The Solomons Volunteers regret to announce the passing of lifetime member Raymond Lankford. Mr. Raymond, our longest lifetime member to date, celebrated 60 years of service to the Solomons Volunteer Rescue Squad and Fire Department this past year. Born in 1926, Raymond quickly joined the recently establish Solomons Volunteer Rescue Squad in May of 1956. Raymond was instrumental in many ways within both the department and the county. He served as president of our department for 11 years from 1976 to 1987. During this time, he helped to acquire and establish the new location of the main station on HG Trueman Road, worked to acquire and establish the substation on Little Cove Point Road, and helped to create and maintain the LOSAP program for volunteers. He continued his service as the Southern Maryland President in 1993 paving forward for volunteers to get the much needed recognition they deserved. Raymond Lankford was the backbone for the Solomons Volunteers all his life. He provided the support and guidance to many of our chiefs, presidents, and members throughout the years. You could always find him making his way down to the station to be a part of our family.

As quoted from Chief Ford from Mr. Raymond's 60 year service celebration, "Mr. Raymond is one of the coat tails which we ride every day and night as we respond to calls and perform our duties. His pride, dedication, and determination has built the ground where we gather. Due to his vision of the future and our mission to protect and serve our community, he was willing to endure many hardships not for recognition, but for the sake of the outcome that only God and he could see."

Mr. Raymond, you will be dearly missed. We treasured our time with you and everything you did for our department during your lifetime. We know you are looking down on us as we ride everyday ensuring that we are safe and protected. We hope to continue onward the traditions and pride you instilled in us and the department, and we hope to make you proud everyday. Mr. Raymond, we salute you and are honored to call you our brother. May you rest in peace; proud of what you have accomplished here at Solomons.