Donald Lee Gibson

Donald Lee Gibson (1939 – 2022)

FD Chaplain

A man who made a difference to everyone that knew him, and to many that didn’t, through friendships, volunteering, and work.

Don was born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, on December 26 1939. He later moved with his family to Anne Arundel County, Maryland.

He graduated from Glen Burnie High School in 1959, where he also played soccer.

Don spent most of his life with the Anne Arundel County fire department as a firefighter and a volunteer. The most important event in his life is when he accepted Jesus Christ as his savior in February of 1973.

Don’s work history:

1962-1966 : He was a fire fighter on the crash crew at BWI (then Friendship) airport.

1966-1970 : He was a driver at station 13, for the Anne Arundel County fire department.

1970-1972  : He was assigned to the first county truck company (T-33).

1972-1973 :  He was promoted to lieutenant, working at the fire academy.

1973-1976 :  He was assigned station officer at station 31.

1976-1978  : He was assigned as shift officer for engine company 26.

1978-1992 :  He was promoted to Battalion Chief and assigned to first battalion.

After retiring, Don volunteered as a fire department chaplain, which was his favorite job as it allowed him to be a help to others.

Special Details Don was assigned to:  Fire Academy, Fire Marshal’s office, Fire communications.

Special Assignments Don accomplished:

Setup physical fitness program at Anne Arundel Community College.
Setup physical fitness program at Severna Park racquetball and fitness club.
Given special assignment by Anne Arundel County to create and setup the fire department high rise evacuation and aerial team.

Don took over 800 hours of fire department related courses from the University of Maryland. Don also took many classes from the National Fire Academy as well as teach there.

Besides all of Don’s work with the fire department, he was a draftsman for Anne Arundel county sewer department and a driver for Singleton Funeral Home.

Don was active in his church (Granite Baptist Church in Glen Burnie) as well as doing bible studies at the detention center, teaching at the Downtown Baltimore Rescue Mission,  teaching and taking bible classes, helping with the Glen Burnie Improvement Association yearly carnival, the Elks, the Glen Burnie volunteer fire department, the Sons of Italy, Meals on Wheels, Partners In Care, Gideons, and as a CPR instructor. Don was always willing to help anyone and anywhere.

Don not only made a difference in outward areas, but he helped change people on the inside through his wisdom, kindness, and example.

Don will be missed but not forgotten. He is suffering no more. He is singing with  the angels and with whoever will join in.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Don's name are requested to any of the following :

Anne Arundel County Professional Fire Fighters Burn Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 724, Severna Park, Maryland  21146

Tate Cancer Center, umms.org/bwmc/giving/make-a-donation-online

A.A. Co. Burn Center, 8684 Veterans Highway, 4th Floor, Millersville, Maryland  21108