David Lewis is the past President of the Odenton Volunteer Fire Company. He has been a member of the company since 1972, having served in numerous administrative and operational capacities. During his tenure with the company, he has attained numerous ProBoard certifications as Firefighter, Fire Officer, and Rescue Technician. He remains an active responder and can usually be found at the fire station as part of the Friday night duty crew.

David retired from federal service in 2002 as a division level manager responsible for more than 100 personnel. After retiring, David went to work with the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute, the state’s emergency services training organization, for over 10 years. Retiring again in 2015, David continues to serve as an instructor for the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute and the National Fire Academy, as well as an appointment as an Adjunct Assistant Professor for University of Maryland University College. David serves as Maryland Director to the National Volunteer Fire Council and is active on several national level committees and initiatives.

As President, David assembled a team to develop a strategic vision for the company that will ensure the continued viability of a strong and active volunteer fire and EMS force to meet the changing needs of our community. In 2031, the Odenton Volunteer Fire Company will celebrate 100 years of service to our community. Guiding our vision for the strategic plan, David often quotes Joel Barker: “Vision without action is merely a dream. Action without vision just passes time. Vision with action can change the world.”

David and his wife Gloria live in Odenton and are both active members of the volunteer fire service. They first met at the fire station and have been bound together by their interest in serving their community and their fire company.