The State of Maryland has dedicated a stretch of River Road (Maryland Route 190) in honor of former Cabin John Park Volunteer Fire Department (CJPVFD) Fire Chief James P. Seavey, Sr., recognizing a lifetime of service that spanned more than four decades and left a lasting impact on firefighters locally and nationwide.
According to a social media post by the CJPVFD, the newly dedicated portion runs from the Washington, D.C. jurisdictional boundary to Falls Road in Potomac—an important corridor long served by Chief Seavey and the departments he helped strengthen. The roadway dedication will stand as a visible tribute to a leader whose contributions shaped fire service operations, community safety, and national firefighter advocacy.
Chief Seavey began his firefighting career at just 16 years old as a volunteer with the Glen Echo Volunteer Fire Department. His dedication to public service only deepened from there. He went on to become the longest-serving fire chief in the history of CJPVFD, leading the department from 1992 to 2017. In addition to his volunteer leadership, Seavey served nearly 30 years with the District of Columbia Fire and EMS Department, retiring as a Captain.
In 2018, Chief Seavey passed away from occupational cancer, a diagnosis officially recognized as a Line-of-Duty Death due to the hazards and exposures he faced throughout his career. His advocacy work, particularly in advancing firefighter cancer prevention efforts and championing safety reforms, continues to influence fire service policy across the country.
“Chief Seavey’s impact was felt from the firehouse to the national stage,” said CJPVFD Fire Chief Corinne Piccardi. “His leadership, mentorship, and advocacy improved the lives of firefighters and strengthened the community he served. This dedication ensures his legacy will stand visibly and permanently along a roadway he and our crews respond on every day.”
The designation marks a permanent acknowledgment of Chief Seavey’s contributions and the lasting imprint he left on Montgomery County and the broader firefighting community.
