Our condolences to the Thomas family and the Kent Island Volunteer Fire Department of Maryland. Assistant Chief Doug Thomas, 41, a 25 year veteran of the Kent Island Fire Department died Wednesday July 9, 2003. Doug died from complications resulting from a spinal injury he suffered during a motor vehicle accident on September 16, 2001. Doug was responding to a boat fire at Kent Island Yacht Club when the pumper he was driving left the roadway, struck a utility pole, and overturned onto Route 18 in Chester. Two other firefighters were treated for injuries from the crash.

     Doug was rushed with the two other firefighters to the Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore. He had suffered a broken neck in the accident and was unable to leave the hospital for months after the incident. Doug was paralyzed from the neck down and repeatedly visited the Shock Trauma Center and the Good Samaritan Hospital for treatment before passing away at the center.

     Our brother Doug leaves behind his wife of three months, Renee, and his five children. A viewing for Doug will be held on Sunday July 13, 2003 3-5PM and 7-9PM at United Methodist Church in Chester. A funeral for Doug will be held Monday July 14, 2003 11AM at the United Methodist Church. Memorial donations can be made: