Chief Elwood Banister Memorial Foundation Official Announcement

 BALTIMORE, April 9, 2021—Josh Christina, a local Baltimore singer songwriter and Nashville recording artist, has announced the formation of the Chief Elwood Banister Memorial Foundation to honor his grandfather, the late Elwood “Woody” Banister. Woody and his wife, Boots, both passed away within one week of each other from COVID‐19 in late 2020. The mission of the foundation:

• to assist volunteer fire companies in their fundraising efforts;

• to support these fire companies through financial assistance; and

• to support those who are interested in joining the fire service through scholarships.

  Christina’s vision is to bring together local communities nationwide for community concerts to raise money to fulfill the mission of the foundation.

In his announcement, Christina noted, “My grandfather recognized the dependence of volunteer fire companies on fundraising. With this foundation I hope to continue his vision to raise funds for fire companies. He truly was a legendary figure and valued the history and tradition of the fire service.”

Chief Banister was a tremendously important figure in the history of the Baltimore County Fire Department and the Baltimore County Fire Service. The Fire Service was Chief Banister’s life, and he made a profound impact on so many in the fire service. His legacy is one that will resonate through time.

Chief Banister joined BCoFD in 1956 and rose through the ranks until 1991, when he was appointed Chief. He retired as Fire Chief in 1994. During his 38‐year career, he was a leader at the state and national levels, participating in numerous fire organizations. He was fluent and skilled in virtually every aspect of the profession and established many traditions—such as an annual Baltimore County Fire Service memorial service and formation of an honor guard—that continue to this day.

In retirement, Chief Banister was a constant presence and powerful force in Baltimore County. He was an active member of the Cockeysville Volunteer Fire Company for 66 years. He was a most conscientious custodian of Fire Service history and tradition; the Fire Museum in the lobby of the Public Safety Building originated with him.

To find out more, visit our website here>> cebmf.net

Qualifications of a Fire Chief

Elwood Banister was employed by Baltimore County Fire Department in 1956 and advanced through the ranks of lieutenant, captain, battalion chief, deputy chief, and chief deputy; being appointed fire chief in 1990 and retired in 1994. In addition, he was a member of the Cockeysville Volunteer Fire Company since 1954 serving as president multiple times. During his career he commanded the Fire Academy and Emergency Medical Services from 1971 to 1979, during which time Medical Service advanced from basic American Red Cross to Advanced Life Support. He played a major role in the department’s acceptance of the National Professional Qualifications Standards and assisted in advancing the program to a Maryland State Certification System, which served as a national model. Chief Banister was a graduate of the National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer Program, and held professional qualification certificates as a Firefighter 3, Fire Officer 6 and Instructor 4. He served on the Maryland Fire Rescue Education and Training Commission for 18 years, also the Governors Emergency Management Advisory Council, Region III Fire Chiefs Council, the Local Emergency Planning Committee, the State Fire Prevention Commission, The International Association of Fire Chiefs, The International Society of Executive Fire Officers and for years was a member of the International Society of Fire Service Instructors.