On January 30, 2022, Thomas M. Flater, III passed away after a long battle with early onset Alzheimer's.

Tom was born on January 31, 1966 in Westminster and grew up in Gamber. He was quite proud of his family's history in Gamber and that he and his family still lived on what used to be the family farm.

Tom was a life member of the Gamber & Community Fire Co. He joined the Gamber Junior program in October 1980 and served for two years until joining the Senior Division in 1982. Tom jumped right in taking fire and EMS classes and in 1985, he was appointed to the position of EMS Lieutenant. Tom rode both the ambulance and the fire engines, and from 1986-1988 he was a Fire Lieutenant. Then in 1989 he returned to the EMS side and became EMS Captain for several years. From 1997-1999 he served again as Fire Lieutenant. In 2002-2003 he was elected 2nd Vice President.

Tom also served on the following committees:
Golf Tournament
Big 6 stand at the Carnival
Apparatus Committee
1990 New Ambulance Committee
Treasurer for the Carroll County Volunteer Ambulance Committee (one year)
He received his Life Active Membership with Gamber in 2007.

Tom spent his 29-year career with the Baltimore County Fire Department. He further gave back to his community by working part time for the Westminster Volunteer Fire Department, the New Windsor Fire & Hose Co., and the Carroll County 911 Center.

Tom loved his family and friends, travel, skiing and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Tom was predeceased by his parents, Thomas, Jr. and Carole (Gettel) Flater and his sister Robin Flater Chenoweth. He is survived by his wife, Samantha (Gold) Flater and two sons, Noah Thomas and Dylan Jeffrey.

The family will receive friends from 11:00 am -1:00 pm on Friday, February 11, 2022 at the Gamber & Community Fire Company, 3838 Niner Rd, Finksburg, MD 21048. There will be a Memorial Service starting at 1:00 pm with a Fire Company Memorial Service to follow.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Gamber & Community Fire Co. or the Carroll County Humane Society.