine and ladder truck driver/operator and has trained many other apparatus drivers. 

Rob became a Lieutenant in 2004 and steadily moved through the officer ranks until he was ultimately appointed OVFC Fire Chief in January 2019.  He admirably served as Chief for three years, stepping down in January 2022 to support his wife who was battling cancer.  Rob’s background as a senior leader in the Navy has been apparent in his leadership as Fire Chief.  He was always fair and equitable in the treatment of every member.  He set high performance standards for OVFC members and ensured that they got the assistance needed to meet the standards. 

Rob is a very skilled and experienced firefighter and personally led many company training drills.  He is highly respected by both volunteer and career officers and is a strong example for junior officers and members to emulate.  In 2017, Rob was recognized as Firefighter of the Year by the West Anne Arundel County Chamber of Commerce (now Central Maryland Chamber of Commerce).

Rob became an Emergency Services Instructor with the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute in 2008.  He especially enjoys teaching Firefighter I and II classes so he can teach entry level firefighters “the right way” to do things.  Numerous Anne Arundel County volunteers have been taught by Rob over the last decade.  He was also Chair of the AACVFA Chiefs Committee from September 2020 to September 2021.  He actively led the committee during a period of rapidly changing AACoFD operational policies, effectively representing the interests of the volunteer companies.

Rob has also been an asset to the administrative functions of the fire company.  He has served on numerous committees, including Apparatus, Information Technology, Training, Awards, and Banquet.  He has used his skills as a photographer and graphic artist to produce numerous company memorabilia.  Of special note, Rob served as the Project Manager for the $700,000 renovation of the fire station living quarters.  He was involved in all aspects including design and engineering, almost daily supervision of all aspects and phases of the construction, and even interior design and furniture selection.  He was also instrumental in negotiating and supervising the donation and installation of updated communications and alarm wiring throughout the station. His efforts easily saved tens of thousands of dollars on the total cost of the project.  Rob’s contributions were recognized in April 2016 with the President’s Award for outstanding administrative support to OVFC.

Rob has dutifully served the interests of the fire company and the fire service in Anne Arundel County for 24 years. He serves as a great role model and mentor for other officers and firefighters.