Chief Chaplain Emeritus Reverend J. Harvey Dixion dedicated his life to Fire Service Chaplaincy. He was a founding Charter Member of the Federation of Fire Chaplains, Chief Chaplain for Maryland State Firemen’s Association, Chaplain for Eastern Shore of Maryland Firemen’s Association, and Chaplain for Salisbury Fire Department. He served as the Federation of Fire Chaplains Mid-Atlantic Regional Director for Delaware Maryland-New Jersey-New York-Pennsylvania-Virginia-West Virginia. On September 11, 2001 he was called to the Pentagon disaster, and later served at Ground-Zero in New York City, and at Shanksville Pennsylvania. He supported his local fire department of Salisbury and other departments across the state where he was called. Chief Chaplain Emeritus, Reverend J. Harvey Dixon was frequently called to support the Salisbury Police Department, Wicomico County Sheriff’s Department and the Maryland State Police. He served his community and was truly a chaplain who “served those who served.”
Background: The Chaplain of the Year Award was established by the Maryland State Firefighters Association Executive Committee in 2024. The award is to recognize the distinguished service of individuals, “serving those who serve others,” Emergency Service Chaplains. The award emphasizes distinguished service to the MSFA, to the individual’s department and local jurisdiction.
