LA PLATA — Bernard R. “BR” Winkler Jr., a past president of the La Plata Volunteer Fire Department who served the company for more than five decades and ran one of the town’s longtime businesses, died Monday, Oct. 19.
The department announced his death through Charles County Volunteer Fire and EMS, saying it was grateful for his many years of service and the lasting mark he left on the department and the community. His service came in a volunteer system the county has been working to sustain; its Board of Fire and Rescue recently sped $1.15 million into the volunteer retirement fund that rewards long service.
Winkler joined the La Plata Volunteer Fire Department in 1959. Over the years he served as president, vice president, treasurer and assistant treasurer, sat on the board of directors and served on the department’s House and Old Firehouse committees, according to the announcement.
His work reached beyond the La Plata station. He was a delegate to the Charles County Volunteer Firemen’s Association and served on its executive committee, and he represented the department in the Southern Maryland Volunteer Firemen’s Association. The department said he was a worthy candidate for the Maryland State Firemen’s Association’s Marbury F. Gates Service Cup Award, which recognizes 50 years of continuous service.
Winkler owned La Plata Mill & Supply, which supplied the fire department with equipment and materials over the years, especially for its structural collapse team, the department said.
Recognized by commissioners
His death was noted the next day at the Oct. 20 meeting of the Charles County Board of Commissioners. During commissioner comments, a commissioner called him a significant community leader and business owner in the town, citing his years as past president of the fire department and his ownership of several La Plata businesses.
The commissioner said Winkler’s death would be a great loss for La Plata and the county and offered condolences to his family and the La Plata community.
Funeral arrangements were posted with the department’s announcement on the Charles County Volunteer Fire and EMS website.
Services
A viewing will be held Thursday, Oct. 29, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the La Plata Volunteer Fire Department, followed by Catholic prayers at 6 p.m. and Firemen’s Prayers.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, Oct. 30, at 10 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church, with interment and graveside prayers at Sacred Heart Cemetery. The fire department will host a repast afterward.
