Russell A. Lancaster, III

Russell Lancaster, III joined the Deale Volunteer Fire Department (DVFD) in 1999 at the age of 16 following in his father’s footsteps. 
The following is a true testament of Russ’s dedication to the DVFD:

OPERATIONAL:

Served as the company command officer since 2013. Serving as a county recognized Chief since 2015.

Obtained a reserve ambulance from the county to provide additional medical coverage to the community, staffed by volunteer personnel.

Successfully prepared a grant for 508 funding to replace the decommissioned pumper tanker.

Appointed by Chief Graves to work with other county fire personnel to transition to standard operating procedures as part of the response and policy committee.

Created policies and orders for the station.  This assisted with volunteer/career relations.

Worked with a county liaison to re-establish the rescue boat that was once used in Deale.   

Trained volunteer personnel on safe boating procedures and further helped them obtain their certifications.

Commanded multiple incidents (MVA’s, structure fires, and water rescues).

Obtained approval to purchase the Active 911 alerting system.  This was a cost saving measure that has benefited the department.

Appointed officers under each year elected. Created a position for two in-station Sergeants, this would allow personnel to see the operational side of the department and learn processes that need to be completed.

Maintained communication and met with mutual aid leadership to address any concerns and enforce a working relationship.

ADMINISTRATIVE:

Led and/or served on multiple committees for the benefit of the department; by-laws, apparatus committee, membership, building, and grounds.

Created and had approved a CPR program that would provide training to community members. Many off-site classes were provided to cub scouts, civic groups, and businesses in the area.

Created a new member orientation.  This is a power point based program that shows an overview of our department and operations.

Worked with the station Captain regarding budget concerns. A budget was decided at the beginning of the year for operations and was reviewed every quarter.

Worked with the county Safety Officer to complete the annual building and safety inspection. Brought needed corrections to the Board of Directors.

Attended multiple Chief’s meetings to maintain situational awareness.

Successfully prepared grants for 508 funding (ADA compliant rear bathrooms with a female showering facility), also worked with President Moreland to assist with obtaining county funding to complete a kitchen renovation in the main portion of the firehouse.

Created a mentor program which assigned a senior member to newly elected members.  This eased the process for new members as they were assisted with paperwork and other needed items.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT:

Following a fatal fire in the first due in 2015, worked with the Red Cross to do a smoke detector installation canvas. Members went door-to-door and installed smoke detectors to    over 45 Owings Beach community members.

In 2017, another canvass was completed in the Deale Beach community. This was not the result of a specific event. Over 30 detectors were installed.

Attended multiple civic association and community meetings to address any questions or concerns.

Established the “ride to school in a fire truck”. This is a donation that is raffled off during a fundraising event at Deale Elementary School.  The child that wins is provided a ride to school in one of Deale VFD’s apparatus and provided a Deale VFD t-shirt.

Worked with a potential Eagle Scout to complete his final project.  New lockers were built for career and volunteer personnel turnout gear.

Worked with the Board of Directors to establish a program for providing Christmas gifts for needy families.

OTHER:

Russ has served as a delegate to the Maryland State Firemen’s Association annual convention for many years.

Russ’s continuing leadership and service to the DVFD helps ensure they remain an active volunteer fire department and a vital part of the community served.