Lowering of the County Flag: George Francis Hayden.

Commissioner President Reuben B. Collins, II, Esq. ordered the Charles County flag to be lowered to half-staff effective immediately and returned to full staff at sunset January 21, 2026, to honor Past President and Past Chief of the Bel Alton Volunteer Fire Department George Francis Hayden. Mr. Hayden passed away on January 10, 2026.

George dedicated most of his life to serving the citizens of Charles County. He joined the Bel Alton Volunteer Fire Department at a young age and fueled his passion for firefighting and helping those in the worst of times. Throughout the years, he rose through the ranks and held many leadership positions in the fire and EMS community, including Past President and Past Chief of the Bel Alton Volunteer Fire Department, as well as a Charter Member, Past President, and Past Fire Chief at the Newburg Volunteer Rescue Squad and Fire Department. In addition, George held leadership positions such as President and Fire Chief of the Charles County Volunteer Fire Association, President of the Southern Maryland Volunteer Firemen's Association and retired as a 911 Fire/EMS Communications Supervisor from the Charles County Department of Emergency Services.

Throughout his life, George remained an active and engaged member of the fire service, regularly attending company meetings, events, and Southern Maryland Volunteer Firemen's Association gatherings. In his free moments, he was also a mechanic, truck driver, business owner, 911 dispatcher, and a volunteer.