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.
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.
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