Prince Frederick Volunteer Fire Chief Herman “Brad” Rawlings.

By Zak Failla From Daily Voice

Some people leave a mark on a firehouse. Brad Rawlings left fingerprints on the walls, the rigs, the floors — and every firefighter who ever walked through "Company 2’s" doors in Maryland.

Calvert County Volunteer Fire-Rescue-EMS announced the passing of past Prince Frederick Volunteer Fire Chief Herman “Brad” Rawlings, a man they say changed the department the moment he stepped inside. 

Rawlings submitted his application to PFVFD on Oct. 3, 1978, and “somehow the firehouse was never the same. His life and legacy are ingrained in Company 2 and how we continue to operate today."

He held multiple ranks over his decades of service, but everyone knew him best as Chief 2-A — a title that meant something inside those walls.

“If you knew Brad — or were ever on a call with him — you knew he expected only the best,” the tribute reads. He ran fire scenes “with precision,” never hesitated to make a decision, and made it clear you were either in or you were out. And if you weren’t giving 110 percent, he’d tell you — directly.

From 1978 until 2006, Rawlings poured “all of his energy and knowledge” into the Prince Frederick Volunteer Fire Department. 

His name is still displayed on the station walls as a top call runner for multiple consecutive years — a reminder of the thousands of calls he ran, the hours he logged, and the crews he led.

But his influence didn’t stop at the fire line.

Rawlings was the kind of leader who straightened you out not just on a call, but in life, his loved ones said.

Members said he guided them through “personal lives, professional situations, and everything in between.” If you were off track, “he let you know.” The front room became legendary — the place where Rawlings delivered his trademark “face-to-face” talks.

And he demanded the same pride inside the building that he did on a scene. 

When Rawlings was around, the station was spotless — counters clean, trash cans empty, floors shining. The tribute credits that pride to Rawlings, along with help from Tyrone Jacks and Kerry White. He didn’t just give orders; he was the first one to jump in and get to work.

Rawlings’ sister, Vicky Rawlings, shared her own words in the department’s announcement.

“Brad was a lot of things – Chief 2-A for the Prince Frederick Firehouse, an incredible baseball player, a loyal friend, a man who lived life entirely on his own terms.”

“The last few years have been challenging, and not how he would have wanted to live his life. I take comfort in knowing he’s finally at peace and in a better place,” she said.

A celebration of his life and volunteer service will be held on Friday, Dec. 5, at Rausch Funeral Home, 20 American Lane in Lusby.

Visitation will take place from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., followed by the funeral at 12 p.m.

PFVFD said Rawlings will always hold a permanent place in the station — not just on the wall, but in the way firefighters still train, still work, still clean, and still lead.

In his own words: “Hold Company 2, return the rest.”