The West Friendship Volunteer Fire Department regrets to announce the passing of past Chief and Life Member Francis "Frank" Saunders. He was 82 years old. Chief Saunders joined the WFVFD in 1958 and was a member for 61 years. Over the years he served in every operational position including Chief, Deputy Chief, Assistant Chief, Captain, Ambulance Captain, First Lieutenant, Firefighter, and Emergency Medical Technician. He also served on the Board of Directors. He was Fire Chief from 1979-1981. Chief Saunders worked in administration for the Doughnut Corporation of America from their Ellicott City and Jessup locations for many years before retiring to spend time with his family.
The Saunders family is intertwined with the history of the WFVFD. Noble Saunders, Chief Saunders's father, was a charter member of the WFVFD, joining in 1944. All four of Noble's sons, Frank, David, Bill, and Carl, followed in his footsteps and joined the WFVFD, and many of their children have joined the department as well. Chief Saunders's legacy continues with his son and grandson currently serving with us.
A memorial service was held at the WFVFD in his honor.