Westminster Police Officer and Firefighter Elwood Kauffman, 88

Westminster Police Officer and Firefighter Elwood Kauffman, 88
John Elwood Kauffman October 6, 1931 – May 12, 2020

Friday, May 15, 2020 – by Westminster Fire Dept. Chaplain Kevin Dayhoff

It is with great sadness that the Westminster Fire Engine and Hose Co. No. 1 announces the passing of Westminster Fire Department Life Member Elwood Kauffman, 88. Kauffman passed away on Tuesday May 12, 2020.

  • At the family’s request, viewing will be on Friday, May 15, 2020 at the Westminster Fire Department at 28 John Street in Westminster Md. from 3:00 PM-5:00 PM. It will be a drive-through format.

Elwood was the beloved husband of Iris B. Kauffman, his wife of 35 years.

He served as a full time engineer for the Westminster Fire Department in the late 50’s – until 1959. He then worked for the Westminster and Howard County Police Departments.

He worked many years as a Deputy Md. State Fire Marshal FM-1 where he was an arson investigator in the Carroll and Howard County region. After his retirement from the Fire Marshal’s Office, Kaufman was a bailiff for Carroll County Circuit Court for over 12 years.

Kauffman was born in Carroll County on October 6, 1931 to the late Margaret Essich Kauffman and J. Ralph Kauffman.

He was a graduate of Westminster High School’s Class of 1949.

Kauffman was a former member of St. Benjamin’s Lutheran Church in Westminster. Upon moving to Plum Creek in Hanover, Pa, he attended Grace United Methodist in Hanover.

A drive-through visitation for Kauffman will be held on Friday, May 15, 2020 from 3 to 5 pm at Westminster Fire Engine and Hose Company 1, 28 John Street, Westminster. Upon arrival, please remain in your vehicle and staff will direct you.

A private funeral service will be held at 11 am on Saturday, May 16, 2020 at Pritts Funeral Home & Chapel, 412 Washington Road, Westminster with Deacon Charles Barnhart, Jr. officiating.

Private Interment will follow at Meadow Branch Cemetery in Westminster. Although attendance at Elwood’s funeral service will be limited to immediate family, other guests are welcome to join virtually or by phone.