07/21/2026
Today, we pause to remember one of our own.
Seventy years ago today, Private Elwood H. Smith of the Rockville Volunteer Fire Department made the ultimate sacrifice while serving the citizens and visitors of Rockville. His courage and selfless dedication remain an enduring part of our department's history.
July 21, 1956 — The Washington Metropolitan area was struck by heavy rainfall, resulting in widespread flash flooding and numerous calls for assistance throughout the Rockville area. At approximately 3:30 a.m., Rescue Squad 3 and Boat 3 were dispatched to reports of multiple people trapped in vehicles by rapidly rising floodwaters near the Rockville Bridge over Rock Creek.
Crews accessed the creek from the entrance to Parklawn Cemetery on Veirs Mill Road. Upon arrival, the members of Rescue Squad 3 found two vehicles stranded in the floodwaters. They immediately went to work, successfully rescuing two Rockville residents trapped in the first vehicle.
As the crew attempted to reach the occupants of the second vehicle, Private Elwood H. Smith was swept away by the powerful current. Despite the desperate efforts of his fellow firefighters to reach him, Fireman Smith was quickly carried downstream by the rushing waters. It was later determined that the second vehicle was unoccupied, as its occupants had already self-extricated.
Overcome by the floodwaters, Private Elwood H. Smith made the ultimate sacrifice while attempting to save the lives of others.
On May 30, 1957, the City of Rockville Government dedicated Elwood H. Smith Park, located at 601 Harrington Road in the Hungerford neighborhood, in his honor.
Today, 70 years later, we remember Private Smith's sacrifice and the countless volunteer firefighters who have answered the call before and after him. The Rockville Volunteer Fire Department remains proud to serve this community with more than 300 volunteer members who continue to dedicate their time, skills, and compassion to protecting the citizens of Rockville and Montgomery County.
As we remember Private Smith, we also ask our community to remember that behind every emergency response is someone who left their family to help another. Please keep all of our firefighters and emergency responders in your thoughts, and when severe weather strikes, never drive through flooded roadways. Turn around, don't drown.
Never Forget.
Maryland State Firefighters Association
Montgomery County Maryland – Fire & Rescue
Montgomery County Volunteer Fire-Rescue Association
Montgomery County MD Council
Greater Rockville Chamber of Commerce
National Volunteer Fire Council
National Fallen Firefighters Foundation
