HERO PROFILE: WBVFD Lt. John Sweeney

When you think of volunteer fire fighting activities do you think of a fun filled Saturday afternoon listening to Cross-Tie Walker with The Greaseman, WhyteBeard, Past Tense, and the M.C. Blues Band? For most this would not be the first thing that comes to mind. But for John Sweeney of the Woodland Beach Volunteer Fire Department that’s all that has been on his mind for months.

The volunteer fire fighter has been planning the WBVFD’s Second Annual Fundraising Concert scheduled for this Saturday July 30th at Bayside Inn. Sweeney, a lieutenant in the department said, “I am the head of the event and have had a lot of help from a lot of people. We started planning it back in March. Not only do we have some great bands that will be performing but also a moon bounce and face painting during the day for the children.” 

“Cross-Tie Walker is a high-caliber classic and southern rock band that also mixes it up with some R&B and other party music. This is going to be a great day of entertainment,” he said describing the headlining act.

The WBVFD, like many volunteer departments, was formed to provide fire protection for the community. At the time, the nearest Fire Station was eight to ten miles away. The sixty two year old department is nestled on Londontowne Road in Edgewater.

The Londontowne resident says he has always known he wanted to be a firefighter since he was a child.

“Just like all little kids, I wanted to be a fireman!” said the father of two. Sweeny has taken extensive training over the past ten years with the department. Some of his latest training included nuclear, biological, chemical awareness and operations.

When asked what the best part of the job is Sweeney answers with a child-like grin, “The best element of the job is when the tones go off and you are going on another call with lights and sirens.” He went on to add, “Everyday is interesting because no two calls are the same! I really like the winter and driving the truck with the plow to make access for other emergency equipment.”

Like many fire fighters, Sweeney said the worst element of the job is seeing children hurt or someone they know hurt.

Sweeney, a Verizon employee says he will spend all his free time in the upcoming days preparing for the large event on Saturday.

“There will be multiple raffles and a 50/50 raffle. Come out and enjoy the entertainment. There will be a $10.00 donation at the door that goes to the WBVFD,” said Sweeney.

He also added, pre-sale tickets are available at Bayside Inn, 1246 Mayo Road Edgewater, 410-956-CRAB or e-mail jsweeney@woodlandbeachvfd.com.

Children 11 and under are free.