Today marks the anniversary of the passing of Deputy Chief Craig Ralston. Chief Ralston was also a Master Firefighter with the Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority (MWAA). Unfortunately, while in performance of his duties with MWAA, Chief Ralston contracted COVID and passed away due to complications on February 3, 2022.

For those who knew and loved DC Ralston, he loved ECVFD. One of his true loves was our Antique Fire Engine, Annabelle. He was responsible for keeping her engine running and training other members on how to operate her. Chief Ralston also loved being the department's Santa. Each year during the Holiday Season, Chief Ralston and his wife EMT Kat Ralston, would dress up as Santa and Mrs. Claus. With the elves of the department, they would load up the ECVFD sled and drive through Ellicott City spreading the Christmas Spirit with everyone who saw them.

Chief Ralston is greatly missed by the Ellicott City Volunteer Fire Department and all of the lives he touched.