Never Forget – James Melton – Branchville LODD in 1959
November 30th marks the anniversary of the Branchville Volunteer Fire Company and Rescue Squad’s sole line of duty death. Lieutenant James Melton suffered a heart attack while on the scene of a Beltsville house fire in 1959. Throughout the past week our members have come together to honor the Melton and to ensure that we never forget. Branchville Fire Chief Eric Gove along with other members remembered and honored Melton today by detailing 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.
