Walking into the Capitol Heights Volunteer Fire Department was like walking down memory lane.
Well, at least for Louise "Alice" Long, whose family and friends paid tribute to her with a surprise 100th birthday celebration Saturday.
"‘I never thought I'd ever see this," she said. "I only dreamed about it."
The crowd packed the fire hall, not only to honor Long for her birthday, which is today, but also to celebrate her nomination for the 2005 Governor's Volunteer Service Award for Lifetime Achievement.
As Long entered the firehouse doors, dressed in all white, the melody of caused her to stop and smile.
As she was guided to her table, decorated with yellow linen, she couldn't escape kisses and hugs from the more than 60 people in attendance.
Memorabilia, such as old photos, plaques, awards and news clippings of Long's life decorated tables as a large projector displayed a photo of Long when she was 30 – the age she became a volunteer for the Capitol Heights VFD Ladies Auxiliary. The year was 1936.
"It was a family thing," she said about why she joined the auxiliary.
Her father moved to Capitol Heights in the early 1900s, built a house and later became one of the founders of the VFD. Long’s two sisters, Frida and Emma, were also members.
Vivian Morgan, president of the Ladies Auxiliary, said Long loves volunteering because "she's always giving."
"This is a first for this type of event," Morgan said."‘Nobody's topped her 70 years of service."
Long received numerous awards for volunteering, including being inducted into the Ladies Auxiliary to the Prince George's County Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association in 1996.
Recently, Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. honored her at the 23rd annual Governor’s Volunteer Service Award Ceremony, where she was chosen among 228 nominations.
Long was president for two terms with the Capitol Heights VFD and treasurer for 30 years.
In 1996, Long received the 60-year service pin from the Ladies Auxiliary of the Prince George’s County Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association and was inducted into the organization’s Hall of Fame.
In 2002, she was given the "Honey Award" from the Maryland State Fireman's Association.
Fire Chief, James McClelland said without volunteers like Long, some fire stations would not be able to provide top-notch service.
"We simply couldn't afford the level of service the community needs," he said."Volunteerism is the core of fire services."
Volunteers help raise money for fire equipment and supplies, help with administrative work and more.
Sara Russell, 17, also a volunteer, said Long is feisty and outgoing.
"She was making our subs for us ever since last Friday night," she said. "I expect her to have another hundred years."
Long's secret: "at one time I said it was dancing ... now it’s my faith in God," she said. "He's seen me through all my trouble. I just call on him when I need him."
Copyright © 2006 The Gazette - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Republished with permission of The Gazette.
