Charles Raymond Brownley, a founding member of the Fallston Volunteer Fire and Ambulance Company Inc. (FVFAC) passed away on June 15, 2011. Ray, as he was known to members of the FVFAC, began his association with the Fire Company as a representative of the Fallston Jaycees during the initial stages of the formation of the FVFAC. In November of 1974 the FVFAC Founding Board of Directors was formed with Ray Brownley as the President and Chairman of the Board of Directors. In January of 1975, as additional community members gained interest in the newly formed fire company an elected slate of officers and Board of Directors was established. At this election Ray was installed as a Board of Directors member to guide the FVFAC on its’ course to provide emergency services to the growing communities in and around Fallston. Through the ensuing years, Ray served in numerous capacities in the FVFAC, from elected operational and administrative offices to committee member.
The offices held by Ray include President of the FVFAC in 1974, 1980, and 1984. Ray served on the Carrs Mill Station Building Committee (1993), the Rescue 1351 Committee (1993), and the FVFAC 25th Anniversary Commemoration Committee ((1999). Ray was selected by his peers within the FVFAC as Fire Fighter of the Year for 1982. In each position Ray served with an untiring work ethic and with only the ability to provide unequaled service to the FVFAC and the Fallston Community as his goals. His accomplishments did not go unnoticed as Ray was honored to be enshrined in the Harford –Cecil County Volunteer Firemans Association Hall of Fame in 2009. In his later years, Ray continued to be a familiar face around the fire house, stopping by occasionally to stay in touch with the members and to see the fruits of his labor from the early years. To state that Ray Brownley was a “Life Member” of FVFAC is an understatement. The FVFAC was his life, and the continued successful operation of the FVFAC is in large part due to Ray’s involvement and commitment over his many years of service.
