Schmidt’s family behind the bell rung for the 5-5-5 alarm tribute and his past fire chief’s cap.
Friends and family gathered Oct. 4 at Centreville’s Fire Station 17 for a memorial service in honor of Centreville Volunteer Fire Department long-time member and former chief, Bill Schmidt. He died Sept. 24, at age 86, following a stroke.
He and his wife Joan were married 64 years and lived in Centreville for more than half a century. Besides
Bill Schmidt
Bill earned both a Bachelor of Science and a master’s degree in physics from The George Washington University. And until retiring, he was a physicist at the United States Naval Research Laboratory. His work there resulted in the invention of the silicon chip used in television and video cameras and allowing smartphones to include cameras that take instant, re-transmittable photographs and videos.
Locally, he was the founding Cubmaster for Cub Scout Pack 1862 and coached several SYA girls’ soccer and boys’ T-Ball teams. He was active in state and local Republican politics and in organizations including the National Association of Retired Federal Employees, Electrochemical Society, Centreville Area Study Group, London Towne Homeowners Assn., and Centreville Civic Assn.
A keystone in Bill’s life began in 1971 when he joined the CVFD. A Station 17 member for 54 years, he served as a firefighter, EMT, rescue captain, chief, president, chairman of the board of directors, treasurer and even bingo caller.
He was instrumental in planning and completing the station’s renovated firehouse on Old Centreville Road and monopole/cell tower on the property that improved cell service in the area and provided income for the fire department.
Bill also served many years as president of the Volunteer Fire and Rescue Assn. and chairman of the Fairfax County Volunteer Fire Commission. He more than earned the title of life member.
He was engaged and dedicated, sharing his deep knowledge and wisdom that will be greatly missed. In his eulogy, former CVFD Fire Chief Pete Kirby said he and Bill “made a great team because I was smart enough to listen and learn from him. Bill helped me see myself in roles I had never thought about.”
Kirby said Bill’s perspective was that “we could accomplish anything we wanted if we understood the people, added value in the community and made things better. He was smart, had perspective, and knew the politics and optics for everything we were doing and could do. Clearly, if there was a need or problem, Bill rolled up his sleeves and got to work. The family, CVFD, the surrounding community have lost a great man; but just look around and you’ll see Bill’s handiwork.”
Patti Blankenship, former CVFD president and current director, described Bill as “steady, devoted, forward-thinking and honorable. He was a man of integrity and a true public servant who had a life well-lived.”
His overall accomplishments showcased the breadth of Bill’s professional intellect, public service, community focus and generosity. And in 1998, he was honored by former Supervisor Michael R. Frey (R-Sully), who named him Sully District’s Lord Fairfax.
In Bill’s spare time, he was a skilled craftsman and woodworker, enjoying wood turning, furniture restoration and bottom-up restoration of a vintage Model A Ford. While he was unable to complete the restoration in his lifetime, local students are now continuing his work on it.
To close his memorial service, CVFD Past President Lauren Kirby (Pete Kirby’s wife), simulated an honored fire department tradition with the poignant and solemn ringing of a brass bell in a 5-5-5 sequence. The tradition dates back to the 1800s when a firefighter died in the line of duty. The Fire Alarm Office (forerunner of today’s automated Emergency Communications Centers) tapped out a special 5-5-5 signal over the telegraph fire-alarm circuits. This alerted all station houses that they would be returning to quarters one man short.
Describing Bill as “one of the nation’s finest,” she said he was a “cherished husband, father and Centreville resident.”
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in his name to the American Heart Association or the Centreville Volunteer Fire Department, 5856 Old Centreville Road, Centreville, VA 20121.