'Fire Service Has Lost ... Great Leader, Instructor, Mentor and Friend'

“It is with deep regret that the Joppa-Magnolia Volunteer Fire Company announces the passing of former department Fire Chief Derrick Lloyd. Derrick passed away this morning at 6:15 a.m. surrounded by family and friends.” —Joppa-Magnolia Volunteer Fire Company on Monday, Dec. 22, 2014.

Get visitation and memorial contribution information here.

Lloyd was diagnosed with stage-two brain cancer in 2009, according to the Abingdon Fire Company, which reported he had been receiving treatment for the condition since then.

In spite of the diagnosis, he continued in his service to the firefighting community, and in early 2014, The Aegis reported that Lloyd was named to the Harford-Cecil Volunteer Fireman’s Association Hall of Fame.

On top of his contributions at Joppa-Magnolia, Lloyd shaped many other firefighters as an instructor at the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute.

Here are some messages from fire companies around the region on his passing.

“The officers and members of the Kingsville Volunteer Fire Company would like to offer our condolences to the members of the Joppa Magnolia Volunteer Fire Company and family of former Chief Derrick Lloyd. Chief Lloyd lost his battle with cancer this morning surrounded by friends and family. Chief Lloyd was a great leader who helped build the working relationship we hold with JMVFC today, and a great fire service instructor who helped mold many a fire service career. Rest easy chief, you will be missed.” — Kingsville Volunteer Fire Company

“Derrick was a great friend and mentor to many of us here at ‪#‎APGFD‬, both past and present. May his family find comfort during this difficult time.” — Aberdeen Proving Ground Fire Department

“The Abingdon Fire Company offers its deepest condolences and sympathies to the Joppa Magnolia Volunteer Fire Company, Inc. (Official) on the passing of former Chief Derrick Lloyd. Please keep them and Chief Lloyd’s family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.” — Abingdon Fire Company

“It is with great sadness and sorrow that I share the passing of Derrick Lloyd, Past Chief of the Joppa-Magnolia Volunteer Fire Company, who lost a long and well fought battle with cancer. Derrick also was a field instructor for the Maryland Fire & Rescue Institute, and in that capacity has had a significant influence on so many of our members. More importantly, Derrick was a friend and ’brother’ to many of us at Providence. The fire service has lost another great leader, instructor, mentor and friend! We extend our heartfelt sympathy to the officers and members of the Joppa-Magnolia Volunteer Fire Company, and to Derrick’s wife, Michelle Hiteshew Lloyd, and the rest of his family. Derrick, you have made a profound impact on the lives of so many, both through your service at Joppa-Magnolia, through your teaching for MFRI, through your work, and through your friendship. You fought an incredible battle with cancer and showed amazing strength to us all. You are a true inspiration! It is now your time to rest, my friend. You have trained us well to take it from here. Rest in peace, Chief!” —Geoffrey L. Donahue, Captain, Providence Volunteer Fire Company

“The Level Volunteers send our thoughts and prayers to the Lloyd family and the Joppa Magnolia Volunteer Fire Company on the loss of Chief Derrick Lloyd. Chief has put up one heck of a fight against cancer the last few years. Rest easy Chief.” — Level Volunteer Fire Company