Jimmy Shankle (11/21/1925 - 06/24/2009)

The Community and This Department mourns the lost of a dear member, Jimmy Shankle. Jim was a long time member of Woodsboro VFD and New Midway VFD.  Jim was much more than this. He was a silent Hero. A silent hero  not only to our Department and community , but too our Country. Jim was a true example of the “Heart of a Volunteer”. Jim served his Country during WW11. He was present at D-Day. He was in the Navy and his Squadron operated the boats that  transported the troops that hit the beaches. He told me that his Squadron started that day with 180 men. He was 1 of only 60 that survived that day . He also was badly injured at the Iwo Jima landing. Jim spent many months recuperating in Hospital before returning home. When he returned home he continued to protect and serve his Country by joining the Fire Department as a Volunteer Fireman. He used his knowledge from his Navy years and was instrumental in starting the water Rescue Service(Boat 16) at our Station and is still functioning today and has expanded into a underwater Dive Team. During the flood of Hurricane Agnes he operated BT-16 and I can remember pictures of him in the Frederick News Post floating inside Citizens Truck Company, Fire Station #4 and retrieving equipment and items from the water floods. Again I repeat, that Jimmy was instrumental in starting Boat 16. In more recent times. Boat 16 also was used to help rescue Citizens during other storms and floods and even provided mutual aid help as far as Baltimore City and surrounding areas that were trapped.   Jimmy was always ready, willing  and able to help when needed. The quality that stood out the most in my mind about Jim was that he always knew his limitation. He never claimed to be a expert. He would find a way to help you. Even in his later years where his health wouldn’t allow him to Fight Fires, he helped with fund raisers. Just prior and days to his death. Jim helped make Pot Pie at the Carnival in June 2009. I know he was not feeling well and also knowing he was about  to face a major operation didn’t stop him. That is why I call him a silent Hero.  I will tell you this. If my family’s life, or my life depended on someone tying a knot. I would pick and trust Jim above anyone else I have ever known. He taught and helped many a member learn to knots. Yes like so many that has already gone before him. He too will be greatly missed. We thank him for all he did for our Country and our Community. ~ Mickey Fyock (Chief 16)

Roger Smith (05/26/1963 - 12/28/08)

Roger C. Smith, 45, of Cascade, passed away Sunday, Dec. 28, 2008, at his home after a courageous battle with cancer. Born May 26, 1963, in Hagerstown, he was the son of Bessie Cosgrove Smith of Sabillasville, and the late Roger H. Smith. He is survived by his wife of six years, Angela Marie (Everett) Smith, whom he married Sept. 22, 2002. He was a 1981 graduate of Catoctin High School, Thurmont. Roger worked in his early years with McDonald's of Thurmont and Rice Tire of Frederick. He worked for RR Donnelly, formerly known as Moore Business Forms, for 23 years, before being stricken with cancer. He was a member of Woodsboro Volunteer Fire Company, New Midway Volunteer Fire Company, Blue Ridge Summit Volunteer Fire Company and was a well-known member of American Legion Post 282. In addition to his wife and mother, he is survived by sons, Brandon MJ Smith and wife, Toni, of Smithsburg, and Patrick D. Woodby of Emmitsburg; stepdaughters, Jacklyn Eastep Smith and Stephanie Eastep both of Cascade, and Jennifer L. Cool and fianc?, Gary Glass, of Emmitsburg; stepson Steven W. Horman and wife, Sarah, of Keymar; sisters Brenda Smith of Sabillasville and Janet Yount of Walkersville; two grandchildren; six step-grandchildren; five nieces; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Margo and Donald Everett of Keymar; and brother-in-law, Donald Everett and wife, Allison, of Bremerton, Wash. He was preceded in death by brother-in-law Peter Yount. Roger will be dearly missed by many, and he will never be forgotten by the Woodsboro Volunteer Fire Rescue Company. God Bless.

Rob W. Compton (11/24/1955 - 11/21/2008)

Robert Warren Compton, 52, of Woodsboro, passed away on Friday, November 21, 2008 at Frederick Memorial Hospital, following a courageous battle with cancer. Born Nov. 24, 1955 in Washington DC, he was the son of Barbara Casady McKnight and step-father, Gerald, of Frederick and the late Robert E.L. Compton. He was the husband of Donna Gladhill Compton, his wife of 23 years. Mr. Compton attended Parkdale High School, Greenbelt. He was employed as an auto technician for over 30 years. He was an active member of Woodsboro Volunteer Fire/Rescue Company for more than 18 years, where he served in multiple administrative/active positions. He served as an EMT, Fire Fighter, and was currently the Deputy Chief. He was also a member of Grace Rocky Hill Lutheran Church, Woodsboro and the Woodsboro American Legion. He enjoyed working with electronics, working on cars, movies, reading, collecting guns and target shooting. He loved flying and was an avid Washington Redskins fan. Rob was a loving husband, father and grandfather. Surviving, in addition to his wife and mother, are son and daughter-in-law, John Warren and Amanda Compton of Gettysburg, PA; daughters, Holly Nicole and Sarah Elizabeth Compton, both of Woodsboro; grandsons, Cohen Michael and Brensin Warren Compton; twin sisters, Teresa L. Inghram and husband Robert and Deborah A. Schroeder and husband Mark, all of Overland Park, KA; two nieces; two nephews; one great-niece; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Gloria and Donald Gladhill of Woodsboro; brother-in-law, Michael Gladhill and wife, Barbara of Louisa, VA; sister-in-law, Mary Balog and husband, James of Yorktown, VA; and grandmother-in-law, Elizabeth Weidner of Walkersville. He was predeceased by an infant sister, Elizabeth Compton It is honorable to mention that Rob was one of the finest volunteers who responded to the 9/11 attacks on the Pentagon.  The Woodsboro Volunteer Fire Company expresses their deepest condolences to all of the family and friends of Robert Compton.  He was a dedicated volunteer with the Woodsboro Volunteer Fire/Rescue Company, and he will be dearly missed. God Bless.