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?