Formed in 2021, the Chief Elwood Banister Memorial Foundation honors the memory of Chief Banister and his decades of leadership and service to the Baltimore County Fire Department.

Elwood “Woody” Banister and his wife, Boots, passed away within one week of each other from COVID-19 in late 2020. Their grandson, Josh Christina, a Baltimore area singer-songwriter and Nashville recording artist, announced the formation of the Chief Elwood Banister Memorial Foundation in April 2021.

The mission of the foundation:

• To assist volunteer fire companies in their fundraising efforts;

• To support these fire companies through financial assistance; and

• To support those interested in joining the fire service through scholarships.

Christina’s vision is to bring together local communities nationwide for community concerts to raise money to fulfill the mission of the foundation.

In his announcement, Christina noted, “My grandfather recognized the dependence of volunteer fire companies on fundraising. With this foundation I hope to continue his vision to raise funds for fire companies. He truly was a legendary figure and valued the history and tradition of the fire service.”