The HVFD is mourning the sudden loss of our mascot, Clyde.

Clyde was struck by a vehicle on Wednesday morning, November 24, along Queens Chapel Road on the side of the fire station.

Members rushed Clyde to an animal hospital in Lanham but he succumbed to his injuries about an hour later.

Clyde was almost a year old and had been at the HVFD since he was a young puppy.

In September, Clyde won rave reviews and a special judge's award while riding in the annual county firefighters' parade. And he was among our most popular attractions during our Fire Prevention Week and Open House activities this year.

The HVFD prides itself on being a family and Clyde was a big part of that family over the past year. Clyde was cared for by the entire membership and even had his own Accountability Tag.

Clyde loved to hop in the pumper or squad when crews went out, and his ashes will likely take a final trip on our ladder truck -- his favorite ride -- next week when all members return from the holiday weekend.