John (Little Nick) Nicholson

RESCUE SQUAD MEMBER INDUCTED INTO
PGCVF&RA HALL OF FAME

Long time rescue squad member, John (Little Nick) Nicholson was inducted into the Prince George's County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association Hall of Fame on Friday, September 23, 2005 at their annual convention. Persons inducted into the Hall of Fame are individuals that have been determined by their department, any other department of the Association, the officers and Board of Directors of the Association, or the members of the Hall of Fame Committee to have demonstrated distinguished service to his/her fire department or rescue service, the Prince George's County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association, the Maryland State Firemen's Association and to the citizens of his/her own community or Prince George's County.

The Hall of Fame was established in 1981 with the induction of the first 25 members. Every year since, 10 persons have been inducted. This year, Little Nick was 1 of 27 nominated and one of the celebrated few to be selected. The following is our station's nomination letter, which was submitted to the Hall of Fame Committee earlier this summer:

Dear Members of the Hall of Fame Committee,

  The Laurel Volunteer Rescue Squad, Inc. would like to nominate our member, John A. Nicholson, Jr. for the Prince George's County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association Hall of Fame. “Little Nick” has been a member of our station for forty-four years. We have seen Little Nick in a variety of roles that have demonstrated his dedication and commitment to providing the Laurel community and Prince George's County with the highest level of quality care.

  Little Nick started his volunteer career with us in July of 1961. He has been cited by former Chiefs as one of the more active and conscientious members of our organization, standing duty for 12- hour periods once a week. This was at a time when six rescue calls each day made the Laurel Volunteer Rescue Squad one of the most active organization in the state. By 1964, Little Nick was trained in Advanced First Aid, Oxygen Therapy, Heavy Rescue including ropes, jacks, cutting tools, ambulance and accident procedures and air search rescue techniques. These were milestones in training in the 1960's when the Rescue Service was in its infancy.

  As the rescue industry grew, so did Little Nick's participation in station training and activities. Nick became a Squad Truck driver and then a driver trainer passing on his heavy rescue experience and wisdom to our newer members. Little Nick was always there to offer guidance and assistance frequently taking many of our LVRS probationary drivers to their driving tests. A professional truck driver for over 40 years, Little Nick has also served as Chairman for the LVRS Accident Review Board and has sat on many of the vehicle design committees, in addition to other committees, through the years. In 1979, Nick was voted by the membership into the office and the arduous responsibility Of Assistant Chief. In the 1980's and 90's, Nick was tasked with special projects and assignments for the Chief and the Board including assisting with the planning and delivery of our current heavy-duty rescue truck

  In July of 1980, the Laurel Volunteer Rescue Squad honored Nick with the status of Life Membership. Achieving 20 years of continuous service, though, did not slow down Nick's level of participation. In June of 1978, Little Nick represented LVRS as the Chairperson for our first delegation to the Maryland State Fireman's Convention in Ocean City. In a letter to Nick from former Chief Al Good, Nick was commended for his professional attitude and decisions at a time when “the responsibilities were many and the rewards few”. He has continued to be engaged at the county and state level to this day. Nick is well known and respected. He continues to attend meetings and conventions, whether a delegate or not. In 1996, Nick was the recipient of the Laurel Volunteer Rescue Squad Chiefs Award and then the Chairman's Award in 1997. IN 1998, Little Nick took on the task of the judging of the extrication contests for the association and has continued to do so for the last seven years.

  When you meet Little Nick it is immediately obvious that he is a family man with a deep and abiding love for his wife, Marion and their children Christy-Lee, Frank and Alyson. This is an all-American Fire and Rescue family. Marion has also been a volunteer since 1960 and all three children have been involved at some level with the fire department since before they could walk. Little Nick himself was a product of his environment since both of his parents were respected life members of the Laurel Volunteer Rescue Squad and the Laurel Volunteer Fire Department.

  Nick has stood the test of time continuing to contribute large portions of his life to the betterment of others. He is optimistic and altruistic. He shares his spirit and his love of life with all. Nick's attitude stands as a marker for others to aspire. His unshakeable faith and persistence in the volunteer arena deserves to be honored. With all this in mind, we respectfully request the committee to place Little Nick in the Prince George's County Rescue and Fire Association Hall of Fame.

Sincerely,

David P. Morgan
Chief

We are pleased and honored that Nick was chosen to accept this illustrious tribute to his years of dedicated service. Congratulations and best wishes to Nick for a job well done.