LINE OF DUTY DEATH (LODD)

On Friday, August 22, 1976, Assistant Chief Albert R. “Pappy” Benke Jr. was volunteering at a bingo fundraiser at the station when a call came in for a serious motor vehicle accident with injuries at the intersection of Shore Drive and Diamond Springs Road. Without hesitation, Chief Benke responded in the ambulance and began caring for a critically injured female patient.

While transporting the patient to the hospital, Chief Benke began experiencing chest pains but continued to provide care to the patient without pause. After successfully transferring the patient to hospital staff, Chief Benke went into cardiac arrest in the emergency room.

Although he was initially resuscitated and admitted to the Intensive Care Unit, Chief Benke passed away the following Sunday due to complications from his condition.

Assistant Chief Benke is the only member of the Chesapeake Beach Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department, Inc, to have died in the line of duty. His selfless dedication and unwavering commitment to service embody the very spirit of CBVRS. 

We continue to honor Chief Benke's legacy, and he remains forever in our hearts.