Charles County Lowers Flags For Past Fire Chief George Hayden

NEWBURG, Md. — Charles County is honoring the life and legacy of George Francis Hayden, a longtime volunteer fire service leader and public servant whose decades of dedication shaped emergency services across the region.

County flags were ordered lowered to half-staff by Commissioner President Reuben B. Collins II in Hayden’s honor, effective immediately and returning to full staff at sunset Jan. 21. Hayden, 70, of Newburg, died Jan. 6, 2026, in Prince Frederick.

Hayden devoted much of his life to serving Charles County residents, beginning his fire service career at a young age with the Bel Alton Volunteer Fire Department. He rose through the ranks to serve as both president and chief, later extending his leadership to the Newburg Volunteer Rescue Squad and Fire Department, where he was a charter member, president, and fire chief.

His influence reached beyond individual departments. Hayden served as president and fire chief of the Charles County Volunteer Fire Association and as president of the Southern Maryland Volunteer Firemen’s Association. Professionally, he retired from the Charles County Department of Emergency Services as a 911 Fire/EMS communications supervisor.

Colleagues said Hayden remained deeply involved in the fire service throughout his life, regularly attending meetings, department functions, and regional association gatherings. Even when he could no longer respond physically to emergencies, he continued to support the fire and EMS community through mentorship and quiet leadership.

Outside of emergency services, Hayden worked as a mechanic, truck driver, business owner, and dispatcher. He was also known for his love of animals, particularly in recent years when he became devoted to caring for senior rescue dogs. Friends and colleagues described him as soft-spoken, kind, and deeply compassionate — a mentor whose influence was often felt without many words.

Hayden was preceded in death by his wife, Pamela Dee Hayden; his parents, Luther and Elois Hayden; and his son, Andrew Hayden. He is survived by his son, Charles “Bill” Hayden; grandson Daniel Hayden; Daniel’s mother, Krisztina Hayden; his brother, David Hayden; sister, Amy Farrell; and his dog, Kash.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, Jan. 21, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Bel Alton Volunteer Fire Department, 9765 Bel Alton Newtown Road, with Firemen’s and EMT prayers scheduled for 7 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Bel Alton Volunteer Fire Department, the Newburg Volunteer Fire Department, the Charles County Animal Care Center, or the Charles County Humane Society.