THE PASSING OF M. MILLARD PURCELL

(1915-2004)

August 13, 2004

Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company’s Fire Chief Emeritus Martin Millard Purcell, of Bel Air, died Friday, August 13^th at Upper Chesapeake Medical Center. He was 88 years old.

Millard was the son of the late Clarence and Mabel Purcell. 

Chief Purcell was an active member of the Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company for 65 years. Even up until several weeks before his death, Chief Purcell continued to respond to calls. And despite being ill and admitted to a medical rehabilitative unit, Chief Purcell expressed concern that he could not be at the station to support his brother and sister fire and EMS personnel.

Chief Purcell was born in 1915 in a small house on Dallam Place (now known as Hickory Avenue) and across the street from the current fire station. He joined the fire service in 1939 and during his tenure served four years as an Engineer, six years as a Fire Captain, eight years as Assistant Fire Chief and one year as Chief. Chief Purcell had active roles in some very notable fires to include the Archer Restaurant in 1939, the Main St. Bel Air Western Auto fire in 1971, and the Bel Air Fire in 1972. During his 65 years, Chief Purcell responded to 35,416 fire and rescue calls representing 85% of all calls responded to by the Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company since Chief Purcell joined in1939. Dedicated to the Bel Air community and the citizens of Harford County, Chief Purcell was often quoted as saying, “When the siren blows, I know someone needs help.” It became the hallmark of his career as a volunteer who dedicated himself to helping others and setting the standard for those volunteer firefighters who followed him. 

In addition to his membership in the fire company, Chief Purcell served on several in-house committees. He also served as Chairman and Secretary of the Harford-Cecil Volunteer Fireman’s Association, was a life member of the Maryland Fire Chief’s Association, a member of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association, a member of the Maryland Senior Citizen’s Hall of Fame, and lifelong member of the Bel Air United Methodist Church. In 1976, the Bel Air Lions Club honored him as Fireman of the Year. In 1990, Chief Purcell was inducted into the Harford-Cecil Volunteer Fireman’s Association Hall of Fame and in 1996 he received the Marbery F.Gates Award from the Maryland State Firemans Association, a prestigious award recognizing active firefighters with over 50 years service. Chief Purcell had attended numerous fire-training and rescue courses from the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute. In 1993, Chief Purcell was named Fire Chief Emeritus, the first such honor bestowed upon a Bel Air Fire Company member in its 114-year history.

Viewed as a mentor to many, Chief Purcell epitomized the true spirit of volunteerism. He taught generations of volunteer firefighters not only how to fight fire but the true meaning of giving their all to their community. Recognized by many people outside the fire company for his accomplishments, he was most beloved by those with whom he fought fire and stood side by side with during rescues and catastrophic events.

Former Fire Chief Donald MacLean has known Chief Purcell for over 50 years.  “Millard was the reason I am where I am today,” MacLean said. “When I first tried to join the fire company, the fire chief at the time said if I couldn’t respond to daytime calls, they didn’t need me”. Millard recognized the fire company needed everyone and convinced the Chief to let me join.  Another close friend of Chief Purcell’s, Richard Presberry, described Chief Purcell as a very special person saying, “Everyone who met Millard liked him and Millard never met a person he didn’t like.” 

Millard graduated from Bel Air High School in 1935. Shortly thereafter he went to work for Martin Marietta. He was employed there as a first-class drill press operator responsible for aircraft wing construction. While at Martin’s, he also worked on parts used in the construction of the rocket used in the Mercury Project, an early NASA space exploration project. He retired from Martin’s after twenty-five years of service. In 1967, Millard went to work for the Harford County Central Alarm, known today as the Harford County Division of Emergency Operations or 911. He was employed as a fire dispatcher until 1981.

Fire company member John Stansfield said, “No matter whether you were a member for one day or many years, Chief Purcell made an impact on you. You immediately recognized that he was the true meaning of  “volunteer firefighter. We are going to miss him terribly.

“Chief Purcell set the standard for all of us,” said current Fire Chief Thomas G. Schaech. “The fire service is largely based on tradition and examples of leadership by our past officers and members. Chief Purcell helped build the Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company into the proud organization it is today. His spirit, dedication, and leadership will continue to guide us in well into the 21^st century,”

Millard is survived by his wife of 61 years, Marguerite Culver Purcell, and his two daughters, Pam Purcell of Bel Air, and Janice Whitzel, and son-in-law Gerald Whitzel, of Chesapeake, Virginia.  Two granddaughters Kathleen Foley, and her husband William Foley of Suffolk, Virginia; and Jennifer Harrison and her husband, Kevin Harrison, of Poquoson, Virginia. He is also survived by eight great-grandchildren; Jullia, Rachael and Melissa Gilliam, Jon DallaVilla, and Rebecca, Carie, Benjamin and Jared Harrison. He was predeceased by his sister Gladys McGann in 2002 and his brother Charles Purcell in 2003.

 Mack photo: 1939 Mack that Millard once drove along with his car that carried him back and forth to the fire station.

Bel Air Towers: Tower 331 and Tower 332 form an arch while Engine 314 proceeds through

Funeral Procession: Taken from E-312 during the processional up Main Street.

Fill-in: Engines from Long Green VFC (Baltimore Co St 38), Fawn Grove VFC (York County, PA St 56) and Fallston VFC (Co.13) shown filling in the Bel Air main station while members prepare for the viewings and funeral.