Gamber & Community F.D. Life Member Passes Away

John "Leo" Davis, the grandfather of Sykesville Assistant Fire Chief David Barnes, and a life member of the Gamber and Community Fire Department passed away Saturday, March 11.

Leo was well known by members of The Sykesville Fire Department. He was an active participant and helper at Sykesville Fire Department bingos and our annual carnival.

During his more active days with the Carroll County Fire Police, Leo was also a common site on various emergency calls within the Sykesville-Freedom District.

The members of the Sykesville-Freedom District Fire Department send their deepest sympathies to Chief Barnes and his family during this difficult time.

Below is an appreciation of Mr. Davis, courtesy of the Gamber Fire Department's web site, www.gambervfd.org.

"Mr. John Leo Davis, Leo to all of us, passed away on Saturday, March 11, 2006 after a lengthy illness. Leo joined The Gamber & Community Fire Company in 1966 and has been a very active member until his illness. Leo worked almost every function and was a member of the Fire Police, which he was so proud of.

During his time at Gamber, Leo was the station janitor, he kept our social hall and restrooms clean after each function. He also made sure the coffee was always hot and ready to give out and he drove the ambulance for many years. Leo worked Bingo every Tuesday night and he usually had his granddaughter Anita with him. They would help to call the bingo back and take the recipients their prizes.

Leo would direct parking the cars at our carnival, and you had better listen to him or he would come after you. Leo was a kind-hearted person, he would do anything he was asked to do with a smile.

The Officers and Members of the Gamber & Community Fire Company send their deepest sympathy. He will be truly missed.

Arrangements for viewing are at Haight Funeral Home in Sykesville on:

Tuesday, March 14th 7-9 pm

Wednesday, March 15th 2-4 and 7-9, Fire Department Memorial Service at 8pm.

Burial will be Thursday, March 16th @ 1pm."