Hot Stuff From the Laurel Volunteer Fire Department

Laurel Volunteer Fire Department Life Members were recently honored by American Legion Post 60. LVFD President Vic Whipple (above right, center) displays the memorial brick for the late Robert “Pop” Grant. Bricks honoring Pop, Vic, Mike Kirk, Rickey Turney, and Michael Sellner are being added to the Memorial Walkway by the Sons of the American Legion in recognition of their service to Laurel.

Fire Prevention Week

This year’s Fire Prevention Week theme was: “Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home!”

From phones to power tools, the LVFD urges residents to know the risks of lithium-ion batteries in your home. The LVFD is teaming up with the National Fire Prevention Association to highlight how important it is to buy, charge, and recycle these types of batteries properly:

• Buy only listed products—When buying lithium-ion products, read the label and look for nationally recognized testing labs on the package and product.

• Charge devices safely—Use the charging cords that come with the product and if you need a new charger or battery, buy from the original manufacturer. Charge your device on a hard surface, NOT on any type of cloth or your bed so as to avoid catching fire.

• Recycle batteries responsibly—DO NOT throw any lithium-ion batteries in regular trash. They could cause a fire. Always recycle at a safe recycling location.

• The Laurel Volunteer Fire Department will hold its annual Fire Awareness and Safety Day on Saturday, October 18 from noon to 3:00 pm. For further information, contact the station at www.Laurelvfd.org or (301) 776-3600.

LVFD Recognized by American Legion Post 60

The LVFD was honored by American Legion Post 60 at their department meeting on July 21, 2025. LVFD Life Members Vic Whipple, Mike Kirk, Rickey Turney, Michael Sellner, and Robert “Pop” Grant all received Memorial Bricks that will be placed in the Memorial Walkway outside of the American Legion, from the Sons of American Legion (SAL) for their service to the citizens of Laurel. In addition, Michael Sellner received his Memorial Brick for his Military Service in the United States Navy.

The members of the LVFD were also honored to have received donations of $2,000 each from the SAL and the American Legion Post 60, totaling $4,000. President Whipple thanked the Legion members for their generosity and spoke of the outstanding relationship we have shared with the American Legion, located at 2 Main Street, over these many decades.

The members of the LVFD thank American Legion Post 60 Commander Josie Lohman and all their members for their support and look forward to a continuing relationship in the years to come.

STAY FIRE SAFE

Smoke Alarms save lives. Don’t live without one (or 2).

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Michael Sellner is a member of the Laurel Volunteer Fire Department and a life-long Laurelite.