Serving Since 1977

Johnie F. Roth, Jr. joined the Sandy Spring Volunteer Fire Department in March 1977 after beginning his volunteer career in Montgomery County in 1967 with the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad.

Mr. Roth has served in every Operational Position at SSVFD from Master Firefighter to Fire Chief. Mr. Roth was one of the original Paramedics for Sandy Spring VFD, part of Paramedic Class #7,  when Montgomery County instituted the Advanced Life Support (ALS) Program.

Mr. Roth served as President at SSVFD through February 16, 2022  when he retired to live in Florida. It was a position he had served in numerous times.

Mr. Roth completed his 5-year leadership progression with the Maryland State Firemen’s Association (MSFA) culminating as the President for state-wide organization from June 2015 to June 2016. MSFA Presidents are limited to one year terms per 5 year progression. After his Presidency, Mr. Roth continued to serve the MSFA on legislative matters of interest to the fire services in the State during the legislative session in Annapolis.

Mr. Roth is retired after working 30 years as a News Cameraman for NBC News in Washington, DC where he was assigned primarily to the White House.

Mr. Roth lived in Brookeville, Maryland and is married to Marcia Roth who serves on the SSVFD Auxiliary and most recently served as President of the Auxiliary to the Maryland State Firemen’s Association  from June 2018-June 2019 after “going through the chairs” of the organization, a 13 year process. The Roth’s have two adult children (Eric and Rachel) both of whom serve with the SSVFD Auxiliary.