It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Howard Hodges, a cherished Life Member of the Denton Volunteer Fire Company. Over many dedicated years, Howard served not only as a member of our Board of Trustees but also as Ambulance Captain, sharing strength, kindness, humor, and a selfless dedication to our mission. The details of the service to honor him are provided below.

There’s nothing like being at the right place at the right time. Yesterday evening, Denton Volunteers attended the annual Preston Carnival Parade with Command 300, Engine 302 and Tanker 300. As units were driving down the parade route, the spectators were pointing out that a house was on fire. Command 300, Engine 302 and Easton VFC Chief 60 arrived to find a 2 1/2 story single family dwelling with smoke showing from side A, B and D. The crew from Engine 302 pulled an attack line and entered through the front door. Preston VFC Officer 218 assumed the Main St Command and Chief 315 was in charge of fire attack. The driver of Engine 302 secured a water source with his own hydrant and other personnel threw ground ladders from multiple engines on scene. Crews from Queen Anne - Hillsboro VFC, Federalsburg VFC, Preston VFC and Grasonville VFC assisted with various tasks on all three levels of the structure. After salvage and overhaul was completed, the scene was turned over to Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal for investigation of the cause of the fire. Many thanks go out to all the personnel involved with their quick actions to make a fast knock of the fire.

At 12:56 pm, Denton Volunteers were dispatched for the working commercial building fire at 32600 Main Street in the town of Queen Anne. Denton Volunteer Fire Company responded with Engine 302 on the 1st alarm and with Rescue 300 on the 2nd alarm. The engine company operated with the deck gun master stream and 3 attack lines at various times throughout the incident. DVFC operated on scene for about 3 hours before being released by command.

At 2:01 pm, Denton Volunteers were alerted to transfer an engine to Easton Volunteer Fire Company to standby while they operated on a 2nd alarm fire involving several tractor trailers. Engine 304 transferred to Station 60 and handled one emergency call while covering their district. The engine company ran a minor 3 car motor vehicle collision on WB Rt50 at Matthewstown Rd. Chief 60, Officer 603 had the Rt50 command and PM91 transported one patient with minor injuries.