By Sarah Fortney
National Naval Medical Center Public Affairs
BETHESDA, Md. — Bethesda’s Fire Department recently bid farewell to a firefighter who dedicated nearly four decades of service and commitment to helping others.
Capt. Carroll Greer, who retired Dec. 31, began his career as a teenager in 1970. He worked at Bethesda for about 14 years before working for the fire departments at the Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC), Carderock Division, NSWC-White Oak and Walter Reed Army Medical Center. He later returned to Bethesda, where he worked until his retirement.
“I’ve always had a passion for firefighting, I just love it,” Greer said.
After a total of 39 years and nine months, Greer said he will particularly miss the feeling of camaraderie amongst his fellow firefighters.
“It’s like a close-knit family,” he said. “No matter what happens, we’re always in it together.”
He also said he will value the memories he has shared with his comrades. While stationed at NSWC-White Oak, he recalls one particular rescue that involved saving an elderly man from a burning building. That was among the most rewarding moments in his career because he was able to help save a life, he said.
Bethesda’s Battalion Chief Mark Montgomery was working alongside Greer the day of that rescue and expressed the same feelings of fulfillment. Montgomery said the house was engulfed in flames when they rescued the man from the second floor.
Montgomery worked with Greer for many years. They shared many experiences together, Montgomery said, and saw many terrible car crashes and fires.
“We’re going to miss Capt. Greer, his knowledge and his 40 years of on-the-job experience ... he means a lot to the department,” Montgomery said. “He was my captain and he got me to where I am now. He was my mentor.”
Bethesda Fire Chief William Holzberger echoed what Montgomery said about Greer. “We’re losing a good guy,” Holzberger said.
Just before his retirement, Greer said he was fortunate to have a unique opportunity -- driving a red fire engine. Throughout his career, he had only ridden yellow or green engines, as many military fire departments operate.
Bethesda’s fire department made way for its shiny new engine Dec. 28. Not only was it a new experience for Greer, the red engine was also a first at Bethesda. Every seven years, Holzberger said, the government purchases a new engine for the department. This is the first time the department has had a red engine.
“It’s a state-of-the-art engine with all the bells and whistles,” Holzberger said.
Greer won’t soon forget this memory as he embarks upon his retirement, which he said he will likely spend as a volunteer firefighter. Greer has volunteered for many years in Prince George’s County.
“I’ve had a great career,” Greer said. “I’m blessed. I really am blessed.”
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