Thomas Pennington "Penny" Collins

Thomas Pennington Collins

Born August 26, 1926, was welcomed into the arms of our Lord on October 3, 2022. Known as Penny Collins, he was born and raised in Beltsville, MD and graduated from Hyattsville High School. As a WWII Veteran he served in the US Navy in 1944-45. He married Anne Florence (Flo) Snyder in July of 1947 and resided in Beltsville for another 40 years. He retired from the USDA in 1986 and moved to Ocean City, MD in 1987.

Known professionally as Tom Collins, he devoted over 75 years to the Fire Service. He joined the Beltsville Volunteer Fire Department in 1948, giving him the distinction of being the first member to join the department after it was chartered. Throughout the years he has held various positions at Beltsville, serving in line officer roles, Fire Marshal, and Chairman of the Board of Directors. Tom served as President from 1967 to 1970 and was the first delegate sent to represent Beltsville Volunteer Fire Department at the Maryland State Fireman’s Association (MSFA) Convention in 1951. He continued to attend the annual conventions every year since.

Tom also became heavily involved with the Prince George’s County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association (PGCVFRA) where he served as President from 1970-71. After receiving numerous awards, he was inducted into the Association’s Hall of Fame in 1984. Tom had remained active with the MSFA for much of his fire service career. He served the MSFA in various capacities, including Fire Prevention, Life Safety, and Convention Steering Committees. He was inducted into the MSFA Hall of Fame in 1984. He was also a Life Member of the Maryland Fire Chief’s Association and served on several Committees.

After Tom retired and relocated from Beltsville to Ocean City, he joined the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Department and remained an active member.

He was a Life Member of the American Legion and the Disabled American Veterans. He was a member of the Albert Pike, St. Alban-Birmingham, and St. Florian 911 Masonic Lodges. He was also a member of the Scottish Rite of Washington, DC.

Tom was very active in the Beltsville Community with the Boys Club, Junior and Senior Teen Clubs, Assistant Scout Master and Merit Badge Counselor. He was the Safety Chairman for the Beltsville Junior and High Point Senior High Schools. Tom was an instructor for the American Red Cross for CPR and First Aid. He was a Civil Defense Coordinator and Past President of the Beltsville Citizens Association. He was an active member of the Emmanuel United Methodist Church in Beltsville and Sound United Methodist Church in Selbyville, DE.

Tom is survived by his two sons Wayne G Collins and Kerry P Collins (Starla) and nieces June Presti and Claudette Hoover. He was also cherished by many grand, great, and great-great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of over 71 years, Anne Florence (Flo) Collins, his parents William G. and Rosetta G. Collins, his son Steven J Collins, and his two sisters Elizabeth Oldenberg and Dolly Edwards.

Donations may be made in memory of Tom Collins to:

National Fallen Firefighters Foundation
PO Drawer 498
Emmitsburg, MD 21727
www.firehero.org/donate