The memorial service for past College Park Volunteer Fire Department Chief Fred Brower will take place on Saturday, July 19th, 2025, at the University of Maryland Chapel in College Park, MD, located at 7744 Regents Drive, College Park, MD 20742. All uniformed personnel are encouraged to pay their respects in Class A uniform if available.
The National Fire Heritage Center (NFHC) is saddened to hear of the passing of Frederick Brower, 76, on July 8, 2025. The champion of public fire protection, whose decades of distinguished service left a lasting mark on fire departments, fire education, the insurance industry, and national fire policy.
Fred’s connection to the fire service ran deep, rooted in a proud family tradition dating back generations in Red Bank, New Jersey, where his great-uncles and uncles once served as fire chiefs. He began his own fire service journey in 1966 with the Newark, NJ, Auxiliary Fire Department, eventually rising to the rank of Battalion Chief and serving faithfully until 1976.
A graduate of the University of Maryland with a degree in Industrial Education and a minor in Fire Protection, Fred quickly became a respected leader in the College Park Volunteer Fire Department, where he rose from Sergeant to Fire Chief over the course of two decades of dedicated service. He also held key leadership roles across Prince George’s County, contributing as Division Chief and as an officer in the Volunteer Chiefs Council.
Professionally, Fred spent four decades at the Insurance Services Office (ISO), where he helped evaluate and shape community fire protection standards nationwide. His work as an engineering representative, regional trainer, and contributor to the Fire Suppression Rating Schedule impacted how fire services are assessed and improved across the country.
Fred’s service was not limited to one department or region—he supported departments in Maryland, New Jersey, and New York, contributed nationally through organizations like NFPA and IAFC, and mentored others in fire protection throughout his post-retirement years. His honors included the ISO Chairman’s Award and Prince George’s County Chief’s Award, and he remained active as a volunteer well into retirement.
In a gesture that speaks volumes about Fred’s commitment to preserving fire protection history, he and his wife, Shirley, generously donated a significant library of fire department and fire protection materials to the NFHC, where he served as a board member. Their efforts ensured these valuable materials, which he also catalogued, will continue to inform future generations of industry leaders.
NFHC President Dr. Lynn White shared these thoughts: “Fred Brower was a steward of fire service history. He was a historian, mentor, educator, leader, and friend. His legacy strengthens the NFHC’s mission. We extend our condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues, and express our deepest gratitude for his life of service.”
Memorial donations honoring Chief Brower’s contributions to the fire service may be made to the National Fire Heritage Center at fireheritageusa.org. The Brower family will be notified of all contributions.
Update on Memorial Service
The memorial service for past College Park Volunteer Fire Department Chief Fred Brower will take place on Saturday, July 19th, 2025, at the University of Maryland Chapel in College Park, MD, located at 7744 Regents Drive, College Park, MD 20742. All uniformed personnel are encouraged to pay your respects in Class A uniform if available. Visitation: 1000-1130Services: 1130-1300
Dr. Paul Davis. A photo from 2021 induction into the Hall of Legends.
The National Fire Heritage Center (NFHC) is saddened to hear of the passing of Dr. Paul O. Davis, a visionary leader who founded the Firefighter Combat Challenge. The challenge is a competition that promotes firefighter fitness. In 2021, Dr. Davis received a well-deserved honor: induction into the NFHC’s Hall of Legends, Legacies, and Leaders.
Me made immeasurable contributions to firefighter safety, health, and fitness. As we reflect on his legacy, our thoughts are with his family, friends, and colleagues.
Here is the announcement from the firefighter challenge.
ohn “Sonny” Scarff, III (photo credit: Marriott Corp)
July 12, 2024
The National Fire Heritage Center (NFHC) sadly notes the passing of John “Sonny” Scarff, III, a globally recognized leader in the fire protection field. With a career spanning seven decades, Sonny, who was 88, made invaluable contributions to fire suppression and corporate fire safety, especially during his long tenure at Marriott Corporation.
Sonny’s journey began as a dedicated volunteer firefighter during his teenage years with the Carroll Manor Volunteer Fire Department in Adamstown, MD. in the 1950s. After serving in the U.S. Air Force, where he piloted B-25 bombers, he embarked on a distinguished fire suppression career with the Washington, D.C. Fire Department.
Due to his intense interest in being associated with busier fire departments, Sonny became affiliated with the Chillum-Adelphi Volunteer Fire Department in Prince George’s County, Maryland. While also working for the DCFD, he was afforded the opportunity to become a career fire officer with the CAVFD, where he excelled through the ranks, becoming known for his passion for training and devotion to advancing technologies that only later became commonplace elsewhere.
“Sonny was a unique and special individual in that he came up all the way from the bottom as a firefighter and then stepped into the highly powerful, complicated and sophisticated world of international business. . .”
Retired Montgomery County Fire Marshal Mike Love
In 1974, Sonny’s commitment to life safety led him to join the Marriott Corporation, where he served until his retirement in 2012. As the Vice President of Fire, Life Safety, and Security Design for the global enterprise, he exemplified excellence in the industry. His exceptional leadership and expertise in fire and safety earned him industry-wide recognition.
When Vice President Scarff started, Marriott had 13 properties; today, it has over 8,000. (Photo Credit: Marriott Corp.)
Retired Montgomery County, MD, Fire Marshal Mike Love remembered this remarkable career in an interview with Firehouse Magazine, stating: “Sonny was a unique and special individual in that he came up all the way from the bottom as a firefighter and then stepped into the highly powerful, complicated and sophisticated world of international business. . .”
Sonny’s commitment to the NFHC was unwavering, and he and his wife, Robin, were long-time supporters of the organization. Lynn White, President of the NFHC, expressed her gratitude for their invaluable contributions to the profession and the National Fire Heritage Center. “His legacy as a fire service leader and industry pioneer will continue to inspire generations to come and reduce fire losses in the hospitality industry.”
A celebration of life will be held at the Brunswick Volunteer Fire Department on Aug 3, 2024, from 1 to 5 p.m.
Captain Scarff with Chillum-Adelphia’s Engine 341, working a high-rise fire on a mutual aid call in Montgomery. Captain Scarff is in the left-most window.
