In Memory of Lieutenant James Melton
60 years ago, Lieutenant James Melton made the ultimate sacrifice. Yesterday, for the 60th anniversary of our company’s sole line of duty death, a wreath was laid on his grave and members came together to pay their respects.
On the evening of November 30, 1959, Lieutenant James Melton of the Branchville Volunteer Department and Rescue Squad suffered a heart attack while battling a house fire at 5440 Ammendale Road in Beltsville. Lieutenant Melton was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. Lieutenant Melton served honorably as the President of Branchville in 1951 and as the Fire Chief in 1955-1956.