HERO PROFILE: AVFD's Fire Fighter Sam Sumpter

Fire fighter Sam Sumpter won’t be happy until every Christmas tree is removed from the AVFD.  No, he is not the Grinch stealing Christmas. He is, however, the coordinator for the department’s annual tree sale. “This has become an annual tradition in many families,” said the Crofton resident Sumpter.   

“We really like having the tree sale at the Station. In fact we have had offers to hold it at other locations in the Crofton area, but we like having folks visit us at our home. We love to have the kids get the opportunity to tour the fire house and become part of our close-knit community. We are also able to have the same volunteer who is wrapping a tree one minute respond to a fire call the next. It really shows the customers where their money goes to see our Rescue Squad or Engine roll out of the station responding to an emergency…and the kids (even the big kids like me) love to see the lights and hear the sirens,” said the father of two. 

As the Assistant Scoutmaster for Troop 731 Sumpter enjoys woodworking, gardening, camping, and anything in the outdoors. But what drew him to firefighting was that he enjoys helping other people. “I spent a career in the Coast Guard doing that on the water. When stationed ashore I do the same thing with a volunteer fire service.” 

Sumpter has two sons: one at James Madison University and the other at the University of Scranton. Both sons are graduates of Crofton Woods Elementary, Crofton Middle, and South River High. As for the AVFD family Sumpter said “I like seeing the value and camaraderie that young, and not so young, volunteers bring to the Crofton community. It means a lot to me to help people who have gone to school with my children or who I have seen in the community through other fund raisers (painting their curb numbers, at Pit Beef, or at Baysox Games). It makes the effort worthwhile when we can show up and save a family’s house or rescue someone who has been in an accident. It makes me feel like I am a meaningful part of something bigger than myself.”

Sumpter reminds everyone that on Friday, November 25 the AVFD (located on Rt.424) will once again open their annual tree sale. The sale will be open from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. weekends. There will be a choice of three species of trees:  Frasier Fir, Douglas Fir, and Canaan Fir. Also available will be plain and decorated wreaths of Fir, Boxwood, and mixed species as well as an assortment of sizes of white pine roping, wreath hangers and tree stands. Free hot chocolate will be provided on the weekends along with the ever-popular "burn barrel of warmth and joy"! All proceeds from the sale go to the purchasing of lifesaving equipment used to support the Crofton, Davidsonville and Gambrills communities.