HERO PROFILE: AVFD's Fire Fighter Dave Loyd

Fire Fighter Dave Loyd’s weekend grocery list does not look like a typical shopping list. Included on his order are 350 pounds of beef, turkey and ham.  Plus 300 rolls, 10 pounds of onions, and two gallons of BBQ sauce.

The Crofton resident is part of the “Pit Master Crew” at the Arundel Volunteer Fire Department. During the spring and fall months the volunteers usually hold sales twice a month in front of the station on Davidsonville Road.

As a member for over four years, Loyd said he was looking for something fulfilling to do during his off time from his normal job.

“It just happens to be I enjoy placing smiles on the face of people through food,” said Loyd.

The station, which serves Crofton, Gambrills and Davidsonville, receives all proceeds from the sandwich sales to buy life-saving equipment and vehicles.

Last year Loyd was awarded the Anne Arundel County Volunteer Fire Fighter Association award for the ‘Fire Fighter of the Quarter.’ He was given the award for his significant volunteer contributions to the AVFD. As well as being a fire fighter/EMT he also helps manage the department’s website and is the chairperson for the Membership Committee.   

“We purchased a new smoker a few summers ago. It is a 17-foot trailer smoker that can hold 300 pounds of meet. What a difference it makes,” said Lyod.

According to Lyod they usually need to have about six volunteers helping with tasks such as cutting rolls, wrapping sandwiches, filling the condiment area and handling the money. Plus they must also be able to fully staff the fire station with volunteers while pit-beef sales are taking place.

“For functions like this, it is important that we ask all of our members to assist so the station can remain staffed ensuring the continued protection to our community,” said Loyd. He jokingly laughed that the 'Pit-Crew' enjoys the work, even if the day is long and hot.    

He added “It is always a nice to hear customers exclaim that our pit-beef sandwiches are the best and wish we would have a sale every Saturday.”  

The last two sandwich sales are Saturday October 22 and November 4th.