Submitted by:
Douglas Alexander
Mount Airy Volunteer Fire Company

It is with great sadness and respect that the Mount Airy Volunteer Fire Company and the Maryland State Firemen’s Association announce the passing of Past President and Life Member, Charles Oscar Baker. Known to most as Oscar, he was very well known and respected by our company members, members of the Mount Airy community, the Carroll County fire service personnel, the MSFA, and the personnel of the Maryland fire service community.

Oscar served as the President of the Mount Airy Volunteer Fire Company, President of the Carroll County Firemen’s Association twice (now CCVESA), and President of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association. He served in the United States Army, served on the town council for Mount Airy, and was Chief of the National Bureau of Standards Fire Department (now NIST), just to mention a few of his life’s accomplishments. He was also a mentor and instructor to many firefighters.

Oscar passed away on Saturday July 23 at Lorien Assistant Living in Mount Airy. Viewing will be on Thursday July 28, 2022, at the Mount Airy Volunteer Company, 702 North Main Street, Mount Airy, Maryland 21771 from 2:00 pm until 5:00 pm, and 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm with a Fire Department Memorial service at 7:00 pm. Funeral services will be held on Friday July 29, 2022, at 11:00 am at the Mount Airy Volunteer Fire Company with Deacon Charles Barnhart presiding. Interment will be at Pine Grove Cemetery on South Main Street in Mount Airy immediately following the funeral. Fellowship and refreshments will be held at the MAVFC Reception Hall, 1008 Twin Arch Road, in Mount Airy following interment.

Parking for the funeral will be at the rear of the fire station as well as at the Mount Airy Elementary School, or the Mount Airy Middle School. It is requested that no large fire apparatus be brought to the funeral as there is no room available at the cemetery for large vehicles. Staff vehicles, utility vehicles and the like are permissible. Drop off access will be made for those who cannot make the short walk from the off-site parking areas to the fire station.