CRESAPTOWN, Md. — For many people, one demanding career is more than enough. For John Clingerman, service to others doesn’t end when his shift does.
Clingerman works as a correctional officer at North Branch Correctional Institution, Maryland Department of Public Safety says. When he’s not inside the prison, he’s answering another call — serving as fire chief of the Orleans Volunteer Fire Company, a role he says has always been part of who he is.
“I like doing what I do. I do what I do because I like doing.”
In addition to working in corrections and leading a volunteer fire department, Clingerman manages a beef farm and raises two sons with his wife. Balancing those responsibilities requires long hours and a strong work ethic, something he says has always been ingrained in him.
“We stay pretty busy. I always believed in work ethics.”
Clingerman said he never sought recognition for his service, describing it instead as a natural extension of how he was raised.
“I don’t do it to be thanked,” he said. “I was always taught to help each other out.”
Colleagues say Clingerman approaches each role with the same level of dedication, whether he is ensuring safety inside the correctional facility or leading emergency response efforts in his community. His ability to balance multiple demanding roles has earned him respect from those who work alongside him.
For Clingerman, service is not tied to a single uniform or title. It is a responsibility he embraces every day.
“I was raised to help people,” he said. “That’s what I enjoy doing.”
