Paul H. Reincke

On September 22, 2021, Retired Fire Chief Paul H. Reincke passed away peacefully at the age of 91, surrounded by his family. He is survived by Jean Ann Reincke, his wife of 67 years. He is also survived by daughter Susan R. Cohen (Retired Division Chief Harold Cohen). An infant daughter, Carol Ann Reincke, predeceased him. Chief Reincke was the doting grandfather of Katelyn Cohen (Tom Roper), Paul Cohen, and Sarah Cohen. Mr. Reincke was very proud to serve in the United States Navy beginning in 1948 as a cook aboard the Destroyer Class USS Currier, where he was stationed in Hawaii. Paul and Jean enjoyed attending Navy reunions with their friends for many years and hosted one in Annapolis, Maryland. Chief Reincke was a life member of the Woodlawn Volunteer Fire Department. He was appointed as a Baltimore County firefighter in 1952 and rose through the ranks through the 1960’s and 1970’s. He served as Chief from 1975 (appointed by former Baltimore County Executive Theodore Venetoulis) until 1990 when he retired. In appointing Chief Reincke, Mr. Venetoulis cited his “infectious enthusiasm and zeal for finding new and effective ways of doing things”. In 1996, Reincke became the only Chief in the history of the Department to be appointed for a second time as leader, this time by Baltimore County Executive C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger. Chief Reincke retired from his second appointment in October 1997. In 1968, Reincke represented the fire service on a committee with Dr. R Adams Cowley to help establish the first Shock Trauma Center in the United States at the University of Maryland Medical Center. He helped procure a military helicopter to transport trauma victims. In 1969, the first medevac transport was provided by the Maryland State Police. He was Chief when the Baltimore County 911 system was implemented, and he appointed the first paid female firefighter in Baltimore County. As Chief, he raised the standard of patient care by adopting the full national paramedic program. Paul and Jean were among the first to coach a 9-10 team in Catonsville when Baltimore County Parks and Recreation League first created a softball league for girls in the 1960’s. They were members of the Edelweiss Club and enjoyed many happy years volunteering at the Baltimore Oktoberfest. Paul and Jean were avid walkers with local Volksmarch associations and walked daily at Fort McHenry with friends for many years. A celebration of his life will be held on Sunday, November 14, 2021, at the Arbutus Volunteer Fire Hall, 5200 Southwestern Boulevard, Halethorpe, MD 21227, from noon to 4 pm. In the spirit of the many wonderful Fourth of July celebrations hosted by the Reincke family, all are invited to stop by during the afternoon to visit with family and friends and to toast a life well lived. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Friends of Fort McHenry (https:www.friendsoffortmchenry.org) or to the charity of your choice.