The Aegis, Bel Air, Md.
HARTFORD COUNTY, Md. — Harford County Executive Barry Glassman has ordered the Harford County flag to be flown at half-staff on Saturday, Dec. 27, in honor of past Chief Derrick Lloyd of the Joppa-Magnolia Volunteer Fire Co.
Chief Lloyd, who was 45, died Dec. 22 following a lengthy illness.
“Chief Lloyd served the citizens of Harford County and our state, with honor, distinction and exemplary service for more than a quarter of a century,” Glassman said in a statement. “He was one of ‘Harford’s finest’ and will be truly missed. On behalf of my wife and family, I extend our sincere condolences to Derrick’s wife, Michelle, and the members of the Joppa-Magnolia VFC for their loss.”
Chief Lloyd served for 26 years with the Joppa-Magnolia VFC, including four years as chief, from 2008 to 2011. He was named Firefighter of the Year in 2008 by the Maryland State Firemen’s Association and was Fireman of the Year in 2005 for the Joppa-Magnolia VFC.
During his service with the fire company, he was a top ten responder for 17 years, according to his obituary published in The Aegis Wednesday.
Earlier this year, Chief Lloyd was honored by the Harford-Cecil Firemen’s Association with his induction into its Hall of Fame. He was a 1988 graduate of Joppatowne High School.
“Derrick wasn’t just a fixture at the JMVFC; he was also a well-respected instructor with the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute,” the fire company said in a statement. “Derrick started at MFRI on September 14, 1998. He has helped mold many of today’s local fire service leaders. Derrick has taught too many classes to count. It’s safe to say that there have been lives saved because the firefighters were taught by Derrick.”
In April 2005, Harford County Emergency Operations began a countywide volunteer Technical Rescue Team. Chief Lloyd was one of the founding members of the TRT that is still in operation today. His unit number, TRT-27, will be retired, according to the fire company.
Chief Lloyd is survived by his wife, Michelle Hiteshew Lloyd; his sons, Christopher and Nicholas; his stepfather, Charles Prather; an aunt, Deborah Ruston; and his father-in-law and mother-in-laws, William Hiteshew Jr. and Deborah Hiteshew.
Viewings for Chief Lloyd will be Saturday, Dec. 27, at McComas Funeral Home in Abingdon from 1 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m.
A fire department memorial service will be held at a later date.
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(c)2014 The Aegis (Bel Air, Md.)
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