Donald L. “Donnie” Strine has been a volunteer firefighter at the Marlboro Fire Department in Upper Marlboro since 1957, when he was16 years old. He said it was a “family tradition” to join the department. From 1963 to ’83, Strine was also a full-time D.C. firefighter. Recently, Strine was honored for his 50 years of volunteer service. At 66, Strine still is fighting fires in a volunteer capacity. He also serves as president of the Marlboro Fire Department and chairman of the Prince George’s County Fire Commission.
Why did you want to become a firefighter?
Back in 1957, everything that happened at the fire station. The family was there … and when I became old enough, I went to work for the District of Columbia Fire Department, which was probably the best 20 years of my life.
Can you talk a little about the type of people who volunteer to fight fires?
They are concerned about the area that they live in, the town that they live in, the community that they live in.
What has been the biggest change during your time as a volunteer firefighter?
The biggest change has been the manpower situation. We were all volunteers back when I joined in 1957. The Prince George’s Fire Department was created in 1970 to supplement the volunteers.
What is the most dangerous fire-related situation you have ever found yourself in?
I think that was in the District of Columbia Fire Department. We had a run … near RFK Stadium, and we were fighting a basement fire and we heard the floor above us cracking.
Have you ever been injured in the line of duty?
No. I just had some minor injuries in D.C. I was involved in a fire truck accident that turned over in the late ’60s.
