Patti Kidwell and Norman E. Ray, Jr.

On September 6, 2024, Brooklyn Community Life Member Norman Ray was inducted in the Anne Arundel County Volunteer Firefighters Association Hall of Fame.

Norman joined the fire company on January 1, 1948.  Back in the early days, Brooklyn was in the Fifth District which also covered Glen Burnie, Linthicum, and Ferndale.  He served as Vice President and Secretary for the Fifth District Association.

Norman served in the U.S. Navy for six years, serving as a Machinist Mate.  Upon leaving the Navy he went to work at the B&O railroad as a Machinist.  He left the railroad and went to work at Westinghouse where he worked in the Model lab building mockup radars for testing. He advanced to be the Model Lab Supervisor, retiring with 36 years of service.

Norman was a member of the Brooklyn United Methodist Church.  He was a Trustee for numerous years.  He served as Superintendent of Sunday Schools for over 20 years.  During his time at the church, he served as Scoutmaster of Troop 189 for 25 years.

Norman served as a Brooklyn Community Lieutenant many years ago.  His riding days were over in the 1960’s when he was overcome by smoke on a fire on Hammonds Lane.  The doctor told him he could no longer ride.  He has been on the Board of Directors since 1975, mostly notably serving as Secretary/Treasurer.  He stops by the firehouse several times a week to check on things. He was active with fundraisers held by the company.  Norman is very knowledgeable and willing to answer any questions he can regarding the fire service.  He often zoomed in on the County Association meetings so he could be kept up to date on the proceedings.  He regularly submitted company ads and boosters in the county convention book.

In mid-January 2024, Norman was presented with his 5^th District helmet by the Captain and B Shift of the Anne Arundel County Fire Department personnel stationed at Brooklyn.  This presentation was in honor of Norman’s 75-years of service to the Brooklyn Community Volunteer Fire Company.