Forty years after his death on May 1, 1986, Chief Edwin E. “Boots” Raynor is still remembered as one of the most influential figures in Anne Arundel County’s volunteer fire service. A lifelong Pasadena resident, Raynor devoted more than four decades to the Riviera Beach Volunteer Fire Company, where his leadership, mentorship, and commitment to service helped shape both the department and the broader fire community he served.
Known affectionately as “Boots,” Raynor built a reputation as a hands-on, deeply committed leader who believed in doing things the right way and instilling that same standard in those around him. Colleagues remembered him as a stickler for training and a firefighter who led by example, whether on emergency scenes or in the station house. His long service also included work as a rescue and firefighting instructor with the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute, where he helped train generations of firefighters across the state.
Raynor’s impact extended well beyond routine fire calls. He was instrumental in advancing the capabilities of his department, helping secure key resources such as its first heavy rescue truck and a fireboat – equipment that significantly expanded the company’s ability to respond to emergencies in Anne Arundel County’s waterways and roadway incidents. His leadership also helped elevate Riviera Beach’s reputation in regional and international rescue competitions, where the team achieved notable success under his guidance.
A decorated veteran of both military service and emergency response, Raynor served in the U.S. Army during World War II before returning home to build a life centered on public service. Outside the firehouse, he worked for the C&P Telephone Company until his retirement and remained active in community fundraising, training programs, and fire service organizations throughout his career.
Raynor’s final call came in the spring of 1986 while he was operating at a three-alarm brush fire in Pasadena. After hours on scene, he suffered a massive heart attack and was later transported to hospitals in the region, where he remained until his death on May 1, 1986, at the age of 59. His passing was recognized as a line-of-duty death, and it marked a significant loss for the county fire service.
In the weeks following his death, community leaders and fellow firefighters moved quickly to ensure his legacy would be permanently honored. One of the most visible tributes came later that year when a portion of Tick Neck Road was renamed Edwin Raynor Boulevard. The roadway dedication reflected both his deep ties to the Pasadena community and the respect he earned over decades of service.
Raynor’s legacy continues through multiple memorials and honors. His name is inscribed on firefighter memorials across Maryland, and he is remembered annually through awards recognizing dedication to fire and rescue training. Within the Riviera Beach Volunteer Fire Company, his influence is still present in traditions, expectations, and the culture of service he helped shape.
Four decades after his passing, Edwin “Boots” Raynor remains a symbol of commitment, leadership, and sacrifice in Anne Arundel County’s fire service history—a reminder of the lasting impact one volunteer can have on an entire community.
