Harry C. “Chip” Wagner, Life Member of the Odenton Volunteer Fire Company (OVFC) died on 20 September 2020 at the age of 73 after an extended illness. He was predeceased by his wife Marcia. He is survived by two daughters, two sons-in-law, four grandchildren, and one great grandchild.
Chip began his long volunteer career fire service at the age of 16 when he joined the Chestnut Ridge Volunteer Fire Company in Baltimore County. This was his first step in a 57-year span of fire service. At age 21, Chip was hired by the Baltimore City Fire Department. He continued as a volunteer with the Lutherville Volunteer Fire Company in Baltimore County.
Chip and his wife Marcia moved to Severn and he joined the OVFC on 14 April 1981. He held the administrative offices of Corresponding Secretary, Membership Secretary, Financial Secretary, and Board of Directors. He held the operational offices of Chief from 1990 and 1991, Assistant Chief, Captain, and Lieutenant. He made the top ten in fire responses for nine years. Chip served on many committees over the years to include Banquet, Carnival, County Convention, Fire Prevention, Flowers, Long Range Planning, Membership, New Engine, 60th Anniversary Planning, Remembrances, Statistics, and Tags. He received the President’s award in 1985 and 2007.
Chip’s most notable contribution to the OVFC was the start of the funnel cake stand during carnival. He took charge of the stand for many years and many of his family members still work the stand each year during carnival. This stand is the most profitable of the carnival. Even with his declining health, Chip would regularly come to the carnival and offer his support in any way he could.
Chip retired from the Baltimore City Fire Department after a distinguished 35-year career.
Chip was active in the Anne Arundel County Volunteer Firefighter’s Association and was a delegate or alternate for many years. He was inducted in the Hall of Fame in 2010.
Chip was also active in the Maryland State Firemen’s Association and was also a delegate or alternate for many years. He rarely missed a convention in Ocean City.
During his life, Chip enjoyed camping, painting, working around the house, and spending time with his grandchildren.