For the past year, Frank and Lois Hetz Underwood have served as presidents of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association and its Ladies Auxiliary, respectively. Both are members of the Prince George’s County volunteer fire department. The MSFA represents volunteer firefighters across Maryland, promoting their interests in Annapolis and assisting departments with administration. Their one-year terms end Saturday.
What did you most enjoy during your time as president?
Frank: Traveling around the state meeting people from all facets of the fire service. I made many new friends. … I also thoroughly enjoyed working hand in hand with our partners in Annapolis.
Lois: Traveling across our great state and meeting the many dedicated people who support our communities through local fire departments and auxiliaries. … There are auxiliaries that have 50, 60, 70 and 80 years of service, with members of similar tenure: This shows the true commitment of our auxiliary members to their departments. These auxiliaries have raised significant amounts of moneys.
What do you feel you have accomplished?
Frank: My biggest accomplishment was rallying the troops to defeat the bills in Annapolis that would have abolished the excellent fire and EMS system we have today. [One of those bills, introduced following the deadly crash of a state medevac helicopter, would have privatized Maryland’s medevac program.]
Lois: Expansion of our membership, with three new auxiliaries added to our rolls and increased support from our [benefit fund] for non-line-of-duty injuries and disabilities.
What’s next in your plans?
Frank: I will continue as an active member of and treasurer of the Branchville station and continue to participate in the MSFA.
Lois: I will continue in my role as the chaplain and fire prevention chairperson in the Beltsville auxiliary and will still hold the office of color bearer in the county auxiliary.
