FAIRMOUNT, Md.- The look on Charles Bagley Jr.’s face when he arrived at the Fairmount Volunteer Fire Company for what he thought was a meeting – was priceless.
“You are a 2017 WBOC Jefferson Awards winner, Charles,” WBOC’s Maxine Bentzel told him.
“Oh my goodness, thank you, thank you. I’m really truly surprised,” Charles said.
A fire policeman and chaplain, Charles also volunteers with many other organizations throughout Somerset County, including the NAACP, Maryland State Police and Crisfield High School & Academy.
“It’s just in me,” Charles said. “I’ve always had a desire to help people, especially those that are, you know, that’s down and out the underdog. I mean I’ve just been doing it just about all my life.”
Charles started the “God Can” campaign, collecting medical supplies and providing transportation to doctors appointments and the store for those in need.
“I knew that I couldn’t do everything, but I knew that God could,” he said.
But Charles always makes himself available to help. His friend, Kanesha Milbourne, said of him, “He’s there for everyone. I can call him at 3 o’clock in the morning and he’s up and running. ‘What do you need? What do you need?’ Without a hesitation he’s always there, never complains. He’s always on time. He’s always happy to do things for people.”
Charles also teaches Sunday School and helps with his wife’s Girl Scout troop.
Laverne Johnson, vice president of the Crisfield City Council, had only praise for Charles.
“He’s been very instrumental in being a mentor to a lot of young men in the community and actually personally with me and my grandsons. He’s just always ready, willing, and available.”
That’s why Charles Bagley is a WBOC Jefferson Awards winner.
Charles Bagley Jr. volunteers in many capacities, including teaching Sunday School. (Photo: WBOC)
