Lifetime Achievement: Wylie Loren Donaldson, Jr. (Anne Arundel)

Since 1960, Wylie L. Donaldson has continuously held a leadership position in the Odenton Volunteer Fire Company. Serving at different times as Chief and as President, he has led the growth and development of our organization to be the strongest volunteer fire company in Anne Arundel County. Today our fire company has more than 180 members who respond to over 5,000 calls annually. In 2019, Wylie received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Volunteer Fire Council, the highest possible honor for a volunteer firefighter. Wylie started in the fire service at a time when the fire protection in our county was largely provided by volunteer firefighters. Hence, he has always believed in the value of volunteer firefighters to the community and has continuously advocated for the interests of the volunteer fire service. Wylie strongly believes that a community is stronger and better when its citizens participate in public service. Much of our current success as the strongest and most active volunteer fire company in Anne Arundel County, as well as Maryland, can be attributed to the foundation laid by Wylie over his many decades of dedicated service. Wylie effectively uses his large network to find ways to make the Greater Odenton Community better for all. Whether serving as Vice President of our fire company or President of the Odenton Heritage Society, he is actively working to make our county a better place to live, work and play. Currently, Wylie is working with the Odenton Town Center Oversight Committee to establish a new Greater Odenton Community Park, a much-needed amenity. In fact, Wylie has often been called the “Mayor of Odenton”. Wylie was selected for the Governor’s Service Award in the 2021 Lifetime Achievement category.