01/11/2026
We are utterly devastated to hear of the transition of Master Firefighter and our brother in Christ, Bernard Arnold, whom we lovingly referred to as Brother John.
We only met Brother John in 2024 but he immediately became a staple member of our Rhema Abundant Life Ministry community.
Deuteronomy 6:5 states, "And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might." And this is exactly how Brother John lived his life before us.
Whenever there was a service, John was most always there.
Whenever God opened a door for us to serve domestic or international missions - Brother John may not have been able to come in person because of his dedication to the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services(HCDFRS), but he always made sure he contributed in other ways. We have been able to serve underserved families in the Baltimore, MD area and around the world in part because of all of his generous contributions.
Whenever there was a call to prayer, Brother John was there. Sometimes the only one there!
While he considered himself "just learning," we were consistently blessed by his ongoing weekly prayers and were even able to encourage him to lead prayer on our Weekly Grief Support prayer line and Saturday morning prayer line.
His fervent petition before God was for his two beautiful daughters, Sister Barnae and Sister Shayna (who we prayed for weekly and will continue to pray for). His prayer was always that they would experience the fullness of everything God has for their lives.
He once taught us that he demonstrated Christ to others by treating them with "respect." This was duly noted by the HCDFRS and the Daily Voice.
As we crossed over into the New Year, discussions were made regarding a community daily Bible reading challenge, fasting, and community outreach. Every time it was mentioned, Brother John lit up with a smile from ear to ear. He could not wait to participate.
He was so hungry for the things of God and always expressed that he had rediscovered a sole desire to please God.
It's safe to say that Brother John's presence will surely be missed in so many spheres of influence. He was a tremendous blessing to us all!
Well done our beloved brother in Christ. I'm sure once he was met with an opportunity to be with Christ, face to face, eternally, he did not hesitate to walk into God's open arms!
May we all live our lives as passionately and seriously for Christ as our beloved Brother John did. We will miss you on this side of glory dearly, but our lives will forever be impacted because of your love and Christ-like walk.
Please keep his precious daughters, family, and friends in your prayers. Please pray for us as we navigate his shocking transition and continue to pray for the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services, and the comrades of Brother John as they served our community without him.
Yours in Christ,
Apostle and Pastor West.
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It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of Master Firefighter Bernard Arnold while off duty. Throughout his 26 years at HCDFRS, Master Firefighter Arnold primarily worked at Stations 8 and 13 in Ellicott City and Glenwood and was known for his big smile and a sense of humor that could put anyone at ease.
The impact that he made on his coworkers, department, and community will never be forgotten. Please keep his family, friends, and colleagues in your thoughts. More information on arrangements will be forthcoming.
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Arrangements update (1/20/26): Arrangements for MFF Bernard Arnold will be provided by Wylie Funeral Home, 9200 Liberty Road, Randallstown, MD 21133.
Family will receive visitors: Thursday, January 29, 2026 from 4:30 pm to 8:00 pm.
Funeral:
- Wake: Friday, January 30, 2026 from 9:00 am to 9:30 am
- Service: Friday, January 30, 2026 from 9:30 am to 11:00 am
Interment with military honors: Immediately following the funeral service at Garrison Forest Veterans Cemetery, 11501 Garrison Forest Road, Owings Mills, MD 21117.
Repast details are being arranged and will be made known during the funeral service.
