Inner Fire Brings Flinn Back to Battle the Flames Again

By Karen L. Bune

Captain (Ret.) Charles E. Flinn III, an Arlington resident, began his firefighting career with a four-year stint as a federal firefighter with the National Institute of Health and from there went to work for the Prince George’s County Fire Department for 21 years where he achieved the rank of Captain. Throughout his career, Captain Flinn understood that firefighting was different than other kinds of work. He states: “It was risk taking, more challenging. I thought of that in a positive way.”

Flinn is no stranger to burns. He was hospitalized four times and suffered other burns that did not require hospitalization. He will tell anyone who asks that he has been burned “too many times to count.” His older son has seen him come home in bandages many times and showed no interest in the fire department. On the contrary, his younger son liked to visit the firehouse and wanted to be part of it.

Throughout his career, Flinn developed camaraderie with other firefighters, forged many lasting relationships, and established that special bond that is unique to the firefighting family. Recognizing its importance, Flinn notes, “You have to depend on other people to keep you from getting hurt. When someone does that, a bond develops and an appreciation towards that person evolves.”

He vividly recalls a house fire in Laurel, Md. in which he was trapped in the downstairs of the home. All Flinn could see was fire, and he became panic stricken and yelled for help. His feet were stuck on something, and he was trapped. Two people pulled him out by his shoulders — fellow firefighters — and saved his life.

In May 2003, Flinn decided to retire even though his fiancé told him he still had “firefighting in his blood.” Flinn was greatly influenced to retire for two reasons: he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer, and shortly thereafter his 52-year-old cousin died of a heart attack.

He admits that his cousin’s death had a tremendous impact on him and “kind of blew my mind—it was so tragic.” He thought to himself, “how many years do I have left?” Less than a year after he retired, he had surgery for prostate cancer and was fortunate to receive news from the doctor that he was cancer free as a result.

However, soon after his retirement, Flinn would get out of bed in the mornings depressed and say to himself: “I miss the fire department really bad.” He acknowledged he wasn’t happy and recognized he had a void in his life and had lost his sense of purpose. He pursued employment in the airline industry, initially in air cargo followed by customer service. He also drove a limousine for a while, as well as a flower delivery truck. Flinn was not satisfied with any of that.

He came to a long, hard realization. Flinn deeply missed the fire department, and he decided he wanted to return to his calling. He told his fiancé, who had always been supportive, and a few close friends. Flinn admits he is thrilled about returning to the fire department.

“I’m very excited about it,” he says. “Firefighter, captain, or otherwise.”

For those who think he is crazy for going back to a firefighting career after retiring he responds: “What’s important to me may not be important to someone else.”

His colleagues and friends are delighted about the prospects of Flinn returning to the profession he loves, and they are supportive of his goal.

“Charlie has been a good firefighter and a good leader,” Major (Acting) Victor Ferreira says. “He has helped a lot of young new recruits learn the job. Charlie has always showed a lot of enthusiasm for the job and has been a good team player.

“It’s good to have someone with his level of experience return because he is an asset to the department,” Ferreira says after indicating the fire department is losing experienced personnel due to retirements. “I look forward to him coming back and working with him again.”

Batallion Chief Carl Brown shares Ferreira’s sentiments about of Flinn’s imminent return.

“As a manager, what’s important to me is I’m getting an experienced officer back, and he brings a lot to the table,” Brown says. “He has the experience, dedication, and knowledge to do the job. I’m excited for Flinn. He gets to do what he loves.”

Captain Paul Cruz, who works in the Management Services Command of the fire department, echoes the sentiments of Ferreira and Brown concerning Flinn.

“He is really interested in the fire department and is the perfect fit,” Cruz says. “Everyone is excited about him wanting to come back, and now he has the opportunity to reestablish connections. It’s nice to have a balance and someone who can train young employees who need the guidance and tools of the trade passed down to them. It’s nice to find a veteran firefighter who wants to return to the job.”

Flinn advises others who are thinking of retiring to have a plan to do what will make them happy. He acknowledges he retired without a plan and at too young an age. How has his outlook changed? Flinn admits he will be more motivated and appreciate the job more. He sums it up very simply.
“I’m a firefighter. That’s what I am and that’s what I do, and there is no shame in that.”