On Friday, August 22, 1976, Assistant Chief Albert R. “Pappy” Benke was volunteering at a bingo fundraiser at the station when a call came in for a serious motor vehicle accident at the intersection of Shore Drive and Diamond Springs Road. Without hesitation, Asst. Chief Benke responded in the ambulance and began caring for a critically injured teenage patient.
While en route to Virginia Beach General Hospital, he began experiencing chest pains but continued to provide care to the patient without pause. After successfully transferring the patient to hospital staff, Asst. Chief Benke collapsed from cardiac arrest.
Although he was initially resuscitated and admitted to the Intensive Care Unit, he passed away a few days later due to complications from his condition.
Assistant Chief Benke is the only member of the Chesapeake Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad 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 his legacy, and he remains forever in our hearts.
