Morningside, Maryland Rescue Squad, Monument Rededicated to Fallen Brother

After six long months of preparation, blood, sweat, and tears, the "New" Rescue Squad 27 is now in service. The members and officers have worked diligently laying the groundwork to make the new squad a reality. This is an especially significant milestone for the department, due to the fact it has been 26 years since we owned our rescue apparatus.

A dedication ceremony was held at the Morningside Volunteer Fire Department on Thursday, December 22, 2005 night to commemorate the occasion. Chief Emeritus Les Hedrick, Wife Cathy, family, and close friends attended the event.

The Chief and Cathy witnessed the new apparatus being dedicated in their son's name, and the family was presented with the original plaque off the decommissioned squad along with an epitaph that reads as follows:

Presented to the
HEDRICK FAMILY

On 31 August 2005, Morningside Volunteer Fire Department decommissioned Rescue Squad 27. This Plaque was removed prior to returning the unit to Prince George's County Fire/EMS Department. On this 22 day of December 2005, New Rescue Squad 27 is rededicated to Kenneth M. Hedrick, who gave his life In the Line of Duty on 12 January 1992, at 3807 Walls Lane in Suitland Maryland On his 1,376 alarm. This is Morningside Volunteer Fire Departments way of Paying tribute to one of our own a "True Fireman"

"Greater love has no more than this, than to lay down one's life for another"

WE WILL NOT SOON FORGET YOU "Kenny" God Speed

Fire Chief
Mark F. Hendley

Along with the dedication of the squad, the work was completed to the memorial located at the firehouse. Again, much work was put into making this memorial transpire.

Concrete was poured at the base of the flagpoles and monument stone, enhancing the memorial. It will stand as a remembrance for Kenny, so that all members, former and those to come, send the message, we miss him, and he still remains deep in out hearts.

Special thanks to ALL who made this possible, your dedication to this department shines through and through with genuine "traditional" fire department spirit.