Honoring Lieutenant James Melton
Yesterday, was the anniversary of our company’s sole line of duty death, Lieutenant James Melton. Throughout the past week our members have come together to pay their respects. In his honor, members cleaned his helmet, which we proudly display year round, cleaned and laid flowers on his grave site and discussed his lasting legacy.
On the evening of November 30, 1959, Lieutenant James Melton of the Branchville Volunteer Department and Rescue Squad responded on the ambulance to a house fire at 5440 Ammendale Road in Beltsville. After assisting an engine on scene, he suffered a heart attack. Lieutenant Melton was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. Lieutenant Melton served as a Fire Chief in 1955-1956, the company President in 1951 and a Fire Fighter for 15 years.
