Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Maryland State Firemen’s Association
Proceedings of the
120th Annual Convention and Conference
Held in Ocean City, Maryland
June 16 - 22, 2012
Next Meeting to be held at
Ocean City, Maryland
June 15 - 21, 2013 1 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference TABLE OF CONTENTS
Seal and Logo ...... 3
MSFA Presidents 2010 – 2011 and 2011 – 2012 ...... 5
MSFA Officers (Elected and Appointed) ...... 7
Committees ...... 11
Officers & Committee Chairs’ Pictures ...... 37
Past Presidents ...... 43
Convention Locations ...... 54
120th Annual MSFA Convention and Conference Program ...... 55
Memorial Tribute ...... 62
Opening Ceremonies ...... 82
Session Two ...... 121
Session Three ...... 153
Joint Installation ...... 199
Session Four ...... 216
Report of MSFA Officers and Committees ...... 242
Ladies Auxiliary Convention and Conference Program ...... 310
Ladies Auxiliary Presidents 2011-2012 and 2012-2013 ...... 313
Ladies Auxiliary Officers ...... 315
Report of Ladies Auxiliary Officers ...... 317
Credentials Listing Roll Call of Member Departments ...... 330
Charter, Constitution and By-Laws ...... 391
MSFA Awards, Rules/Regulations, and Contest/Winners ...... 450
Parade Award Winners ...... 530
2 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Seal of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association
The Great Seal of Maryland was used by the Maryland State Firemen’s Association during its first two years (1893-1894.) The second logo of the M.S.F.A. was first used in 1895, and appeared on the Proceedings Book of the Association until 1904, (shown lower left.) In 1905, the logo was changed (shown lower right). In 2001 the logo (shown next page) was slightly altered to include the wording around the outside edge, was created and continues to be used as a sign of recognition by representatives of the M.S.F.A. while conducting the official business of the Association. The description of the logo was supplied by Past President Peter Paul Lochary and Mrs. Jeannie Hare (widow of Past President Herman B. Hare.)
MEANING OF THE LOGO
The color red represents life-red blood of the human being-the gift of God. The hose expresses effort-energy put forth by individuals to his/her job as water flows through the hose. Tools of the trade - Axes - force. Ladders - steps to success for firemen helping to provide better service to the community. Nozzle - used to dispense water-result of success applied by firemen.Oak Leaves - White Oak is the tree of the State of Maryland and shows strength. Acorns symbolize deeds of firemen that grow into accomplishments just as acorns grow into great oak trees. Wreath formed by oak leaves and acorns to symbolize valor and achievement. Bow to tie it all together to make a great organization.
3 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference
4 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference
David W. Lewis Odenton VFD Anne Arundel County 2011-2012 5 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference
John Denver Singerly Steam Fire Engine & Hook & Ladder Company Cecil County 2012-2013 6 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference 2011 – 2012 MSFA OFFICERS – ELECTED AND APPOINTED
PRESIDENT David W. Lewis H 410-674-3940 Odenton VFC – Anne Arundel W 301-226-9936 533 Oakton Road; Odenton, MD 21113 C 240-882-3718 E-Mail: [email protected] or [email protected]
FIRST VICE PRESIDENT John Denver H 410-398-5356 Singerly Steam FE&H&LC – Cecil C 443-945-3316 458 Bow St.; Elkton, MD 21921-4622 E-Mail: [email protected]
SECOND VICE PRESIDENT Jackie M. Olson H 443-871-0409 Ferndale VFC – Anne Arundel W 410-222-8200x8278 424 Greenland Beach Rd., Baltimore, MD 21226 E-Mail: [email protected]; [email protected]
SECRETARY Joseph A. Cooper H 301-863-5362 Bay District VFD – St. Mary’s FAX 301-862-5244 22873 Dement Lane, California, MD 20619 Sta 301-863-8790 E-Mail: [email protected] C 240-925-9583
SECRETARY EMERITUS Leonard T. King, Sr., PP H 410-867-3658 Damascus VFD – Montgomery C 443-458-2000 6047 Melbourne Avenue, Deale, MD 20751 E-Mail: [email protected]
ASSISTANT SECRETARY Richard Hemphill C 301-730-1923 Independent Junior VFC – Washington 20011 Jefferson Blvd., Hagerstown, MD 21742 E-Mail: [email protected]
7 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference ASSISTANT SECRETARY Kristi Reppe C 410-596-5465 New Windsor VFD – Carroll 153 Moul Avenue, Hanover, PA 17331 E-Mail: [email protected]
ASSISTANT SECRETARY Ronald E. Watkins H 301-253-5285 Damascus VFD – Montgomery C 301-717-1375 25120 Woodfield Road; Damascus, MD 20872-2325 E-Mail: [email protected]
TREASURER Ronald J. Siarnicki H 443-249-0455 United Communities VFD – Queen Anne’s W 301-721-6212 U.S. Mail 2130 Priest Bridge Drive, Ste. #6, Crofton, MD 21114 216 Queen Anne Club Drive; Stevensville, MD 21666 E-Mail: [email protected] C 301-467-5780
ASSISTANT TREASURER Robert W. Jacobs, PP H 301-663-3418 Citizens Truck Co. – Frederick C 301-471-8134 410 East Ninth Street, Frederick, MD 21701 Fax 301-545-0536 E-Mail: [email protected]
ASSISTANT TREASURER Lee N. Sachs, PP H 410-486-4125 Pikesville VFC – Baltimore W 410-581-2442 8516 Meadowsweet Road, Baltimore, MD 21208 C 410-456-0388 E-Mail: [email protected]
ASSISTANT TREASURER Mitch Vocke H 410-692-9614 Jarrettsville VFC – Harford W 410-638-3401 P.O. Box 401, Jarrettsville, MD 21084 C 410-808-1693 E-Mail: [email protected]
FINANCIAL SECRETARY George A. “Fred” Cross, Jr. PP H 410-252-3721 Chestnut Ridge VFC – Baltimore W 410-720-6060x145 P.O. Box 4764, Lutherville, MD 21094-4764 C 410-984-5366 E-Mail: [email protected] Fax 410-290-8228
8 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference ASSISTANT FINANCIAL SECRETARY Chris Hyzer C 443-250-4189 Middle River VFC – Baltimore W 410-706-0881 139 Trailways Road, Baltimore, MD 21220 E-Mail: [email protected]
CHIEF CHAPLAIN Rev. John F. Long, Jr. H 410-437-6756 Lake Shore VFC – Anne Arundel W 410-762-6235 343 Coolbreeze Ct., Pasadena, MD 21122 C 443-623-0753 E-Mail: [email protected] or [email protected]
CHIEF CHAPLAIN EMERITUS Rev. J. Harvey Dixon H 410-749-4157 Salisbury FD, Station #1 – Wicomico C 443-614-9277 1402 Glen Avenue, Salisbury, MD 21804 W 410-543-2500 E-Mail: [email protected]
CHAPLAINS Rev. Frederick B. Bahr H 410-228-4757 Tilghman VFD – Talbot C 443-521-0835 205 Maryland Avenue, Cambridge, MD 21613 E-Mail: [email protected]
Deacon Charles E. Barnhart, Jr. H 410-756-5858 Taneytown VFD – Carroll C 410-984-6165 11 Frederick Street, Apt. 3, Taneytown, MD 21787 E-Mail: [email protected]
Rabbi Kenneth Block C 410-447-0641 Bel Air VFC – Harford 201 Crosse Pointe Ct,, #3B, Abingdon, MD 21009 E-Mail: [email protected]
Rev. David L. Coblentz H 301-371-0140 Middletown VFC – Frederick Fax 301-730-4546 208 South Jefferson Street, Middletown, MD 21769 E-Mail: [email protected]
Rev. Harry Hetz H 301-890-3796 Beltsville VFD – Prince George’s Pgr 301-499-8225X1772 13209 Acoustic Court, Silver Spring, MD 20904 E-Mail: [email protected] 9 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Rev. Marvin C. Jackson H 410-658-1123 Rising Sun VFC – Cecil C 443-206-0231 100 McNamee Lane, Rising Sun, MD 21911
Deacon George H. L’Heureux H 301-769-4040 Second District VFD/RS – St. Mary’s C 240-298-3523 21050 Olen Mattingly Road, Avenue, MD 20609 E-Mail: [email protected]
Calvin “Pete” Walbert H 301-729-1447 Cresaptown VFD – Allegany C 301-697-3301 13201 5th Avenue, S.W., Cresaptown, MD 21502-5507 E-Mail: [email protected]
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
CHAIR Steve V. Hales (2013) H 410-213-2414 Ocean City VFC – Worcester W 410-632-5500 10049 Bonita Drive, Ocean City, MD 21842 F 410-632-5507 E-Mail: [email protected]
VICE CHAIR C. Dan Carpenter III (2016) H 301-609-8651 Potomac Heights VFD – Charles C 240-216-1706 1106 Cornwall Dr., LaPlata, MD 20646-3544 E-Mail: [email protected]
SECRETARY Gene Worthington, PP (2015) H 410-734-0306 Level VFC – Harford C 410-459-0137 3663 Old Level Road, Havre de Grace, MD 21078-1131 E-Mail: [email protected]
TRUSTEE Douglas C. Alexander (2014) C 240-674-3936 Mt. Airy VFC – Carroll 702 North Main Street, Mt. Airy, MD 21771 E-Mail: [email protected]
TRUSTEE Terry E. Thompson, PP (2012) H 410-531-3342 Savage VFC – Howard C 301-979-5686 6122 Tulane Drive, Clarksville, MD 21029 E-Mail: [email protected]
10 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
CHAIR Wylie L. Donaldson, Jr. H 410-674-2677 Odenton VFC – Anne Arundel F 410-672-0758 509 Maple Ridge Lane, Odenton, MD 21113 E-Mail: [email protected] or [email protected]
Vice Chair Benjamin W. Kurtz C 410-808-6600 Jarrettsville VFC – Harford W 410-692-6000 1116 Baldwin Mill Rd., Jarrettsville, MD 21084 E-Mail: [email protected]
Mark A. Bilger H 410-374-1958 Hampstead VFC – Carroll/Howard C 443-791-4807 4530 Black Rock Rd., Hampstead, MD 21074 E-Mail: [email protected]
Rodney W. Bowser H 301-746-5576 Friendsville VFRD – Allegany/Garrett C 301-616-3195 P.O. Box 14, Friendsville, MD 21531 E-Mail: [email protected]
Stuart W. Carter H 480-706-5561 Pikesville VFD – Baltimore C 443-831-2797 16232 S. 33rd Place; Phoenix, AZ 85048 E-Mail: [email protected]
Glen D. “Dale” Fishack, Jr. H 301-824-2388 Smithsburg VFD – Frederick/Washington 14545 Barkdoll Rd., Hagerstown, MD 21842 E-Mail: [email protected] John F. Guntow, Jr. H 410-213-0950 Ocean City VFC – Worcester/Wicomico/Somerset C 410-783-0308 12502 Fleetway Drive, Ocean City, MD 21842 E-Mail: [email protected]
William Hildebrand H 410-778-6005 Chestertown VFC – Kent C 410-708-8169 201 Oriole Road, Chestertown, MD 21620 W 443-744-9073 E-Mail: [email protected]
11 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Lee A. Lutz H 301-577-3120 Glenn Dale VFD – Prince George’s C 410-515-9253 9137 Lanham Severn Rd., Lanham, MD 20706 E-Mail: [email protected]
James P. Seavey, Sr. H 301-607-6461 Cabin John Park VFD – Montgomery W 301-365-2028 4004 Middleton Drive, Monrovia, MD 21170 C 301-252-5315 E-Mail: [email protected] F 301-365-2563
Richard Smith H 410-820-6045 Oxford VFD – Talbot C 410-829-2232 6710 Hawkins Gate Rd., Easton, MD 21601 E-Mail: [email protected]
Daniel J. Stevens H 301-934-1375 Waldorf VFD – Charles/St. Mary’s/Calvert C 301-751-3860 6461 Hawkins Gate Road, LaPlata, MD 20646 E-Mail: [email protected]
EX-OFFICIO MEMBER Doyle E. Cox, PP H 410-690-3568 Prince Frederick VFD C 443-532-1416 29132 Superior Circle, Easton, MD 21601 E-Mail: [email protected]
OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY Michael W. Farlow, Esquire C 410-726-3458 Office: 11032 Nicholas Lane, Ste. A201 F 410-208-4255 Ocean Pines, MD 21811 225 South Washington Street, Snow Hill, MD 21863 E-Mail: [email protected]
OFFICE OF THE PARLIAMENTARIAN CHAIR Richard K. Brooks III H 410-692-6571 John R. Keyser, Sr. H 410-822-7412 William J. Wagner III H 410-781-4318 Andrew White H 240-876-4221
12 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference 2011 – 2012 MSFA COMMITTEES
Awards Committee CHAIR Evelyn Graf 410-255-6831 Vice Chair Doyle Cox, PP 410-690-3568 C. Oscar Baker, PP 301-829-0383 Danny Carpenter III 301-609-8651 Joseph Chornock 301-252-1988 Robert E. Collins 301-743-5269 C. Daniel Davis, Jr., PP 301-373-5280 William “Bill” Dousa 410-676-9392 John Fisher 443-880-4394 John O. Gatton, Sr. 301-373-2221 Stephen V. Hales 410-213-2414 Robert W. Jacobs, PP 301-663-3418 Johnie F. Roth, Jr. 301-774-4901 Liaison: Secretaries Office
Robert Shimer, PP Admin. Award Sub-Committee Chairman Robert W. Jacobs, PP 301-663-3418 Vice Chairman Philip M. Hurlock, PP 410-556-6628 C. Daniel Davis, Jr., PP 301-373-5280 Joseph R. Robison, PP 301-776-5686 Roger A. Steger, Sr., PP 410-213-0780
Firefighter of theYear Committee Chairman John O. Gatton, Sr. 301-373-2221 Vice Chairman William E. Radisch 301-855-9336 J. Edward Cross 410-758-2036 James Jarboe 301-649-4891 David Keller III 301-223-5632 William B. Lay, Sr. 410-679-0882 David C. “Rusty” Leftwich 410-836-0508 William “Bill” Smith 301-741-3518 James L. Snyder, Jr. 301-253-3571 Jeff Thompson 410-778-1359
Hall of Fame Committee Chairman C. Daniel Carpenter III (14) 301-609-8651 Vice Chairman Benjamin W. Kurtz (14) 410-808-6600 C. Oscar Baker, PP (13) 301-829-0383 George A. “Fred” Cross, Jr., PP 410-252-3721
13 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference John T. Ferguson (13) 717-338-9445 John O. Gatton, Sr. (12) 301-272-2221 Donald Lee Howard 410-623-2351 William B. Lay, Sr. (12) 410-679-0882 Charles J. Mattingly III, PP 301-884-8705 James T. Riegel, Sr. 410-388-1204 Richard Smith 410-820-6045
Financial Committee Treasurer Ron Siarnicki 443-249-0455 Financial Secretary George A. “Fred” Cross, Jr., PP 410-252-3721 Budget & Review Chairman: Stephan D. Cox, PP 443-867-6303 Executive Committee Rep.: Wylie L. Donaldson, Jr. 410-674-2677
Budget and Revenue Committee Chairman Stephan D. Cox, PP (12) 443-867-6303 Vice Chairman Benjamin W. Kurtz (12) 410-808-6600 Treasurer (Ex-Officio) Ron Siarnicki 443-249-0455 Fin. Secretary (Ex-Officio) Geo. A. “Fred” Cross, Jr., PP 410-252-3721 Paul R. “Bobby” Balta, Jr., PP (14) 301-872-4408 Eugene Curfman (13) 410-775-2870 C. Daniel Davis Jr., PP (14) 301-373-5280 Gene Worthington, PP (13) 410-734-0306
Constitution and By-Laws Committee Chairman Dennis Skinner 410-257-3027 Vice Chairman John R. Keyser, Sr. 410-822-7412 Attorney Michael W. Farlow, Esq. 410-726-3458 Robert Allen 301-855-4373 William Hardee 410-855-4373 Steven J. Scheinin, Esq. 410-692-2761 Barbara Steiner 410-228-3359 William J. Wagner III 410-781-4318 Liaison: Secretary’s Office
Convention Steering Committee Chairman Ronald J. Siarnicki 443-249-0455 Chairman Emeritus Leonard T. King, Sr., PP 410-867-3658 Ken Bush 410-820-4983 Doyle Cox, PP 410-690-3568 George A. “Fred” Cross, Jr., PP 410-252-3721 C. Daniel Davis, Jr., PP 301-373-5280
14 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Wylie L. Donaldson, Jr. 410-674-2677 William Hildebrand 410-778-6005 Robert W. Jacobs, PP 301-663-3418 Benjamin W. Kurtz 410-808-6600 Thomas A. Mattingly, Sr., PP 301-475-8200 Lee N. Sachs, Esq., PP 410-486-4125 Roger A. Steger, Sr., PP 410-213-0780 LAMSFA Liaison: Flo Collins 410-250-1029 Special Liaison: Tom Collins 410-250-1029 Special Liaison: William J. Hawkins 301-776-6163 Special Liaison: Elaine Huttenloch 301-735-1319 Special Liaison: Roger N. Powell, Esq., PP 410-883-8338
Administration Sub-Committee Co-Chairman Lee N. Sachs, Esq., PP 410-486-4125 Vice Chairman Doyle Cox, PP 410-690-3568 Paul R. “Bobby” Balta, PP 301-872-4408 Jim Brown 410-706-3994 Joseph A. Cooper 301-863-5362 Nancy Cox 443-871-3709 Evelyn Graf 410-255-6831 Rick Hemphill 301-730-1923 Elaine Huttenloch 301-735-1319 Richard A. Snader 443-977-4950 John C. Spiker, Sr. 410-360-1257 Roger A. Steger, Sr., PP 410-213-0780 Ronald E. Watkins 301-253-5285 Laura Woods 410-798-0764
Exhibits Sub-Committee Co-Chairman Wylie L. Donaldson, Jr. 410-674-2677 Vice Chairman Roger A. Steger, Sr., PP 410-213-0780 Paul R. “Bobby” Balta, PP 301-872-4408 George A. “Fred” Cross, Jr., PP 410-252-3721 John O. Gatton, Sr. 301-373-2221 John F. Guntow, Jr. 410-884-8705 Charles “Jenks” Mattingly, PP 301-884-8705 Lee N. Sachs, Esq., PP 410-486-4125 Paul H. Sterling, Jr., PP 302-829-8147
Financial Sub-Committee Co-Chairman Robert W. Jacobs, PP 301-663-3418 Vice Chairman George A. “Fred” Cross, Jr., PP 410-252-3721 15 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Rose Clark 410-643-0578 Pat Cross 410-252-3721 Margaret Gouty 410-591-5992 Chris Hyzer 410-591-5367 Sandy Jacobs 301-663-3418 Thomas A. Mattingly, Sr., PP 301-475-8200 Mitch Vocke 410-692-9614
Production Sub-Committee Co-Chairman Thomas A. Mattingly, Sr., PP 301-475-8200 Vice Chair William Hildebrand 410-778-6005 William E. Barnard 410-703-2901 Flo Collins 410-250-1029 Teresa Ann Crisman 240-882-6772 Roger A. Steger, Sr., PP 410-213-0780 Susan Taylor 301-883-5204 Frank J. Underwood, PP 301-318-9212
Program Sub-Committee Co-Chair Ken Bush 410-820-4983 Vice Chair Benjamin W. Kurtz 410-808-6600 Dennis Beard 410-795-1150 Tom Collins 410-250-1029 George A. “Fred” Cross, Jr., PP 410-252-3721 J. Frank Hawley 410-272-0033 Matt Heard 240-674-8861 Elaine Huttenloch 301-735-1319 Rev. John F. Long, Jr. 410-437-6756 Jacqueline Olson 410-255-7745 Edwin F. Preston, PP 410-242-6536 Lee N. Sachs, PP 410-486-4125 Roger A. Steger, Sr., PP 410-213-0780 Joseph Ward (MFRI) 410-749-0313
Data Systems Committee Chair Richard A. Snader (14) 443-977-4950 Vice Chair Lewis Harvey IV (13) 410-242-9245 Ryan Bowman 443-340-7241 Mary Carr 410-242-0317 David Fitzgerald 410-629-1474 Rick Hemphill (12) 301-733-8635 Barry Johnson (14) 301-593-7053 Rick Leizear (12) 240-882-4316 16 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Chris May 410-242-0317 Jimmie Rose (13) 301-884-8089 Joel Wilbanks 870-703-2901
Public Safety Network Task Force Sub-Committee Leader Skip Menzies 301-790-0940 Lewis Harvey IV 410-242-9245 Rick Hemphill 301-730-1923 Robert E. Knippenburg, PP 301-463-6114 Richard Koons 717-463-6223 Brian Lowman 301-223-9112 Ron Murphy 410-953-7495 Richard Snader 443-977-4950 Michael Walker 410-252-3134 MD DNR Liaison: Monte Mitchell 410-260-8503 MDOT Liaison: Mark Harris 410-865-1128 MFCA Liaison: Jeff Thompson 410-778-1359 MFRI Liaison: Tom Sweeting 301-226-9912 MIEMSS Liaison: David Balthis 410-706-7798 MSP Liaison: Sgt. Walter Kerr 410-238-5886 OSFM Liaison – William Barnard 410-703-2901
Emergency Medical Services Committee Chair William “Bill” Dousa (2013) 410-676-9392 Chair Emeritus Charles W. Wills 301-743-7086 Vice Chair Rick Udell (14) 410-486-3432 Member Emeritus Wayne Tome, Sr. 410-378-4810 ALS Vice Chair Marianne Warehime (2014) 410-239-8859 BLS Vice Chair Joan W. Williams (2014) 301-373-5517 Linda Dousa (12) 410-676-9392 Jeff Fleming (13) 410-795-5381 Susan Grote (12) 410-392-5633 Lee N. Sachs, Esq., PP (12) 410-486-4125 Chris St. John (13) 240-876-4792 MSP Liaison: Sgt. Walter Kerr 410-238-5886 MIEMSS Liaison: Dr. Richard Alcorta 410-706-5074 Philip M. Hurlock, PP 410-706-3666 MFRI Liaison: BLS - Wayne Colburn 800-275-6374 ALS – Steve Frye 301-226-9938
Advanced Life Support Sub-Committee Chair Marianne Warehime (14) 410-239-8859 Victoria Cunningham 410-272-1636 17 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Dave Fitzgerald 410-629-1474 Jeffrey Fleming (13) 410-795-5381 Carolyn McHenry 301-370-9205 Susan Mott 410-596-4684 James Radcliffe 443-7940866 Sam Sauers 410-808-3475 Charles J. Simpson, Jr. 410-848-3199 Richard Udell (14) 410-486-3432 Earl A. Warehime 410-239-8859 Kelly Zimmer 410-532-0579
Basic Life Support Sub-Committee Chair Joan W. Williams (14) 301-373-5517 Barbara “Bobbie” Aaron 410-943-8844 William Walter Boyd, Sr. 410-922-6420 Bernard “Tom” Brown, Jr. 443-306-7306 C. Daniel Green, Sr. 410-857-3329 John “Jack” Hulet 410-302-5337 Barry Johnson 301-593-7053 Debbie King 202-669-0792 Dan Mautz 410-829-5317 Vernon Monday 301-751-3863 Sharon Paugh 304-813-5420 Sherrie Sauers 410-808-3468 Barbara Steiner 410-228-3359 Cora Stockhausen 443-532-0043 John Sullivan 410-226-0028 Stanley J. Williams 301-373-5517
Fire Laws Books Committee Chair Mark A. Bilger 410-374-1958 Attorney Michael W. Farlow, Esq. 410-726-3458
Fire Prevention and Life Safety Committee Chair Robert E. Collins (13) 301-743-5269 Chair Emeritus Tom P. Collins 410-250-1029 Vice Chair Melissa Gould 301-863-2065 Vice Chair Mike Fennington (14) 410-758-3969 Secretary Edwin F. Thurston (12) 301-736-7320 Alfred “Butch” W. Britton, Jr. 410-980-2357 J. Pinoake Browning (13) 301-898-9051 Lori Denbow 410-734-6845 Donald Ford 410-784-2250 18 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference David Garnice 443-318-4798 Emmons K. Horner (13) 410-651-1814 James Jarboe (12) 301-649-4891 Debbie King 202-669-0792 James Kohl (14) 410-676-7504 Heather Miller 443-553-0127 William Nichols 301-662-4691 Sharon Paugh 304-813-5420 Debbie Perry 240-299-0687 Kristi Reppe 410-596-5465 Allen Ryan, Jr. (12) 410-642-6440 Marlene Schaeffer 717-382-9413 John C. Spiker, Sr. (14) 410-360-1257 DOSFM Liaison: Bruce Bouch 410-653-8999 LAMSFA Liaisons Jane Huffman 410-255-0921 MFRI Liaison J. Pinoake Browning 301-898-9051 MSFA Grants Liaison Steven Barry 443-509-0478 OSFM Liaison William E. Barnard 410-703-2901
Miss Fire Prevention Sub-Committee Chair Amanda Soper 240-694-6677 Kristi Reppe 410-596-5465 Nora Ryan 410-642-6440 Sherry Soper 301-662-0761 Bridget Weishaar 443-375-0449 Miss Fire Prevention Jennifer Barciz 443-803-4409 Miss Fire Prevention 1st Runner-up Megan Hiltz 443-224-0426
Jr. Miss Fire Prevention Regional Co-ordinators Western Maryland – Donna Struntz 240-727-0312 North Central – Amanda Soper 240-694-6677 Southern Maryland – Teresa Ann Crisman 240-882-6772 Upper Eastern Shore – Holley Guschke 443-786-4009 North East – Lori Denbow 410-734-6845 Lower Eastern Shore – Jen Stevens 410-546-1375
Risk Watch Sub-Committee Chair Teresa Ann Crisman 240-882-6772 Audrey Thurston 301-736-7320 Edwin F. Thurston 301-736-7320 Marie Warner-Crosson 301-464-3252 Cynthia Wright-Johnson 301-593-7053 19 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Grants Committee Chair Steve Berry 410-517-5108 Vice Chair Beth Stone 410-780-3178 Janet Fisher 443-614-8844 Jason Miller 301-842-2329 Debbie Perry 240-299-0687 Keith Summers 410-796-4311 MFRI Liaison: Wayne Colburn 301-226-9937 DNR Liaison: Monte Mitchell 410-260-8503 FEMA Liaison: Lori Bainbridge 215-931-5586 Governor’s Office Liaison: Merril Oliver 410-974-5090 Office of Senator Barbara Mikulski: Bart Kennedy 410-692-4510
Historical & Archives/Vol. Firefighters’ Room Committee Chair Clarence “Chip” Jewell 301-898-5578 Vice Chair John C. Spiker, Sr. – Historical 410-360-1257 Vice Chair Frank Underwood, PP – VFF Room 301-318-9212 Recorder Jane Huffman 410-255-0921 Barbara “Bobbie” Aaron 410-943-8844 Gene Aaron 410-943-8844 Raymond Adkins, PP 410-250-1228 Charles W. Cadle, Jr. 410-263-3727 Ralph Dull 410-374-4012 Ted Fletcher 302-877-0944 John W. Hoglund 301-577-5855 James Jarboe 301-649-4891 Robert D. Jarboe 301-935-5436 Debbie King 202-669-0792 Steven King 202-503-6780 Paul Mills 410-798-1861 R. Wayne Powell 301-447-6335 F.R. “Bob” Seibel III 410-757-3281 Marilyn Stadler 240-264-1085 Keith Summers 410-796-4311 Paul Tinsley 410-570-8925
Incentives Programs Committee Chair Joan Robison 301-776-5686 Vice Chair Stuart Carter 443-831-2797 C. Douglas Bostian 410-775-7104 Patricia A. Bowser 301-746-5576 Ken Bush 410-820-4983
20 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Joseph A. Cooper 301-863-5362 Gary Crampton 410-326-1819 Anne Hawkins 301-776-6163 Incentives Programs Committee (cont’d.) Donald Lee Howard 410-623-2351 Donald M. Phillips 301-949-3540 LAMSFA Liaison - Margie Shultz 301-972-8976 LAMSFA Liaison - Ann McGill 301-277-5423
County Point System Coordinators Allegany Cheri Lewellyn 301-876-9155 Anne Arundel David W. Lewis 410-674-3940 Baltimore Stuart Carter 602-706-5561 Calvert Lisa Stallings 301-855-1243 Caroline William C. Cooper 410-820-2034 Carroll Linda Bostian 410-775-7104 Cecil Charles Wm. R. Massey, Jr. 304-822-5066 Dorchester Barbara “Bobbie” Aaron 410-943-8844 Frederick Dianne Sears 301-600-2356 Garrett Patricia A. Bowser 301-746-5576 Harford J. Alan Thompson 410-836-1474 Howard Steve Fleming 410-213-5403 Kent Judith E. Hickman 410-778-0455 Montgomery Linda Dowdy 240-777-2428 Prince George’s Joan Robison 301-776-5686 Queen Anne’s Marie McHugh 410-736-6743 Somerset Donald Lee Howard 410-623-2351 St. Mary’s Joseph A. Cooper 301-863-5362 Talbot Ken Bush 410-820-4983 Washington Skip Menzies 301-790-0940 Wicomico Michael W. Farlow, Esq. 410-726-3458 Worcester Norman Cathell 410-726-9353
Legislative Committee 17 State Circle; Annapolis, MD 21401 410-974-2222 E-Mail: [email protected] FAX 410-974-3999 Chair C. Daniel Davis, Jr., PP 301-373-5280 Vice Chair Richard Yinger 410-397-3292 Robert W. Jacobs, PP 301-663-3418 Frank J. Underwood, PP 301-318-9212 LAMSFA LIAISON – Rose Davis 301-373-5280
21 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Regional Coordinators Metro-Anne Arundel, Howard, Montgomery, Prince George’s Joseph Robison, PP 301-776-5686 Northern – Baltimore, Harford, Cecil William B. Lay, Sr. 410-679-0882 North Central – Carroll, Howard Douglas Alexander 240-674-3936 Central - Frederick, Washington Dale Fishack, Jr. 301-824-6229 Southern – Calvert, Charles, St. Mary’s C. Daniel Davis, PP 301-373-5280 Upper Shore – Kent, Queen Anne’s, Talbot, Caroline Philip M. Hurlock, PP 410-556-6628 Lower Shore – Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico, Worcester Roger A. Steger, Sr., PP 410-213-0780 Western – Allegany, Garrett Robert E. Knippenburg 301-463-6144
County Representatives Allegany John Shuhart 301-463-2138 Anne Arundel Wylie Donaldson, Jr. 410-674-2677 Baltimore J. Bernard Smith, PP 410-242-4014 Calvert Lawrence Callison 410-326-1379 Caroline Russell Dukes 410-673-2248 Carroll Mark A. Bilger 410-374-1958 Cecil Joe Fisona Charles Charles W. Wills 301-743-7086 Dorchester Calvin C. Stack, Jr. 443-521-9552 Frederick Clarence “Chip” Jewell 301-898-5578 Garrett Mike Phillipi 301-334-0575 Harford William B. Lay, Sr. 410-679-0882 Howard John Coll 410-531-6031 Kent William Hildebrand 410-778-6005 Montgomery Paul Lilley 240-832-0423 Prince George’s Joseph R. Robison, PP 301-776-5686 Queen Anne’s Philip M. Hurlock, PP 410-556-6628 Somerset Donald Lee Howard 410-623-2351 St. Mary’s C. Daniel Davis, PP 301-373-5280 Talbot John R. Keyser, Sr. 410-822-7412 Washington Glen D. Fishack, Sr. 301-824-2388 Wicomico Dave J. Walston 410-749-8904 Worcester Roger A. Steger, Sr., PP 410-213-0780
22 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Federal Legislative Oversight Sub-Committee Chair Joseph R. Robison, PP 301-776-5686 Vice Chair C. Daniel Davis, Jr., PP 301-373-5280 Robert Cumberland, Jr., PP 410-848-8189 Harve “Ed” Woods, Sr. 410-798-0764 Laura Woods 410-798-0764
Fire Laws Book and Fire Technology Chair Joseph Bilger 410-374-1958 Attorney Michael W. Farlow, Esq. 410-726-3458
17 State Circle Committee Chair Charles Austin 410-439-3891 Frank J. Underwood, PP 301-318-9212 Harve “Ed” Woods, Sr. 410-798-0764
MEMA Fire Service Personnel Committee Group Chair Dennis Beard 410-795-1150 Barbara “Bobbie” Aaron (Dorchester) 410-943-8844 Steven Barry (Baltimore) 443-509-0478 Mike Berna (Baltimore) 410-592-9315 Robert Belcher (Howard) Lawrence Callison (Calvert) 410-326-1379 W. R. Bud Campbell (Kent) 410-699-1091 Robert P. Cumberland, PP (Carroll) 410-848-8189 Sean Doherty (Baltimore) 443-695-3139 Kevin Essner (Prince George’s) 240-304-0889 Donald Fair (Carroll) 443-744-0579 John T. Ferguson III (Montgomery) 717-338-9445 William Frawley (Baltimore) 410-500-6334 Jeff Gross (Montgomery) 443-250-0020 Russell Hartung (Montgomery) 240-672-3718 Matthew Hermanson (Montgomery) 240-899-7471 Robert Katz (Montgomery) 301-983-6700 Robert King (Montgomery) 301-318-4548 Skip Mensies (MDFC) 301-790-0940 Joel McCrea (Baltimore) 443-865-6162 Dave Murphy (Baltimore) 443-487-7628 Troy Odendhal (Anne Arundel) 410-519-2592 Christopher Olson (Prince George’s) 301-351-0385 Charles Ray (Carroll) 443-547-4399 Lee Sachs, PP (Baltimore) 410-456-0388
23 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Michael Schwartzberg (Baltimore) 410-258-3465 Roger A. Steger, Sr., PP (MFCA) 410-213-0780 Russell Strickland 240-477-9299 Tim Tharp (Prince George’s) 240-508-4574 Leonard Zinck (Baltimore) 410-977-7540
Out of State Events Coordinators Chair Robert Cumberland, Jr., PP 410-848-8189 Vice Chair Gene Worthington, PP 410-836-2607
Planning Committee Chair Joel McCrea 410-865-6162 Vice Chair Benjamin W. Kurtz 410-808-6600 Craig Harman 410-551-6117 C. Daniel Davis, PP 301-373-5280 John Dulina 410-780-3178 Philip M. Hurlock, PP 410-556-6628 Dave R. Keller III 301-748-0627 Joseph R. Robison, PP 301-776-5686 Lee Sachs, PP 410-456-0388 Dennis Skinner 410-257-3027 Richard Smith 410-820-6045 Raymond F. Stevens, Sr. 410-885-5740
Past President’s Committee Chair Roger A. Steger, Sr., PP (00-01) 410-213-0780 Vice Chair Jenks Mattingly, PP (01-02) 301-884-8705 Secretary/Treasurer Robert Knippenburg, PP (98-99) 301-463-6114 (All MSFA Past Presidents are members of this committee)
President’s Vehicle Committee Chair David C. “Rusty” Leftwich 410-836-0508 Vice Chair Mitch Vocke 410-692-9614 Stephan D. Cox, PP 443-867-6303 Michael Davis 410-371-6977
Public Address System/Meeting Logistics Group Chair Michael Davis 410-371-6977 Rev. Harry Hetz 301-890-3796 Edwin F. Thurston 301-736-7320 Frank J. Underwood, PP 301-318-9212
24 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Public Information Committee Chair Ronald E. Watkins 301-253-5285 Vice Chair Herman “Buddy” Schweers 443-807-0531 PIO Group Liaison: Frank J. Underwood, PP 301-318-9212 Volunteer Trumpet Liaison: Amber Leizear 240-838-0977 C. Daniel Davis, Jr., PP 301-373-5280 Gary McGinnis 202-725-8349 Franklin D. Roth 443-807-7024 James Kohl 410-676-7504 MIEMSS Liaison: Jim Brown 410-706-3994 OSFM Liaison: Bruce Bouch 410-653-8999
PIO Group Chair Frank J. Underwood, PP 301-318-9212 James Collins, PIO 301-776-8436 Scott Graham 240-876-1260 Pete Piringer 240-372-3749 Ronald E. Watkins 301-717-1375
Marketing/Individual Membership Sub-Committee Chair Herman “Buddy” Schweers 443-807-0531 Vice Chair Dennis Beard 410-795-1150 Eileen Edelin 302-376-8270 Clarence “Chip” Jewell 301-898-5578 James Kohl 410-676-7504 Courtney McHenry 240-482-9870 Debbie Perry 240-299-0687 Paul Tinsley 410-570-8925
Volunteer Trumpet Committee General Editor: Amber Leizear 240-838-0977 Regional Correspondents: West – Dennis Mallery 240-920-4385 Central North – Ed Bilger 443-508-1488 Central South – Bob McHenry 301-963-0412 Northeast – William B. Lay, Sr. 410-679-0882 Upper Shore – Sam Yockey 410-943-1218 Lower Shore – Emmons K. Horner 410-651-1814 South – Shirley Copado 301-475-9124
Contributing Correspondents: Eileen Edelin 302-376-8270
25 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference George J. Gatton 301-872-4393 James Jarboe 301-649-4891 Donald King 410-833-2345 Susie Nichols R. Wayne Powell 301-252-1988 Johnie F. Roth, Jr. 301-774-4901 Herman “Buddy” Schweers 443-807-0531 Luanne Schweers 443-807-0529 Richard Smith 410-553-0127 Richard Stem, Jr. 410-833-8758 Photographer: Heather Miller 443-553-0127 Photographer: Ronald Watkins 301-253-5285 Photographer: Jennifer Wilbanks 301-254-6290 MIEMSS Liaison: Jim Brown 410-706-3994
Recruitment & Retention Committee Chair Joseph Chornock 301-252-1988 Vice Chair Troy Odendhal 410-519-2592 Donald Briscoe 410-885-3528 Brendan Burke 301-262-5135 Julie Casey 410-984-2170 Victoria Cunningham 410-272-1636 David Garnice 202-617-0074 Marcia Garnice 410-982-3691 Robert Hahn 443-466-3468 Robert Katz 301-983-6700 A. Mike Kelley 301-570-0016 William Nichols 301-662-4691 R. Wayne Powell 301-447-6335 Jesse Springrith 240-674-7042 William Wagner III 410-781-4318 Gamunu Wijetunge 202-493-2793 Greg Yost 410-706-3994 MIEMSS Liaison: Jim Brown 410-706-3994
Residential Sprinkler Initiative Committee Chair Richard A. Green, Sr. 443-398-4078 Vice Chair Jeffrey Thompson 443-480-3022 Doug C. Alexander 240-674-3936 C. Oscar Baker, PP 301-829-0383 Richard C. Blair 301-991-2540 John Bender 443-567-8241 Ken Bush 410-820-4983 26 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Gary Crampton 410-326-1819 Tony Fleming 301-868-0005 Dennis Gentzel 410-653-8980 John Hurley 410-310-9823 Matt Kelleher 240-876-0559 Robert Knippenburg, PP 301-268-3792 David L. McQuay 410-886-2276 Lee N. Sachs, Esq., PP 410-456-0388 Richard Smith 410-829-2282 John C. Spiker, Sr. 410-360-1257 Paul H. Sterling, Jr. PP 302-829-8147 Ken Streb 443-996-0761 W. Faron Taylor 410-653-8993 Terry Thompson, PP 410-531-3342 Theresa Thompson 410-531-3342 NSFA Liaison: Ray Lonabaugh 914-643-0940 OSFM Liaison: William E. Barnard 410-703-2901 Bruce Bouch 410-653-0940 Larry Iseminger
Risk Management Committee Chair Clarence “Chip” Jewell 301-898-5578 Charles Brandt 410-584-8616 William Cooke 301-645-5015 Michael A. LeCompte 410-641-0378 Safety Committee Chair John Fisher (13) 443-880-4394 Vice Chair David Garnice (Data & Info) 202-617-0074 Vice Chair Lawrence Callison (13) (Safety) 410-326-1379 Vice Chair Hobart B. “Hoby” Howell, Jr. (Conv. Support) 410-879-8289 Recorder: Barbara Steiner 410-228-3359 Data Technical Support: Barry Johnson 301-593-7053 Highway Buckle-Up Project Liaison: Cynthia Wright-Johnson 410-706-1758
Data Collection & Information Sharing Sub-Committee Vice Chair David Garnice 202-617-0074 Tom Diem 410-364-5072 Janet Fisher 443-614-8844 Wayne Higdon (12) Peter H. Lott 410-778-0767 Daniel J. Stevens 301-943-1375 Donna Struntz 240-674-0648 27 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Safety Program Sub-Committee Vice Chair Lawrence Callison (13) 410-326-1379 Barbara “Bobbie” Aaron 410-943-8844 Gene Aaron 410-943-8844 Alfred “Butch” W. Britton, Jr. 410-980-2357 Wayne F. Fretterd, Jr. 410-479-1574 Robert Hahn 443-466-3468 Dave Meaders 410-920-4544 Gary McGinnis 410-781-6026 Thomas Musgrove, Sr. 301-924-1999 Tim Ridgell 301-866-0466 Andrew Rohrbaugh 410-977-6584 Jimmie Rose 301-884-8089 Raymond F. Stevens, Sr. 410-885-5740 Jesse Springirth 240-674-7042 John Wathen 301-872-5671 Greg Yost 301-678-5726
Convention Support Sub-Committee Vice Chair Hobart B. “Hoby” Howell, Jr. 410-879-8289 Gunter Corrado 301-264-3311 James F. Decker, Jr. 301-724-2120 George Hollenbaugh 410-620-2526 David C. Kline 301-845-6967 Gerard McGann 301-264-3110 James C. “Bennie” Shelton (12) 410-928-5778 Barbara Steiner 410-228-3359 John Wolford 301-729-1051
Scholarship Committee Chair G. Dale Fishack, Jr. (12) 301-824-6229 Chair Emeritus William Olsen 301-645-5563 Vice Chair Matthew D. Stevens (12) 410-546-1375 Jennifer Gheen 301-351-5616 Michael Harting 301-762-5734 Robert W. Jacobs, PP (12) 301-663-3418 Susan Mott (13) 410-596-4684 Pete A. Piringer 240-372-3749 Roger Powell, PP 410-833-8338 James Radcliffe 443-794-0866 Robert W. Ryan (13) 301-864-8877 Doug Simpkins, Jr. (13) 410-747-3909
28 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference W. Faron Taylor 410-653-8993 LAMSFA Liaison Peggy Zembower 301-682-9712 Special Liaison Dr. James E. Milke 301-405-3995 Special Liaison Dwight Polk 410-916-9443
Search and Rescue Committee Chair Todd “Scuba” Johnson 301-695-7222 Vice Chair Mike Berna 443-829-1651 David Crossland 301-223-8532 Janet Demeritt 410-451-8862 Jeremy Garnice 410-569-2079 Robert Katz 301-983-6700 Ronald G. McElwee 410-477-8015 Mike Phillippi 301-334-0575 James T. Riegel, Sr. 410-388-1204 James P. Seavey, Sr. 301-607-6461
Sergeant-at-Arms Committee Chair Laura Woods 410-798-0764 Vice Chair David Kyle 301-478-3065 Richard Blair 301-582-3032 R. Dan Stallings 240-508-8596 H. Edward Woods 410-439-0764
Special Activities Committee Chair Margaret Gouty 410-551-5962 Vice Chair Kathy Donahoe 301-252-2901 John T. Ferguson III 717-338-9445 Dan Mautz 410-829-5317 Debbie Perry 240-299-0687 Bernard J. Smith, PP 410-242-4014 Mary Louise Snidow 410-551-5962 Calvin S. Stack, Jr. 410-228-8517
Standards/NFPA Overview Committee Chair Ken Bush (12) 410-820-4983 Vice Chair Roger A. Steger, Sr., PP 410-213-0780 Brendan Burke 301-262-5135 C. Dan Carpenter III (13) 301-609-8651 David Cohen 301-253-2229 C. Daniel Davis, PP 301-373-5280 William DuSold 410-544-1583 Kenneth Gilroy 202-359-5493 29 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Vernon L. “Tim” Growden (12) 301-772-3014 Donald Lee Howard (13) 410-623-2351 Brian Montgomery 410-799-7195 David Myers (12) 301-432-6883 Allan Schauber 410-778-2146 James J. Snyder, Jr. (13) 301-253-3571 Daniel J. Stevens 301-943-1375 Ralph Thompson 410-943-0132 Edwin F. Thurston (13) 301-736-7320 Michael White 301-674-5861 Steven J. Wisner 240-674-0648
Statistical Committee Chair Barry Johnson 301-593-7053 Vice Chair L. Jason Baer 301-797-0776 Mark A. Bilger 410-374-1958 William Bradley 410-482-6165 Statistical Committee (cont’d.) Shirley Copado 301-475-9124 David Fitzgerald 410-629-1474 Donald Lee Howard 410-623-2351 Jason Miller 301-842-2329 Terry Odendhal 410-519-2592 Franklin D. Roth 443-807-7024 Calvin S. Stack, Jr. 410-228-8517 Justin Towles 410-456-9064 William Wantz 410-848-2796
County Representatives Allegany John Shuhart 301-463-2138 Anne Arundel Jacqueline Olson 410-255-7745 Baltimore Jim Doran 410-887-4885 Calvert Thomas Scott 443-624-5556 Caroline Bill Bradley 410-253-8368 Carroll Mark A. Bilger 410-374-1958 Cecil Allen Ryan 410-642-6440 Charles Duane K. Svites 443-865-9095 Dorchester Calvin S. Stack, Jr. 410-228-8517 Frederick Ben Henry 301-662-6744 Garrett Patricia A. Bowser 301-746-5576 Harford Benjamin W. Kurtz 410-692-9644 Howard Terry Thompson, PP 410-531-3342 Kent Kristin McMenamin 410-778-6408 30 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Montgomery Jeff Gross 443-250-0020 Prince George’s Queen Anne Trish Hunter 410-928-3138 Somerset Donald Lee Howard 410-623-2351 St. Mary’s Shirley Copado 301-475-9124 Talbot Richard Smith 410-820-6045 Washington Jason Baer 301-797-0776 Wicomico Ted Farlow 410-835-2146 Worcester Jeff McMahon 410-632-0673
Surplus Property Acquisition Committee Chair H. Edward Woods, Sr. 410-798-0764 Gary Crampton 410-326-1819 Ted Fletcher 302-877-0944 Hobart B. “Hoby” Howell, Jr. 410-879-8289 F.R. “Bob” Siebel III 410-757-3281 R. Dan Stallings 240-508-8596 Mel Wehrman, Jr. 410-803-4494 John Wolford 301-729-1051 Forestry Liaison: Monte Mitchell 410-260-8503
Training Committee Co-Chair Johnie F. Roth, Jr. 301-774-4901 Co-Chair Gerald “JJ” Lynott, Jr. (13) 410-242-6944 Mark A. Bilger (14) 410-374-1958 Richard Blair 301-582-3032 Dennis Brothers (12) 410-984-7394 Timothy F. Dayton (14) 301-359-0070 John Dulina 410-780-3178 John Fisher 443-880-4394 Leon Fleming 410-239-1174 Ray Hodgson 240-882-4316 John C. Korman (12) 410-374-4551 Richard Leizear 240-882-4316 Daniel “Skip” Mahon 410-378-2723 Thomas Musgrove, Sr. 301-924-1999 Chad Packard (12) 410-939-4151 Jim Pizzini (12) 443-514-6376 Charlie Simpson 410-596-7435 Barbara “Bobbie” Stevens (13) 301-934-1375 Daniel J. Stevens (14) 301-934-1375 Scott Wood (13) 301-498-2692 Safety Liaison: Janet Fisher 443-614-8844 31 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference MIEMSS Liaison: Philip Hurlock, PP 410-556-6628 Forestry Liaison: Monte Mitchell 410-260-8503 MFCA Liaison: Hugh Owens 301-717-1161 MFRI Liaison: Larry Preston 301-226-9924 MFRETC Liaison: Lynn Gilroy 301-609-6024 MICRB Liaison: Barbara Knippenburg 301-463-6114 MFSPQB Liaison: Donald Howard 410-623-2351
High School Career Tech Program Chair Daniel J. Stevens 301-934-1375 Barbara “Bobbi” Stevens 301-934-1375 Susan Grote 410-392-5633 Russell Strickland 240-477-9299
Rural Water Supply Committee Chair Doug C. Alexander 240-674-3936 Vice Chair Greg Dods 410-795-1333 Alfred “Butch” W. Britton, Jr. 410-980-2357 George W. Brown, Jr. 301-924-5077 Lawrence Callison 410-326-1379 Mark E. Davis 443-398-6619 Thomas Diem 410-364-5072 Tim Legore 410-861-6613 Paul Quigley Steven Shahan 301-653-1249 Robert Small 241-417-1921 Stanley S. “Buddy” Sutton 301-253-0350
Transportation Committee Chair Thomas L. Flint II (13) 301-843-2071 Vice Chair William A. Frazier (13) 301-934-3169 Glenn D. Butts (13) 301-279-0297 William C. Cooper, Sr. (12) 410-820-2034 Ann McGill 301-277-5423 Paul Tackish 240-216-6035 Mitch Vocke (12) 410-692-9614 LAMSFA Liaison: Carol Flint 240-412-0614
Area County Coordinators Allegany Ron Grabenstein 301-724-3493 Anne Arundel “A” Laura Woods 410-798-0764 Anne Arundel “B” Jacqueline Olson 410-255-7745
32 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Baltimore “A” – West Edward C. Schultz 410-833-3681 Baltimore “B” – North Robert J. Schott 410-825-0880 Baltimore “C” – East William Pearson, Jr. 410-458-0555 Baltimore “D” – South Charles Deavers 410-247-0583 Calvert Herbert Dowell 410-257-3006 Caroline William C. Cooper, Sr. 410-820-2034 Carroll C. Daniel Green 410-857-3329 Cecil Donald L. Briscoe 410-885-3528 Charles Charles W. Wills 301-743-7086 Dorchester Ronnie Reynolds 410-228-8956 Frederick Joyce I. Vincent 301-865-1884 Garrett Rodney W. Bowser 301-746-5576 Harford Sharon Worthington 410-734-0306 Howard Terry Thompson, PP 410-531-3342 Kent Henrietta Maloney 410-776-6159 Montgomery “A” Glenn Butts 301-279-0297 Montgomery “B” Johnie F. Roth, Jr. 301-774-4901 Prince George’s “A” Frank Underwood, PP 301-318-9212 Prince George’s “B” Ann McGill 301-277-5423 Queen Anne’s Butch Britton, Jr. 410-980-2357 Somerset Van B. Muir, Jr. 410-651-2626 St. Mary’s John O. Gatton, Sr. 301-373-2221 Talbot John Hanes 410-820-5914 Washington Richard C. Blair 301-582-3032 Wicomico David J. Walston 410-749-8904 Worcester Roger A. Steger, Sr. 410-213-0780
Volunteer Company Assistance Fund Chair Eugene Curfman – Carroll/Howard (13) 443-340-9427 Attorney Michael J. Farlow, Esq. 301-726-3458 Joseph Robison – Prince George’s (14) 301-776-5686 L. Jason Baer – Frederick/Washington (14) 301-797-0776 Darren Long – Montgomery (14) 240-876-4224 John O. Gatton, Sr. – Cal/Ch/St. Mary’s (13) 301-373-2221 Craig Harman – Anne Arundel (12) 410-551-6117 Peter Lott - Caroline/Kent/QA (14) 410-778-0767 David L. McQuay – Dorchester/Talbot (12) 410-886-2276 William B. Lay, Sr. – Cecil/Harford (13) 410-575-6557 Patricia A. Bowser – All/Garrett (12) 301-746-5576 Joseph Antoszewski– Baltimore (13) 410-737-1446 Steven White – Som/Wic/Worc (12) 410-749-0624
33 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Ways and Means Committee Chair Louis J. Jonske 410-679-3319 Vice Chair John W. Means, Sr. 410-848-7786 Vice Chair Mitch Vocke 410-692-9614 Jim Blair 410-557-9503 John Byrne 410-676-1244 Chris Cornes 410-538-3104 Jeffrey Geiman 410-848-0010 Matt Heard (Basket Bingo) 240-674-8861 William B. Lay, Sr. 410-679-0882 Jean Means 410-848-7786 Herman “Buddy” Schweers 443-807-0531 Louanne Schweers 443-807-0529 Donald Shoemaker 410-756-4351 Richard Smith 410-820-6045 James J. Snyder, Jr. 301-253-3571 Calvin S. Stack, Jr. 410-228-8517 George Twomley Nola Twomley Darlene Vocke 410-692-9614 LAMSFA Liaison: Anna Jonske 410-679-3319
MSFA 125th Anniversary Planning Committee Chair Tom Mattingly, Sr., PP 301-475-8200 Vice Chair Richard Yinger, PP 410-397-3292 C. Oscar Baker, PP 301-829-0383 Ken Bush 410-820-4983 C. Danny Carpenter III 301-609-8651 William F. Cooke 301-645-5015 Doyle Cox, PP 410-690-3568 Nancy Cox 252-337-9099 C. Daniel Davis, PP 301-373-5280 Elaine Huttenloch 301-735-1319 Robert W. Jacobs, PP 301-663-3418 Clarence “Chip” Jewell 301-898-5578 R. Wayne Powell 301-447-6335 Joseph Robison, PP 301-776-5686 Johnie F. Roth 301-774-4901 F.R. “Bob” Seibel 410-757-3281 Paul H. Sterling, Jr., PP 302-829-8147 Gene Worthington, PP 410-374-0306 Peggy Zembower 301-682-9712
34 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Cancer Support Network Chair Beth Stone 443-829-2759 Rev. David Coblentz 301-371-0140 Tom Diem 410-364-5072 Chris Hyzer 410-591-5367 Susan Mott 410-596-4684 Richard Smith 410-820-6045 Donna Struntz 240-727-0312 Jay Tucker 240-375-9607 Marianne Warehime 410-239-8859
Wills for Heroes Program Chair Roger N. Powell, Esq., PP 410-833-8338 Rev. David Coblentz 301-371-0140 C. Daniel Davis, PP 301-373-5280 Michael W. Farlow, Esq. 410-726-3458 Gayle Moreland 410-867-1644 Franklin D. Roth, Jr. 443-807-7024
MSFA Regionalization Task Force Chair Stephan Cox, PP 443-867-6303 Mark Bilger 410-374-1958 David Keller III 301-223-5632 Daniel “Skip” Mahon 410-378-2723 Dennis Skinner 410-257-3027 Richard Smith 410-820-6045 William Wilkerson 301-884-5469
MSFA Foundation Director: George “Fred” Cross, Jr., PP 410-252-3721 Director: Michael W. Farlow, Esq. 410-726-3458 Director: James L. Snyder, Jr. 301-253-3571 Director: Terry E. Thompson, PP 410-531-3342
Memorial Committee Chair Gene Worthington, PP 410-734-0306 Vice Chair Robert Ringle 410-987-9297 Treasurer Dennis Beard 410-795-1150 Secretary Sharon Owen 410-266-0666 Jim Brown 410-706-3994 Doyle Cox, PP 410-690-3568 C. Daniel Davis, PP 301-373-5280
35 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Rod Devibliss 443-721-0108 Cathy Hedrick 301-274-4728 Les Hedrick 301-274-4728 John Hoglund 301-577-5855 Nancy Hoglund 301-577-5855 Carene Housenfluck 301-261-0061 John Hurley 410-634-2403 John Maher 301-498-0975 Rosa Maher 301-498-0975 Peg Mooney 443-739-7713 Tracy Mooney 410-241-7172 Gayle Moreland 410-991-6774 Rick Petry Roger N. Powell, Esq., PP 410-627-6338 Lee N. Sachs, Esq., PP 410-486-4125 Robert Small 240-417-1921 Richard Smith 410-820-6045 Marie Soutar 410-255-1607 John C. Spiker, Sr. 410-360-1257 Matt Tobia 410-222-8200 Bridget Weishaar 443-375-0449 LAMSFA Liaison: Joyce Thorne 301-290-1590 LAMSFA Liaison: Betty Radisch 301-855-9336 Special Liaison: Ronald J. Siarnicki 443-249-0455 Special Liaison: William E. Barnard 410-703-2901
NFFF – Maryland Local Assistance State Team (LAST) State Coordinator: Michael Pfaltzsgraff 410-991-8992 Volunteer Representatives: Rev. David Coblentz 301-371-0140 Debbie Haydon William Hildebrand 410-708-8169 Rev. John F. Long, Jr. 443-623-0753 Roger Steger, PP 410-213-0780 Beth Stone 443-829-2759
36 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference
President First Vice President Second Vice President Secretary David W . Lewis John Denver Jacqueline M . Olson Joseph A . Cooper
Secretary Emeritus Asst. Secretary Asst. Secretary Asst. Secretary Leonard King PP Richard Hemphill Kristi Reppe Ronald E . Watkins
Treasurer Asst. Treasurer Asst. Treasurer Asst. Treasurer Ronald J . Siarnicki Robert W . Jacobs PP Lee N . Sachs PP Mitch Vocke
Financial Secretary Asst. Financial Secretary Chief Chaplain Chief Chaplain Emeritus George A . “Fred” Cross, Jr . PP Chris Hyser Rev . John W . Long, Jr . Rev . J . Harvey Dixon
Chaplain Chaplain Chaplain Chaplain Rev . Frederick B . Bahr Deacon Charles E . Barnhart Rabbi Kenneth Block Rev . David L . Coblentz
37 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference
Chaplain Chaplain Chaplain Chaplain Rev . Harry Hetz Rev . Marvin C . Jackson Deacon George L’Heureux Calvin “Pete” Walber
Trustee- Chair Trustee-Vice Chair Trustee-Secretary Trustee Steve V . Hales C . Dan Carpenter III Gene Worthington PP Douglas C . Alexander
Trustee Executive Comm. Chair Exec. Comm. Vice Chair Exec. Committee Member Terry E . Thompson PP Wylie L . Donaldson, Jr . Ben Kurtz Mark Bilger
Exec. Committee Member Exec. Committee Member Exec. Committee Member Exec. Committee Member Rodney W . Bowser Stuart W . Carter Glen D . Fishack, Jr . John F . Guntow, Jr .
Exec. Committee Member Exec. Committee Member Exec. Committee Member Exec. Committee Member William Hildebrand Lee Lutz James P . Seavey, Sr . Richard Smith
38 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference
Exec. Committee, Member Exec. Committee Ex-Officio Office of the Attorney Parliamentarian Chair Daniel J . Stevens Doyle E . Cox, PP Michael W . Farlow Esq . Richard K . Brooks III
Awards Budget & Revenue Chair Constitution & By-Laws Chair Convention Chair Evelyn Graf, Chair Stephan D . Cox PP Dennis Skinner Ronald J . Siarnicki
Convention Chair Emeritus Convention Co-Chair Convention Co-Chair Convention Co-Chair Leonard T . King, Sr . PP Lee N . Sachs, Esq . PP Wylie L . Donaldson, Jr . Robert W . Jacobs PP
Convention Co-Chair Convention Co-Chair Data Systems Chair E M S Chair Thomas A . Mattingly, Sr . PP Ken Bush Richard A . Snader William “Bill” Dousa
E M S E M S Fire Prevention Chair Fire Prevention Charlie W . Wills, Emeritus Wayne L . Tome, Sr ,. Emeritus Robert E . Collins Thomas P . Collins, Emeritus
39 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference
Fire Laws Book Grants Chair Historical/Archives Chair Incentive Programs Chair Mark Bilger, Chair Steven Barry Chip Jewell Joan Robison
Legislative Chair Fed. Leg. Oversight Chair 17 State Circle Chair MEMA Fire Serv. Pers. GRP Chair C . Daniel Davis, Jr . PP Joseph Robison PP Charles Austin Dennis Beard
Out of State Events Coor. Planning Chair President’s Vehicle Chair Public Add. System Chair Robert Cumberland PP Joel McCrea David C . “Rusty” Leftwich Michael Davis
Public Relations Chair Public Information Chair Volunteer Trumpet Recruit. & Retention Chair Ronald E . Watkins Frank J . Underwood PP Amber Leizear Joseph Chornock
Residential Sprinkler Chair Risk Management Chair Safety Chair Scholarship Chair Richard A . Green, Sr . Chip Jewell John Fisher Glen D . Fishack, Jr .
40 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference
Scholarship Search and Rescue Chair Sergeant at Arms Chair Standards/NFPA Chair William Olsen, Emeritus Todd “Scuba”Johnson Laura Woods Ken Bush
Statistical Chair Surplus Property/ Training Chair H.S. Tech Prog. Chair Barry Johnson Acquisition Chair Johnie F . Roth, Jr . Daniel J . Stevens H . E . Woods, Sr .
Rural Water Supply Chair Transportation Chair Volunteer Co. Assistance Ways and Means Chair Doug Alexandria Thomas L . Flint II Fund Board Chair Louis J . Jonske Eugene Curfman
125th Planning Comm. Chair Cancer Support Network Wills for Heroes Program MSFA Region Task Force Thomas A . Mattingly, Sr . PP Beth Stone Roger N . Powell PP Stephan D . Cox PP, Chair
Memorial Past Pres. Comm. Chair Miss Fire Prevention Miss Fire Prev. 1st Runner Up Gene Worthington PP, Chair Roger A . Steger, Sr . PP Jennifer Barciz Megan Hiltz
41 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference
42 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference PAST PRESIDENTS OF THE MSFA
*Adkins, Raymond L. (65-66) H 410-250-1228 13803 Sailing Road, Ocean City, MD 21842-5820
Baker, C. Oscar (78-79) H 301-829-0383 615 Calliope Way, Mt. Airy, MD 21771
Balta, Jr., Paul R. “Bobby” (2006-07) H 301-872-4408 15187 Point Lookout Road, St. Inigoes, MD 20684
Carpenter, Clarence D., Jr. (86-87) H 301-743-3871 26 Cypress Place, Indian Head, MD 20640
Cox, Doyle E. (2010-11) H 410-690-3568 29132 Superior Circle, Easton, MD 21601
Cox, Stephan D. (96-97) H 252-337-9099 707 Alton Street, Elizabeth City, NC 27909
Cross, Jr., George A. “Fred” (95-96) H 410-252-3721 58 Northwood Drive, Timonium, MD 21093-4221
Cumberland, Jr., Robert (87-88) H 410-848-8189 222 Shipley Avenue, Westminster, MD 21157
Davis, Jr., C. Daniel (97-98) H 301-373-5280 25278 Sotterley Road, P.O. Box 701, Hollywood, MD 20636
Edelin, Jr., Carl B. (99-00) H 302-376-8270 336 W. Dickerson Lane, Middletown, DE 19709
Hurlock, Philip M. (93-94) H 410-556-6628 P.O. Box 137, 209 Walnut Street, Church Hill, MD 21623
Jacobs, Robert W. (2004-05) H 301-663-3418 410 East Ninth Street, Frederick, MD 21701-4613
King, Sr., Leonard T. (85-86) H 410-867-3658 6047 Melbourne Avenue, Deale, MD 20751
*Died during current year 43 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Knippenburg, Robert E. (98-99) H 301-463-6114 17608 Old Dan’s Rock Road, SW, Frostburg, MD 21532
*Mattingly III, Charles “Jenks” (2001-02) H 301-884-8705 43121 Joy Lane, Hollywood, MD 20636
Mattingly, Sr., Thomas A. (90-91) H 301-475-8200 P.O. Box 173, Leonardtown, MD 20650
Preston, Edwin F. (74-75) H 410-242-6536 5808 Heron Drive, Baltimore, MD 21227-4315
Robison, Joseph R. (89-90) H 301-776-5686 217 Patuxent Road, Laurel, MD 20707-3419
Sachs, Lee N. (2005-06) H 410-486-4125 8516 Meadowsweet Road, Baltimore, MD 21208
Smith, Bernard J. (91-92) H 410-242-4014 123 Second Avenue, Lansdowne, MD 21227
Steger, Sr., Roger A. (2000-01) H 410-213-0780 12445 Fleetway Drive, Ocean City, MD 21842
Sterling, Jr., Paul H. (2007-08) H 301-962-0566 P.O. Box 1963, Wheaton, MD 20915
Tharp, Thomas L. (81-82) H 305-451-1171 1608 Monmouth Lane, Key Largo, FL 33037
Thompson, Terry E. (2003-04) H 410-531-3342 6122 Tulane Drive, Clarksville, MD 21029
Underwood, Frank J. (2008-09) H 301-441-2868 4807 Ruatan Street, College Park, MD 20740
Worthington, Gene (2002-03) H 410-734-0306 3663 Old Level Road, Havre de Grace, MD 21079
Yinger, Richard L. (94-95) H 410-397-3292 2349 Hoopers Island Road, Fishing Creek, MD 21634
*Died during current year 44 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference PAST PRESIDENTS
*J. Roger McSherry 1893-94-95 Frederick *Edwin J. Lawyer 1895-96 Westminster *William H. A. Hamilton 1896-97 Hagerstown *W. Irving Mace 1897-98 Cambridge *John J. Stump 1898-99 Cumberland *Philip E. Porter 1899-00 Annapolis *Augustus Albert 1900-01 Baltimore *John H. Cunningham 1901-02-03 Westminster *Lloyd T. MacGill, Jr. 1903-04 Frederick *William G. Rerbin 1904-05 Snow Hill *John dep. Douw 1905-06 Annapolis *Palmer Tennant 1906-07 Hagerstown *B. Z. Stanton 1907-08 Roland Park *Peter C. McFarland 1908-09 Lonaconing *C. Walter Wright 1909-10 Cambridge *John B. Baker 1910-11 Manchester *C. O’B. Diehm 1911-12-13 Sparrows Point *Harry T. Levely 1913-14 Annapolis *A. F. Fairall 1914-15 Laurel *F. G. Kelch 1915-16 Raspeburg *Russell P. Smith 1916-17 Cambridge *J. H. Baumgartner 1917-18 Hamilton *Oscar D. Gilbert 1918-19 Westminster *Conrad J. Herpich 1919-20 Cumberland *A. R. Lohner - (died in office) 1920-21 Salisbury *William H. Collier 1921 Salisbury *Charles W. Tucker 1921-22 Annapolis *James B. McAlpine 1922-23 Lonaconing *R. W. Bell 1923 Rasperburg *Edward J. Dachiell 1923-24 Snow Hill *Leo M. Moore 1924-25 Havre de Grace *Thomas G. Basil 1925-26 Annapolis *John J. Fainter 1926-27 Hyattsville *B. H. Ford 1927-28 Crisfield *James P. Reese 1928-29 Lutherville *Vincent A. Simmel 1929-30 Cottage City *H. T. Wentz 1930-31 Lineboro *George W. Colburn, Jr. 1931-32 Princess Anne *Jesse A. Fisher 1932-33 Annapolis *Eugene J. C. Raney 1933-34 Kensington *Noble F. Rushe 1934-35 Hyattsville 45 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference PAST PRESIDENTS (cont’d.) *Frank T. Shaffer 1935-36 Westminster *J. Millard Tawes 1936-37 Crisfield *B. Harrison Shipley 1937-38 Ellicott City *Karl A. Young 1938-39 Mt. Rainier *Percey S. T. Reinwall 1939-40 Easton *John F. McNulty 1940-41 Linthicum Heights *Roland B. Duke 1941-42 Leonardtown *F. Lester Smith (died in office) 1942-43 Frederick *Thomas Tozzola 1943 North Beach *Showard T. Culver 1943-44 Hebron *Phil Ryan 1944-45 Mt. Rainier *C. William Ecton 1945-46 Hagerstown *W. Bartgis Storm 1946-47 Frederick *Charles R Stallings, Jr. 1947-48 Pikesville *E. Landon Walston 1948-49 Easton *Spencer J. H. Brown, Sr. 1949-50 Sandy Spring *G. Mitchell Boulden 1950-51 Elkton *Cromwell C. Zembower 1951-52 La Vale *B. Harrison Shipley, Jr. 1952-53 Ellicott City *William A. Chenoweth 1953-54 Pikesville *John W. Smith 1954-55 West Annapolis *Ted C. Gardner 1955-56 Riverdale Heights *Philip H. Beard 1956-57 Walkersville *James N. Jarman 1957-58 Ocean City *Howard B. Springer 1958-59 Havre de Grace *Ralph N. Small, Jr. 1959-60 Boulevard Heights *Jack V. Reckner 1960-61 Earleigh Heights *Howard A. Keller 1961-62 Pikesville *Leslie B. Thompson 1962-63 Damascus *David B. Kirk 1963-64 Bowling Green *Herman B. Hare 1964-65 Hampstead *Raymond I. Atkins 1965-66 Berlin *Joseph H. Kelly 1966-67 Bennedict *William A. Moore 1967-68 Frederick – United *Peter Paul Lochary 1968-69 Bel Air *Charles N. Ringer 1969-70 Hagerstown *Gerald A. Glaubitz 1970-71 Morningside *Thomas L. Reynolds 1971-72 Queen Anne’s-Hillsboro *Richard H. Carter 1972-73 Glen Burnie *Roy L. Wood 1973-74 Beltsville Edwin F. Preston 1974-75 Arbutus *C. Edwin Turner, Sr. 1975-76 Centerville 46 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference PAST PRESIDENTS (cont’d.) *Elmer E. Dunn, Sr. 1976-77 Powhatan Beach *Arthur Marvin Gibbons 1977-78 Hillandale C. Oscar Baker 1978-79 Mt. Airy *Charles B. Burton 1979-80 Landover Hills * Robert N. Dempsey 1980-81 Kennedyville Thomas L. Tharp 1981-82 Odenton *Smith N. Stathem, Jr. 1982-83 Pikesville *Charles W. Riley 1983-84 Abington *Robert J. Smith 1984-85 West Lanham Hills Leonard Thurston King, Sr. 1985-86 Damascus Clarence Daniel Carpenter, Jr. 1986-87 Potomac Heights Robert P. Cumberland, Jr. 1987-88 Westminster *Robert H. Shimer 1988-89 Potomac-Westernport Joseph A. Robison 1989-90 Laurel Thomas A. Mattingly, Sr. 1990-91 Leonardtown Bernard J. Smith 1991-92 Lansdowne *William J. Fleshman 1992-93 Beltsville Philip M. Hurlock 1993-94 Church Hill Richard L. Yinger 1994-95 Citizens Truck George A. “Fred” Cross 1995-96 Chestnut Ridge Stephan D. Cox 1996-97 Bel Air Charles Daniel Davis, Jr. 1997-98 Hollywood Robert E. Knippenburg 1998-99 Midland Carl B. Edelin, Jr. 1999-00 Kensington Roger A. Steger, Sr. 2000-01 Ocean City *Charles J. “Jenks” Mattingly III 2001-02 Hollywood Gene Worthington 2002-03 Level Terry E. Thompson 2003-04 Savage Robert W. Jacobs 2004-05 Citizens Truck Lee N. Sachs, Esq. 2005-06 Pikesville Paul R. “Bobby” Balta, Jr. 2006-07 Ridge Paul H. Sterling, Jr. 2007-08 Wheaton Frank J. Underwood 2008-09 Branchville Roger N. Powell, Esq. 2009-10 Pikesville Doyle E. Cox 2010-11 Prince Frederick David W. Lewis 2011-12 Odenton
PAST SECRETARIES
*William M. Crimmins 1893-1896 Frederick *John J. Stump, PP 1896-1898 Cumberland *Charles V. Wantz 1898-1901 Westminster 47 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference PAST SECRETARIES (cont.) *William M. Crimmins 1901-1903 Frederick *Harry T. Levely, PP 1903-1905 Annapolis *James Peaarre Wantz 1905-1907 Westminster *Harry I. Smith 1907-1909 Cumberland *Joseph E. Hollar 1909-1911 Sparrows Point *Edward Stevenson 1911-1913 Lonaconing *Charles L. Davis 1913-1915 Westernport *William Weagly 1915-1917 Westminster *J. Hall Wright 1917-1919 Easton *George R. Lindsay 1919-1921 Hagerstown *Lawrence C. Cooney 1921-1923 Sparrows Point *George R. Lindsay 1923-1939 Hagerstown *Benjamin R. Benson II 1939-1940 Towson *Ted C. Gardner, PP 1940-1953 Riverdale Heights *Floyd B. Heimer 1953-1973 Branchville *Charles B. Burton, PP 1973-1977 Landover Hills *William B. Fox 1977-1979 Landover Hills *William E. Denver 1979-1980 Elkton William F. Cooke 1980-1981 Waldorf *Charles B. Burton, PP 1981-1993 Landover Hills Leonard T. King, Sr., PP 1993-2008 Damascus Jacqueline M. Olson 2008-2011 Ferndale Joseph A. Cooper 2011-2012 Bay District Doyle E. Cox (Now Serving) 2012 Prince Frederick
PAST TREASURERS
*Hiram R. Heck 1893-1905 Frederick *G. Walter Wright, PP 1905-1907 Cambridge *John W. Brittingham 1907-1909 Salisbury *Walter W. Wittig 1909-1911 Frostburg *William B. Usilton, Jr. 1911-1913 Chestertown *Russell P. Smith 1913-1915 Cambridge *Edward Stevenson 1915-1917 Lonaconing *Peter B. Cain 1917-1919 Midland *Frank C. Ort 1919-1921 Midland *A. C. Fry 1921-1923 Frostburg *Frank C. Ort 1923-1924 Midland *W. B. Davis 1924-1927 Silver Spring *Frank C. Ort 1927-1924 Midland *Frank W. Truitt 1934-1939 Ocean City *Elmer S. Knight 1939-1945 Frostburg 48 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference PAST TREASURERS (cont.) *William A. Wilson 1945-1975 Midland *David E. Kirk, PP, Emeritus 1975-1990 Bowling Green *Robert W. Saville 1990-2003 Bowling Green John Shuhart 2003-2004 Barton Gene Curfman 2004-2005 Union Bridge Ronald J. Siarnicki (now serving) 2005- United Communities
PAST FINANCIAL SECRETARIES
Robert W. Jacobs 1997-2002 Citizens Truck *Paul Fabiszak 2002-2003 Hereford EMS George A. “Fred” Cross, Jr. 2003-2012 Chestnut Ridge W. Mitchell “Mitch” Vocke (Now Serv.) 2012- Jarrettsville
PAST CHAPLAINS
Seth Russell Downie, D.D. 1917-1927 Taneytown Russell P. Smith 1927-1929 Cambridge Conrad J. Herpich 1929-1932 Cumberland Rev. James W. Minter 1932-1968 Baltimore Rev. Lewis F. Cole 1968-1977 Bel Air VFC Pierce M. Damewood 1977-1998 Beltsville VFD Rev. J. Harvey Dixon 1998-1999 Salisbury VFD 2000 the Office of Chief Chaplain was approved by the Membership
PAST CHIEF CHAPLAINS
Rev. J. Harvey Dixon 2000-2004 Salisbury VFD Rev. John F. Long, Jr. (Now Serv.) 2004- Lake Shore VFC
PAST TRUSTEES
*W. H. A. Hamilton, PP 1906-1925 Hagerstown *J. H. Cunningham, PP 1906-1913 Westminster *Philip E. Porter, PP 1906-1918 Annapolis *John J. Stump, PP 1906-1933 Cumberland *John dep Douw, PP 1906-1909 Annapolis *Palmer Tennant, PP 1907-1911 Hagerstown *Lloyd T. MacGill, PP 1907-1908 Frederick *Glenn H. Worthington 1907-1910 Frederick *Peter C. McFarland, PP 1911-1925 Lonaconing *John B. Baker, PP 1912-1917 Manchester 49 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference TRUSTEES (cont’d.) *F. G. Kelch, PP 1917-1919 Raspeburg *Roy L. Morgan 1918-1942 Annapolis *S. J. Kelly 1919-1922 Hyattsville *William H. Collier, PP 1922-1932 Salisbury *Robert Strobel 1925-1929 Hagerstown *Harry L. Smith 1925-1943 Cumberland *A. Shepard Bayly 1926-1934 Cambridge *Leo M. Moore, PP 1929-1946 Have de Grace *B. Horace Ford, PP 1933-1937 Crisfield *Marc Bryant 1934-1936 Denton *Eugene J. C. Raney, PP 1936-1948 Kensington *Curtis C. Larrimore 1937-1952 Easton *John S. Prichard 1943-1968 Grantsville *John O. Cockey 1942-1954 Glyn *Showard T. Culver, PP 1946-1961 Hebron *Vincent A. Simmell, PP 1948-1956 Cottage City *Dr. James P. Swing 1952-1957 Cambridge *B. Harrison Shipley, Jr., PP 1954-1969 Ellicott City *G. Mitchell Boulden, PP 1958-1982 Elkton *J. Meredith Marshall 1961-1970 Cambridge *Richard J. Mooney 1966-1976 Lansdowne *J. Francis Fatkin 1968-1997 Clarysville *Marbery F. Gates 1969-1989 Rockville *James N. Narman, PP 1970-1975 Ocean City *Leslie B. Thompson, PP 1975-1985 Damascus *John W. Berryman, Sr. 1976-1981 Pikesville *Ralph N. Small, Jr., PP 1981-1992 Boulevard Heights S. Richard Powell 1985-1995 Gelena C. Oscar Baker, PP 1989-1999 Mt. Airy *Charles W. Riley, PP 1987-2004 Abington Clarence Daniel Carpenter, Jr., PP 1992-2006 Potomac Heights Donald F. Knauer 1995-2000 Madison *Robert H. Shimer, PP 1997-2004 Potomac Westernport John W. Means, Sr. 1999-2009 Pleasant Valley Philip M. Hurlock, PP 2000-2005 Church Hill Robert Knippenburg, PP 2004-2005 Midland Steven V. Hales 2005-(now serving) Ocean City Terry E. Thompson, PP 2005-(now serving) Savage Clarence “Chip” Jewell 2005-2005 Libertytown Gene Worthington, PP 2005-(now serving) Level C. Daniel Carpenter III 2006-(now serving) Potomac Heights Douglas C. Alexander 2009-(now serving) Mt. Airy 50 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference PAST EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS
Conv. Num. Year Chairperson Department 1 1893-94 *Gen. John A. Steiner Frederick 2 1894-95 *Edward J. Lawyer, PP Westminster 3 1895-96 *Charles J. H. Canter Manchester 4 1896-97 *Col. E. M. Mobley Hagerstown 5 1897-98 *Edward S. Eichelberger Frederick 6 1898-99 *W. W. Moore Cambridge 7 1899-00 *John H. Cunningham, PP Westminster 8 1900-01 *John H. Cunningham, PP Westminster 9 1901-02 *Dr. Lloyd T. MacGill, Jr., PP Frederick 10 1902-03 *E. E. Graeff Cumberland 11 1903-04 *E. E. Graeff Cumberland 12 1904-05 *Joseph W. Gaver Frederick 13 1905-06 *Palmer Tennant, PP Hagerstown 14 1906-07 *Harry L. Bennett Frederick 15 1907-08 *George W. Brock Aberdeen 16 1908-09 *G. Walter Wright, PP Westminster 18 1910-11 *C. O’B. Diehm, PP Sparrows Point 19 1911-12 *Russell P. Smith Cambridge 20 1912-13 *Peter B. Cain Midland 21 1913-14 *Peter B. Cain Midland 22 1914-15 *Frederick G. Keich, PP Raspeburg 23 1915-16 *A. F. Fairall, PP Laurel 24 1916-17 *James Pearre Wantz Westminster 25 1917-18 *C. O’B. Diehm, PP Sparrows Point 26 1918-19 *Russel P. Smith Cambridge 27 1919-20 *Charles N. Tucker Annapolis 28 1920-21 *Adolph C. Fry Frostburg 29 1921-22 *Adolph C. Fry Frostburg 30 1922-23 *A. Sherwood Bayly Cambridge 31 1923-24 *A. Sherwood Bayly Cambridge 32 1924-25 *Robert Strobel Hagerstown 33 1925-26 *John F. Fainter, PP Hyattsville 34 1926-27 *Vincent A. Simmell, PP Cottage City 35 1927-28 *Vincent A. Simmell, PP Cottage City 36 1918-29 *B. H. Ford, PP Crisfield 37 1929-30 *T. W. Venemann Riverdale 38 1930-31 *George W. Colburn, PP Princess Anne 39 1931-32 *H. T. Wentz Lineboro
51 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference PAST EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS (cont’d.) Conv. Num. Year Chairperson Department 40 1932-33 *Noble Rushe Hyattesville 41 1933-34 *John O. Cockey Glynndon 42 1934-35 *Frank T. Shaffer Westminster 43 1935-36 *J. Miller Tawes, PP Crisfield 44 1936-37 *Karl A. Young Mount Rainier 45 1937-38 *Simon Clopper Smithsburg 46 1938-39 *Simon Clopper Smithsburg 47 1939-40 *S. T. Calver Hebron 48 1940-41 *Noah Jeffe Bowie 49 1941-42 *Noah Jeffe Bowie 50 1942-43 *Noah Jeffe Bowie 51 1943-44 *William G. Kerbin Snow Hill 52 1944-45 *William G. Kerbin Snow Hill 53 1945-46 *W. Bartgis Storm, PP Frederick 54 1946-47 *Landon Walston Preston 55 1947-48 *Bradley Riggs Kensington 56 1948-49 *G. Mitchell Boulden, PP Elkton 57 1949-50 *A. Leroy Willey Cambridge 58 1950-51 *William A. Chenoweth, PP Pikesville 59 1951-52 *Dr. James Swing Cambridge 60 1952-53 *Philip Beard, PP Walkersville 61 1953-54 *Philip Beard, PP Walkersville 62 1954-55 *Howard Keller, PP Pikesville 63 1955-56 Joseph Mayhew Landover Hills 64 1956-57 *Walter Bennett Sykesville 65 1957-58 *Walter Bennett Sykesville 66 1958-59 *Marbery F. Gates Rockville 67 1959-60 *C. Earl Wyville, Sr. Marlboro 68 1960-61 *John Meech Avalon Shores 69 1961-62 *John Meech Avalon Shores 70 1962-63 *Gordon Tuohey Cabin John Park 71 1963-64 *William A. Moore, PP Frederick 72 1964-65 *Scott Davis Union Bridge 73 1965-66 *Thomas L. Reynolds, PP Queen Anne’s/Hillsboro 74 1966-67 Garyton Echols, Jr. La Plata 75 1967-68 *Melvin Schwearing Frederick 76 1968-69 Daniel B. Smith Aberdeen 77 1969-70 *Charles Shindle Maugansville 78 1970-71 *Robert J. Smith, PP West Lanham Hills 79 1971-72 *C. Edwin Turner, PP Centerville 52 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference PAST EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS (cont’d.) Conv. Num. Year Chairperson Department 80 1972-73 *Edgar Freeman Earleigh Heights 81 1973-74 *William J. Fleshman, PP Beltsville 82 1974-75 *J. Donald Mooney Lansdowne 83 1975-76 *Robert N. Dempsey, PP Kennedyville 84 1976-77 *Clarence Bowie Cape St. Clair 85 1977-78 *Lewis C. Graybill Gaithersburg 86 1978-79 John W. Means, Sr. Pleasant Valley 87 1979-80 Joseph R. Robison, PP Laurel 88 1980-81 S. Richard Powell Galena 89 1981-82 *Ronald B. Graf Riviera Beach 90 1982-83 John R. Wright, Jr. Reisterstown 91 1983-84 William B. Lay Joppa-Magnolia 92 1984-85 Joseph R. Robison, PP Laurel 93 1985-86 James J. Snyder, Jr. Laytonsville 94 1986-87 Thomas A. Mattingly, Sr., PP Leonardtown 95 1987-88 Eugene Curfman Union Bridge 96 1988-89 *J. Donald Mooney Lansdowne 97 1989-90 Craig A. Moe Laurel 98 1990-91 C. Daniel Davis, Jr., PP Hollywood 99 1991-92 *J. Donald Mooney Lansdowne 100 1992-93 *Roy L. Wood, PP Beltsville 101 1993-94 Francis D. Jester Church Hill 102 1994-95 Hartwood Cornell, Jr. Woodsboro 103 1995-96 *J. Donald Mooney Lansdowne 104 1996-97 Richard K. Brooks III Norrisville 105 1997-98 C. Daniel Carpenter III Potomac Heights 106 1998-99 *George Blanco Midland 107 1999-00 Paul H. Sterling, Jr., PP Wheaton 108 2000-01 Stephen V. Hales Ocean City 109 2001-02 Doyle E. Cox, PP Prince Frederick 110 2002-03 Benjamin K. Kurtz Jarrettsville 111 2003-04 Douglas Alexander Mt. Airy 112 2004-05 Charles Abrecht Frederick 113 2005-06 *J. Donald Mooney Lansdowne 114 2006-07 Doyle E. Cox, PP Prince Frederick 115 2007-08 James P. Seavey, Sr. Cabin John Park 116 2008-09 Craig A. Moe Laurel 117 2009-10 Stuart W. Carter Pikesville 118 2010-11 Daniel J. Stevens Waldorf 119 2011-12 Wylie L. Donaldson, Jr. Odenton *Deceased 53 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference LOCATIONS OF PREVIOUS CONVENTIONS
Annapolis 1897 1907 1927 Baltimore 1900 1910 1930 1938 1943 1944 Cambridge 1909 1921 1934 Cumberland 1896 1904 1917 1941 1951 1955 Easton 1937 Elkton 1928 Frederick 1893 1903 1923 1946 1956 1967 1992 Special Centennial Convention Frostburg 1895 1908 1922 1932 1942 1947 Hagerstown 1894 1905 1912 1918 1936 1945 1962 Havre de Grace 1916 1924 Lonaconing 1902 1911 1915 1929 1940 Oakland 1935 Ocean City 1925 1931 1939 1948 1949 1950 1952 1953 1954 1957 1958 1959 1960 1961 1963 1964 1965 1966 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992* 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 Salisbury 1898 1919 Westernport 1913 1920 Westminster 1899 1901 1906 1914 1926 1933
54 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference 120th ANNUAL CONVENTION & CONFERENCE PROGRAM MARYLAND STATE FIREMEN’S ASSOCIATION Representing the Volunteer Fire, Rescue and Emergency Medical Services Personnel
SATURDAY, JUNE 16, 2012
0900 Convention and Conference Exhibit Office Open – Convention Center Lower Level 1200 Convention and Conference Show Office Open – Convention Center M-202/203 1330 Maryland Fire-Rescue Education Training Commission – Convention Center M-201 1800 JOINT OFFICERS’ BANQUET – Convention Center Ballrooms 2/3, Invitation Only
SUNDAY, JUNE 17, 2012
0800 Exhibitor Registration – Convention Center Lower Level 0800-1500 “Hands On Training” – Ocean City Fire Station #5, West Ocean City (New Event) 0830-1100 MISS FIRE PREVENTION INTERVIEWS – M-201 and M-204 0900 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING – Convention Center East Hall (New Time) 1000-1200 Convention Events Ticket Sales – Convention Center Ground Floor Foyer 1030 SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP SERVICE – Convention Center East Hall, (New Time and Location) 1100-1400 FIRE AND EMS MEMORABILLIA FLEA MARKET – Sunset Room, North End of Convention Center, (New Location) 1230-1730 Education and Training Seminars – Convention Center 1400 MISS FIRE PREVENTION CONTEST – Convention Center East Hall 1700 JOINT MEMORIAL SERVICE – Convention Center Main Ballroom 2000 MOVIE ON THE BEACH – “Despicable Me” – Boardwalk at 17th Street
MONDAY, JUNE 18, 2012
0700 Registration – Convention Center Main Ballroom 0800 Convention Events Ticket Sales – Convention Center Ground Floor Foyer 0830 CALL TO ORDER – FIRST SESSION – Convention Center Main Ballroom OPENING CEREMONIES 0900 Exhibits Open 0910 KEYNOTE SPEAKER PRESENTATION “It Takes More Than Plastic Fire Hats” Daniel Byrne, Community Support Officer, Burton Fire District, Paramedic, Beaufort County EMS, Burton, South Carolina This presentation is designed to get the audience to rethink their department’s approach to fire prevention and communicating with their public in order to best influence attitudes and change behaviors needed to reduce fires and generate much needed support – It Takes More Than Plastic Hats. Topics covered include developing a true “prevention first” culture in your department, elements and steps needed for a dynamic and comprehensive program, targeting public education to maximize effectiveness, forming effective messages, and working more closely with your community and the media.
55 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference After the Keynote Speaker has presented his program the LAMSFA will be excused and will then meet in the East Hall.
0930 Recognition of the MSFA Past Presidents Recognition of Guests and Organizations 1000 Reading and acceptance of the 2011 Convention and Conference Minutes Report of the Credentials Committee Report of Standing and Special Committees Safety Committee Report Report of the Volunteer Company Assistance Fund Report of the Constitution and By-Laws Committee National Volunteer Fire Council Up-date 1045 Nomination of Officers and Location of Convention Appointment of Election Judges and Tellers 1130 Maryland Fire Service Professional Qualifications Board Meeting – Room 217 1100-1145 LAMSFA Meeting Registration 1200 LAMSFA MEETING – Convention Center East Hall
SECOND SESSION
1230 CALL TO ORDER Maryland Fire-Rescue Education Training Commission Maryland Instructors Certification Board Maryland Fire Service Personnel Qualifications Board
1245 MAIN PROGRAM PRESENTATION “The Federal Public Safety Officers’ Benefit (PSOB) Program Benefits Process” Michael Pfaltzgraff, Maryland Local Assistance State Team Coordinator, National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, Emmitsburg, Maryland This presentation will provide a brief overview of the federal Public Safety Officers’ Benefit (PSOB) Program Benefits Process, as well as discuss the various state and local benefits available in Maryland when a public safety officer dies in the line-of- duty. Information regarding services available through the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation’s Local Assistance State Team (LAST) Program, which assists departments and families with funeral planning and benefits application processes after a line-of- duty death, will also be provided. Maryland Emergency Management Agency Maryland Department of Homeland Security Maryland Department of Natural Resources Forestry Division
1300 MAIN PROGRAM PRESENTATION “Maryland’s State of the Art MHz Communications Systems” Raymond Lehr, Statewide Interoperability Director, Maryland State Police, Pikesville, MD The State of Maryland is building a state-of-the-art 700 MHz P-25 communications system over the next several years and is interested in working with all Maryland jurisdictions to enhance the interoperability and gain savings through shared equipment. The first phase of the project will cover central Maryland (I-95 corridor)
56 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference and will be operational by the end of this year (2012).
1330-1745 EDUCATION AND TRAINING SEMINARS – Convention Center 1130 Report of the State Fire Marshal’s Office Report of the Maryland Fire/Rescue Institute Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems R. Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center Report 1630 Exhibits Close – No entry into exhibits after 1615 hours 1830 BASKET & BAG BINGO – Convention Center Ballrooms 2/3 (Doors Open at 1730) 1830 MONDAY NIGHT FAMILY EVENT AT JOLLY ROGER AMUSEMENT PARK
TUESDAY, JUNE 19, 2012
0800 VOTING – Convention Center – (Open for two hours) 0800-1700 “HANDS ON TRAINING” – Ocean City Convention Center sponsored by the Ocean City Fools. (New Event) This Hands-on Training Program allows students to use various hand and power tools in scenarios ranging from limb entrapments, crush injuries, to impalements. The material will be presented twice in two four-hour training blocks.
THIRD SESSION
0830 CALL TO ORDER – Convention Center Main Ballroom AWARDS CEREMONY Gladhill-Thompson Award Colburn Cup Award Marbery F. Gates Service Cup Award Robert H. Shimer Administrator of the Year Award Hall of Fame Awards Edwin L. Emkey, Sr. Cadet Memorial Award Firefighter of theYear Award Josiah Hunt EMS Member of the Year Award Past President C. Oscar Baker Rookie of the Year Award Smith N. Stathem, Jr., P.P. Memorial Safety Award 0900 Exhibits Open
1000 MAIN PROGRAM PRESENTATION “Firefighter Safety andThe Codes: A Necessary Partnership” Battalion Chief Sean DeCrane, Cleveland Fire Department, Cleveland, Ohio Robert Davidson, Managing Partner, Davidson Code Concepts, LLC, Easley, S.C. Can we ensure a safer work environment for our firefighters? This session will discuss how involvement in the Building and Fire Codes can protect firefighter and occupant safety and review various types of construction and case studies where code participation or adherence may have created more positive outcomes. This presentation will also discuss how codes govern many decisions in our own lives including the dangers we place in our homes, and how you can make a difference creating a safer environment for our firefighters and our families.
57 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Zembower Fire Service Training Award Scholarship Awards Family Appreciation Award Francis L. Brannigan Instructor of the Year Award Fire Prevention Awards and Silver Spring Award Legislative Committee Up-date 1100 SENATOR AMOSS MEMORIAL LEGISLATOR OF THE YEAR AWARD Report of the Election Judges 1230-1530 CONVENTION CENTER LUNCH BUFFET – Convention Center Ballrooms 2/3 1630 Exhibits Close 1830 JOINT INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS – Convention Center Main Ballroom 2130 PAJAMA PARADE AND COSTUME CONTEST – Convention Center Main Ballroom
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2012
0730 PRAYER BREAKFAST – Convention Center Ballrooms 2/3
FOURTH SESSION
0900 CALL TO ORDER – Convention Center Main Ballroom 0900 Exhibits Open Reading of Communications and Announcements Reading and Presentation of Resolutions Introduction of the New Officers of the LadiesAuxiliary
0930 MAIN PROGRAM PRESENTATION “A Disastrous Month” John Donohue, BS, EMT-P, Emergency Operations & Regional Programs, Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems, Baltimore, MD Over the past 12 months, Maryland has been witness to a variety of natural disasters from wind, rain, storm, fire, flood and even earthquake. In some cases, emergency responders were dealing with consequences of events rarely seen in this area. This presentation will review the response and recovery from some of these major events, and lessons that can be applied to planning for emergency response to future events of this nature.
1000 Remarks by Past President Remarks by Newly Elected Officers Introduction and Installation of Executive Committee Installation of Assistant Officers
1030 MAIN PROGRAM PRESENTATION “The National Fire Heritage Center – Preserving the Written History of Fire in America” R. Wayne Powell, Fire/Life Safety Specialist, Marriott Fire Protection, Member of Vigilant Hose Company, Emmitsburg, MD. “Firetown USA” (Emmitsburg, Maryland) is now home to two more great fire-related
58 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference institutions – the Frederick County Fire/Rescue Museum and the National Fire Heritage Center. Both are based in northern Frederick County, an ideal suited location for preservation of the historical artifacts of the emergency services of one of Maryland’s most historic counties and also the building of a national archive about all aspects of “Fire in America.”
The Heritage Center is a tenant of the new Museum; both opened last year and together their joint efforts collects, preserves and makes available for access critical written texts, records and documents from both the firefighting disciplines and related fields of fire protection from codes to sprinkler technology and from the fire equipment manufacturing to acknowledging the contributions of those who have struggled to protect their neighbors, businesses and institutions of our society from the ravages of fire.
Final Report of Convention Committee Unfinished Business and New Business $10,000 RAFFLE DRAWING
1200 Exhibits Close – No entry after 1145 hours
1300 MSFA Parade – Downtown Ocean City, Baltimore Avenue, Line-up Inlet Parking Lot 1700 Awarding of Parade Prizes and Trophies – Convention Center
THURSDAY, JUNE 21, 2012
0900 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING – Convention Center East Hall
FRIDAY, JUNE 22, 2012
0730 GOLF TOURNAMENT – Eagles Landing Golf Course
59 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference MAIN FLOOR PRESENTATION
Keynote Speaker Presentation
“It Takes More Than Plastic Fire Hats” Daniel Byrne, Community Support Officer, Burton Fire District, Paramedic, Beaufort County EMS, Burton, South Carolina This presentation is designed to get the audience to rethink their department’s approach to fire prevention and communicating with their public in order to best influence attitudes and change behaviors needed to reduce fires and generate much needed support – It Takes More Than Plastic Hats. Topics covered include developing a true “prevention first” culture in your department, elements and steps needed for a dynamic and comprehensive program, targeting public education to maximize effectiveness, forming effective messages, and working more closely with your community and the media.
Main Program Presentations
“The Federal Public Safety Officers’ Benefit (PSOB) Program Benefits Process” Michael Pfaltzgraff, Maryland Local Assistance State Team Coordinator, National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, Emmitsburg, Maryland This presentation will provide a brief overview of the federal Public Safety Officers’ Benefit (PSOB) Program Benefits Process, as well as discuss the various state and local benefits available in Maryland when a public safety officer dies in the line-of-duty. Information regarding services available through the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation’s Local Assistance State Team (LAST) Program, which assists departments and families with funeral planning and benefits application processes after a line-of-duty death, will also be provided.
“Maryland’s State of the Art MHz Communications Systems” Raymond Lehr, Statewide Interoperability Director, Maryland State Police, Pikesville, MD The State of Maryland is building a state-of-the-art 700 MHz P-25 communications system over the next several years and is interested in working with all Maryland jurisdictions to enhance the interoperability and gain savings through shared equipment. The first phase of the project will cover central Maryland (I-95 corridor) and will be operational by the end of this year (2012).
Main Program Presentations
“Firefighter Safety and The Codes: A Necessary Partnership” Battalion Chief Sean DeCrane, Cleveland Fire Department, Cleveland, Ohio Robert Davidson, Managing Partner, Davidson Code Concepts, LLC, Easley, S.C. Can we ensure a safer work environment for our firefighters? This session will discuss how involvement in the Building and Fire Codes can protect firefighter and occupant safety and review various types of construction and case studies where code participation or adherence may have created more positive outcomes. This presentation will also discuss how codes govern many decisions in our own lives including the dangers we place in our homes, and how you can make a difference creating a safer environment for our firefighters and our families.
“A Disastrous Month” 60 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference John Donohue, BS, EMT-P, Emergency Operations & Regional Programs, Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems, Baltimore, MD Over the past 12 months, Maryland has been witness to a variety of natural disasters from wind, rain, storm, fire, flood and even earthquake. In some cases, emergency responders were dealing with consequences of events rarely seen in this area. This presentation will review the response and recovery from some of these major events, and lessons that can be applied to planning for emergency response to future events of this nature.
“The National Fire Heritage Center – Preserving the Written History of Fire in America” R. Wayne Powell, Fire/Life Safety Specialist, Marriott Fire Protection, Member of Vigilant Hose Company, Emmitsburg, MD. “Firetown USA” (Emmitsburg, Maryland) is now home to two more great fire-related institutions – the Frederick County Fire/Rescue Museum and the National Fire Heritage Center. Both are based in northern Frederick County, an ideal suited location for preservation of the historical artifacts of the emergency services of one of Maryland’s most historic counties and also the building of a national archive about all aspects of “Fire in America.” The Heritage Center is a tenant of the new Museum; both opened last year and together their joint efforts collects, preserves and makes available for access critical written texts, records and documents from both the firefighting disciplines and related fields of fire protection from codes to sprinkler technology and from the fire equipment manufacturing to acknowledging the contributions of those who have struggled to protect their neighbors, businesses and institutions of our society from the ravages of fire.
61 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Memorial Tribute
Raymond L. Adkins Charles “Jenks” Mattingly III Berlin Volunteer Fire Department Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department MSFA Past President 1965-66 MSFA Past President 2001-2002
Patty Gordy Denton Volunteer Fire Department Past Parliamentarian
62 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Line of Duty Deaths Tribute
John Gallagher Bryans Road Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad
Christopher Staley Cobb Island Volunteer Fire Department and EMS
63 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Presidents Tribute 2012
As the Presidents of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association and Ladies Auxiliary, we would like to dedicate this memorial book to our many colleagues who have departed this life in the past year. This Memorial Service tonight serves as a tribute not only to each individual but to the communities they served, the fire, rescue and EMS service and the auxiliaries of Maryland. These individuals have given freely of their time and commitment towards the betterment of their communities and their memory will be with us forever. Our deepest sympathies go out to each of the family members who lost a loved one over the past year. Remember that you are part of a fire service family and each of us is here to support you in your time of need. May all our departed members rest in eternal peace and may we continue to honor their memory through our service. Earlier this year, we mourned the loss of two great leaders of this Association following the deaths of Past President Raymond Adkins and Past President Charles “Jenks” Mattingly III. Tonight, we honor their service to this association, their departments, their communities, and their families as we eulogize their many contributions as part of our memorial service. Both of these men were an important part of the history and success of this association and they will truly be missed by each person that they touched. We extend our sincere appreciation to those individuals of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association and the Ladies Auxiliary of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association who assisted with this program and Memorial Book. Without the service and support of a number of individuals, this service tonight would not be possible. To those who gave their time and assistance, we thank you.
David W. Lewis Teresa Ann Crisman President, MSFA President, LAMSFA
64 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Chaplain’s Memorial Tribute 2012
Tonight we are gathered, to pay our final respects and to honor the men and women of the Maryland fire service, who have gone before us. Who during their life gave unselfishly of themselves to be loyal members, friends and fellow volunteers. Generations of fellow Fire, EMS and Auxiliary members have departed our presence and have gone on to a new life. This evening as we view this year’s names and pictures, let us remember the sacrifices they gave to protect and help the communities they lived and served in. Tonight’s memorial service may arouse emotions about the ones who we have lost, but instead of grief, let’s reflect on the great memories of our loved one’s have left behind and rely on God’s loving presence and grace to comfort us. The Bible states, God made the heavens and the earth and those that pleased him were blessed with wisdom, knowledge and happiness. This is what the ones we have lost were blessed with. As the readings from Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 (A Time for Everything) reads:
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: A time to be born and a time to die, A time of plant and a time to uproot, A time to kill and a time to heal, A time to tear down and a time to rebuild, A time to weep and a time to laugh, A time to mourn and a time to dance, A time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, A time to embrace and a time to refrain, A time to search and a time to give up, A time to keep and a time to throw away, A time to tear and a time mend, A time to be silent and a time to speak, A time to love and a time to hate, A time for war and a time for peace.
As we conclude this Memorial Service, go with enlightened hearts and fond memories and know that these men and women gave of themselves serving their communities.
John F. Long, Jr. Nancy J. Jones Chief Chaplain Chaplain, LAMSFA
65 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference 120th Annual Convention and Conference of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association Ocean City, Maryland – June 16-22, 2012
Joint Memorial Service Sunday, June 17, 2012
(Prelude music playing) Families are escorted into main hall and are seated in designated area.
Chief Chaplain Emeritus Harvey Dixon: Good Evening, I’m Harvey Dixon, Chief Chaplain Emeritus of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association. Your presence means much at a time like this. We thank you for that support. We would like for each of you to turn off your cell phones and pagers. Please rise for the presentation of colors by the Odenton Volunteer Fire Department Honor Guard and the Greater Baltimore Pipes and Drums. Thank you.
Chief Chaplain John Long: Brothers and sisters, ladies and gentlemen tonight we continue a long tradition of honoring those who have served our organizations and have departed this earth. Tonight we have three special tributes along with two tributes for brothers who have given themselves in the line of duty.
When your county name is called please stand to honor those in your county.
Let us pray. Almighty God, we praise your name for those we memorialize this evening. We thank you for their dedication, hard work, friendships and love. Tonight as we proceed with this memorial service we pray that it will bring comfort and pride to those who have lost one of these. Just as when Jacob took his father’s body to the land of Canaan, we find this in Genesis 50:20, they had a great solemn Memorial Service. We pray that we follow that tradition. Just as it tells us in Ecclesiastic 7:2, it is better to go to a house of mourning than a house of feasting, for death is the destiny of every man, the living should take heart. We pray it will comfort us. Father we pray for the broken hearted here this evening. Comfort them in their grief as we pray that what is done this evening to honor those who we pay tribute too. Amen.
We’ll now have the National Anthem sung by Mr. Tim Konig.
Tim Konig: “Oh say can you see by the dawn’s early light, what so proudly we hailed at the twilight’s last gleaming, whose broad stripes and bright stars thru the perilous fight. O’er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming. And the rocket’s red glare, the bombs bursting in air, gave proof through the night that our flag was still there. Oh say does that star spangled banner yet wave, o’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.” 66 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Retirement of colors
President Lewis: You may be seated. Thank you for being here tonight as we honor the memories of those who passed the previous year. Tonight gives us the opportunity to remember those friends, family members and heroes that have passed on. That are no longer able to be with us at this convention are among us. We offer the sincere sympathy to all the families, especially to those of Raymond Adkins, Jenks Mattingly, Patty Gordy, John Gallagher and Chris Staley. We offer those families certainly our deepest sympathy, who was leaders of this Association as well as heroes who died in the line of duty. Let’s not forget each of those individuals. Let’s not forget each of our friends and family members that we honor here tonight. Thank you for being here.
Chief Chaplain John Long: We’ll now have the welcome from LAMSFA President Teresa Ann Crisman.
President Crisman: Thanks for what you did. You were kind beyond belief. Your help and caring touched so many. You were generous with your time and your energy. Lavish was your unselfish deed. We will always remember you for your kindness. Thank you for brightening our world.
Tonight I wish to bring you greetings on behalf of the Ladies Auxiliary to the Maryland State Firemen’s Association. This memorial service is a way that we can say thank you for allowing your family member to be a part of our family, the Maryland State Firemen’s Association and its Ladies Auxiliary; a family that goes beyond words. The members we memorialize tonight have given countless hours to support this organization and their home departments. We cannot say thank you enough to all of you for allowing us to be part of their lives.
They smiled, they loved and they embraced you. Remember those words as tonight they are looking down upon you and they are watching us in this memorial and they are smiling watching all of us. Thank you.
Chief Chaplain John Long: The Presidents will now unveil the memorials. We’ll now have scripture reading by Chaplain George L’Heureux from the book of Ecclesiastes.
Chaplain L’Heureux: A reading from Ecclesiastes 3:1-11. There is a time for everything and a time for a season under Heaven. A time to be born and a time to die; A time to plant and a time to up-root; A time to kill and a time to heal; A time to tear down and a time to build up; A time to weep and a time to laugh; A time to mourn and a time to dance; A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones; A time to embrace and a time to refrain; A time to search and a time to mend; A time to be silent and a time to speak; A time to love and a time to hate; A time for war and a time for peace. What does the
67 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference worker gain for his toil? I have seen the burden that God has laid on them. He has made everything beautiful in his time. He has also said eternity in the hearts of men and they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. So ends this reading.
Chief Chaplain John Long: We’ll now have a scripture reading from Psalm from the Ladies Auxiliary Vice Chaplain Marcia Rothe.
Vice Chaplain Roth: The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; he leadeth me beside the still waters; He restoreth my soul; He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies; Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Chief Chaplain John Long: We’ll now have our special tributes to our dearly departed members of the MSFA and LAMSFA.
Chaplain Long and Chaplain Jones place a rose in the vase in remembrance of each of the special tributes. Raymond Adkins, Past President MSFA, 1965-1966, Berlin Fire Company Charles J. “Jenks” Mattingly III, Past President, 2001-2002, Hollywood Volunteer Fire Dept. Patricia “Patty” Gordy, Past Parliamentarian, Denton Volunteer Fire Company John Richard Gallagher, Sr., LODD, Bryans Road VFC & Rescue Squad Christopher A. Staley, LODD, Cobb Island VFD & EMS.
Chief Chaplain John Long: We’ll now have a scripture reading from Isaiah by Chaplain Charles Barnhart, Jr.
Chaplain Barnhart: Reading from the Prophet Isaiah, Chapter 61:1-4. The spirit of the Lord God is upon me because the Lord has anointed me. To bring good news to the afflicted, he has sent me to bind-up the broken hearted; to proclaim liberty to the captives and freedom to the prisoners; to proclaim the favorable year of the Lord and the day of vengeance of our God. To comfort all who mourn; to grant those who mourn in Zion giving them a garland instead of ashes; the oil of gladness instead of mourning; The man who prays instead of a spirit of fainting, so they will be called Oaks of Righteousness; The plating of the Lord that he may be glorified. Then they will rebuild the ancient ruins, they will raise up the former devastations and they will repair the ruined cities, the desolation of many generations. The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. Chief Chaplain John Long: A few years ago with a sudden tragic loss of their Chief, a member of Sudlersville wrote a poem. Tonight the author of that poem is here with us 68 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference and I’d like to introduce Stacey Faust of the Sudlersville Fire Co.
Stacey Faust: “Last Call on Earth, First Call in Heaven” (Not to be reprinted without permission) The alarm rings out Turn out gear is donned All rushing about And engines climbed on Then it's off to the scene To do what they must Saving a life Or building up trust Of a small frightened child The weak and the frail, They do what they know They respond without fail.
But life has its twists, Its bumps and its turns Life isn't simple As everyone learns. No one is better Each equals the other Everyone here Is a sister or brother. But a life that is lost In the midst of a call Brings new meaning to life To the great and the small.
A Last Call on earth Doesn't mean it's the end -There's a First Call in Heaven For those we call "Friend". And once the Last call Has been sounded out loud
A reverent hush Falls over the crowd And there in the quiet Inside of each soul Comes a First Call from Heaven - The ultimate goal.
69 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Chief Chaplain John Long: Thank you Stacey. We’ll now have another scripture reading of Lamentations by Chaplain Harry Hetz.
Chaplain Hetz: A reading from Lamentations Chapter 3. I have been deprived of peace. I have forgotten what prosperity is. So I say my splendor is gone and all that I hope from the Lord. I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and gall. I will remember them and my soul is down cast within me. This I call to mind, and therefore I have hope. Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed for His compassion never fails. They are new every morning. Great is your faithfulness. I say to myself the Lord is my portion, therefore I wait for Him. The Lord is good to those who hope in Him. To the ones who seek Him, it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.
Chief Chaplain John Long: We will now have our Memorial tribute. Again when your County’s name is called, please stand.
Deceased members were as follows:
Allegany County Baltimore Pike Volunteer Fire Company – Joseph F. Bruner Barton Hose Company No. 1 – Luther Metz Bedford Road Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary – Doris J. Donahue Bedford Road Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary – Norman E. Gillum Bedford Road Volunteer Fire Department – Donald R. Woodal Bowling Green Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary – Ellen H. Golliday Bowling Green Volunteer Fire Department – Franklin T. Sine Bowling Green Volunteer Fire Department – John H. Wolford Clarysville Fire Company Auxiliary – Anna Mary Blank Clarysville Fire Company Auxiliary – Hellen Scott Corrigansville Volunteer Fire Company – James L. Dermer Cresaptown Volunteer Fire Department – Richard M. Hite Cresaptown Volunteer Fire Department – David W. “Bill” McKenzie Cresaptown Volunteer Fire Department – Joseph M. Winters, Jr. Ellerslie Volunteer Fire Company Auxiliary – Lela May Spellman Flintstone Volunteer Fire Company – James Robey George’s Creek Ambulance Service – Edith M. Jones Midland Fire Company #1 – Lionel F. Baker Oldtown Volunteer Fire Department – Loyd L. Mowery Shaft Volunteer Fire Department – Hugh C. Speir Tri-Towns Volunteer Fire Department – Donald W. Flint
Anne Arundel County Anne Arundel Alarmers Association – Kay A. Krieger
70 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Cape St. Claire Volunteer Fire Company – Chief Kenneth W. Wiles, Sr. Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Company – Daryl E. Sharpe Galesville Volunteer Fire Department – John C. Hines, Sr. Glen Burnie Volunteer Fire Department – John E. Stumpf, Jr. Independent Fire Company #2 – Robert J. Grollman Jessup Volunteer Fire Department & Auxiliary – Mary D. Bladen Lakeshore Volunteer Fire Company & Auxiliary – Hazel M. Curley Lakeshore Volunteer Fire Company – Hugh K. Holmes Lakeshore Volunteer Fire Company – Stanley L. Krokos Lakeshore Volunteer Fire Company – Randall McLaughlin Lakeshore Volunteer Fire Company – Caroll L. Ruths Ladies Auxiliary to the Odenton Volunteer Fire Company – Ruth E. Chase Orchard Beach Volunteer Fire Department – Lloyd J. Shipp Rescue Hose Company #1 – James D. Janie Riveria Beach Volunteer Fire Company – Gregory A. Dodd Riveria Beach Volunteer Fire Company – Andrew W. Fleischman
Baltimore County Arbutus Volunteer Fire Department – Michael V. McNeal, Sr. Boring Volunteer Fire Company – William L. Cowan Central Alarmers & Middleborough Volunteer Fire Company – John J. Peyton Central Alarmers – Maureen E. Ruppersberger Hereford Volunteer Ambulance Association – David E. Dell Kingsville Volunteer Fire Company – Laura L. Cliffe Kingsville Volunteer Fire Company – Helen A. Ledzinski Ladies Auxiliary Rockaway Beach Volunteer Fire Company – Cynthia J. Miles Long Green Volunteer Fire Company – Wheeler H. Newcomb Long Green Volunteer Fire Company – Hilda B. Yoder Middle River Volunteer Fire Company – Raymond Smith Middle River Volunteer Fire Company – Steward Diffenderfer North Point Edgemere Volunteer Fire Company – Bernard C. Elways North Point Edgemere Volunteer Fire Company – Brian A. Harvey Reisterstown Volunteer Fire Company – Robert Borgmann Reisterstown Volunteer Fire Company – Vernon Bucher Reisterstown Volunteer Fire Company – James B. Eline Reisterstown Volunteer Fire Company – James O. Long Reisterstown Volunteer Fire Company – Robert Seonhnlein Violetville Volunteer Fire Department – Donald J. Kolbe White Marshal (Cowenton) Volunteer Fire Company – Steve W. Bablkow
Calvert County Dunkirk Volunteer Fire Department – Amanda Mitchler Prince Frederick Volunteer Fire Department – Robert Parrott 71 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Huntingtown Volunteer Fire Department – James R. Hardesty Solomons Volunteer Rescue Squad and Fire Department – Chief Ricky Smith
Caroline County Denton Volunteer Fire Company – Patricia “Patty” Gordy Federalsburg Volunteer Fire Company – Richard H. Cooper, Jr. Federalsburg Volunteer Fire Company – Hobart E. “Hobie” Wheatley Greensboro Volunteer Fire Company – Alex “Ollie” W. Herzberg
Carroll County Gamber & Community Fire Company – Calvin W. Brothers Gamber & Community Fire Company Auxiliary – Virginia Elizabeth Day Gamber & Community Fire Company Auxiliary – Lionel E. Stickles, Jr. Hampstead Volunteer Fire Engine & Hose Company #1 & Auxiliary – Debora C. Hudgins Hampstead Volunteer Fire Engine & Hose Company #1 - Steven Markle Hampstead Volunteer Fire Engine & Hose Company #1 Auxiliary – Dorothy Elseroad Martin Hampstead Volunteer Fire Engine & Hose Company #1 – Sterling Miller Hampstead Volunteer Fire Engine & Hose Company #1 & Auxiliary – Hannah V. Stevens Harney Volunteer Fire Company – Melvin Amoss Harney Volunteer Fire Company Auxiliary – Treva C. Ridinger Harney Volunteer Fire Company – Elwood Strickhouser Lineboro Volunteer Fire Department – Raymond E. Amspacher Manchester Fire Engine & Hook & Ladder Company #1 – David E. Black, Sr. Manchester Fire Engine & Hook & Ladder Company #1 – Dennis Coan Manchester Fire Engine & Hook & Ladder Company #1 – Earl Gouker, Jr. Manchester Fire Engine & Hook & Ladder Company #1 – Paul Hare, Sr. Manchester Fire Engine & Hook & Ladder Company #1 – Charles Lambert, Jr. Manchester Fire Engine & Hook & Ladder Company #1 - Eldridge Martin Manchester Fire Engine & Hook & Ladder Company #1 – George Maurer Manchester Fire Engine & Hook & Ladder Company #1 – Earl H. Miller Manchester Fire Engine & Hook & Ladder Company #1 Auxiliary – Margaret Myerly Manchester Fire Engine & Hook & Ladder Company #1 Auxiliary – Katherine Warehime Mt. Airy Volunteer Fire Company Auxiliary – Ruth Virginia Linton Mt. Airy Volunteer Fire Company Auxiliary – Mary Rebecca Rimeby New Windsor Fire & Hose Company #1 Auxiliary – Mary E. Darr New Windsor Fire & Hose Company #1 – Dale Green New Windsor Fire & Hose Company #1 Auxiliary – Mildred Hesson New Windsor Fire & Hose Co. #1 & Pleasant Valley Community Fire Co. – Fred T. Hooper New Windsor Fire & Hose Company #1 - Luther Myers New Windsor Fire & Hose Company #1 Auxiliary – Ann Roser Roop New Windsor Fire & Hose Company #1 – Gene Smith New Windsor Fire & Hose Company #1 Auxiliary – Jane Wolfe Reese Volunteer Fire Company Auxiliary – June Snyder Cashman 72 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Sykesville – Freedom District Fire Department – Robert L. Cassell Sykesville – Freedom District Fire Department – Charles “Tim” Furgeson Taneytown Volunteer Fire Company #1 Ladies Auxiliary – Lela Baumgardner Taneytown Volunteer Fire Company #1 & Ladies Auxiliary – Earl K. Lookingbill Taneytown Volunteer Fire Company #1 Ladies Auxiliary – Grace Putnam Taneytown Volunteer Fire Company #1 & Ladies Auxiliary – Mary Louise Tracey Taneytown Volunteer Fire Company #1 – Howard M. Welty Union Bridge Volunteer Fire Company – Walter E. Smith Winfield Community Volunteer Fire Company Auxiliary – Lillian M. Taylor
Cecil County Cecilton Volunteer Fire Company – Robert J. Craig Cecilton Volunteer Fire Company – F. Raymond Russo Charlestown Fire Company – Hershel C. Armour Community Fire Company of Perryville – Ralph VanPelt Community Fire Company of Perryville – John L. Thomas Community Fire Company of Rising Sun – Ruth F. Cullen Community Fire Company of Rising Sun – Gladys H. Montgomery Hacks Point Fire Company – Urie Brice North East Fire Company & Ladies Auxiliary – Rachel E. Alexander North East Fire Company & Ladies Auxiliary – Nancy Nesbitt Clark North East Fire Company – William Ewing, Sr. North East Fire Company & Ladies Auxiliary – Norma G. Huntzberry North East Fire Company & Ladies Auxiliary – Joanne N. Irvin Water Witch Fire Company – Dorothy J. Brown Wm. M. Singerly Steam Fire Engine & Hook & Ladder Co. #1 & Auxiliary – Eva Addis Wm. M. Singerly Steam Fire Engine & Hook & Ladder Co. #1 – Alfred E. Eder, Jr. Wm. M. Singerly Steam Fire Engine & Hook & Ladder Co. #1 – Shirley E. Herring Wm. M. Singerly Steam Fire Engine & Hook & Ladder Co. #1 – Walter E. Lee Wm. M. Singerly Steam Fire Engine & Hook & Ladder Co. #1 & Auxiliary – Virginia Marcus Wm. M. Singerly Steam Fire Engine & Hook & Ladder Co. #1 – J. Victor McCool Wm. M. Singerly Steam Fire Engine & Hook & Ladder Co. #1 & Auxiliary – Olive Murphy Wm. M. Singerly Steam Fire Engine & Hook & Ladder Co. #1 & Auxiliary – Dorothy Ruckman Wm. M. Singerly Steam Fire Engine & Hook & Ladder Co. #1 & Auxiliary – Mary Satterfield
Charles County Bryans Road Volunteer Fire Department & Rescue Squad & Charles County MICU – Line-of-Duty Death – John R. Gallagher Cobb Island Volunteer Fire Department & EMS – Line-of-Duty Death – Christopher A. Staley Cobb Island Volunteer Fire Department & EMS Auxiliary – Martha M. Shymansky Dentsville Volunteer EMS & Auxiliary, Inc. – Rita M. Tippett Indian Head Volunteer Fire Department & Rescue Squad – Woodie L. Beavers Waldorf Volunteer Fire Department & EMS Association Auxiliary – Betty Durrer 73 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Dorchester County Hurlock Volunteer Fire Company – Don W. Brown Rescue Fire Company – Robert C. Gutermuth Rescue Fire Company – Rodney Hurley Rescue Fire Company – John Thomas Rescue Fire Company – Harry “Pete” Stephens Rescue Fire Company – Robert Wilson Secretary Volunteer Fire Company – Paul T. Birch
Frederick County Citizens Truck Company #4 & Junior Fire Company #2 – Bernard L. Fogle Independent Hose Company #1 – Frank M. Albrecht Independent Hose Company #1 Ladies Auxiliary – Kathy J. Kinnaman Independent Hose Company #1 – Mehrl Murphy, Sr. Jefferson Volunteer Fire Company – Helen M. Ahault Jefferson Volunteer Fire Department – Mildred M. VanFleet Junior Fire Company #2 – Hal Bruno Junior Fire Company #2 & Auxiliary – May L. Hahn Junior Fire Company #2 & Auxiliary – Elizabeth Stroup Middletown Volunteer Fire Company – John S. Bernhard Middletown Volunteer Fire Company – Charles E. Butts Middletown Volunteer Fire Company – Ronald F. Kefauver Middletown Volunteer Fire Company – Frances V. Sheffer Middletown Volunteer Fire Company – Donald H. Wiles, Sr. Urbana Volunteer Fire Department & Rescue Squad – Henry Foreman Urbana Volunteer Fire Department & Rescue Squad – Howard S. Gorden Urbana Volunteer Fire Department & Rescue Squad – Earl C. “Buddy” Lenhart, Sr. Urbana Volunteer Fire Department & Rescue Squad – Robert W. Moxley Walkersville Volunteer Fire Company – Alvie N. Covell Walkersville Volunteer Fire Company - Charles E. Cramer Walkersville Volunteer Fire Company – Robert L. Metzer Walkersville Volunteer Fire Company – Harold R. Rhoderuck Walkersville Volunteer Fire Company – Cathrine Toms Walkersville Volunteer Fire Company – Leslie E. Wachter Wolfsville Volunteer Fire Company – Lawrence Sharpe Woodsboro Volunteer Fire Company – Charles “Biddy Boy” Crum Woodsboro Volunteer Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary – Mary Catherine Drum Smith
Garrett County Accident Volunteer Fire Department – Harold R. Swauger Bloomington Fire Company – Robert Bradlen Bloomington Fire Company – Linda B. Friend Bloomington Fire Company – Beverly J. Lipscomb 74 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Deer Park Community Volunteer Fire Department – Helena M. Thrasher Gorman Volunteer Fire Department – Eric Tichnell Grantsville Volunteer Fire Department – James Brenneman Grantsville Volunteer Fire Department – Raymond Yoder Southern Garrett County Rescue Squad – Rev. David C. Moon
Harford County Aberdeen Fire Department – George S. Barrett Abingdon Fire Company & Auxiliary – Lilo M. Jarusek Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company – Andrew “Drew” Elibacher Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company & Auxiliary – Mary Lorraine Hanna Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company – Melvin R. Kulis Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company – Robert L. Seibold Delta-Cardiff Volunteer Fire Company – Marshall D. Burkins, Jr. Delta-Cardiff Volunteer Fire Company - Matthew Kern Delta-Cardiff Volunteer Fire Company – Kenneth R. Wiley Fallston Volunteer Fire & Ambulance Company – C. Raymond Brownley Havre de Grace Ambulance Corps – Norma J. Rice Joppa-Magnolia Volunteer Fire Company – Sharon Erhard Joppa-Magnolia Volunteer Fire Company – Lois R. Martin Joppa-Magnolia Volunteer Fire Company – Milton H. Sniegowski Level Volunteer Fire Company – Ralph Knight Norrisville Volunteer Fire Company – Heather N. Greer Susquehanna Hose Company – Warren C. “Chuck” Todd, Jr.
Howard County Elkridge Volunteer Fire Department – Nancy Boyd Elkridge Volunteer Fire Department – Bruce Caasterline Elkridge Volunteer Fire Department – John White Savage Volunteer Fire Company – Gerald Curry Savage Volunteer Fire Company – Alvin Perry Savage Volunteer Fire Company – Delbert Phelps
Kent County Chestertown Volunteer Fire Company & Kennedyville Volunteer Fire Department – Walter D. Lott, Sr. Chestertown Volunteer Fire Company - Rev. Gonzalee Matthews Chestertown Volunteer Fire Company – Warren B. McGinnis Community Fire Company of Millington – Edward P. Appendzeller, Sr. Galena Volunteer Fire Company – Elmer C. Sells Kennedyville Volunteer Fire Department – Robert A. Moore Kennedyville Volunteer Fire Department – William R. Spencer Rock Hall Volunteer Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary – Richard C. Crater 75 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Montgomery County Chevy Chase Fire Department – Hal Bruno Damascus Volunteer Fire Department – Chief D. Kenneth Howes Damascus Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary – Mary L. Johnson Damascus Volunteer Fire Department – Harry “Pete” Merson Hillandale Volunteer Fire Department – Theodore E. Potter Hillandale Volunteer Fire Department – Alfred J. Stricklin Kensington Volunteer Fire Department – David L. “Buddy” Davis Kensington Volunteer Fire Department – Ernestine E. Kaper Kensington Volunteer Fire Department – George M. Landis Kensington Volunteer Fire Department & Ladies Auxiliary – Nancy G. Reichmeider Kensington Volunteer Fire Department – Chaplain Dennis M. Sartwell Kensington Volunteer Fire Department – John S. Stubbs, Sr. Rockville Volunteer Fire Department – Robert J. Lewis, Sr. Sandy Spring Volunteer Fire Department – Susan Archer Sandy Spring Volunteer Fire Department – Vi Bishop Sandy Spring Volunteer Fire Department – Justus Meyer Takoma Park Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary – Hilda D. Baker Takoma Park Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary – Edna G. Fiske Takoma Park Volunteer Fire Department – Paul E. Malec Upper Montgomery County Volunteer Fire Department – William B. Griffith Upper Montgomery County Volunteer Fire Department – Peter T. Menke Wheaton Volunteer Rescue Squad – Dennis L. Zepp
Prince George’s County Allentown Road Volunteer Fire Department – Barbara H. Brown Baden Volunteer Fire Department – David A. Cross, Sr. Baden Volunteer Fire Department – Mason G. “Goldie” Goldsmith Baden Volunteer Fire Department – Ruth Goldsmith Beltsville Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary – Hilda Mahoney Bladensburg Volunteer Fire Department & Rescue Squad – James W. Grusholt, Sr. Boulevard Heights Volunteer Fire Department & Rescue Squad – Eugene M. Kerns Boulevard Heights Volunteer Fire Department & Rescue Squad Auxiliary – Margaret “Tootsie” Ellis Bowie Volunteer Fire Department & Rescue Squad – William P. Olden Branchville Volunteer Fire Company & Rescue Squad Auxiliary – Jack Garner Brandywine Volunteer Fire Department – Carolyn Sue Rye Bunker Hill Volunteer Fire & Rescue Company – Richard A. Barnard, Sr. Capitol Heights Volunteer Fire Company #1 – Edward M. Hazell Chapel Oaks Volunteer Fire Department – Luther Crutchfield Chapel Oaks Volunteer Fire Department – John May College Park Volunteer Fire Department – John Lackovic
76 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Cottage City – Colmar Manor Fire Company Auxiliary – Deanna Barlett Cottage City – Colmar Manor Fire Company – William F. Crawford District Heights Volunteer Fire Department – Joseph G. Tippett Glenn Dale Fire Association – Earl M. Lutz, Sr. Glenn Dale Fire Association – John M. Page, Jr. Hillside Volunteer Fire Department – Mary Graham Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department – Matthew Falcone Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department – James T. Hook Kentland Volunteer Fire Department – Albert “Buck” Claggett Kentland Volunteer Fire Department – Blanche Claggett Kentland Volunteer Fire Department – John Lackovic Kentland Volunteer Fire Department – Anthony “Tony” Santini Kentland Volunteer Fire Department – James J. Wells, Sr. Laurel Volunteer Fire Department #1 & Auxiliary – Robert W. “Bubba” Chaney Laurel Volunteer Fire Department – W. David Davenport Laurel Volunteer Fire Department #1 – Carl W. Owens Morningside Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary & Ladies Auxiliary Forestville Fire Department – Hazel Loughmiller Morningside Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary – Carolyn J. Davis Sowell
Queen Anne’s County Church Hill Volunteer Fire Company Auxiliary – Virginia H. Bailey Church Hill Volunteer Fire Company – Charles A. Schelts Church Hill Volunteer Fire Company Auxiliary – Clara B. Taylor Crumpton Volunteer Fire Department – Mary Ella Doyle Queen Anne-Hillsboro Volunteer Fire Company – Paul Crouse Queen Anne-Hillsboro Volunteer Fire Company – Greg Hamilton Queen Anne-Hillsboro Volunteer Fire Company – Marion E. “Monk” Morgan Sudlersville Volunteer Fire Company Auxiliary – Hilda Blackiston Sudlersville Volunteer Fire Company – William R. Maule United Communities Volunteer Fire Department – John V. Simpkins
Somerset County Crisfield Volunteer Fire Department – C. Eugene Mills Crisfield Volunteer Fire Department – C. Larry Tyler Marion Volunteer Fire Department – David Bishop
St. Mary’s County Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department – Charles J. “Jenks” Mattingly III Past Pres. MSFA Leonardtown Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. Auxiliary – Ellen M. Mattingly Leonardtown Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. – John M. Scully Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department – Robert E. “Bobby” Cooper Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department – Thomas “Eugene” Copsey, Sr. 77 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department – Raymond C. Williams Second District Volunteer Fire Department & Rescue Squad Auxiliary – Vivian “Kay” Zimmerman Seventh District Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary – Mary C. Nelson Seventh District Volunteer Fire Department – Robert L. Bailey Seventh District Volunteer Fire Department & Seventh District Volunteer Rescue Squad – James H. Woodburn Seventh District Volunteer Rescue Squad – Bernice H. Arnold Seventh District Volunteer Rescue Squad Auxiliary – M. Marguerite Cheseldine Seventh District Volunteer Rescue Squad Auxiliary – Brenda F. Wathen
Talbot County Easton Volunteer Fire Department – Virginia M. Taylor Easton Volunteer Fire Department – Walter Young Tilghman Island Volunteer Fire Company – Wendall Lednum Trappe Volunteer Fire Company – Michael Wyatt
Washington County Community Volunteer Fire Company, Inc. District 12 Ladies Auxiliary – Shirley Mae Ford Community Volunteer Fire Company, Inc. District 12 Ladies Auxiliary – Mary Louise Plank First Hagerstown Hose Company – Frank W. Ridenour Leitersburg Volunteer Fire Company – Robert D. Darby Leitersburg Volunteer Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary – Geraldine J. Iving Longmeadow Volunteer Fire Company – Richard Baer Longmeadow Volunteer Fire Company – Pierce Reynolds Smithburg Community Volunteer Fire Company – Patricia A. Bushey Higman Smithburg Community Volunteer Fire Company – Robert D. Darby Smithburg Community Volunteer Fire Company – Billy L. Kline Smithburg Community Volunteer Fire Company – James G. Kline Smithburg Community Volunteer Fire Company – Nevin K. Lewis Smithburg Community Volunteer Fire Company – Donald M. Snook Western Enterprise Fire Company #4 – Charles W. Basore Western Enterprise Fire Company #4 – John R. “Bud” Fridinger, Jr. Western Enterprise Fire Company #4 – Doreen H. Shoemaker
Wicomico County West Side Volunteer Fire Department – Donald Hopkins
Worcester County Berlin Fire Company – Raymond Atkins Past President MSFA Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company – Lynn M. Engh Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company – Jordon “Jerry” G. Simpson Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company – Marvin Timmons
78 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company – Harold W. Vickers Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company – Jack V. Wood
Other Citizens Volunteer Fire Company of Fawn Grove – Joseph I. Herbert
Chief Chaplain John Long: We will now have a special flag folding ceremony by the Harford County Volunteer Fire & EMS Honor Guard with the narration by Second Vice President Jackie Olson.
2nd Vice President Olson: The Flag Folding Ceremony is a dramatic and uplifting way to honor the Flag of our uniformed personnel. It represents the same religious principals, on which our Country was originally founded.
The portion of the flag denoting honor is the canton of blue containing the stars representing the states of our veterans served in uniform.
In the Armed Forces of the United States at the Ceremony of Retreat, the flag is lowered, folded in a triangle fold and kept under the watch throughout the night as a tribute to our nations honored dead.
The next morning it is brought out and at the Ceremony of Reveille and is briskly run aloft as a symbol of our belief in the resurrection of the body.
Tonight we will honor our personnel who wear a different uniform; a uniform of a person that defends our homeland every day. Tonight, we will defer from the traditional reading and replace the words with a fire service perspective. We do not, in any way, mean any disrespect to our military veterans. We have chosen a series of words that best characterize the true identity of our American heroes.
The first fold stands for Initiative - For those who are not afraid to train and dedicate themselves to the fire service and the protection of their communities.
The second fold stands for Honor - Which needs to be bestowed upon a group of individuals who remain consistent in service across the nation.
The third fold is for Courage - To all of those who place themselves in harms way each and every day to afford safety to both friends and strangers.
The fourth fold is Valor - In recognition of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice carrying out their duties in the fire service.
The fifth fold is Strength - In heart, body and soul, both inner and outer, that is required to meet the challenges in the post 9/11 world. 79 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference The sixth fold is Bravery - We are the breed that rushes into the eye of the storm while others seek safe refuge.
The seventh fold is Patience - A special fold with a distinct crisp line. A line of caring that spans from care of children, elderly and injured in the time of crisis.
The Eighth fold is for Appreciation - For Firefighters who hold a special sense of fragility of the human being. Each moment of service we can give to others in one that is cherished. We appreciate being able to help others with no desire to be recognized by those we serve.
The ninth fold is Dedication - In our profession, be it career or volunteer, we are all herald as professionals. We all love this profession, especially those of us who volunteer. Guess the percentage of those of us here tonight, that serve our citizens as both a career and volunteer firefighter. Find this love of duty in any other profession.
The tenth fold is Faith - Many firefighters who have seen life given or taken in the course of their duty have some taste of what faith truly is. Faith can be more than just religion. It can be a belief in what you do and those you work with.
The eleventh fold is Ingenuity - Like the various stars and stripes of our great flag, personnel in the fire service always find ways to make things work and to have confidence in their ability to succeed in their mission. This is patterned after our ancestors who crafted our story of freedom.
The twelfth fold is for Family - The family is the binding fiber of our service. Be it relatives through bloodlines or our brothers and sisters in the fire service. Our group is truly one huge family dedicated to community and to each other in good times and in bad.
The thirteenth fold is for Freedom - Firefighters fall into a mold of our past fighters for free will and personal freedom. Our creed is to prevail in times of crisis and in any situation that might threaten the public safety.
The final Tuck - As the red and white stripes are wrapped into the blue as the light of day vanishes into the dark of night. May we never forget those who have given their lives to our public safety community. God be with you until we meet again.
Chief Chaplain John Long: Ladies and gentlemen, please stand for Amazing Grace and remain standing for taps and the benediction.
We’ll now have the Lord’s Prayer and the Benediction by Nancy Jones.
Chaplain Jones: Everyone join me in saying the Lord’s Prayer: Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in 80 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power, and the glory forever and ever. Amen. (Audience AMEN)
Benediction – Chaplain Jones: Dear Lord as we conclude our service tonight where we have honored men and women who have gone before us. We lift up our praises to God thanking him for these men and women who have given so much of themselves to our organizations. Tonight we also, need to honor our military and our police who protect our freedoms and our safety. May the Lord protect us and may we all go home safely. Amen
Chief Chaplain John Long: Ladies and gentlemen that concludes our memorial service tonight. Thank you for your presence and support of these families who’ve lost a loved one in the past year. Please remain where you are, Tim has volunteered to sing God Bless America while the families and chaplains and the uniformed members and Pipes and Drum exit the center aisle. (Tim Konig sings “God Bless America”)
81 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference 120TH Annual Convention and Conference of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association Ocean City, Maryland – June 16-22, 2012
Opening Ceremonies Monday, June 18, 2012
(Musical Interlude by the Westminster Band)
President David W. Lewis: Please be seated. It’s certainly my honor and pleasure to call to order the 120th Annual Conference Convention of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association to order.
President Teresa Crisman: It is also a great honor for allowing me to call the 81st annual Convention of the Ladies Auxiliary to the Maryland State Firemen’s Association to order.
President David W. Lewis: At this time so that we can start with an attitude of safety it is my honor and pleasure to introduce the Safety Committee Chairman, Mr. John Fisher for a safety message.
John Fisher: Good morning everyone. I would like to welcome you to the ocean. We’re doing a team approach on this today. I have the co-chairman, Hobie Howell here to go over what you’re looking for safety.
Hobie Howell: Good morning. As you all know we have construction work going on in and around the building. Please be aware of your surroundings, your exits, and what’s going on around you. We’ve already had two instances, already, this week, and yesterday and this morning, with people getting hurt outside of the building. Please be aware and be safe. And again, look and see around your surroundings what’s going on for your safety and your family. Thank you.
John Fisher: Today or through the convention we’re going to have the sign up again for the seat belts. Seat belts are a big safety part of our program and this year we’re going to update our files, so please as your members come through we have a chance for two give always and then the company that has the most people sign up here at the convention will get a plaque. Thank you.
Vice President Denver: Good morning. I’m John Denver, First Vice President of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association; I’d like to ask John Long, Chief Chaplain to come forward for the invocation.
82 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Chief Chaplain Long: Good morning. Let’s open this convention with a silent prayer. Almighty all powerful God, today we open the 120th annual convention and conference of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association. Father if it is your will, please bless these proceedings and all the training, times of fellowship, and officers of this association. Father we praise you for the past year and all that was accomplished. We praise you for the leadership you have given this association and the knowledge that was bestowed on the leadership positions from the top officers to the committee chairs. We thank you for those workers who volunteered their time and energy to serve on committees. We thank you God for the comforting care you’ve shown us the past year as we’ve dealt with the passing of our friends and family. God we seek your guidance today as we open this convention and conference. We pray that all we do at this conference honors you in everything. We ask this all in your son’s name. Amen.
Past Presidents please take your positions.
Ladies and gentlemen it gives me great honor to introduce to you the President of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association and the President of the Ladies Auxiliary to the Maryland State Firemen’s Association, President David W. Lewis, escorted by his wife, Gloria
(video presentation that highlights President Lewis’s and President Crisman’s year in office)
Teresa Ann Crisman, escorted by Clarence Webber. (Applause)
Richard Brooks: Please be seated and remain seated to enjoy the colors of our counties as they are presented before you this morning. Alleghany County Charles County Prince George’s County Anne Arundel County Dorchester County Queen Anne’s County Baltimore City Frederick County Somerset County Baltimore County Garrett County St. Mary’s County Calvert County Harford County Talbot County Caroline County Howard County Washington County Carroll County Kent County Wicomico County Cecil County Montgomery County Worcester County
The flags from each county were presented along with a slide presentation ofthose counties. (Applause and cheers as they entered the hall.)
Richard Brooks: And ladies and gentlemen - the Great State of Maryland. (Applause) The Westminster Band “Maryland, My Maryland” as the Maryland Flag is raised. Would everyone please rise?
83 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Bagpiper plays “Amazing Grace.”
The Westminster Bank plays “Eternal Father Strong to Save.” Bagpipers entered the hall playing “Scotland the Brave.”
Richard Brooks: We honor our Maryland Fallen Fire Fighters with the Maryland Fallen Fire Fighter Flag, the National Fire Fighters Memorial Flag, and the Maryland Fire Rescue Services Memorial Flag.
Bagpipers play “Highland Cathredal.”
They are all posted on the stage.
Richard Brooks: Please be seated. Ladies and gentlemen there is nothing more stirring than the pipes to honor the fire service. Please welcome the Maryland Fire-Rescue Services Pipes and Drums. (Applause)
The Maryland Fire-Rescue Services Pipes and Drums play “Awesome Set.”
Special Video presentation “My Name is America.”
President Lewis: Everyone please rise for the presentation of the colors by the Maryland combined honor guard. Honor Guard please post colors.
President Crisman: Please join me in the Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
Marsha Roth: Sings the National Anthem. (Applause)
President Lewis: Honor guard you may retire the colors.
Please join me in thanking Marsha Roth in singing the Star Spangled Banner and also the color guard of the Odenton Volunteer Fire Company. (Applause)
Please be seated.
Please thank the Westminster Band for their performance this morning. (Applause)
Once again please join me in thanking the Westminster Band, the joint Maryland Fire Service Pipes and Drums, the Odenton Fire Company Honor Guard, and the joint Maryland Honor Guard. (Applause)
84 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Now it’s an honor and pleasure to have the official welcome from the town of Ocean City, a friend of ours, has certainly worked hand in hand with us for the last several years to make Ocean City more friendly for our convention and gone out of his way to help us with the hotel/motel association, the restaurant association and many other groups to keep us coming to Ocean City and to make it more friendly to us…..a friend of the fire service, Mayor Rick Meehan. (Applause)
Mayor Meehan: Good morning everybody. Well it’s terrific to look out here and see you all in Ocean City and I can’t tell you how proud we are to have you here. I said it before and I’ll say it again, for all the years I’ve been in Ocean City you can tell when the summer officially starts and that’s when the Maryland State Firemen’s Association comes to Ocean City. So we welcome you and we thank you for being here. (Applause)
I don’t know if you’ve noticed or not we’re doing a few renovations and this wall of course wasn’t there the last time you were here. There was a permanent stage. The next time you are here, when you return in 2013, that wall will be gone and this building will extend all the way out to the bay front with a beautiful bay view with all glass. So we are very excited about the renovations. We apologize for any inconveniences they may cause. You know when they first built this convention center; back in the 1970’s the only way we could see the bay was if both doors to the freight elevator were open at the same time. Can you imagine that, this beautiful vista we have out here, so we’re going to open it up so that all the visitors and all the conventions that come here get to enjoy the bay. I want to thank you all for your service to your community cause I know how important our volunteer fire company is and how important our fire company is to the town of Ocean City and I know how important yours are and how difficult it is at times to be able to provide those hours of service. I want to thank each and every one of you for your service to the communities which you represent. Also to your families that allow you to do so.
While you’re here in Ocean City this week I know you’re going to learn a lot here and have a lot of interesting things going on at the convention center but we hope you will also get out and enjoy Ocean City. We have a lot of events going on. I know that your committee has worked very hard to make this a very family oriented convention and offer a lot of things for your family to do while you are here. I know you have an event tonight at the Jolly Roger and there’s a lot of events going on, we have a free fireworks display on the beach downtown Tuesday night so there’s a lot of things going on in Ocean City and we hope you get to enjoy them.
One thing I would like to ask you to do while you are here is to be safe. I know you promote safety throughout your communities and we’re very cognizant of your visitors being safe while they are here in Ocean City. Please encourage your families to pay attention while they are out there on the highway and make sure they use the cross walks and that they are safe while they are here. We’re not the only people in Ocean City right now; we are 85 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference also entertaining the future leaders of America. That’s better known as the graduating class of 2013. (Laughter)
I’m not going to tell you they don’t come without challenges. But our responsibility is to make sure they are safe when they get here, they are safe while they are here and they return safely home. As you cross paths they may stick out sometimes but you know one day they will be sitting out here in these chairs like you are today. Then of course the big event is on Wednesday and that will be the annual Firemen’s Parade in Ocean City. The route has been changed a little this year and I think it will be a terrific experience for everybody and I look forward to that event as well. So what I want to do, again on behalf of the town of Ocean City and all of our citizens, thank you so much for being here. We welcome you here and I can tell you it’s just great to see the Maryland State Firemen’s Association in Ocean City. Before I leave I have a couple of things I’d like to present. You know events like this don’t just happen; they are a result of a lot of hard work. I know many members have formed committees to put this on and have worked diligently throughout the year. I see many of them sitting out here in the front row. They have worked tirelessly to make sure this event is all it can be for you and your families and I want to congratulate that. Also I have a presentation I’d like to make. If I can ask David and Teresa to both come out.
On behalf of the town of Ocean City what I’m going to do is present to you a key to our community. This key represents all the citizens and it represents how they feel about the Maryland State Firemen and how they feel about your service and your commitment to your communities; to your organization. So David and Teresa, on behalf the Mayor and city Council it’s my honor and privilege to present this key to the town of Ocean City. (Applause)
Again thank you all very much. It’s an honor to be here. It’s an honor to be on stage with David and Teresa.
I would now like to introduce another gentleman for the town of Ocean City. This is the Director of Emergency Services for the town of Ocean City and we’re very proud of our department heads and all of our employees here in Ocean City. It’s my honor to present the Director of Emergency Services, Joe Thiebold. Thank you very much. Have a great time in Ocean City. (Applause)
Joe Thiebold: Here’s the good part. When I follow him, I don’t have to say anything; he’s said it all already. But on behalf of Ocean City, all of public safety, our police department, fire department, and our beach patrol. Enjoy your stay here. Be safe as the Mayor said. It’s been a difficult state to this season. Watch yourself out on coastal highway. We want you to return safely to your families. Other than that, you don’t need to hear more from me. He said it all. Enjoy this convention. (Applause)
86 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference President Lewis: Thank you Mr. Mayor and Joe. On behalf of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association we certainly have a few tokens of our appreciation to give back to you. To begin with a resolution from the Maryland State Firemen’s Association, I won’t read the entire text, but it certainly is in appreciation for the cooperation and support we get. The convention committee, we probably come down here three four times a year and every time we meet with the convention center staff you take the time out of your schedule to come meet with us to make sure everything was taken care of. If we ever had a disagreement with the convention staff, we went right to the man. Usually that wasn’t necessary.
On behalf of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association we offer to you and the town of Ocean City this resolution of support with our appreciation. (Applause)
And for you and Joe both, we have our convention bag, an official part of our convention, a copy of our convention mug.
Mayor Meehan: Thank you again, enjoy your convention.
President Lewis: Another gentleman I’m proud to introduce this morning for some greetings, a long time friend and probably not missed a convention and if he has, he probably has a good reason, certainly a friend of ours and mayor for a number of years, now he’s in Annapolis. We knock on his door on the fourth floor a number of times when we needed his help. He was very instrumental this year with helping us with the explosive bill as well as went against his colleagues on the Eastern Shore with the residential sprinkler bill. It’s certainly my pleasure to introduce Senator Jim Mathias. (Applause)
Senator Mathias: Good morning Mr. President. How about it? Are you ready for another beautiful day in Ocean City? What do you think now MSFA? Come on Ladies Auxiliary. (Cheering) God bless you. We love you. And now for the weather report. The sun will shine on parade day. The beer is cold, the crabs are hot, and yes we’re going to have a great time. What do you think? I’ll make the motion. Who makes the second? All in favor? Alright – God bless you. I just want to take a moment to thank each and every one of you for what you do every day. We’re ever grateful. I was just talking to the mayor and you remember the evolution of this building, what we were here, it was MSFA, the Ladies Auxiliary that saw the vision as well, and came to us and said, we’re going to help you make the best facility in the state. And on we went to work. We tripled the size, right now, the next time we come back here this wall will come down, and what you’ll see is what God has made. A beautiful bay, a wonderful place and I’m forever thankful for your hard work and support. And I’m so glad to be here with the Mayor, Chief Steger as we continue to go forward to host you on a wonderful week. May God bless you. Thank you. (Applause)
I’d just like to thank each and every one of you for your prayers over the past year and
87 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference with Cathy and as I said the other night at dinner, many of you and your wives have lost your loved ones in one regard or another, a husband, a wife, a son, a daughter, those in the line of duty who have given it all, I just want to take a quiet moment and thank them and I thank you for the courage in caring on and walking with me through a very difficult time. But yet, we all know the most important thing. Their life went eternal and we have angels up there watching over us. So when the bell rings and we get on the rig or we direct traffic on the road or first entry, whatever we’re going, those are traveling with God and with other angels. And when we get back to the station and we go 10-7 because it’s under control, we know that we traveled without faith we travelled with each other and we’ll travel together in the future. May God bless you always, keep you safe and please come see me in Annapolis. Enjoy a great week. Bye bye. (Applause)
President Lewis: Thank you Senator, thank you for being here today, thank you for all the cooperation and support. As I said we spend a lot of time in Annapolis. We knew we always could call on you for support (President Crisman joins them at the podium). The reason we were down there quite a bit, you helped and on behalf of us and the entire of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association I’d like to make you an official part of our convention with a delegate bag and the official mug.
Senator Matthias: Thank you Mr. President and Madam President, I did forget to say one thing. You know, come up here Teresa dear, madam President, Mr. President, when the Mayor was here and presented the key they really don’t know Teresa was back there. The minute they presented that key everybody turned around to me and said; what Teresa really wants is a key to the Cork Bar. (Applause & Laughter). Do you think she made an impression? So Teresa, here’s an honorary key to the Cork Bar. (Applause & Laughter) Hey David I’ll see you down there. Let’s fill this thing out. All in favor say aye. God bless you and have a great week.
President Lewis: It’s my honor this morning to introduce for a key note presentation for the conference and convention, “It takes more than plastic red fire hats” presented by Daniel Burn. Daniel Byrne is a fire fighter/paramedic and a community support officer for the Burton, SC, Fire District and a paramedic for Beaufort County EMS. He is a National Fire Academy alumnus and has been in the emergency services for over 20 years. Byrne holds associate of science and Bachelor of Science degrees in fire science and is a Fire Instructor II. He has received state and local awards for educational programs and partnerships. Byrne is a former U.S. Marine Corps recruiter now serving with the Georgia Air National Guard Fire Protection Division. Many of you have already seen Daniel. He was a presenter at the Mid Atlantic Life Safety Conference. He did a fantastic job there and we immediately got feedback that we need to bring Daniel back and bring him as part of our convention so that more people could hear his story. So please join me in welcoming Daniel for this morning’s key note presentation. (Applause)
88 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Daniel Byrne: Good morning. Welcome one, welcome all to the 120th annual Maryland Fireman and Ladies conference. It’s always a privilege to be at gatherings like this. In today’s economic times and how busy we’ve become that you’ve taken the time, the money and the effort to come here to improve yourself as an individual, as a fire fighter and the services that your fire department provides and that you’ll provide to your community. It’s quite an honor to be here. And even more of an honor to be your guest speaker. So thank you again for being here. It’s quite a privilege to be here.
As introduced my name is Dan Byrne, I am a fire fighter and my last name is Byrne. I was born Irish Catholic in the city of Boston and I had three choices in life. I was going to be a Priest, a fire fighter or a police officer. So with the last name like Byrne I was kind of nailing the coffin and that’s what we’re going to do.
I’m actually a third generation fire fighter going back to the days of the fire horse, back to when the last fire horse retired from the city of Boston. I’m a third generation. This is the only job I ever wanted to do. I grew up wanting to be a fire fighter. I’m sure everyone in the audience wanted to do that. What other job allows you to be a perpetual four year old for life and get paid for it. This is a perfect profession. This is the only thing that I ever wanted to do.
On November 21, 1997 my life changed pretty significantly. It was the day of my first structure fire. When I came in the profession, being a fire fighter was the only thing I wanted to do but that night caused me to question a lot about myself, about the badge I wear, the uniform and the service I provide. All I want is to find myself as a fire fighter, as a server to my community and what I wanted to provide my community. And that’s why I chose prevention. That fire was a fatal fire for four month baby girl Erica. That was my first structure fire and it changed my path for following. I chose my path as prevention. In the fire service a very unpopular path and sometimes career limiting in today’s fire service, but followed it never the less.
Today as your key note speaker this is what I want to challenge you all to do. You’ve come here to improve, you’ve come here to become better, you’ve come here to change things and do things differently. In order to do that you have to ask questions. Tough questions and find tough answers and to be honest. Sometimes that honesty is difficult, especially when you’ve been doing our profession as long as you have. But those questions need to be asked and as your key note speaker here today that’s what I hope to do, to challenge you.
Can anybody tell me the significance of today? What’s today’s date in significance to the fire service? Does anybody know? Five years today was the day of the Super sofa fire. We lost nine fire fighters in South Carolina. Again I’m here to ask those tough questions. Let’s put it on the table. Let’s have the discussions some of us are having in the back
89 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference rooms, in the vehicles, on wasted comforts at the local pub over some mountain dew. But they are not discussions we’re having openly. But today again as your key note speaker I hope to challenge you with those questions. To ask those tough questions; to change; to put it on the table and to adapt to the betterment of ourselves and our citizens. That’s the whole reason why you are here.
In fact the Charleston fire, the nine fire fighters that died in that fire, Charleston approached that fire and they hadn’t asked those question and they were using fire ground tactics and strategies that were outdated. That is not Dan Byrne’s philosophy and not what I think about, not my conclusion. That’s a fact of the report.
Fact: The Charleston fire department did not have a prevention program. They did not do inspections.
Fact: The Super Sofa store should have had a sprinkler system. It did not. Fact: Nine firefighters died in a building that had numerous fire code violations. Two of which led directly to the fire and their deaths. Thus if it is a fire code violation it’s predictable and if it’s predictable, it’s preventable. So what I’m saying here is we lost nine fire fighters in a very preventable cause because nobody asked those tough questions. Today, because today is the five year anniversary I hope to honor those individuals and again as your key note to challenge you to ask those questions. To ask those tough questions and have those discussions and put it on the table so we can adapt and become better. Think of the fire service you are in today and what you want to leave tomorrow. Ask yourself, look inwardly when you put your uniform on and put your badge on your chest, what does that mean to you? What do you want it to mean to your community? What do you want to do to find yourself as a career in the fire service? The Charleston fire will do just that.
Again, look at that picture. That picture (firefighter holding a baby) depicts what fire fighting is all about. The heroic fire fighter is making the rescue.
Fact: The picture is a lie. And we all know it. I’ve been here a couple days now and I’ve met several of you and I know we have some veterans in the crowd that have been around a while. Twenty or thirty years ago from ignition to flash over how much time did you have? What was the time? Fifteen to twenty minutes. From the time the fire ignited to flashover, fifteen to twenty minutes. That gave us plenty of time to get there, get out lines on the ground, get in the building, make the search, make a grab and get out. We had time. Today; Fact: Flashover – From ignition to flashover three to five. So let’s look at that picture and really ask that question. By the time the tones hit at the station, our tones go off we get on the rigs, it’s already too late. Not always. That doesn’t mean we stop trying. It doesn’t mean we give up. We do the best we can to get there as soon as we can as safely as we can. If we can make a search and take a change we make it. The fact of the matter is the majority of the fires we are responding to are not a possibility. By the time we get on the trucks, it’s already too late. We’re not going to save anything and by the time 90 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference we arrive on the scene whoever is inside has probably already expired. The child in that photograph that is rescued, we saved a life and that’s a good thing. The fact of the matter is that child is injured. Whether she’s physically injured from the heat of the fire or the toxic gasses she breathed in, she’s definitely emotionally injured for the rest of her life. And the days that she should be performing the security and safety for the health of her family and defining the world around her, it’s been turned upside down. She may never recover from it. Her family may never recover from it. Her family may never be the same. Fire will erase it out. Speaking of the fire; Fire will erase your life like it never existed. Everything that you have is gone and you’re starting again. Can you, will you? I’ve been doing prevention programs almost steady since November 1997 and I’ve gone into schools and day cares where children will scream in terror because the last time they saw a fire fighter was in a bad situation like this.
Look at that picture; fact, if we are fire fighters we are protectors and guardians. Being a protector and guardian becomes natural that while we still respond to fires, are we providing the best service to our citizens. Are we protecting them the best that we can? If this picture defines who we are, by responding and trying to make that rescue, could we not deliver a better service to this child and this family by being proactive? Let’s look at what it does to us as a brotherhood. (Picture of fire fighters) These are the generations of fire fighters that lived through America Burning. They responded to more fires in a shift than we will in a year. These are the fire fighters that have given us the legacy of brother hood that we carry forth today. When I say brother hood, that defines male and female fire fighters, it’s a term all encompassing. The brother hood, they gave us a legacy that we proclaim to carry forth and do in their name. I came to tell you and I challenge you as I ask that question if they were to come back today to see what we’re doing in their name, would they be proud or would they be disappointed? I’m here to tell you they would be disappointed. They responded to fires they risked their lives, they died for their community, they turned to the brother hood because they had too. They didn’t have any other choice. They didn’t have the technology we have today. They didn’t have full turn outs, they didn’t have thermal imagers, they didn’t have 1 ¾ inch lines they had 2 ½ inch lines. They didn’t have the knowledge of flashover. They breathed smoke. They knew it was bad. They didn’t understand hydrogen cyanide and carbon monoxide. They had a term leather lung. That was a badge of honor because they didn’t know any better. They risk their lives for each other. They called it a brother hood. They risk their lives for their community. They called it a brother hood because they had too.
We do it today because we choose too. We choose risks. Risks define our brother hood. The more risk, the more brotherhood we have. And that’s not what they intended. That’s not the legacy they want brought forth and if they wanted to return today. In that photo you see people, see the gentleman, only one in that photo lived to have a twenty year career in the fire department. He actually lived long enough to take a few cruises and enjoy retirement. Everybody else in that photo died in the fifties and sixties young men. They never lived to see grandchildren. They never lived to see weddings. They never lived to 91 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference see graduations. They missed out on a significant part of their families’ lives. Two of those fire fighters were highly decorated. One was decorated when he pulled a child out of a tenement building and gave the child mouth to mouth on the way to the hospital because they didn’t have ambulances back then, saved the child’s life, collapsed and two days died in the hospital from smoke inhalation and heat exhaustion. Highly decorated, recognized, awarded, names on plaques, discussed in fire houses still to this day. But if he could come back and change that, if any of these fire fighters could come back and change that, take the knowledge that we have today and go out and prevent twenty five percent of the fires they responded to and give them an extra couple years with their family, to see those graduations, to see those births, to see those weddings, would they come back-absolutely. That fire fighter that was decorated saving that child’s life, if he could go back and prevent that fire from happening, either prevent the fire from happening or ensuring the building had fire alarm system so that child would be waiting in front of the building whenhis truck company arrived, and he never made the rescue, never got the award, forgot the recognition, would he? Absolutely. To get an extra couple years of life with his family. Absolutely. Without question. We’ve taken what they’ve given us and we transformed.
If we don’t ask these tough questions and evaluate ourselves and look into it and look to our brothers to our left and to our right and define that to the brother that I’ll do anything I can to keep you safe. And as a company officer I’m going to do everything I can to make sure you get a 25 year career. If their company officers could go back in time get them up off the couch and put down the pool sticks, we’re going out in our target neighborhoods and we’re going to make sure they have smoke detectors, maybe prevent one fire and ensure, do whatever I can to make sure, you get your 20 years. You go home at the end of the shift. Would they – absolutely.
Think about that. Think about this brotherhood, what we want for one another, what we are willing to do for one another. How we define it today is not how it was intended and we’re dishonoring people in the past. People do things generally for three reasons; they do it because they are paid, they do it because they enjoy it, or they do it because they believe it is the right thing to do. Fire fighters do our job because we enjoy it. Most of you out there don’t get paid for it. You have my respect on that. But generally we do it because it’s the right thing to do. When people do things because it’s the right thing to do that comes from someplace deep inside. Generated by emotions and they are unstoppable. When somebody believes what they are doing is right, don’t try to stop them.
Look at these photographs of abuse. Think about the emotion it generates in you sitting here today. Natural guardians, natural protectors, fire fighters, you feel an emotion that needs to stop. You can’t stand for that. We need to protect especially the older adults and the children. They are the most vulnerable in our communities who rely on us the most for protection and help. They are being abused. Now if you were in the fire station and one of these folks stopped by the station and you know they were leaving to go into an abusive situation, would you do anything and everything you can to prevent that from happening? 92 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Absolutely. Without a question. Think about the emotion that generates that type of response. Look at these photographs and think about the emotion it generates in you.
Now look at these photographs. Why does that generate a different emotion? Why do we allow these photographs to generate a sensation of success? It is successful, we did our job, we made a rescue and it’s not taking away from it. But think about the emotion that generates in your willingness to prevent that from happening. I can, I am willing to bet the majority of you out there today with a fair amount of accuracy can tell and say where your next fire will most likely happen, in what neighborhood. What people are most at risk, and thus in what neighborhood are we likely to have your next line of duty death if you’re going to have one. If your choosing to sit in the station and wait for that call to come in and that’s how you choose to serve and that’s how you choose to define your career, isn’t that equivalent to patting Johnny on the head or shaking Mary’s hand and sending them back to go ahead and get your beating. Call us when you’re done. We’ll come patch it up. That’s a tough question. It’s one that has to be asked. Isn’t it the same equivalent? If we know where our fires are going to be and we know where our communities are and we know whats causing these fires and we’re not doing anything to do our best to go out there and prevent those fires and get those people out safely and keep them safe as best we can. We can’t prevent 100% of the fires but we might be able to prevent one or two and we choose not to do that, is that not the same as accepting the abuse. Absolutely.
In ourselves in our own career fire fighter safety and fire fighter rescue is a term that’s grown substantially in the last few years and it shouldn’t. All of the effort training and technology should be applied to our safety to make sure we get home at the end of the shift. All those hours, hundred fire fighters die in the line of duty each year. One Hundred and if you break that down into how many actually die on the fire ground, that number drops substantially. If you break that down to how many actually die in fire ground strategies and tactics and actually putting out the fire, it drops even further. If you break that down to how many actually could have survived on their own or been rescued by a rescue team, that number is almost negotiable. One or two yet we dedicate all these hours all this training and all this technology to saving one or two fire fighters a year. Is it worth it? Absolutely. If I give a thousand hours of my time and it saves a life of one of my fire fighters, then we need to do two thousand next year. We’re putting all this technology effort and training into saving ourselves, but what about the people we are suppose to protect? An average of three thousand people dies in fire every year. Majorities are older adults and younger children, vulnerable adults, vulnerable children, people who depend on us the most. How much effort time and technology do we see as a service, as a fire department, as a profession, put forth to protect them. It’s not about reducing the effort and time we put towards saving ourselves, it’s not about taking away from that, it’s about bring the other up to the equivalent standard. All this money and effort in training ourselves but nothing in protecting our citizens preventing them from being injured, preventing them from losing their life in fire. To me that is selfish, not the profession you should be. That’s not the legacy that’s been given to us. But we accept it. We need to ask these tough 93 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference questions and come up with tough answers. We need to really do an evaluation because we’re taking what we had and warping it into something it’s not supposed to be. You need to adapt to become relevant and very quickly our fire service is becoming less and less relevant. For some of our veterans that have been out there for a few years, has the values of today’s society changed over the last ten, twenty years. Absolutely. Times have changed we’re a with them generation. What’s in it for me? What do you have to offer me? What have you done for me today. We’re in a selfish generation, a generation of self entitlement, me, me, me. Hey I appreciate you putting out my neighbor’s fire last week; you all did a good job, thank you. What are you doing for me today? There are government officials out there exploiting that and get away today with what they couldn’t ten or twenty years ago. Publically and openly question their fire department in relation to their budget and their value. It goes back to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs that if a person’s physiological needs aren’t taken care of, meaning, shelter, food, clothes on your back, nothing really matters beyond that.
Think about yourselves as husbands and fathers, brothers, sisters; if your families physiological needs are not taken care of you’re really not worried about what comes next; living in a time of bankruptcy, unemployment, homelessness. People aren’t worried about the fire they thought never was going to happen in the first place. Their values have changed. What have you done for me lately? This is a generation that grew up with an EPA, OSHA, Surgeon General warning. They understand risk management. Corporations today are investing millions of dollars on risk management because they have determined it’s much easier to prevent an event from happening than to respond to it and recover from it. Today’s generation understands that. They put value in risk management, they put value in prevention. That’s where the value is. But if we don’t adapt and become relevant, what does that mean? Risk management, they understand the frivolousness of losing a fire fighter in an abandon building. I understand it is not abandon until we prove it is abandon. I understand we have an inherently dangerous job.
Fire fighters; there will always be fires, there will always be emergencies. Fire fighters must always take calculated risks and sometimes things go wrong. Fire fighters are injured and fire fighter dies not saying we are a zero defect mentality. But they understand risk management; they understand losing a fire fighter in a building that was not occupied. They understand the foolishness of losing a fire fighter because he is not wearing his seat belt. They are not wearing their protective equipment properly. They understand that and they openly question that. But we haven’t changed and we haven’t adapted. If you don’t and we don’t change who we are, redefine the services we provide in this prevention oriented society and demonstrate to our citizens the value we add every day, not just when you call 911, the quality of life you are enjoying today and the fact that you can pick up a newspaper and not read about a fatality or a death or a major fire incident is because you have a strong fire department. If we don’t do that, that’s what we’re going to become. That fire extinguisher that hangs on the wall, nobody really wants it, it’s ugly, they have them because they were told they have to. They are only going to invest as much money in it 94 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference as they need too and the only time they think of it is when they need it. But outside of that they would rather it be hidden and not be used. And if we don’t change, that’s what we are going to be, if we maintain this responsive reactive mode of just responding to fires and suppressing fires, we’re going to be that fire extinguisher on the wall. And no one is going to think about it until it’s too late. And the proof again is in the photographs and emotions that are generated.
When a soldier loses his life overseas, this country comes to a standstill and they should. I’m a Desert Storm veteran and I’m about to deploy to the middle east again this fall and I appreciate the support and the recognition that you give to us over there because believe me we need it. When a troop dies overseas it’s a tragedy. So many people died in Iraq that it brought an end to the war. Our public was so outraged with the loss of life of American servicemen that we brought an end to that war. But when a fire fighter dies in the line of duty maybe it will make local news, maybe it will make state news, it doesn’t make national news. Going back to emotions, think about emotions in that photograph of the fire fighter funeral in relation to the soldiers, a totally different emotion. It’s accepted. A fire fighter died. People have fires, it happens. And when you think about the support when our citizens and our public found out our troops were not getting the armament they needed, the humvees and the flak jackets, what happened? There was a national outrage and we found a way to equip our troops so they could go serve us, protect us and come back safely.
Why are we fighting for sprinkler systems? Sprinkler systems have been around since the 1800s. There’s never been a multiple fatality anywhere in the world in a building that has had a sprinkler system. There’s never been a loss of life of any fire fighter, ever that’s had a sprinkler system. Why are we fighting for equipment and protection that we should already have? Why does the public not place a value on our war and what we deal with everyday? Why do they accept what it is that we do? Because we continue to respond and operate in a reactive mode, in a suppressive mode.
South Carolina today, five years ago, nine fire fighters died in a building that should have had a sprinkler system and we are fighting our government officials to adopt a basic standard code that will require that and make that happen. And again, we have our selves to blame. So to this conference again ask those tough questions. Put it on the table. Think about who you are as a fire fighter and how you want your career defined, what that badge means to you and what the service is that you want to leave for our fire fighters tomorrow. Think about the legacy we’ve been given and what we’re doing with it today and the legacy we want to pass on tomorrow.
In closing again think about who you are. Can anybody here in the audience from the oldest veteran to the newest rookie recall any time in their life that a parent stopped a child from running up and giving you a hug? That a parent stopped you from lifting their child and putting him in the cab of a fire truck? In today’s day of not trusting the scandals and the 95 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference pedophiles that is out there. We’re never questioned. People trust us and that’s a legacy passed from our brothers past. Cherish that, honor that, earn that every day. You have the power with the badge on your chest and the patch on your shoulder to make a difference. To make a change in your community to save lives. To change lives. Don’t waste that opportunity. Every day that you get up and you call yourself a fire fighter, there’s a day that you can make a change, whether it’s fire related, literacy, hunger, homelessness, you can be the difference. No other profession in the world allows members to make such a difference in their community. Don’t waste it. Ladies and gentlemen ask those tough questions. Look at those answers and think real hard. You have to adapt to become relevant. And it’s time to start adapting. Your all brothers, we’re all in the family, we need to look out for each other, we need to do everything to keep each other safe and carry our fire service into the future.
Again, thank you very much for having me here today as your guest speaker as your keynote. I wish you all a great conference, I hope you learn a lot, I hope you grow, and I hope you go forth and make differences in the community when you return. Thank you very much, enjoy your conference. (Applause)
President Lewis: Thank you Daniel for a very enlighting presentation and kicking off our conference with the right kind of attitude. As is customary we certainly have a few gifts of appreciation to present to you. First we have a resolution on behalf of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association, in appreciation for you coming and visiting with us at our convention and giving the key note presentation, as well as a token mug and conference bag to make you part of our convention family today.
At this time the ladies may be dismissed. The MSFA members should not take this as break time. This is just for the ladies so they can get ready for their meeting.
At this time I’d like to call on Rick Hemphill from the credentials committee for the first report of the credentials committee on the attendance of the convention.
Rick Hemphill: Thank you. Mr. President the registration of companies and individuals having appeared and registered at this time are: seventeen Past Presidents, 262 member companies, each past president is eligible to cast one vote, each registered company is eligible to cast five votes. That’s 262 registered companies that exercise their privilege to vote is a total 1310 votes. Total eligible votes to be cast are 1327. Thank you.
Rick Hemphill: Thank you Rick. At this time it’s certainly an honor and pleasure for me to introduce the back bone of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association, certainly a group of individuals that as the sitting President called on many times, and those are our Past Presidents.
1978 Oscar Baker, Oscar is coming up now. I will mention Oscar gave me my first 96 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference opportunity to become part of the MSFA family when he was President in 1978, I was chair of his statistical committee. I thank Oscar for being here today on what is a milestone in my own life. 1986 Clarence Carpenter, 1987 Bob Cumberland, 1989 Joe Robison, 1990 Tommy Mattingly, 1991 Bernie Smith, 1993 Phil Hurlock, 1994 Richard Yinger, 1995 Fred Cross, 1996 Steve Cox, 1997 Danny Davis, 1998 Bob Knippenburg, 1999 Carl Edelin, 2000 Roger Steger, 2002 Gene Worthington, 2003 Terry Thompson, 2004 Robert Jacobs, 2005 Lee Sachs, 2006 Bobby Balta, 2007 Paul Sterling, 2008 Frank Underwood, 2009 Roger Powell, and 2010 Doyle Cox. Please join me in giving a hand to the Past Presidents of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association. Gentlemen you may be excused.
As always we are honored to have guests from our neighboring state. They come to ours and we go to theirs. There is a partnership, I know over the last several years I’ve had the opportunity to travel to their state conventions, they come to ours, we also have the five state Presidents council meeting through the Cumberland Valley, where we share ideas, concerns, programs and it’s certainly beneficial to all of us. A number of them were with us Saturday night for the banquet and again last night for the memorial service and I certainly thank them for their attendance and many of them are here today.
Begin representing the Delaware State Fire Fighter Association, their President Charles Frampton, 1st V P Charles Boyer, Treasurer J. Allen Metheny, Sr., their out of state coordinator and also Past President Steve Austin, Past President Jim Cubbage Jr., he’s hiding down there, Ladies Auxiliary to the Association President Ann Marie Capolski. Also have some other representatives from Delaware: Elmer Steele Past President, Jim McCall Past President, Tony Gueso, President Hockessin Fire Co, Ray Stevens Past President, Grover Engle State Fire Marshal, Mike Michael Past President Delaware EMS Association, Les Worick, President Delaware Fire Chiefs Association, Jerry Daniels President Delaware Fire Police Association, Lyn Truitt Cranston Heights Fire Co, Kevin Wilson Past President, Norman Bachelor, Pat McCall, Past President Ladies Auxiliary Delaware State Firemen’s Association, Sara T. Stevens, Past President Ladies Auxiliary, Sandy Warrick, Secretary Cumberland Valley Association. (Applause) Thank you from our members from Delaware.
Representing the Virginia State Fire Fighters Association their President Gary Alred, Past President Allen Brennan and his wife Sharon. Sharon’s also Past President of the Ladies Auxiliary. (Applause) Thank you for our members from Virginia.
From Pennsylvania, the Fire Fighters Association of the State of Pennsylvania their President Richard Gragie and his wife Mary, the out of state coordinator Charlie Myers and his wife Vivian, and Past President Allen Steele the man of the wood. (Applause)
From the Cumberland Valley Volunteer Firemen’s Association Past President Greg Yost, Maryland Director Wayne Baker, and now serving as the 4th V P Hoby Howell. (Applause) And we’ll introduce again Steve Austin Past President.
97 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference We thank our out of state guests for being here today for our convention. You are welcome back at any time.
I need a motion from the floor to accept the minutes of the 2011 convention as printed and distributed. Doug Simpkins Arbutus, second Chuck Austin Earleigh Heights. Any question on the motion, if not all those if favor say aye, opposed, motion carried.
I would like to make mention briefly Saturday night at the banquet we did mention the dedication of the program book which you have in your delegate’s book. I certainly would like to recognize the contributions of Danny Davis, Richard Yinger and Doug Alexander on legislative efforts and the residential sprinkler program that we had such a success in this year. That was the dedication of the program book, certainly delighted to have that.
At this time I’ll call for the reports of Officers and I’ll begin with mine.
President David W. Lewis: First Vice President Denver, Second Vice President Olson, fellow officers, delegates and guests to the 120th Annual Convention of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association, it is a pleasure to stand before you today in celebration of a successful year of operation of the MSFA. It really has been a great ride and I am proud of what we have accomplished together in the past year.
On Saturday evening, I had the opportunity to thank each of the officers and committee chairs that keep the MSFA operational and successful. Today, I stand before you to thank each and every one of you for your friendship and support over the past year.
My final written report as your President has been printed in the program book. On behalf of my wife, Gloria, and myself, I would like to thank each of you for your support and friendship as we have traveled across the state. The memories that we have accumulated mean a great deal to both of us and will last a lifetime.
With that, I will keep my report short. Please enjoy yourself in Ocean City, take advantage of the many activities arranged by the Convention Committee, but most importantly, play safe. I hope to see many of you around town. Thank you, David W. Lewis, President.
Shortest report ever – uh Anne Arundel? First Vice President John Denver with his report.
1st Vice President John Denver: Good morning. President Lewis, 2nd Vice President Olson, Officers, Delegates and Guests;
My report is on page 35 of the Convention Book. In the interest of time, I will not repeat the entire document.
I would, however, like to congratulate President Lewis on an extremely successful year. 98 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Under his leadership, the MSFA worked together with our partner agencies to accomplish a great deal. By the way, many of the partner agencies have booths here. Please take a few minutes to talk with them and thank them.
I have many people to thank, starting with President Lewis and 2nd Vice President Olson. Their friendship, help, and advice have been tremendous. Many of the other officers and Past Presidents have offered invaluable support.
My Company, the Singerly Ladies Auxiliary, the Cecil County Firemen’s Association and the In closing I would also like to thank my family, the Officers and members of the Singerly Fire Harford-Cecil Firemen’s Association. You all have been wonderful. Thank you very much.
President David W. Lewis: At this time I call upon 2nd Vice President Jackie Olson. Please note her shoes.
2nd Vice President Jacqueline Olson: You can’t see them. Good morning President Lewis, 1st Vice President Denver – excuse me one second. Chairman Donaldson, members of the Executive Committee, Officers, Past Presidents, committee chairs and guests. I just want to thank you for the past year for your support and I look forward to working for you and with you next year and due to time, my report can be found on page 37 so thank you again. (Applause)
President Lewis: Wait a minute (President Lewis brings her out so the audience can see her shoes)
2nd Vice President Olson: I’m running for office, I’m running for office.
President Lewis: I guess we all need running shoes. Our Treasurer, the man that keeps us in the black. Ron Siarnicki.
Treasurer Siarnicki: Well good morning. It’s a pleasure to be here with all of you and provide a report from the office of the treasurer and the financial team. Our full length report is on page 41 of the program book so if you want to read all of that please feel free. There’s been a lot going on with the office, just a report we finished our financial review with the accountants of Pike, Conner and Associates in LaVale, Md. I’m happy to report there were no findings with our fiscal review for the financial year ending July 2011 so that’s always good news. The one major change is that we are moving the accounting system for the MSFA from a cash accounting to and accrual accounting so that will be some changes to our quick books and our other activities related to our income and expenses and it should not be a problem as we move that forward starting with the fiscal year July 1st. The other piece we have been working on is with the ladies auxiliary to the Maryland 99 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference State Firemen’s Association to bring their accounting system on to quick books so both organizational accounting methodologies are the same and accounting firm can access that via the internet. That is underway and moving along very well, all keeping the fiscal affairs of the association in place. You’ll hear in just a couple minutes from I do want to thank the team that serves in this role of financial review and oversight and most of our Financial Secretary Fred Cross. I want to thank him and his assistant Chris Hyzer. Both of them will be retiring this year so there’s some changes within the Financial Secretaries office.
My assistant treasurers, PP Bobby Jacobs, PP Lee Sachs, and Mitch Vocke served a great deal of time in the treasurer’s office and I want to thank the budget committee including their chair Steve Cox and vice chair Ben Kurtz along with Gene Curfman, PP Danny Davis, PP Bobby Balta, PP Gene Worthington who all served on that committee to keep our budget and financial affairs in order.
It’s been a pleasure serving you this year as you know I serve a two year term so I have another full year in office before I have to go through that process. So I just want to thank you for your support and if there are ever any questions you have of our financial status, please do not hesitate to contact the office of the treasure. Thank you very much, have a great convention. (Applause)
President Lewis: Thank you Ron. At this time I call on Financial Secretary Fred Cross.
Financial Secretary Cross: Good morning, my report is in the book someplace between the front page and the back page. I’d just like to thank all of you for the support I got over the past eleven years. It’s been wonderful, the trips been good, but the time has come to step down. So thank you all for your support over the year. (Applause)
President Lewis: Reporting for the Office of the Secretary, Assistant Secretary Rick Hemphill.
Assistant Secretary Hemphill: Thank you Mr. President the report of the Office of the Secretary is in the proceedings book and the Secretaries Office certainly thanks all member companies for the cooperation over the past year. (Applause)
President Lewis: Chief Chaplain John Long.
Chief Chaplain John Long: Good morning again, my report is on page 43 of the proceedings book. The Chaplains corps is always here ready to serve but we can’t serve unless you notify us. Please don’t hesitate to notify us. Have a good convention. (Applause)
President Lewis: Reporting for the Board of Trustees Danny Carpenter. 100 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Trustee C. Daniel Carpenter: Thank you Mr. President. Good morning Officers, Past Presidents, Delegates and Guests of the 120th Annual Convention and Conference of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association. The Board of Trustees’ Report is printed in the convention program book.
This past year the Trustees have paid benefits to thirty two (32) Widows/Widowers, five (5) Dependent Children, six (6) Line-of-Duty-Injury and two (2) Line-of-Duty-Deaths.
We are saddened to report two (2) Line-of-Duty-Deaths this past year. Please keep the family of John R. Gallagher, Sr. and Christopher A. Staley in your thoughts and prayers.
The Trustees were able to increase benefits again this year and stay within budget.
Please remember to visit the MSFA.org web site and look under the Board of Trustees for the updated manual with all the forms and procedures you will need.
Lastly, I would like to recognize All the Trustees: Chair Stephen V. Hales, Vice Chair C. Dan Carpenter III, Secretary Gene Worthington, PP Terry Thompson, PP Douglas C. Alexander.
Your very dedicated Trustees. We thank you for the opportunity to serve.
President Lewis: Thank you Danny. At this time I’ll move on to the committee reports. The majority committee reports are printed in the program book so we won’t have them come up but we do have a few committees that do have to report today. We’ll begin with the first committee to report the Convention Committee.
Chair Siarnicki: Well good morning again, that was quick. I just went back there and changed name badges for just a second. Again it’s a pleasure to be here as the chairman of the convention committee and to provide the first report. We are happy to say that we have done well with our exhibits so please this afternoon and the next couple days go down to the exhibit hall and talk to the vendors who have supported us to make this convention successful.
When I took over as the convention chairman one of the initiatives that I wanted to bring forward was to do a lot more activities relative to our families here in Ocean City. Over the last couple of years we’ve added a lot of events that are family oriented. I’m happy to say the event at Jolly Roger last year on Monday night was one of our highest attended events of the whole convention and it’s a family event with food and a lot of amusement and family
101 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference support. So for this year in the packets that you receive there is a list of several new items that we are adding as a member benefit for this year’s convention. And that includes discount pricing at the Jolly Roger Splash Mountain Water Park, there are discount cards downstairs in the exhibit hall that you need to get one of those and that will get you a discount for the week. There is a Ocean City Beach Laser Light show which will be, ah, actually last night, add that to the program, along with the movie on the beach and then for today; we are offering Ocean City dine and fun coupon books which has a huge amount of discounts in Ocean City that’s good for the entire year and they are being given away free down in the exhibit hall as well.
Along with tomorrow for those who have been running around the convention center all week starting at 9 AM we have a group of massage therapists coming in, they will be doing free seated massage, in the exhibit hall, C hall so if you need to get those shoulders and necks aligned. Some of our Past Presidents may want to take advantage of that but it will run from 9 to 4 in C hall. You’re welcome.
One of the things we are excited about is Tuesday night there will be a fireworks display at the inlet courtesy of the town of Ocean City. So they are doing it actually on the Ocean side. So there will be fireworks again this year. We have to thank the Mayor and Council for making that happen.
Again, thank you, tonight there will be a Jolly Roger event and we’re trying to find new and more innovative ways to keep the convention growing and to really help bring more people to Ocean City. I want to thank the entire convention committee, steering committee who has worked all year long. As you can see things are a little bit different this year. There’s a lot of construction that’s going on and from time to time you may hear the genie lifts and the chain saws and the circular saws operating out back, but by next year this part of the building will all be completed and it will be a complete new look inside the hall. I got to thank the crew that put all this together to make this happen because it has definitely been a labor of love since Friday employing all of this to make this convention possible with what we are dealing with the convention construction and the convention committee. I just want to say we are here to serve you so if there is anything you think we need to do differently, to improve the convention, please contact us and let us know and I’ll be back with some further reports along the course of the convention. Thank you very much. (Applause)
President Lewis: Thank you. I know we’ll have an after action review but I want to express my appreciation to you and the entire army of soldiers that it takes to put this convention together, the steering committee and the entire convention committee. A lot of hard work had to go in to it this year, maybe more than previous years, because we had a concept in our mind but until we got down here Friday we didn’t know how the stage and everything would come together and a small army moved trailers and rebuilt the stage, but I think it came out well. Please pass on my thanks and appreciation to the entire convention committee. 102 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Chairman Siarnicki: Thank you Mr. President.
President Lewis: At this time I call on Mr. Gene Curfman Chair of the Volunteer Company Assistance Fund Board.
Chairman Curfman: Good morning. Our report is located on page 105 or the Convention Book.
I want to take this opportunity to thank some people. I want to thank the Officers of the Association for all of their support to the Committee this year. I want to thank all of my Board members for all of the work they did this year.
I want to especially thank our secretary, Pat Bowser, for all the work she does, and I want to thank Past President and Assistant Treasurer Lee Sachs. Over the last several years, Lee’s done a lot of work for the Board. We have a presentation for Lee that we’ll get to him at another time.
I have to say, come forth with the applications, we have a little over $7,000,000.00 remaining this year to loan and with the collections next year we’re going to have over $8,000,000.00. So don’t hesitate, see one of your coordinators, put an application in. We’re doing all we can do to speed up the process. Hopefully the Association can work with some of the state officials that they can speed up their process and we can get the money out to you sooner. Thank you very much. (Applause)
President Lewis: Thank you Gene for all your hard work and that of the board it’s certainly an important program to us. We have to make it work better but certainly it does well.
Now I’d like to call Mr. Dennis Skinner Chairman of the Constitution and By Laws committee. You will note that the information that was mailed to you as well as the information in the program book there are several by law proposals for the ballot so please pay attention to Dennis with his report and I’ll ask Dennis at this time to explain them.
Dennis Skinner, Chair: Officers, Delegates, and Guests to the 120th Annual Convention and Conference of the Maryland State Firemen's Association.
My report is found on Page 47 of the Convention and Conference Book. As a result of Committee meetings held this past year there are three questions on the ballot regarding the Constitution and Bylaws.
Question 1: Changes when a member company can be removed from membership for non-payment of dues.
Question 2: Changes the number of Standing Committees. 103 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Question 3: Deletes the Individual Membership and the Silver and Gold Lifetime Memberships.
The Committee recommends that the delegates vote for the three questions. The full text of the questions were distributed in accordance with the Constitution and Bylaws.
Balloting will be held Tuesday morning from 8:00 A.M. until 10:00 A.M. at the Convention Center.
The Committee would like to thank the Officers and the Executive Committee for their help during the past year. Thank you.
104 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference MARYLAND STATE FIREMEN’S ASSOCIATION 2012-120th ANNUAL CONVENTION AND CONFERENCE BALLOT-2012 PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS
NOTE: Each Department is entitled to up to five (5) votes. Each Past President is entitled to one (1) vote.
INSTRUCTIONS- Using the pencil provided fill in the space between the brackets for each vote you wish to cast, FOR or AGAINST, for each proposal or candidate. Each paper ballot will count as one (1) vote.
FOR [ ] AGAINST [ ]
MSFA Ballot Amendments 2012 New wording is indicated by underlining Wording to be deleted is indicated by [Brackets].
Question 1: Changes when a Member Company can be removed from membership for non-payment of annual dues.
Constitution, Article I, Section 2, Paragraph 2: Each company desiring to hold membership in this Association shall pay an initiation fee of Five dollars ($5.00). Each active company shall pay to the Financial Secretary on or before the first [of April] session of the Annual Convention and Conference each year the sum of Two hundred dollars ($200.00) as annual dues or in the case of new members, a pro rata amount for the current year (payable with the initiation fee), said sum constituting dues for the current fiscal year. Twenty dollars ($20.00) of the annual dues shall be donated to the MSFA Foundation specifically identified for scholarships. Constitution, Article III, Section 4: Any Member Company, who is delinquent in paying their dues by [April 1st] the first session of the Annual Convention and Conference shall automatically be suspended. The [Financial] Secretary shall notify the Member Company that it has been suspended for failure to pay dues and shall not be permitted to register at the Annual Convention and Conference. [If the Member Company does not pay dues, after the notice, within sixty (60) days, the Member Company will not be permitted to register at the Annual Convention and Conference. If the Member Company does not pay dues before the close of the Annual Convention and Conference, the suspended company’s membership will be terminated.] If the suspended Member Company does not pay its dues by the Executive Committee meeting, held at least thirty (30) days following the Convention and Conference, the suspended Member Company’s membership will be terminated. The terminated company may reapply for membership, pursuant to Article I, Section 2 of the Constitution, and shall pay all dues, in arrears, with the application.
105 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference President David W. Lewis: National organizations we have a close relationship with include the National Volunteer Fire Council. Maryland has representation on that. It certainly serves us well. Lee Sachs, P.P. and Jim Seavey attend the meeting of the NVFC representing us and our interest here in Maryland. So I’d like to call on Jim Seavey at this time to give us a report from the National Volunteer Fire Council.
Jim Seavey, MSFA Delegate to NVFC: Thank you Mr. President, It is indeed an honor and a privilege to once again present for the team of Sachs & Seavey as most of you know Lee is downstairs working diligently to get the exhibitors open and in place and address their concerns and he asked me to present for you. I will keep my remarks very brief. If you could pay attention to the report of the NVFC in your convention book on page 109 it gives you a number of details of to what’s going on with your national organization. I do want to announce one exciting advent that occurred this spring at the executive committee meeting at Midland, your association executive committee has funded $75,000 over the next three years for the Allstate membership program. The Allstate membership program and the NVFC gives you a great opportunity to have every active member of your department join the NVFC for dues of $12 per year. And then your entire department is considered a member. Those dues, those $12 dues, the executive committee this spring voted to share in that interest and cut your dues in half. So the MSFA will provide $6 of that funding for every member that you have join. Then your department’s only obligation is the remaining $6. With that membership also comes a $10,000 accidental death policy through the National Volunteer Fire Council with our partners California Causality. So that’s really one of the incredible advantages to membership to the NVFC for our young people.
The junior fire fighter program continues to grow with our partners Spartan Fire Apparatus chassis, also the EMS section of the NVFC which only started two years ago has grown incredibly and your Director Lee Sachs sits on that founding board of directors.
Finally many of you out there participated in the Johns Hopkins safety and wellness study over the past 18 months. Johns Hopkins was down here to spread the word, to put the results of their study concluded as it relates to fire fighter fitness and health and diet. I want to thank from the NVFC the member departments that participated in that study and congratulate those of you who came out at the end of the study with incredible results similar to PP Steve Cox who embraced that program.
Again it’s an honor and a privilege to serve you. We serve you diligently. We have only been back in the NVFC for six years, but in those six years through your representation many positive changes have occurred that have made us a greater organization at the National Volunteer Fire Council. Have a wonderful time at the beach. Hope to see you at the Cork Bar and thank you very much. (Applause)
106 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference President Lewis: Ok I have another special guest I’d like to introduce at this time. The Office of Senator Barbara Mikulski has certainly been an ally to the fire service across the United States. Whenever we’ve had a national legislative issue we’ve been able to go to Senator Mikulski. She stands short but stands tall at the same time and does well in congress. I’ve had the pleasure for the last eight; nine years to work with Bart Kennedy, staff representative for Senator Mikulski as we’ve worked though the fire fighter grant issues. Bart has been a friend and an ally there. I’m certainly delighted to have him here this morning speaking on behalf of the Senator. Bart.
Bart Kennedy, Senator Mikulski’s Office: Thank you Good morning everybody and welcome to Ocean City. Have a great convention. I’m down here today to welcome you all and best wishes for a great convention. Just a couple legislative updates we have going on, there was recently efforts put in congress to eliminate completely the US Fire Administration which means some of the campus at Emmitsburg is going to be shut down in five years. The Senator stopped that for now and there are still efforts on the house side with the budget cuts and deficit reduction to eliminate the Emmitsburg campus. So we want to remind everyone to please lobby your members of congress on both sides of the isle and both houses of Congress to let them know how important the Fire Administration and the Emmitsburg campus is not just to Maryland but nationwide to every fire company nationwide. What we think you probably see the members from out of state don’t realize the service the Fire Administration and the Emmitsburg campus provides. That would mean the elimination of the Fallen Fighters Foundation having to move off campus. So it would be a devastating effect nationally and here in Maryland. I wanted to remind you about that.
Right now we have underway our fire grant program. We have workshops throughout the state. There will be a workshop here today on the assistance grant program, that’s 12 to 2, room 215. Members of team Maryland includes Dave Lewis and his team at MFRI, representatives from Maryland State Firemen’s Association, Steve Edwards and his group and folks from the Governors grant office and our office working to put the work out so I encourag you to get to the workshops and submit an application. Since 2001 Maryland has received $110 Million in competitive grants through the assistance grant program. So we’re real proud of those efforts. Right now we have AFG going on, next month we have SAFER opening up come September/October we’ll have the fire grants program opening up.
I also want to give a special shout out to Dave Lewis. I’ve had the pleasure of working with him for the past eight/nine years or so, on the fire grant program. He’s been an exceptional leader providing leadership skills and training at sites on the fire grant program, so we’re very proud of him. He deserves a round of applause for his leadership this past year. And we also want to welcome John Denver. (Applause) We look forward to working with John in his leadership and working with him, so congratulations and have a great convention.
107 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference We’ll see you upstairs hopefully. (Applause)
President Lewis: Thank you Bart, it’s certainly a token of appreciation from us we would like to present you one of our convention bags as well as one of our convention mugs to display in your office.
I do have a few announcements to make. The following caucuses have been scheduled and will meet immediately following the recess of this session.
In room 201 Eastern Shore Association, in room 207 Harford Cecil, 208 Carroll, 215 Southern Maryland, mezzanine 201 Baltimore County, and mezzanine 204 Prince George’s County. Reminder to you relative to the parade, fire prevention floats need to be at the Ocean City inlet parking lot by 11 AM. They will be judged by prior to the start of the parade. Got that Fred? Not on the golf course.
At this point we will open the floor up for nominations for next year’s officers. Begin with the office of President. Chair recognizes Chief Bill McCall from the Elkton Singerly Fire Department.
Chief McCall: Good morning. President Lewis, officers, delegates and guests of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association. As Chief of the William M Sincerely Steam Engine and Hook and Ladder Company of Elkton it gives me great pride to enter into nomination for the office of president of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association a 44 year member of our department, John Denver. (Cheers and Applause) John joined Singerly in 1968. In the years since he has held a number of fire line offices including Captain, Assistant Chief and Deputy Chief. He has also served on our Board of Directors for 18 years and has been elected to serve as our Vice President several times. John has been our department’s representative to the Cecil County Firemen’s Association for many years and he has served several terms as President of that Association. He has also been quite active in the Harford Cecil Firemen’s Association. He demonstrated his leadership abilities by chairing a number of committees and by serving as Vice President for two years and President for two years. John’s commitment to the Harford Cecil Association was recognized by his induction into the Harford Cecil Firemen’s Hall of Fame. John’s official efforts on behalf of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association began in the 80s when he served on the income tax subtraction modification task force. Since then he has continued to serve on other committees including the recruitment and retention committee which he chaired, the marketing and individual membership committee which he also chaired and the executive committee. John has also been inducted into the Maryland State Firemen’s Association Hall of Fame. But the most important qualification for the office of President is the knowledge he has gained the last two years while serving as vice president of this great organization. He has travelled this state from border to border well over 60,000 miles in all. He has met with fire service organizations large and small. He has attended banquets, 108 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference celebrations, meetings and conventions. He has met with our partner agencies and the Local County, State and elected officials. During the hundreds of meetings over the last two years, he has listened and learned about the issues of concern for our departments. He has built relationships vital to the success of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association. I ask each of you to join me in supporting John Denver for the office of President of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association. Thank you. (Applause)
President Lewis: Seconding the nomination for John Denver is PP Steve Cox.
PP Steve Cox: Thank you Mr. President. President Lewis officers, delegates and guests. First of all I’d like to begin introducing everyone to make sure you are familiar with them. You’re familiar with our 1st Vice President and President nominee, John Denver, candidate for President John. Ok you can’t hear. Ok. His wife Ann Marie, their son Michael, and his wife Angela, grandchildren Austin and Allison their daughters, and this year Tracy is able to be here and her husband Mike and daughter Bell. His family is here on stage with me to show their support and second the nomination for John.
Also I’d like to ask the President and Vice President of Harford Cecil, President Joe Price, Robyn Hahn Vice President and the President of Cecil County, Monica Penhollow and Vice President Howard Flowers, President of Harford County Bill Dousa and Vice President Rusty Eyre to come out and join.
Over the years I’ve talked about our friendship and John serving in the association and his past history and I think the Chief outlined that very well so I’m going to skip all that. I’m going to go down to additional seconds.
First of all; with me President Dave Lewis, Past Presidents and Officers, Roger Powell, Oscar Baker, Bobby Balta, Clarence Carpenter, Fred Cross, Bob Cumberland, Danny Davis, Carl Edelin, Bobby Jacobs, Bob Knippenburg, Doyle Cox, Tommy Mattingly, Bernie Smith, Joe Robison, Lee Sachs, Roger Steger, Paul Sterling, Terry Thompson, Frank Underwood, Gene Worthington, Richard Yinger, Richard Brooks Parliamentarian, Richard Smith and Mark Bilger from the Executive Committee, Danny Carpenter from the Trustee, Mitch Vocke Past Chief of Jarrettsville and Assistant Treasurer of MSFA. Joel McCree Baltimore Co PP, Doug Alexander MSFA Trustee and Carroll Co, David McQuay from the Eastern Shore, Willie Wilkerson from Southern Maryland Firemen’s Association, Donnie Briscoe PP Harford Cecil, Lou Jonske, PP Harford Cecil, Ben Kurtz PP Harford Cecil, Bill Lay PP Harford Cecil, Hobie Howell PP Harford Cecil, Rusty Leftwich PP Harford Cecil, Will Renecke PP Harford Cecil, Jeff Thompson Maryland Fire Chief’s Association, Russ Healy MSFA Safety Committee, Chip Jewell from Frederick Co and finally all members of the Harford Cecil if you would come forth in your support for John Denver for President. Mr. President it’s an honor for me to second the nomination of John Denver for the Office of President of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association. Thank you. (Applause)
109 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference President Lewis: Are there any other nominations for the office of president? Are there any other nominations for the office of president? Are there any other nominations for the office of president? If not I’ll accept a motion that nominations be closed.
Bill Wagner, second by Roger Powell Pikesville. All in favor of the motion sound Aye, Opposed No. Mr. Band mister, strike up the band.
At this time we’ll open the floor for nominations for First Vice President. The chair recognizes PP Roger Steger.
P.P. Roger Steger: I was following that line, that’s what happened. Good morning. I’d like to, President Lewis, Vice President Denver officers and members. It is an honor and a privilege to nominate my friend Jackie Olson for the Office of First Vice President of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association. How’s that. Now I look like you. (Cheering) Jackie has served this past year as Second Vice President assisting President Lewis and Vice President Denver with their duties. She has held the positions of Secretary and Assistant Secretary and Chairman of the Safety Committee and numerous other committees during her years with the Maryland State Firemen’s Association. Jackie started in the fire service with Ferndale Volunteer Fire Co in 1989 and continues to serve as an active member with the rank of FF II/EMT. Jackie has served as the President of the Ferndale Volunteer Fire Company, President of Anne Arundel County Fire and Rescue Association, and Jackie has been involved in the fire service for over 20 years and has demonstrated support and commitment to her community, county and the state of Maryland. Jackie posses all the qualifications of a volunteer: pride, tradition, honesty, commitment, and dedication. She strives towards betterment of the fire service in regards to the loss of life and property. And her main initiative is fire fighter safety. It is an honor and privilege to place in nomination for the office of First Vice President of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association, Jackie Olson. I’d like to ask you for your support. Thank you. Roger Steger, PP.
President Lewis: Seconding the nomination the chair recognizes Chief Jay Olson.
Chief Olson: Good morning. On behalf the officers and members of the Ferndale Fire Company we second the nomination of Jackie Olson for First Vice President of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association. Also seconding this nomination is: President Dave Lewis, Secretary Joe Cooper, Secretary Emeritus Leonard King PP, Treasurer Ron Siarnicki, Assistant Treasurer Mitch Vocke, Financial Secretary PP Fred Cross, and Chief Chaplain John Long Jr. Board of Trustee Chair Steve Hales, Board of Trustees Vice Chair Danny Carpenter, Board of Trustees Gene Worthington, Board of Trustees PP Terry Thompson, Board of Trustees Doug Alexander, PP Oscar Baker, PP Leonard King, PP Clarence Carpenter Jr., PP Robert Cumberland Jr., PP Joe Robison, PP Tommy Mattingly, Sr., PP Bernard Smith, PP Philip Hurlock, PP Richard Yinger, PP Fred Cross, PP Stephan D. Cox, PP Danny C. Davis, PP Robert Knippenburg, PP Carl Edelin Jr., PP Roger Steger
110 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Sr., PP Gene Worthington, PP Terry Thompson, PP Robert Jacobs, PP Lee Sachs, PP Bobby Balta Jr., PP Paul Sterling Jr., PP Frank Underwood, PP Roger Powell, PP Doyle Cox, Executive Committee Wylie Donaldson Chair, Vice Chair Benjamin Kurtz, Committee member Mark Bilger, member Rodney Bowser, member Stuart Carter, member Glen Dale Fishack Jr., member John T. Guntow Jr., member William Hildebrand, member Lee Lutz, member James Seavey, Sr., member Richard Smith, member Daniel Stevens, member Doyle Cox PP, Tom Diem PP Cordova Fire Co., PP Eastern Shore Joe Larson, Anne Arundel Co Volunteer Fire fighters Association, Thank you.
President Lewis: Mr. Band master strike up the band.
Are there any other nominations for the office of First Vice President? Are there any other nominations for the office of First Vice President? The chair will take the motion to close the nomination.
Roger Powell: Mr. President Roger Powell, Pikesville.
President Lewis: Seconded by Robert Cumberland. All in favor of the motion signify by saying Aye. Opposed. Motion Carried.
Now open up nominations for the office of Second Vice President. Chair recognized PP Bobby Jacobs.
P.P. Bobby Jacobs: Thank you Mr. President. Good morning everyone. Officers, delegates and members of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association, it’s an honor for me and I also think PP Richard Yinger is going to join me to stand before you today and offer the name of David R. Keller III for the Office of Second Vice President of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association. David is not new to our organization. He has served on many committees over the years including the MSFA Executive Committee. He has spent countless hours serving not only the organization but his community, and county as well. David has held many operational positions including Chief. Currently serving as President of Citizens Truck Co in Frederick and served several terms as trustee to the Frederick County Fire Rescue Association. I have personally known David since his little league days in Frederick and having watched him grow as a young man, but also as a fire fighter. He was in the first fire cadet program offered by Frederick Co public schools in the early 1990’s and continued after graduation to learn the fire service by commitment, attitude and having the ability to listen as he gained experience and knowledge. By having this privilege today, to present his name into nomination, I also know his family is equally as proud of his accomplishments and I have all the folks here on stage at this time; to the left is his uncle Byon, Vickie his wife, of course David, his mom Pearl and Ramona. Ramona’s an aunt, like I say Byon’s an uncle. All of these folks have been involved in the fire service in Frederick County for many years. Because those individuals have assisted in guiding this young man to understand the importance of serving their follow citizens. Not only have 111 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference his parents been part of his accomplishments many of his aunts and uncles have been active volunteers in the fire and rescue service for many years as well as contributed to David’s involvement in the fire service.
I previously mentioned, and I want to expand on this a little as many of you know when one makes this commitment, to step forward to seek a position of this nature, in this organization, it is a commitment of time, being away from home, especially evenings and weekends. When David approached me about running for this position, one of the first things I said to him; you need the support of your spouse. He said to me immediately; I have it. Ladies and gentlemen it is also my honor again to introduce Vicky Keller and their son David. Vicki is also involved in the fire rescue service, currently serving as Secretary of the Citizens Truck Co of Frederick. Again I request your support and I ask each of you to join me in his nomination to the office of Second Vice President of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association. He has travelled across this great state since his announcement and has had the opportunity to meet many of you personally. He has the support of his family, his company, his county and knows the challenges and commitment this requires. He’s dedicated and will serve each of you to the best of his ability. Thank you and God bless. (Applause)
President Lewis: Seconding the nomination the Chair recognizes Charlie Abrecht.
Mr. Abrecht: Good morning, thank you Mr. President. Officers, delegates of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association it is an honor for me to stand before you today to second the nomination of David Keller as Second Vice President of this organization. Joining me in seconding the nomination, we have Frederick County past presidents, PP MSFA Richard Yinger, PP Leonard King, Clarence Carpenter, Robert Cumberland, Joseph Robison, Thomas Mattingly, Bernard Smith, Fred Cross, Steve Cox, Danny Davis, Roger Steger, Gene Worthington, Paul Sterling, Frank Underwood, Roger Powell, and Doyle Cox.
Members of the MSFA Executive Committee Wylie Donaldson, Ben Kurtz, Rodney Bowser, Stuart Carter, Dale Fishack, John Guntow, Bill Hildebrand, Lee Lutz, Jim Seavey, Richard Smith, and Dan Stevens.
From Frederick County are Dave Keller Jr., Vian Winpigler, Bill Nichols, Fran Edos, Tim Ganley, Jeff Wisner, Tommy Lawson, Alan Walter, Todd Johnson, Keith Brown, Ron Urey, Rusty Hahn, Carley Brown, Keisha Brown, Marty Fuller, Chuck Handley, Jerry Dorsey, Rick Bumm, Eric Smothers and Past Presidents of the Frederick County Firemen’s Association Chip Jewell and Larry Welch. From Washington County Harry Gossart, Butch Blum, Dan Grove, Dan Grove Jr., Dale Hill, Will Baugh, Clarence Wibber, Skip Menzes and Rick Blair. Also Dorcherster Co. Bobby Erin, Garrett Co Pat Bowser, Butch Britton from the Eastern Shore Association, Richard Brooks from Harford County, Danny Carpenter Charles Southern MD, Tom Diem Wicomico Co, Tom Farlow, John Gaton, Rich Pappy Hahn and Robyn Hahn Cecil Co, John Giser Talbot Co, Barbara Knippenburg President Allegany Co., 112 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Dave Kyle Allegany Co, Amber Liesure PG Co, Joel McCrae Balto Co, Heather Miller, Kent Co, Ron Siarnicki Queen Anne’s Co, John Spiker Anne Arundel Co, J B Tieber Dorchester Co, Ed Wood Prince George’s Co, John Ferguson PP Montgomery Co, and the following county associations: Frederick Co, Anne Arundel County, Dorchester Co, Prince George’s Co, Talbot Co, Worcester Co, and the Eastern Shore Association. Thank you. (Applause)
President Lewis: Strike up the band.
Are there any other nominations for the office of Second Vice President? The chair recognizes Lynn Gabler, Sykesville.
Lynn Gabler: Good morning everyone, my name is Lynn Gabler and I am currently an active member of Sykesville New Freedom Volunteer Fire Department. I would like to place in nomination for Second Vice President William Wagner from our department.
A brief synopsis of his recent history: Co 12 he’s been a Past President since 1992 – 1994, he was Vice President of the fire company in 1991. He’s been on nominating committee for five years. He’s been Parliamentarian since 1995.
On the County level he’s been a delegate 1991 – 2000, and Parliamentarian for the County from 1995 – 2000. He was an active EMT from 1987 to 2000.
On the State level, Mr. Wagner is Parliamentarian. He’s been so since the year 2000. He serves on the By Laws and Constitution committee as a member and Vice Chair. He’s on the recruitment and retention committee. And on a personal level, Mr. Wagner was an Army Medic from 1957 – 1963 with an honorable discharge. He was founder of the parent organization Freedom Area Citizen’s Council. This group represents citizens of Sykesville and Eldersburg.
His objectives if elected as Second Vice President is to continue to improve communications from the State level to the Regional level fire departments. He set a goal for himself of organizing training systems where the younger members can shadow senior members of the state organization to experience the MSFA. It is my pleasure to nominate Mr. Wagner as Second Vice President of the MSFA. And I have a second.
President Lewis: That’s my job. Seconding the nomination the chair recognizes Dennis Skinner.
Mr. Skinner: Delegates, officers to the 120th convention of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association. It’s my pleasure to second the nomination of William Wagner for Second Vice President of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association. Bill has demonstrated his administrative abilities through his professional and volunteer career. During his 39 years service as a US Customs official he was implementing several trade agreements and 113 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference instrumental in also the North American Trade Agreement.
During his 24 years of volunteer fire service in the state of Maryland, he has held several administrative positions as President, Vice President and Parliamentarian. He also served as an EMT for 12 years. He has served this association as vice chairman of the constitution and bylaws committee, is a member of the recruitment and retention committee and has been a parliamentarian since 2000. His qualifications have been mailed to all member companies. If elected he has a program to increase participation in the Executive Committee and the Association.
The following are also seconding the nomination of Bill Wagner: PP Roger Steger, Paul Sterling, Joe Robison, Mark Bilger member of the Executive Committee and the members of the Carroll Co Association. We also invite any other members of the association who would like to support Mr. Wagner to join us on the floor. Thank you.
President Lewis: Mr. Band Master, Strike up the band.
Third and final call, are there any other nominations for the office of Second Vice President? Hearing none the chair will take the motion to close the nomination.
Richard Yinger P.P.: Move they be closed.
President David Lewis: Motion by Richard Yinger second by Ron Watkins. Any question on the motion? All in favor say aye? Opposed No? Motion carries.
The chair now accepts nominations for the office of Secretary. Chair recognizes PP Danny Davis.
P.P. Danny Davis: Good morning, President Lewis, Officers, Delegates and guests. It is a great pleasure for me to place into nomination for the office of Secretary Doyle E. Cox. Doyle certainly needs no introduction; he has served this association extremely well as President. He has chaired the Executive Committee for two terms and he has chaired various other committees. Doyle has served on the executive committee 8 years. Doyle is a friend who I believe is very capable of fulfilling the duties of Secretary. I am asking you to join me in supporting and electing Doyle Cox for the office of Secretary of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association. Thank you and enjoy the rest of the convention. (Applause)
President David Lewis: Seconding the nomination is Phil Hurlock.
P.P. Phil Hurlock: Thank you President Lewis. Officers, members, past presidents, delegates, guests to the 120th convention and conference; I am both honored and pleased to second the nomination of Doyle Cox to the office of Secretary of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association. Over his many years of service of the emergency service, Doyle 114 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference has more than proved his capabilities of being able to handle any position, assignment or work project that has been given to him. The professionalism that Doyle brought to the office of President during his recent term, I am confident that he will handle the assignment of Secretary in that same fashion. I know that he will continue to run the office of Secretary as his previous predecessors have done in the past which are Charlie Burton, Leonard King, Second Vice President Jackie Olson and Joe Cooper. This position requires a lot of time which he has since he is now retired. But unfortunately he’s still requiring his wife to work and continues to look for additional jobs for her. I don’t understand this and I think that Cathy will soon catch on to what’s he’s doing. Knowing Doyle he’ll have Cathy work during the day time, and then help him with his secretary duties in the evening. What a gentlemen? Yea. But seriously, Doyle has more than proven himself being able to take on various duties; he can handle them in the best interest of the emergency service in the state of Maryland. Doyle’s proven he served on the executive committee and has chaired that committee on separate occasions which has given him a good working knowledge of the state association. Over the years Doyle has served on many committees and during those timeframes he continues to bring new ideas and concepts on how to improve the efficiency of those committees and they can benefit the association as well as the member of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association. Doyle is very open to any of your comments or suggestions and will welcome any ideas you have to improve the office of Secretary.
The office of Secretary serves a critical role within this association and I feel very confident that he will be up to the task and ask for your support as he seeks this office. In addition to the nomination made by PP Davis I’d like to read off the names of other officers and members of this association that would like to second his nomination as well.
The seconds come in from Joe Cooper the current secretary of the association, Shirley Copado, First Vice President of the Southern Maryland Association, Rick Hemphill Washington Co Fire Association, and Thomas Scott PP of the Prince Frederick Fire Co.
Also in essence of time Doyle has all the Past Presidents of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association are supporting his endeavors so I thank you for your support.
President David Lewis: Are there any other nominations for the office of Secretary? Are there any other nominations for the office of Secretary? Are there any other nominations for the office of Secretary? Hearing none I entertain a motion to close. Motion by Ron Watkins.
Roger Powell, P.P.: Roger Powell, Pikesville second.
President David Lewis: All in favor say aye, opposed no. Motion carries.
The Chair now accepts nominations for the office of Financial Secretary. The chair recognizes Joe Price. 115 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference
Joe Price: Good morning ladies and gentlemen. It’s certainly an honor to be before you this morning to recognize someone and also to place his nomination as Financial Secretary of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association. That individual is Mitch Vocke who I have had the honor and privilege of knowing for over 40 years through the fire service. Mitch has served on numerous positions, committees with the Jarrettsville Fire Co, the Harford Co Fire & EMS Association, as well as the Harford Cecil Volunteer Firemen’s Association. And I can tell you this, in every position that Mitch has held he has done it with honor and integrity and has always looked out for the best interest for the organization for which he serves. I stand here before you this morning honored to put into nomination Mitch Vocke for the office of Financial Secretary. (Applause)
President David Lewis: Seconding the nomination the chair recognizes Ron Siarnicki.
Treasurer Ron Siarnicki: Good morning officers, delegates, members and guests of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th annual convention and conference. As the treasurer of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association it is my pleasure and honor to second the nomination of Mitch Vocke for the position of Financial Secretary for this organization.
I know that you’ve heard all the things that Mitch has done with the various organizations and his home department and county organizations. I’d like to take just a second to tell you what he’s done as a member of the financial team for this organization. When Mitch came on board as an assistant treasurer, I asked him to take on a very diligent task of coordinating the credit card activities of our association and he did that in a tired less effort but each year our accounting was handled in a timely and proper fashion. He has been intimately involved in our budget process and he really has been an asset to the financial team as we’ve worked through the issues of our accounting changes and all of the fiscal affairs of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association.
I truly believe he brings a great deal of experience and talent to this position through his dedication and commitment to the Maryland Fire Service and especially the Maryland State Firemen’s Association. So it’s truly a pleasure to second the nomination of Mitch for Financial Secretary of this organization. Thank you. (Applause)
President David Lewis: As an additional second Steve Cox.
Steve Cox, P.P: Thank you Mr. President. President Lewis, Officers, Delegates and Guests, it is my honor to introduce Darlene Vocke who supports her husband in the quest for the position of Financial Secretary. Also with me is Past President Fred Cross, our current Financial Secretary also supporting that and with me to make that second. I am going to ask the President and Vice President of the Associations, Vice President Hahn would you come out for Harford-Cecil and President Penhollow and Vice President 116 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Flowers for Cecil County and Vice President Eyre and President Dousa for Harford County.
A lot of comments have been made, it is certainly a privilege to work with Mitch. Mitch has been an Assistant Treasurer for the past year and as Budget Committee Chair, the Budget Committee and the Financial Team worked well together and he has proven himself. So I am going to go right into the other seconds. Past President of the Association, if you will please come up – Roger Powell, P.P., Oscar Bake, P.P., Bobby Balta, P.P., Clarence Carpenter, P.P., Bob Cumberland, P.P., Danny Davis, P.P., Carl Edelin, P.P., Bobby Jacobs, P.P., Bob Knippenburg, P.P., Doyle Cox, P.P., Tommy Mattingly, P.P., Bernie Smith, P.P., Joe Robison, P.P., Lee Sachs, P.P., Roger Steger, P.P., Phil Hurlock, P.P., Paul Sterling, P.P., Terry Thompson, P.P., Frank Underwood, P.P., Gene Worthington, P.P., Richard Yinger, P.P., and others - Richard Brooks, Parliamentarian, Richard Smith and Mark Bilger from the Executive Committee, Danny Carpenter from the Trustees, Joel McCrea from Baltimore County, Doug Alexander from Carroll County, David McQuay from the Eastern Shore, Willie Wilkerson from Southern Maryland, Past Presidents of Harford-Cecil – Donny Briscoe, Lou Jonske, Ben Kurtz, Bill Lay, Hobie Howell, Rusty Leftwich, Will Reniecke, Jeff Thompson from Maryland Fire Chiefs, Russ Healy, Chip Jewell from Frederick County. It is my honor to second the nomination of Mitch Vocke for Financial Secretary. Thank you. (Applause)
President David Lewis: Are there any other nominations for the Office of Financial Secretary? Third and final call, are there any other nominations for the Office of Financial Secretary? If not, Chair will move to close the nominations.
Motion from John Spiker, Anne Arundel County and second by Roger Powell, Pikesville to close nominations.
Question on the motion, all in favor say aye, opposed no, motion carries.
Chair now opens up nominations for the Office of Chief Chaplain. Chair recognizes Jay Olson, Ferndale.
Chief Olson: Good morning again. The Ferndale Volunteer Fire Company takes great pride in submitting the name of John F. Long, Jr. for the Office of Chief Chaplain of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association. John has held this office since being elected in 2005 and has performed his duties associated with this office to the best of his abilities. No matter what time of the day or night, you can count on him responding to the needs of our brothers and sisters. John also serves on the Maryland LAS Team and is very active in educating companies and their membership on the importance of preparing for a line- of-duty death. He has been a great asset to those companies that the LAS Team has assisted when they have experienced a line-of-duty death. He serves as Chaplain for the Anne Arundel County Firemen’s Association and a member of the Anne Arundel County Crisis Intervention Team. As a certified pump operator, John is dedicated in staffing our 117 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference station every Thursday night and Friday daytime. He also makes himself available when special circumstances require us to staff up our station. He has a Chief Officer certification up to III, Advanced Chaplain and ICIFF Pastoral Care. He has 37 years in the fire service and has held every line officer position. It is with great pride that the Ferndale Volunteer Fire Company nominates Rev. John F. Long, Jr. for the Office of Chief Chaplain. Thank you. (Applause)
President David Lewis: Seconding the nomination, the Chair recognizes Joe Larson.
Joe Larson: Good morning. Past Presidents, Officers, Delegates and Guests, it is my honor, on behalf of the Anne Arundel County Volunteer Fire Association Officers and member companies, to second the nomination for MSFA Chief Chaplain Rev. John F. Long, Jr., our Chaplain in Anne Arundel County.
I hope you will join us in allowing John to continue his many dedicated years of service to the MSFA as your Chief Chaplain. Thank you.
President Lewis: Are there any other nominations for the Office of Chief Chaplain? Any other nominations for the Office of Chief Chaplain? Hearing none, I will entertain a motion to close nominations. Ron Watkins, Montgomery County, and Roger Steger, Ocean City seconds. Beat you to it Roger Powell!
Question on the motion. All in favor say aye, opposed no. Motion carries.
Chair now opens up nomination for the position of Trustee. The Chair recognizes Doug Alexander.
Doug Alexander: Good morning. It gives me great pleasure to nominate Terry Thompson for the position of Trustee, Maryland State Firemen’s Association. Terry has a long set of credentials including Chief, President, and member of the Board of Directors of his home company. He has also served as President of the Howard County Volunteer Firemen’s Association and also a Past President of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association. He has served as Trustee for the MSFA for the five years. Terry has been a strong advocate of the volunteer firefighters throughout his volunteer fire service career. He has been a strong supporter of the recent increases to the Trustees Benefits and certainly a knowledgeable resource for the personnel of our state to draw from.
It is my honor and privilege to present, for the Office of Trustee, my good friend, Terry E. Thompson. (Applause)
President David Lewis: Seconding the nomination, the Chair recognizes Joe Robison, Past President. 118 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference
Joe Robison, PP: I want to announce the 2nds are not to come up. We thank you anyway. All right, Past Presidents of the Association – Oscar Baker, Tom Tharp, Clarence Carpenter, Joe Robison, Phil Hurlock, George “Fred” Cross, C. Danny Davis, Bob Knippenburg, Carl Edelin, Roger Steger, Gene Worthington, Lee Sachs, Paul Sterling, Doyle Cox, Bobby Jacobs, Richard Yinger, Roger Powell, Steve Cox, Dave Lewis – how’d he get in here? – Board of Trustees, Steve Hales, Danny Carpenter, Gene Worthington and Doug Alexander. Organizations: Savage Volunteer Fire Department and Howard County Volunteer Fire Departments along Laurel Volunteer Fire Department. Individuals: Charles Bernard, Jay Tucker, Ben Kurtz, Johnny Roth, John Harley, Harve Woods, Mike Farlow, John Long, Laura Woods, Glen Fishack, Jackie Olson, Jeff Thompson, Marcine Goodlow, Ron Siarnicki, Rick Baker, John Denver, Buddy Schweers, and Jim Seavey. Thank you very much.
President David Lewis: Are there any other nominations for the Office of Trustee? Third and final call, are there any other nominations for the Office ofTrustee?
Motion by Danny Davis, P.P. and seconded by Bobby Balta, P.P. Nominations are closed. Question on the motion. All in favor say aye, opposed no. Motion carries.
Chair now opens up nominations for the 2017 Convention. Chair recognizes Roger Steger, P.P.
Roger Steger, P.P.: Where did you say you wanted Ron? OK. I don’t think we better. I like to make a motion that we have the 2017 Convention of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association in Ocean City, MD.
President David Lewis: Second by Bobby Balta, P.P. from the floor – that’s good! Any other nominations for the place of the 2017 Convention? Any other nominations for the place of the 2017 Convention? If not, I will take a motion to close that nomination. Motion made by Ron Watkins, Montgomery County and seconded by Richard Yinger, P.P. Question on the motion? All in favor say aye. Opposed no. That motion carries.
At this time I would like to make the appointments for Judges and Tellers for the election. Judges: Sharon Grey, John Spiker, Tim Garrick, Dennis Skinner and Alan Thompson.
Tellers: Alan Thompson, Todd Johnson, Sonny Rose, Dale Bender, Lynn Gabler, and Ernie Tracy.
At this time I would entertain a motion that the Secretary cast a single ballot for all those Offices that are unopposed. Except for the Office of Secretary which will be cast by the President. John Spiker made motion to accept and seconded by Danny Davis. Question on the motion? All in favor sound “aye.” Opposed no. Motion carries. 119 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference I would also like to make appointment of the Resolutions Committee. Chaired by Roger Powell and supported by Richard Snader. I ask Roger Powell to give the initial report of the Resolutions Committee.
Roger Powell, P.P.: Thank you Mr. President. Can I get a motion that we do away with the reading of the Resolutions?
President David Lewis: Motion by Paul Sterling and seconded by Ron Watkins. All in favor say aye. Opposed no. Motion carries. At least read recipients of the Resolutions.
Roger Powell, P.P.: General Adkins, Anne Arundel Volunteer Firemen’s Association, Senator Roy Dyson, Delegate Jim Malone, Delegate Norm Conway, Gov. Martin O’Malley, Mayor Richard Meehan, Ocean City Chamber of Commerce, Ocean City Council, Ocean City Fire Department and Chief Chris LaMore, Ocean City Police Department and Chief DiPino, Ocean City Hotel and Motel Association, Odenton Volunteer Fire Company, Rose Davis – MSFA Ladies Legislative Office Support, Teresa Ann Crisman – President, Ladies Auxiliary of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association. Thank you.
President: David Lewis: Thank you Roger. No further business for the agenda this morning. I ask the Chief Chaplain, John Long, to come forward and give us the Benediction before recess.
Chief Chaplain John Long: Before we have our closing prayer, I’d like to make a couple of announcements. Past President Doyle Cox’s son-in-law experienced a heart attack. Please keep Jason in your prayers; and, Mary Jean Cooper, wife of Joseph Cooper, Secretary MFSA, is in Peninsula General Hospital, please keep her in your prayers.
Let us pray. Oh Heavenly Father we lift up these two concerns to you Father for care and knowledge for the doctors to take care of their situations and for quick healing for Mary and Jason. Father, we ask that you continue to be with us in the Association and all the members here present. Give them safety and good health as we continue to celebrate this 120th Convention of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association. Father, we ask that you be with us and continue to be with us. Guide and direct the Officers of this Association as they do this business. We ask this all in your precious name. Amen.
President David Lewis: Convention stands in recess until 12:30 p.m. We recognize that is a short break but we want to maintain schedule for the rest of the program this afternoon. See you back at 12:30.
120 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference 120th Annual Convention and Conference of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association Ocean City, Maryland – June 16-22, 2012
Session Two Monday, June 18, 2012
President David W. Lewis: I call the 2nd Session of the 120th Annual Convention of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association to order. We will begin this afternoon’s session with a safety message from the Safety Committee.
Hobie Howell, Safety Committee: Good afternoon. I know there have been some concerns in reference to our camera set-ups this year. Due to the construction, they have been set-up the safest, with the chairs and everything for their safety. Of course now if they fall over on you, you can always claim workmen’s comp. Anyhow, be safe, the construction will be on-going while we are here this week. If you want to check it out, you walk out the sides where the exits are, look but don’t go. Watch out for yourselves and your families this evening in your outings and just be safe. Thank you.
President David W. Lewis: Thank you Hobie for that important message. This afternoon’s session is business reports from a number of our partnering agencies. Certainly my privilege and delight to introduce Lynn Gilroy, Vice Chairman of the Maryland Fire-Rescue Education Training Commission with a brief report from the Training Commission. Lynn.
Lynn Gilroy, Vice Chairman: Good afternoon. President Lewis, Vice Presidents Denver and Olson, honored guests and delegates, on behalf of the interim secretary of the Higher Education Commission, Dr. Dannette Howard and Chairman Michael Clemmons, I bring you greetings.
Over the last year the Maryland Fire-Rescue Education and Training Commission has met numerous times to discuss issues that have affected the fire service training needs of this great state.
We have also reviewed and approved several applications by community colleges for new programs.
Recently we honored our good friend and colleague, Ted Porter, as he entered retirement from the State Department of Higher Educations.
While this was a new and exciting path for Ted to go down, it has left the Training Commission without staff assistance which is mandated by statute. We have been working with interim
121 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference secretary Howard to fill this gap and that position should be filled within the next 30 days.
We are continuing to work with the MSFA and our other partners to provide a funding mechanism for the Charles W. Riley Fire and Emergency Services Tuition Program.
Legislation was passed in the recent session that would have transitioned the program into a Scholarship Fund. This legislation was vetoed by the Governor due to a deficit in the funding that would have left the current students without a full funding formula. This bill will be reintroduced in 2013.
The good news here is that we still have a reimbursement program available for the applicants to apply to. We encourage each of you to take back to your members this information and have them apply for the tuition reimbursement before July 1st.
In closing, we look forward to working with President Denver and the other Officers of the MSFA in the coming year and we wish you a successful balance of your convention. Thank you.
President David Lewis: Thank you Lynn. At this time I call on Chief Mike Robinson for the report from the Maryland Fire Service Professional Qualifications Board.
Michael W. Robinson, Sr., Chairman: Good afternoon Delegates and Convention Attendees. On behalf of the Maryland Fire Service Professional Qualifications Board, it is an honor and a privilege to present our Annual Report to the Convention of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association. This past year the MFSPQB celebrated 25 years of providing certification to the members of the Maryland Fire Service.
During those 25 years, we have certified over 115,000 personnel in over 20 areas of fire service certification – ranging from Firefighter I to Fire Officer IV to Instructor, Investigator Inspector, Safety Officer, Hazmat Tech and numerous other areas.
We continue to set the standard nationally for certifications systems. In January of 2012, the Maryland Certification Board and the Maryland Fire Rescue Institute were presented with the Annual Kenneth L. Moore Award that recognizes the best professional qualifications system within the United States. And we are proud that MFRI and the Maryland Board received this honor. And, Steve Edwards, Director of MFRI and I were there to receive it.
Also this year we began a new initiative and that is Prior Addition Certification. What Prior Addition Certification involves are people who have attained training which would no longer be recognized under today’s training standards, we are now affording you an opportunity to go back to the standard that was in place at the time of your training. So for example: if you had taken Firefighter I in 1993, but you never got certified, if you applied today for certification you would be rejected because your training does not meet the 122 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference current standard. Under the previous addition certification, you would have the opportunity which would last until January of 2013, you could take that Firefighter I training credential along with Hazmat Operations and EMS certification, and you could become certified to Firefighter I, Firefighter II or any of the approved previous additions.
If it sounds too complicated I would encourage you to stop by our Certification Booth downstairs, which is being held in concert with the MFRI Booth and we can give you further explanation. And in fact we can pull up your transcript and let you know if you are eligible for previous standard certification. So far we have had over 1,000 Maryland fire service personnel take advantage of that.
We continue to lead the nation with our certifications. We are up to about 117,000 certifications currently and I would be remiss if I did not thank each of you, the participants in the system, for making things possible.
I would also like to recognize the Maryland Fire Rescue Institute Director, Steven Edwards and his staff, most notably, Larry Preston, Becky Spicer, Bob Rose and Evelyn Graf, who provide us with assistance in managing the day-to-day operations of the Certification Board. I also would like to thank my employer, Baltimore County Fire Department and in particular, Fire Chief John Holman, who provide me the opportunity to continue to serve as Chairman of the Board and enabling me to provide the amount of time and effort that I need for this.
And finally, I would like to congratulate President David Lewis of the MSFA who has been a long term supporter of the Board and its initiatives. I would like to thank Dave and his officers for all their support this year. And in closing I would like to present Dave with a little token of our appreciation and esteem for all his cooperation.
And while I do this, I would also like to ask all of the members of the board, who may be in the audience, to stand and be recognized. These are the members and alternates who represent every region in Maryland as well as the major cities and the major organizations. We thank them for their service. (Applause)
And at this time I would like to present President Lewis with a little token of appreciation, this is our annual gift. Dave is going to be semi-retired in a few days. This is actually a cooler, I will not actually tell you what it will accommodate, but Dave is certainly going to figure that out. And we like to thank him for all his efforts on our behalf. (Applause)
President David Lewis: Where’s Timmy? I need to fill up my cooler. Thank you Mike.
At this time I would like to introduce the first program presentation for this afternoon. “The Federal Public Safety Officers’ Benefit (PSOB) Program Benefits Process” is an overview of the Federal Public Safety Officers’ Benefit Program Benefits Process, hopefully something 123 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference you will never need but if you do, we want to tell you help is there for you. Mike Pfaltzgraff is the coordinator of the Maryland Local Assistance State Team, which works under the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. His presentation this afternoon will provide a brief overview of the Federal Public Safety Officers’ Benefit Program, the benefits process, as well as discuss various state and local benefits available in Maryland when a public safety officer dies in the line of duty. Information in regards to the services available through the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation’s Local Assistance State Team (LAST) Program, which assists departments and families with funeral planning and benefits application processes after a line-of-duty death. We have a number of MSFA members that work on the LAST Team. Again we hope it is something we never need but it is important to know that you have help there if you do. We had Mike come out and do a presentation for the Executive Committee meeting a couple of months ago. It was very informative and I felt that we needed to bring it down here for the total membership. So, with that, it is my pleasure to introduce Mike Pfaltzgraff from the Maryland LAST Team.
Mike Pfaltzgraff, Maryland LAST Team: Thank you very much Mr. President. Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen and members of the Association, thank you for your time and attention today. I am here to speak about the Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Act. The Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Act is federal legislation that authorizes federal death benefits for firefighters and police officers whose deaths are the direct and proximate result of an injury obtained in the line of duty.
The PSOB Act was established in 1976, initially as a recruitment and retention tool initially at $50,000. Over the years we have seen numerous increases to that amount and now it is gauged to the consumer price index. It does fluctuate a little bit from year to year but currently stands at about $323,035.75.
Individuals who are covered are individuals who serve a public agency in an official capacity as volunteers or career personnel as firefighters, law enforcement officers, public rescue squad members, disaster relief workers and police and fire service chaplains.
You will see the definition of firefighter (slide on screens) actually in the federal law is relatively complicated. A firefighter is an individual who is trained in the suppression of fire and has the legal responsibility and authority to engage in the suppression of fire. You will notice at the bottom there, it is kind of hard to read, the total federal regulation is for the Public Safety Officers’ Safety Act is about 140 pages.
In 2003 the Public Safety Officers’ Benefit Act expanded under Hometown Heroes. Hometown Heroes includes individuals that suffer a heart attack or stroke while on duty or within 24 hours of having engaged in stressful or strenuous physical activity.
Heart attacks, for many years, have been the number one kill and a leading cause of death among firefighters. So the Hometown Heroes did us a great benefit by including a lot of 124 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference individuals suffering those types of injuries.
If an officer dies in the line of duty, there are actually very specific steps that the Public Safety Officers’ Benefit Act establishes as far as who will receive the benefit when the claim is paid. Step 1 is if a surviving spouse, the benefits get paid to them. If there is a surviving spouse and eligible children (Step 2), the spouse gets 50% and the children divide the remaining 50%. The stipulation is eligible children are children under the age of 18 or under the age of 23 if they are a full time student. If there is no spouse or eligible children, then we move on to Step 3. The firefighter must of completed PSOB Beneficiary form OR have a life insurance policy on file with the fire department. If neither of those documents is on file with the fire department, the firefighters parents (Step 4) will receive the benefits.
So if we have firefighters who are unmarried and their children are grown, and their parents have already passed away, we could have an eligible claim and no eligible beneficiaries. So one of the things we are working very hard to do right now is get the work out about the PSOB Beneficiary Designee Form and start getting departments to have members fill them out.
In 2005, the Department of Justice looked at the claims and looked at the firefighter deaths being reported across the country and realized that many eligible were never being submitted or the Department of Justice could not get the documentation necessary and the claims were not paid as a result. So they partnered with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and through a grant from the Department of Justice, funded the formation of the State Teams to assist in every state across the country.
The Local Assistant State Teams consists of a state coordinator, and then we have a lot of specialists on the team: the Honor Guard Commanders, Fire Service Chaplains, Fire Service Survivors, Peer mental health support, Chief Officers that have previous line-of- duty deaths and our benefits processors. And the important thing about all those different specialties is that when we come to assist a department, we don’t roll in the whole team. We roll in whatever you, as a department need assistance with.
The Maryland Team was one of the first established in the country. We started in 2006. I am currently the CAST or coordinator for the state team. We have approximately 35 members on our roles. We are scattered from Cumberland to Ocean City. So our promise to you is if you call us and ask for help, we are there within three hours and we are prepared to stay for the duration. We do have volunteer and career members on our team and to date we have assisted with more than a dozen claims in the state of Maryland.
The deployment process: When we get notified that a line-of-duty death has occurred, I make contact with the Foundation or the Foundation makes contact with me, whoever received it first. And then we reach out to the chief of the affected department. Tell them 125 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference a little bit about our team, offer our assistance and we fax them what we call our hot sheet. It is just a quick checklist to help you through that first 24 hours of confusion and chaos. If you request our assistance, we come down and do an initial meeting and find out what your resources capabilities are and what resources you might need assistance with. Based on that, we bring in the parts of our team we need. We are there to ASSIST you with your event; we are not there to take over. Another important thing to know is that all our deployment expenses for the LAST Team are covered under that grant from the Department of Justice.
Services that we can assist you with: Notifications, generally by the time we arrive initial notification of family are made but we can assist you with coordinating extended family notifications. Funeral planning: We are there and ready to assist you with that through all phases including the wake. And then, most importantly, the benefits process: The benefits process for some of these families can take months. Unfortunately, it can take years. But we are there and we are set up to assist the family and the department through that process.
Our primary goal is to assist the family getting the Federal PSOB Benefit but we do have access to and the ability to assist with the Maryland State Benefit, the Maryland Funeral Benefit. We do have some connections where we can point families in the right direction to help them file for the MSFA Benefit, Length of Service Benefit, and there are a lot of local and private benefits throughout the state. Every day it seems we are becoming aware of more and more of those. But our goal is to get the family tied with everything which they are eligible.
One of the big things we do for families is help guide them in gathering all the documentation they are going to need. To complete a benefits package which requires a fair amount of documentation, from birth certificates to death certificates, marriage licenses to divorce decrees (including custody), autopsy/toxicology reports, volunteer department certification, and investigation reports. One of the most important documents is the Statement of Circumstances – it tells the story of what happened. And there are catch phrases in that and we encourage family and departments to avoid help to streamline the process going through the PSOB approval.
Our main goal is we never want a department to experience enough line-of-duty deaths to be good at it. Thankfully, most of you will never need the services of LAST Team. But if you do, we are here to help you. Everything we do is to assist the family of the fallen Public Safety Officer, the members of the affected department and their families.
Again, my name is Mike Pfaltzgraff, State Coordinator and my contact information is 410- 991-8992 (Cell); [email protected] or 443-458-0951 fax. I am available by cell phone and email anytime anybody has questions. I will also be up in Room 204 on the mezzanine level after 3:45. So if anybody has questions or wants to discuss the Federal benefit, or 126 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference the Foundation’s LAST Team, I certainly welcome the opportunity. Thank you again and thank you Mr. President. (Applause)
President David Lewis: Mike thank you for coming down here and giving us that very important information. I’ve got a few gifts here for you to take back with you. One is a Resolution expressing our thanks for coming down here and presenting the program to us on the main convention floor. And then to make you an official part of our convention, we give you a delegate’s badge, one of our mugs and thank you again for coming here this afternoon. (Applause)
Next up I would like to, again since we have a number of our partner agencies here with us this afternoon, it is certainly a pleasure to welcome, for the first time for many of you, the new Executive Director of the Maryland Emergency Management Agency, Mr. Ken Mallette who will report on behalf of MEMA. Ken.
Ken Mallette, Director: Thank you Mr. President and thank you for having Maryland Emergency Management Agency here to give our Annual Report and on behalf of Governor O’Malley, who normally comes to this event each and every year is dealing with the issues of celebration in Baltimore and he REALLY wanted to be here. But I just want to take a couple minutes and introduce myself as the new MEMA Director.
I feel at home. I spent 35 years in the volunteer fire service in New Jersey, so don’t hold that against me, and 10 years as fire chief. So I feel, just coming from a little further south than Wildwood, N. J. to Ocean City, MD that this is an important group to speak to.
You are the foundation of what I consider the first response community. One of the new mantras in emergency management is the issue of resiliency. While sometimes we come up with words at the federal level, to fill in a grant application, and resiliency is really what you have been doing for the last 100+ years. Emergency Management in the response community specifically, the volunteer fire service is a community-based industry and institution. You are that institution and it is something that I, personally, want to take advantage of because you already have community-based emergency management down.
And so one of the things for the next several years that I am sure I will be here is that you, members of your community, members of the fire service that you represent, is integrate the things you are already doing. I see Chief Holman is here from Baltimore County. You know in the late 50s the fire service almost put themselves out of business. They invented the sprinkler. And so as a result of that, years went by and when I got involved in 1975 and in 1960 when my uncle who worked for Rescue 3 in New York City, it was the hay-day of the fire service. Fire calls were rather tight and I am not talking about EMS calls, I am talking about fire calls and what we’ve learned is that you also instituted something else that almost put you out of business and that’s fire prevention. It has become probably the single most successful program in public service. And coming from a law enforcement 127 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference background, which is unusual, I can tell you that what you have done, both in technology – starting with the sprinkler in the late 1950s, to what you do in fire prevention, has really revolutionized the fire service.
But you have adapted and you have moved forward and there is no doubt what you do in the future in what I call emergency management and you as the front line of that process, or what I call the continuum of emergency management preparedness response mitigation and recovery. The things you do I am just going to take and repackage. And so I am looking forward to working all of you over the next several years. I feel at home. What you do for your community is invaluable.
It is kind of interesting, you in 1975 when I started, I worked for the Kansas City Fire Department as a medic. And four years doing that, I thought I was going to go to law school, my advisor in college said, Ken, come on in and let’s talk about future. So we sat down and he said to me, Ken M does not equal MD. What he meant was being a nice good “C” student you are not going to medical school, so you need to find another occupation to do. And at that point I went home and there were no jobs in the fire service, so I took the second job I could find – I became a state trooper in New Jersey. But my love was always the fire service, stayed there and I took a lot of heat from troopers for being a volunteer and being a state trooper. And some of you are probably shaking your head and saying “yeah I can imagine,” especially back in the 70s but my heart has always been in the fire service. And, if you can believe it, putting up with being fire chief for 10 years, you can understand, those of you who are chiefs, it is a difficult job. It is one I would not change in my lifetime.
So on behalf of the Maryland Emergency Management Agency and the Governor of Maryland thank you for what you do. I am excited about working with all of you. Thank you for inviting me. (Applause)
President David Lewis: Thank you Ken. Again, we certainly have a few gifts to give to you. First of all, as you are going to learn, hopefully, the success of the emergency response system in Maryland really is the partnership that exists with the state agencies, the first responders and everybody in between. And certainly, as the outgoing president, I would take the opportunity to recognize the contributions of each of our state partners. And I would like to present this plaque to the Maryland Emergency Management Agency, it says Director Muth – he was Director for the past year, and it says: “The Officers and Members of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association are fully grateful for the cooperation and support received from the Maryland Emergency Management Agency for the period 2011-2012.” And it is signed and dated by myself and I would like to present this to you as a token of my appreciation of ALL the staff of MEMA that work with us on a daily basis. We also can’t let you leave without an official part of our convention, by giving you your own delegate’s badge and then one of our official mugs. Thank you for coming and being an official part of our convention.
128 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference We have another partner that I would like to introduce for a report this afternoon, from the Department of Natural Resources Forestry Division, since Representative Monty Mitchell is unable to be here today, Mr. Chris Robertson will give the report:
Chris Robertson, DNR Forestry: President Lewis, Officers, Past Presidents, Delegates, Members and Guests, I bring you greetings on behalf of DNR Forest Service State Fire Supervisor Monte Mitchell. He sends his regrets that he could not be with you today as he is in attendance of the Northeast Forest Fire Supervisors meeting in Connecticut this week.
During 2011 the Maryland Forest Service responded to 125 wildfires that burned 8,310 acres. February was the highest occurrence month with a ten day period of intense fire activity with ten large fires burning nearly 8,000 acres. The leading wildfire causes for the year were debris burning, arson, and equipment. Also in 2011, the agency and partners conducted 53 prescribed burns for hazardous fuel reduction on 729 acres. Nationally, wildfire occurrence was highest in the Southern Area of the US. Maryland dispatched fourteen individual single resources, two 20-person fire crews, and nine Wildland engine assignments to Texas, Florida, Georgia, Arizona, New Mexico, North Carolina, Virginia and Wisconsin. For 2012, the agency has responded to 889 wildfires burning 312 acres to date.
In 2011, Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) grants were distributed to 43 volunteer fire departments in twelve counties and the companies received $86,202 in match grant funding. The grants allowed departments to complete over $209,265 in projects with the 50/50 match funds to enhance wildfire protection in their local communities. Projects included equipping of brush units, wild land nomex gear, portable radios, and other small equipment purchases such as fire hose. The 2012 grant application period is currently open with an estimated $88,000 in grant funds available for distribution this year. All eligible volunteer companies are encouraged to apply! Application deadline is next week – June 29.
The Firewise Maryland program has continued to provide outreach to prepare communities for wildfire events. Four Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPP) were completed in 2011. These plans involved communities, fire department, and local officials in the planning efforts. Numerous mitigation and prevention activities were also held to inform the public of the risk of wildfires in Maryland and encourage homeowners to take action to make their properties more “Firewise” by creating defensible space around homes and other structures.
In 2011, there was also renewed interest in the Federal Excess Property Program (FEPP). The agency acquired thirty-four pieces of property with an original federal acquisition cost of $1,301,379.00. The excess federal property is acquired at no cost and then either utilized by the agency or loaned to volunteer fire departments through a cooperative 129 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference agreement for use in fire suppression. Maryland has a current total inventory of 204 items with an acquisition value of over $5.1 million. This coming fall the agency will be completing a required inventory inspection of all assigned FEPP property in the state at volunteer fire departments.
I sincerely appreciate all the fire departments that work in partnership with our agency in its Wildland fire protection mission. I extend my best wishes for a successful and productive 120th MSFA Annual Convention!
President David Lewis: Chris we certainly thank you for being here. Thank you for everything DNR Forestry does. Many people don’t know they just think about their the guys that have the plows but DNR Forestry certainly has been a very important partner to us. He already mentioned the 50/50 grant program that I know a number of departments that take advantage of on an annual basis. And I know a number of departments throughout the state have also taken advantage of the Federal Surplus Property Program. And Monte has been instrumental in helping us out there. People have gotten brush units, pick-up trucks that they convert to brush units, emergency generators for their stations, and what not that come off the Federal Surplus Property. Again, a very important partner to us.
I would like to present for Monte, if you would take it back on our behalf, a plaque for Monte from me and the Association. And to make you an official partner, your own delegate’s bag and the convention mug that goes with it in appreciation you coming down here and spending the afternoon with us.
Our next program presentation will be discussing Maryland’s State of the Art 700 MHz P-25 Communications Systems. I think you have probably heard about the coming and the growth of the 700 MHz system. We actually had this briefing again at one of the Executive Committee Meetings and I thought this information was important enough that we brought it down for the entire membership before the convention floor here. So we are delighted to have, this afternoon, Raymond Lehr who is the State Interoperability Director under the Maryland State Police in Pikesville. He is going to give us a presentation this afternoon on the building of the Maryland 700 MHz P-25 Communications System over the next several years and is interested in working with all Maryland jurisdictions to enhance interoperability and gain savings through shared equipment. The first phase of the project will cover central Maryland (I-95 corridor) and will be operational by the end of this year (2012). It is certainly very important for us, no matter where we are, to be able to communicate with our partnering jurisdictions, across county borders and 700 MHz certainly is one of the tools that will allow us to do that. So we are delighted this afternoon to have Ray here to give us an up-date and briefing on the 700 MHz system. Right?
Mr. Raymond Lehr, Statewide Interoperability Director: Good afternoon. I get to follow lunch here, so hopefully nobody is going to nod off, right?
130 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference As mentioned, I am Ray Lehr with the state of Maryland now. I am the statewide Interoperability Director but for 30 years my first job was with Baltimore City Fire Department. So again, it is always a good day when you can look out and see so many firefighters and not be dealing with some major catastrophe. I can remember when we had to put on our turnout gear in this hot weather and deal with it to bring it to a successful conclusion.
Let me just start by saying it is an honor to be here. You guys and ladies do terrific work. It’s good to get a chance to come down here to represent the state and to acknowledge that. We have I think an important project we want to talk about today and I hope you find it as exciting as I do. It’s called the 700 MHz system. We actually adopted this logo you see up here, it’s we call it Maryland First. The Governor likes to be first on everything. We can’t be first with the statewide system but it’s certainly the first state wide system in Maryland.
FIRST stands for First Responder Interoperable Radio Team. That team is especially important because the technology is out there that can do pretty much anything you want it to do. But getting the team together and the folks that understand what you can do and what you need to do, that’s the important part and we got to be focused on the people as we roll this out, opposed to the technology. Speaking of technology let’s see how I can operate.
So let me give you a little bit about how this came about. As a lot of folks in the State of Maryland know, back in my days with Baltimore City the State had talked about doing an 800 MHz system and I did, like a lot of you have probably done with this 700 system which is, cross my arms and said, I’ll believe it when I see it. The 800 system didn’t happen. Those 800 frequencies were redistributed away from the state but the state did something very smart. They kept building the towers and letting the local jurisdictions use those towers. Chief Holman is here and I know Baltimore County got three towers. Some Federal grant money after 911 and the only thing the state asked was reserve space on those towers for when the state is ready for their 700 system. So that’s what’s happened over the past several years. The state systems as most of you know is the Maryland State Police cannot talk; Col. Brown cannot talk through the radio and talk to every trooper across the state in today’s radio layout. The good news is that in today’s radio cooperative spirit each of the 22 barracks is connected to their local county system so that’s how the Maryland State troopers operate. When the 700 system is completely operational, that will still exist, we want to be able to talk to the local jurisdictions but a trooper can chase someone outside their home barrack into the adjoining counties and still have connectivity. That’s kind of the ultimate goal to get this interoperable think a state wide touch.
The project is underway; it started about two years ago. The first phase is nearing completion and will be done by the end of this calendar year. That’s going to be what we call region 1A. It’s essentially the Maryland Transportation Authority Police and the areas that they patrol. So any place your ezpass works that’s where our radio system’s going 131 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference to work at the end of the year. That’s the I 95 corridor the inter county connector, through Montgomery and Prince George’s, the Bay Bridge, the Nice Bridge down into Virginia, the BWI airport and the two tunnels that go under Baltimore’s harbor.
This is the map that shows the layout and I’m not sure you’ve been made aware of this before there is a state wide interoperability executive committee, a number of members are here in the audience today, and Chip Jewell actually represents the Maryland State Firemen’s Association on that statewide executive committee for interoperability.
This slide shows the way they divided the state into regions. As you can see there are four regions. We’re working in Region 1 now that’s actually a subset of that, which this map shows. Again that’s those facilities I just mentioned.
Even though this looks like it’s a narrow portion of the state it actually encompasses the third of the population and two thirds or 67% of the state’s critical infrastructure. The critical infrastructure is defined by homeland security, it’s electric generating plants, nuclear facilities, it’s schools, it’s courthouses, it’s firehouses, it’s police stations, any building that’s considered by the homeland security as something that is critical for day to day operations of the state or the counties is considered in that.
So this is a little look at the past for the past year and a half of how the system was deployed. The good news is we didn’t have to build any radio towers; the state has 175 towers across the state that we have access to, thanks to working operations with the local jurisdictions. The main thing we have been doing is taking those antenna sites and we connect them through either fiber optic cable which is most secure, it’s underground, it’s not subject to storms, wind damage that sort of thing and we also have a lot of micro wave that connects the system. Each of the prime sites that are on the map, actually has two ways to get to it, so one single break will not take the system down.
The next overlay is what’s call a propagation map that shows the predicted coverage with your radio system. You can see up in the upper left hand corner there’s a block. The red is what we call in building coverage, that when your paramedic going into a high rise building to take a patient out, you want to make sure your radio operates. So that circle mainly focused in the more built up area of the counties and it extends all the way out. The Grey is 98% on street coverage that we’re going to have. That’s just to take away the towers; we’re going to look at that.
Now the interesting thing, the 700 MHz opposed to the 800 system or if you have a 450 UHF VFH, the 700 and maybe because there isn’t as many 700 systems out there, we only have Prince George’s within the state of Maryland, it really penetrates a lot better than the coverage has been with 800 and these predictions aren’t really showing the reality, so what we’re doing over the next two months is coverage accepting. What we do is we have grids about a ¼ mile by ¼ mile for that entire area and we actually do radio tests, calling 132 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference the dispatch center to measure the clarity to make sure we get out. So we’ll be able to provide to the local jurisdictions a clearer understanding. We’ll actually be able to give you the reality of what the coverage is of the system.
Kent County, anybody here from Kent County? Ok, I hear them over there. Kent County was actually another jurisdiction that was up against this FCC deadline, they had to narrow band their system and the cost of that, I think the estimates were somewhere in the $10 - $12 Million range. As the state, we actually identified enough savings in the first phase of the project to put the equipment in four sites in Kent County. So we are very happy that Kent County has decided to use the state system underlying infrastructure. All they had to do was to purchase their radios to operate by. This was a high dollar savings for Kent County opposed to somewhere in the $10 Million range to do their system themselves, plus the side for the state is we have direct connectivity into Kent County now so if they have a need for the state police to assist them or natural resources, SHA any of the state agencies, we turn the radio to the right switch, that way we can talk to them directly.
Some of you may have seen this, news coverage back on June 5th, Governor O’Malley did what we call the Governor’s first call. It was in downtown Baltimore at the world trade center, at the 911 memorial as you can see everybody’s happy, especially me, because the system worked. That was a few anxious moments there, the Governor made his call. What was happening in the background was that the first call actually went out to the JFK barrack, out in Cecil County. The answer came back, this is Governor O’Malley making the first call in the radio system, JFK answered immediately and then the Governor moved on to Pikesville, MSP headquarters. This was one of the tense moments of the thing. He didn’t get an answer. The Governor’s holding the radio, rolling his eyes and he’s looking at me and of course the media is there, so the Governor said should I call them again, so I said yes, please. So on the second call the sergeant, Sergeant Brown at MSP headquarters answered and the Governor never missed a beat and he answered Corporal Brown. Fortunately we explained to him later that was only a joke from the Governor, he was not demoted, but this gentleman actually sits at the front desk at MSP. He has to buzz in people to visit, he answers the telephone and we said oh by the way, we’re going to have the Governor call you at 11:00 o’clock on Tuesday. So that turned out very well so the next call went to the Maryland Transportation Authority, Bay Bridge command and last but certainly not least Kent County actually had one of their county commissioners answer the Governor and that was the first call from the state to the local that covered that wide range. Again, that was a first for the state of Maryland, Maryland State Police and ultimate the county at the same time from a single location.
So let me tell you what we’re doing now. We did Governor’s first call. That was very successful. IA that I showed you on the map is due to be completed this year. It’s on budget, on time and in fact don’t tell anybody but I think we might have it on by November. We are making really good progress with that. The State Legislature and the Governor have been very supportive of this. I think a lot of politicians lose sight of public safety, what 133 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference they do and what their needs are. But we are fortunate that the Governor gets it in spite of all the cuts that have come in the past two to three years this project has continued to be funded and the Governor and legislature deserve a lot of credit for that. I know Senator Mathias was here earlier today and he has been a good supported of the fire service when he was on the house side and now with the Senate position. So the next fiscal year we have $25.25 Million capital funds approved and the state highway administration is actually going to contribute another $10 Million, so $35.25 Million in 2013 will be used to do the next phase of the project which is where we are today. It’s going to be the entire Eastern Shore. We got the Board of Public Works approval on that on June 6th. We gave a notice to proceed which is Motorola on June the 8th and we held our first workshop with the Eastern Shore counties on June 12th. Again nobody is being forced to come on the state system. What we are trying to do is just give you as much information as to what the state is doing so that you can take a look at it. State Highway Administration, two of their districts on the Eastern Shore will come on over the next year as well as all the MSP barracks that are on the Eastern Shore.
Here’s the next question for the fire community is; how does this impact me? The answer is, it depends on where you are with your current radio system. If you just bought a new radio system or you operated it like Baltimore County, Frederick County or Baltimore City then you may say, well we don’t need to do anything, we’ll just wait and see what the state does. If you’re coming to the end of your life cycle, like Kent County was, then we’d like to talk with you because what the state’s going to do is install all of this infrastructure and the state was given enough channels, there’s actually 96 frequencies assigned to the state, and each one of those were broken into groups for each of the counties, so they are ready willing and able to help you if you choose to come onto the state system. But again it’s totally your choice. At the very least it provides a system you can use as a backup if your system would go down for some reason in a storm, or it gets over capacity if you get something like Chip Jewell had up in Frederick County where they had the G 8 summit and had 2,000 extra people wanting radios suddenly showed up in his back yard. Those are the kind of things we want to make sure you are aware of, but again I want to emphasize this is not a forced system from the state. The State is going to have state wide connectivity and we want to continue to cooperate and work with the counties and local towns and cities to make sure we can talk together as much as we can.
The other thing I mentioned is that ISSI is another acronym, as though we don’t have enough in the public safety world. It stands for Inter Sub System Interface. So I mentioned before that Baltimore County, Frederick County, Baltimore City and of course Prince George’s has a brand new 700 system so this is a technology that I not a techie, I always compare it to when you are putting up your Christmas lights, you put a string of lights up then you run out half way through the tree, so you have to plug in another set and miraculously they all light up together. That’s how ISSI works with radio systems. If you have a Project 25 phase two radio system and the state is building one, like Prince George’s County, you basically put a box on the side of those two systems, plug them in and then the state can wander onto 134 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Prince George’s system and other counties and it’s seamless, it’s like your cell phone, you roam from your carrier to another carrier. You don’t even realize it unless you look down at the small print on the phone. So it will be the same thing on the radio system.
The most important thing is, we’ve been trying to get around, myself and others who work the project, talk to as many groups as we can particularly public safety groups like yourself. Tell us any idea you have on how the state can help you; because when I came back from being in the city of Baltimore, where we didn’t deal with the state a lot. Now in the state position I realize, particularly on the law enforcement side, they really depend so much on the counties to provide them with radio connectivity for the state police. Now’s the chance the state’s going to have a new radio system and we want to make sure, it’s our turn to give back so we want to make sure we support the locals as much as we possibly can.
Here’s kind of the breakdown of what’s involved with the radio system. On the state side we’re going to build all the infrastructure and what that means is that the towers, the antenna, the equipment that goes into shelters, the shelters are being built to public safety standards, not like the shelters that may get blown over in a wind storm, these are built with backup generators, full electric and so forth and if a local jurisdiction wants to come on to the state system, the only thing they have to provide is the radios; either mobile radios, portable radios, and the consoles in their dispatch center. That’s pretty much it and again we’ve got aggressive with Motorola because we’re one of the big states and one of the biggest contracts they have going now and we’ll be happy to work with you to make sure the pricing works and so that you get the right equipment, but again I want to emphasis because it’s P25 phase two and Motorola will cover, let me diverse for a minute, this is a system that can accept other radios so that if you have a Harris system and you want to operate a Harris radio cause your just, that’s in your mind, it will function on the state system. We even had Motorola bring a Harris a particular EM Johnson, did the system testing just to verify that the system will work on the system. And again my last bit of animation is that since I didn’t have a fire truck on there, I had to give you a fire truck.
So this is an eye test, can somebody read the bottom line for me? No, Ok, the main purpose for this was to identify this is where we are in the project now. It’s taken us about two years to complete the first stage and a lot of that was because the critical infrastructure and the connectivity had to be set up. For the next phase, which is going to be the Eastern Shore, that’s actually going to be completed in 18 months and from here on out each phase of the project we do is going to be an 18 month phase and we’ll do a similar pattern where we get legislative support, the funding to build the next phase, we get the Board of Public Works approval, we get a notice to proceed around the May, June timeframe, and then by the end of the next calendar year that region is operational.
Here’s the map that shows you the state and when is the roll out by year. So as I mentioned that kind of light shaded area is going to be or this your 2012, the Eastern Shore 2013, next we go back to Central Maryland and we’ll pick them up in 2014, and Southern Maryland 135 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference and Prince George’s and Montgomery in 2015 and the Western Counties in 2016. One of the reasons we left the Western Counties for last is first of all it’s very difficult to get radio coverage out there typically because of the mountains and the valleys and they actually have to build some additional sites because broad band is on the horizon and is coming. We want to focus that on the Western Counties, because the Federal Government is actually going to build those sites. We figure why should we invest in it, put the bill on the local taxpayers if the Federal Government is already committed they are going to get $7 Billion for this broad band network so we would like to do the building on the Federal dollar instead of the state taxpayers.
This is again, most of you are already advised this but if you haven’t, take the time to go down to the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Department put up a fabulous memorial for the 911, it’s actually for all fire fighters who have lost their lives in the line of duty. It’s the Boardwalk and Division St. I know there are a lot of activities going on with the conference, you go to training sessions, I hear there’s a little beer drinking that might happen, but whatever, please take the time, this is really an inspirational site, they did a fabulous job on putting this together. I hope it drives home the point. Why do we need to talk to one another? What happened on 911 particularly with the fire and police in New York City, was just the worst example of where people were trying to help and work together in the same goal, not being able to talk, the helicopters for the NYPD could see that the towers were coming down and they sent word to the police, who for the most part were able to evacuate. Fire fighters never got the word. 343 firefighter from the New York Fire Department died in those towers. That number always sticks with me because back in my Baltimore City days the entire duty staff was 343. That kind of drove it home to me thinking that the entire shift on duty shift at Baltimore would die. That’s what New York lost in one day. I would be happy to take any questions if we have time for that. NO Alright. Then let me. Actually can you go back to the slide for one minute, I have one more slide I’d like to show you. Yes. Ok.
So this is Chip Jewell, your representative. Chip in his other role and again I want to say thank you again, the Maryland State Firemen’s Association the job you do is tremendous. (Applause)
President David Lewis: Ray, I want to thank you. Thanks for coming down here this afternoon and thanks for sharing that very important information with us. Don’t want you to leave empty handed so again we have a resolution here on behalf of the members of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association in expression of our thanks for you spending the afternoon here with us and giving us that information and then to make you an official part of our convention we give you a delegate bag and a convention mug commemorating this year’s convention. Thanks for being with us here with us again.
I’d now like to recognize Past President Roger Steger, Sr. for a brief presentation he’d like to make on behalf of the Past Presidents. 136 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Roger Steger, Sr., P.P.: Thank you. Could I ask Past President Bob Cumberland to come forward and any of the other Past Presidents who are in the front row here. Please. (Joined by Past Presidents: Worthington, Hurlock, & Smith). All right I have a presentation on behalf of the Past Presidents of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association to Robert Cumberland, Past President from 1991 to 1992, in recognition of your 25th year as President of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association presented the 18th day of June, 2012 by Roger Steger, Senior Chairman of the Past Presidents Association and President David Lewis, Maryland State Firemen’s Association. Mr. President. (Applause)
President David Lewis: Now for our partner agency report, I would like to invite, I would like us to welcome the Maryland State Fire Marshal, Mr. Bill Barnard. (Applause) William Barnard, State Fire Marshal: Thank you very much Mr. President, good Afternoon members of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association. I bring greetings from Governor Martin O’Malley, Lieutenant Governor Anthony Brown and Colonel Marcus L. Brown, Superintendant of the Maryland State Police. On behalf of the entire staff of the Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM), I want to extend my sincere congratulates to presidents, David W. Lewis and Teresa (Big Shirley) Crisman. Your terms of office have been exceedingly productive and your leadership has one the entire Association can be proud of. It is my distinct pleasure to present to you the report of the office of OSFM. During 2011, 67 Marylanders died and in 56 fatal fires. Those fire deaths represent a 6 percent decrease compared to the seventy-one fire deaths that occurred in 50 fatal fires in 2010. However, of the of fatal fires in 2011 represented a 12% increase when compared to 2010. Forty-four of the victims of fatal fires involved victims over the age of 45. And as in past years, more victims in this age group succumbed to those less than 45. Those of you who know anything about the demographics, we’re only getting into that older group and that includes myself. Seventy-nine percent of all fire deaths in Maryland in 2011 occurred in residential structures. That is typical across the country. Fifty-seven percent of those deaths occurred between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. when the highest numbers of Marylanders are most vulnerable — while they are sleeping. This is the time when most of us depend on life saving devices, such as working smoke alarms and residential fire sprinklers, to provide the extra time needed to escape the ingredients and effects of uncontrolled fire.
The OSFM extends congratulations to each fire department and local jurisdiction that suffered no fire deaths or experienced a decrease in the number of fire deaths during 2011. We were fortunate that nine counties experienced no fire fatalities, these include: Calvert, Caroline, Cecil, Dorchester, Garrett, Kent, St. Mary’s, Somerset and Talbot counties. Baltimore City reported 17 fire fatalities in 2011 which is lower than the 20 fire deaths reported in 2010
137 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference and the lowest number of fire deaths ever reported by Baltimore City. And I might add that although they suffered a fire fatality Saturday evening, they have had 3 for the year this year. So they are doing very well.
As you are aware, the Maryland State Firemen’s Association leadership and member fire companies played a critical role in helping to ensure the safety of all Maryland residents and visitors from the devastating effects of fire and other emergencies.
The 2012 fire death total, as of June 17th, actually now stands at 22. During the same period last year when over 28 fire deaths were recorded. Sixteen structure-related fire fatalities occurred this year compared to 22 in 2011. This is a dramatic 27% decrease in structure- related fire deaths during the first six months of this year.
During 2011, OSFM staff members along with the MSFA Fire Sprinkler Committee members continued to provide public officials across Maryland with information at meetings, hearings, and events in support of residential fire sprinkler requirements for all newly constructed one and two family dwellings as required by the 2009 edition of the International Residential Code (IRC). Hearty congratulations are afforded to the committee as they received two awards for their tireless commitment to public safety. The Board of Directors for the National Fire Sprinkler Association selected the MSFA Residential Fire Sprinkler Committee as the 2011 recipient of the “Leadership in Public Fire Safety” award and the Partnership for a Safer Maryland recognized Douglas C. Alexander and the MSFA Residential Fire Sprinkler Committee with an award expressing excellence in life safety.
The Office of the State Fire Marshall has worked diligently this past Session onthree significant bills including HB-366/SB-602 Public Safety Building Standards Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems. A couple of other bills were; The Explosive’s Bill, which was House Bill 875 and the Manufactured Homes – Opt-Out Provisions for Local Jurisdictions – SB-331. That would have prevented local jurisdictions to remove fire sprinkler requirements from newly constructed family manufactured homes. The Education, Health & Environmental Affairs EHEA Committee, gave Senate Bill-331 a unanimous unfavorable report very early in the Session.
The Office of the State Fire Marshal formed a partnership with the MSFA tolead organizational efforts in support of Fire Sprinkler Systems in one and two family dwellings. You have already heard some about this.
Packages of information about this containing fire sprinkler facts reports were distributed to all members of the committees that were assigned to review House Bill-366 and 602 138 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference respectively. Numerous letters of support, phone calls, emails generated by members of the fire service, assisted in convincing members of the Legislative Members that House Bill 366 and Senate Bill-602 were needed to protect both the public and the responding firefighters. Numerous members of the fire services were on hand on May 2nd, 2012 when the Governor signed that historic legislation.
Additionally I would like to thank the MSFA for their support on House Bill-875 and Senate Bill-421, which both passed this year after two unsuccessful attempts. This legislation changed the definition of an explosive to include components advertized and sold together with instructions on how to combine to make an explosive.
In 2011, the Delmarva Power Emergency Services Partnership Program, subsidiary for PEPCO Holdings, has for the eleventh straight year, provided smoke alarms for the fire service in Delmarva Power’s service area to distribute them to residents needing them free of charge. This donation brings the total smoke alarms donated by the program to over 20,000 when we include PEPCO and Delmarva Power with just about 19,300 being battery operated smoke alarms and 720 special needs alarms.
In response to a multiple fatal fire in Allegany County, from December, 2010 to January this year, multiple fire-related deaths in dwellings without working smoke alarms, a news conference was held bringing all the public safety officials together in that region at the Cumberland Safety Building. In attendance were Deputy Chief State Fire Marshal Jeffrey Mobray, Cumberland Mayor, Cumberland Fire Chief Donald Dunn. They already had an installation program for smoke alarms in that area and they were going door to door with free installation. But as most programs, you have to take advantage of what is happening at the time and that is what they did. They got a bolster to the program by the local union who presented a number of alarms for distribution and some other grants to purchase some smoke alarms. Allegany Commissioners committed to some funds for smoke alarms, and the office of the State Fire Marshal working with the volunteer association out there to get out into the community and distribute the alarms.
With this notoriety, came a great big offer of a donation from the Warrior Run Power Generating Station, which is an AES Corporation and they pledged a $10,000 cash donation for the purchase of smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors and other necessary fire prevention items for use throughout Allegany County. The public private partnerships go a long way to stretch the thin dollars that are out there.
To promote the timely up-dates on fire and life safety information, the Office of the State Fire Marshal and the MSFA formed a partnership to develop a website to serve as a one 139 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference stop shop for fire and life safety information. That website has been established and you can see the information here on the screen – www.mdlifesafety.org. It is still in somewhat of the development phase and will be continually up-dated which, is the important part.
The development of the site was done by an MSFA Internship Program which began in January of this year when Megan Hiltz, Miss Fire Prevention runner-up for the 2011-2012 was selected for this one year program. There will be a lot of information on the website and she will be up-dating on a regular basis.
Also the education support kits are available in our regional offices. Unfortunately they are not being used to the fullest extent. Please take advantage of them; they are there for your use.
Using American Reinvestment and Recovery Act grant funds, the OSFM Bomb Squad was able to purchase the equipment to implement an Underwater Hazardous Devices Team (UHDT). Much of the past year was spent evaluating and purchasing equipment for use by the UHDT in support of the Maritime Tactical Operations Group. By the close of 2011, dive gear had been purchased along with most required support equipment. In addition, the OSFM invested in the program by sending one of our bomb technicians to an advanced and instructor certification training. The OSFM dive instructor is now capable of certifying other divers and the UHDT is operational, improving Homeland Security readiness for the entire State. As you know, Maryland has a lot of waterways.
As in most years, the OSFM experienced some organizational changes. Effective July 1, 2011, all fire inspections for Medicare and Medicaid Program that were performed previously by OSFM personnel were moved to the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene along with the Contractual Inspectors were assigned to the program. That Program continues to exist today and we provide them with minimal support.
As the challenging economic times have dragged on, the OSFM staff continues to perform at a very high level, I am pleased to report. In 2011, the OSFM conducted nearly 1,100 fire/explosive investigations. The case closure rate achieved by OSFM Deputy State Fire Marshals was an outstanding 41% and remains over 50% higher than the national average of 18%. OSFM staff members completed over 17,000 fire and life safety inspections. The engineering staff reviewed nearly 1,600 construction and fire protection systems plans. Over 200 explosive investigations were conducted and OSFM K-9 Detection teams responded to over 75 calls for service. The dedication of the OSFM staff is very apparent when observing these numbers. It is through an agency-wide commitment to fire and life safety that together we continue to work for the citizens and accomplish our mission of protecting life and property. 140 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference As is the custom here at the Convention, it gives me a great deal of pleasure to recognize some of our key staff members. And believe EVERYBODY in the OSFM does an outstanding job but some do rise above and beyond that. So ladies and gentlemen, I would like you to join me in honoring our Regional Deputy State Fire Marshals of the Year, you all work with them day in and day out in the field.
Deputies State Fire Marshal Jeff Thomas from the Upper Shore Region; filling in for our Chief Deputy I have Dwayne Savitis, Chief from the Southern Regional Office; Deputy Fire Marshal Caryn McMahan, from the Southern Regional Office (I’ll get that straight Caryn.); Bill Potts from our Bomb Squad and Bill is the Dive Team Lead Instructor for that underwater explosives – I don’t know about you all but I don’t want to mess with explosives on land let alone in the water, so Bill thank you very much! Matt Wrenn from our Metro Regional Office; thank you very much, you guys can clap – you know – give them a hand for this. (Applause) I thought you might have gone to sleep out there. Jaime Rodeheaver from the Western Regional Office could not be with us today but Jaime does a great job out there. Don’t get a chance to see much of Jaime with him way out there at Deep Creek Lake and taking care of business out there in Garrett and Allegany Counties. Oliver Alkire from our Northeast Regional Office; (Applause) and, unfortunately I don’t think Scott Mason could not be with us today he is at a training class. Let’s give all of them a big hand please. (Applause)
Each of these individuals represents their peers with great distinction and he has gone above and beyond the call of duty. They come to work every day looking forward to the challenge of making Maryland a safer place to live, work and raise a family. It is important to know that each has risen to this level with strong support of their supervisors, administrative staff and fellow state deputy fire marshals. As always, the job of selecting a deputy state fire marshal of the year is one that is extremely difficult and this year is no exception. The letters of nominations were filled with examples of duty and service and deserving much more than this award can provide. To each of you, I sincerely thank you for your service and devotion to duty. So thank you very much.
Now I have the pleasure of introducing to you the 2011 Deputy State Fire Marshal of the Year. Again, the Committee, I am glad I don’t have to pick this, the committee that puts together picks this, and does the recommendations and I know it is a difficult choice. During 2011 this Deputy State Fire Marshal of the Year excelled in each aspect of the Fire Marshal profession. This Deputy began a career with the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office in 2007 and quickly established themselves’ as a competent professional with a great deal of confidence in their ability. Since graduation from the Academy, this Deputy has provided a very stable and competent work ethic; responding to 36 total investigations 141 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference in 2011 which represents a 24% of the total workload in the assigned region. Twenty-three of those investigations were determined to be either criminal in nature or code violations. Fourteen of the 23 cases were closed with 19 arrests equaling a 64% closure rate. Now think about that, the national average is 18%. Additionally this deputy conducted 139 fire and life safety code inspections and consistently displayed the strongest code enforcement skills in the region. This deputy supports the staff by continually providing field training to full-time civilian inspectors. This deputy also provides and serves as an Assistant Public Information Officer on alternating week-ends. An extremely detailed-oriented investigator with outstanding investigative reports provides this deputy with good case presentation in court for criminal charges and adjudication. This preparation has allowed for 11 convictions in 2011. Recently married this deputy maintains an active membership in the community as a chief officer at the local volunteer fire and EMS company and still finds time to coach a little league softball team. This highly respected investigator has excelled in each and every aspect of their career and is a model employee. It is my honor to present you the Deputy State Fire Marshal of the Year – Deputy State Fire Marshal Caryn L. McMahan. Congratulations! (Applause)
Fire Marshal Barnard presents her with proclamations/citations and a plaque.
Though we remain challenged by the current economic conditions, together we continue to make progress as we did this legislative year by getting the Residential Sprinkler legislation passed. With our progressive fire and life safety agenda, we must continue to be creative with our delivery of life-saving programs. It does take YOUR support. And I do look forward to embracing opportunities that we may have in the coming year. Together, as in previous years, we will continue to move our fire and life safety prevention efforts in a positive direction. We look forward to working side by side with your incoming Presidents, John Denver and Sherry Soper and we wish them great success and we know that you will achieve a tremendous amount of progress during your terms of office. Thank you and thank you for the continued support that you have given to the Office of the State Fire Marshal. I wish everybody to take advantage of the opportunities here at the Convention and above all, stay safe. Thank you very much. (Applause)
President David Lewis: Thank you Bill. Thank you for that information. Thank you for being a very important partner to us. We set out on a journey in January, actually a number of years ago, but the details of the journey certainly started in January when the Residential Sprinkler Committee says “Why can’t we change the law?” So we talked, Jimmy Malone, Roy Dyson and some others and said “Why can’t we change the law?” So we went to Annapolis and we changed the law. And certainly that was a very important landmark legislation that each and every one of us can be proud of (Applause). We 142 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference changed the future of Life Safety in the state of Maryland. So I would like to recognize your contribution as a vital partner of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association with this plaque of appreciation that we hope you will hang proudly in your office.
Bill Barnard: Thank you Mr. President. (Applause)
President David Lewis: I don’t know, but I had to make you part of our Convention, he was part of the crew we put in here on Friday that moved trailers about 18 times, took the stage apart and put it back together. But we certainly want to commemorate your service and make you an official part of the convention by presenting you with a delegate’s bag and the official mug commemorating this year’s convention. Thank you very much!
At this time it is certainly my pleasure to introduce the Director of the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute and my boss, Director Steven Edwards who will give a report of MFRI and he also serves in a second capacity as the Chairman of the Maryland Certification Review Board. So Steve is going to take care of both reports while he is up here.
Steven T. Edwards, Director MFRI: Thanks Dave, it’s certainly a pleasure to be here today and provide a short overview for each of you of the major accomplishments of the Maryland Fire & Rescue Institute over the past year. We I speak about the major accomplishments what I’m really speaking about is the MFRI faculty and staff, our field instructors, the people who work day in and day out to make our system the best system in the country. Certainly with that we have what we receive outstanding cooperation with other agencies throughout the state and other training academies, certainly the Maryland State Firemen’s Association, President Dave Lewis has been a very strong supporter of fire and rescue training throughout the state and we appreciate that. Last but not least, certainly thanks to our students, 34,000 students who participate in our system day in and day out.
Let me just give you a quick statistical overview about last year, 1,630 separate fire training and EMS programs conducted throughout the state, again I’ll go through these quickly, 34,061 students, that’s a tremendous work load for a state training program, especially a state the size of Maryland. Again you can see that’s situated along, field programs, special programs and seminars. Look at the actual students by discipline if you want to find out who’s taking what classes in fire and EMS and other subject areas. We have that listed there also. That’s kind of a quick numerical, statistical overview of what’s been accomplished.
Certainly one of our biggest accomplishments last year was the opening, the grand
143 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference opening of the North East Regional Training Center. It was an $8.7 million dollar Capital project funded by the University of Maryland, College Park. It replaced a center that had been in existence for over 20 years; Charlie Riley was very instrumental in developing the original center there in North East Maryland. We were able to make improvements with that. I see Gene Worthington, he was also a critical supporter here in making this training center happen. But again it gives us an outstanding platform to develop and deliver fire training programs in the North East Corridor of the state. The grand opening was on September 10, 2011. You see the administration building and you see the props, burn building, flammable gas prop for vehicle fires and so on. That’s been a great improvement to our system and I know the companies particularly in the North East section of the state really appreciate it.
Another issue that is very important to fire fighter health and safety is medical clearance for MFRI classes. Very strong support from the Maryland State Firemen’s Association with this, very strong support from the Maryland State Firemen’s Association training committee, and the Maryland Fire & Rescue Education and Training Commission, so on and so forth, and having a common sense solution or at least a common sense pathway to make sure individuals are medically prepared to engage into fire training programs. Why you may ask we need this, we look at statistics for the last ten years on why fire fighters have fatalities, 12% of fire fighter fatalities nationwide occur in training so it’s important that people are in proper condition before they do that. We have that, it involves six separate classes that involve an assessment of their physical ability, their medical status, it’s been a major improvement in fire fighter health and safety. I do appreciate the cooperation of each of the companies that have worked with us. It’s a new program, it’s a new requirement. I think is a very well documented and necessary requirement and thanks to everyone who helped us with that.
Our incident command simulation center; we worked on this for quite a period of time. Certainly we needed a way; we do a lot of training throughout the state; a lot of training involving large scale emergencies, disaster response and things of that nature. Fortunately we’re not Florida or California so we don’t have a lot of large scale disasters. Although we do have one occasionally, as we all know, but we needed a way to train, train, and train and we don’t have any way to exercise and keep people current with how to actually discharge their responsibilities in a major emergency. So having this simulation center allows us to simulate major emergencies from single engine companies to multi alarm jurisdictional, multi jurisdictional state wide emergencies. We can work with that. In fact two weeks we did a major disaster drill on the campus of the University of Maryland involving a leak in the nuclear reactor situated on the campus at College Park and it went very well toward training University Officials in the NIMS systems and what their responsibilities are and so
144 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference on. So that’s there and Special Training Programs is also using our fire officer programs. We’re working, it’s based in College Park currently, and we are working to make that a mobile system. So we’ll be able to take the simulation center throughout the state and conduct these simulations. And do that not only for fire situations for fire and rescue but also do it in multi disciplines, law enforcement, public works and so on and so forth. That’s been a much needed program.
Not my favorite subject but one we need to discuss is the academic dishonesty and testing policy. There are issues nationally and if you look at the SAT scores in the school systems, you look at some promotional systems in some jurisdictions through the country; there are issues with academic dishonesty. We teach 34,000 students a year. There is an agreed upon, which I think is a small minority of our students who engage in these activities. They have the potential to discredit our entire system. We did revise our policies on academic dishonesty, our policies on testing and what the requirements are for that. That involves requirements for instructors, exam proctors, it requires instructors monitoring and requirements for students. In fact now students taking an examination, the same as they do at the campus of the university in College Park, they have to write and sign a pledge on that paper that they have received no additional help with that and this is their own and only their work. So we think with that we will take care of the issues we have, again it’s a small minority, but we do have issues from time to time, maybe more than you actually think on that basis. We hope that will resolve that. The policies are on the instructor zone. The policies are on the student zone, MFRI website. You’re welcome to take a look at that and review it.
New programs that were revised this yea; Emergency Medical Technician, that’s 165 hour program to the new Department of Transportation standards. We have had a curriculum update; we’ve had skill update for instructors on how to conduct the new program. Every course that we teach after July 1 will be the new EMT program, not EMTB. By the way the month of June will be a record for EMT classes. For some reason we had a lot of people that didn’t want to come, but just under the wire took the program. First Medical Responder that was First Responder is a 51 hour class; we revised Fire Inspector I and Fire Inspector II, Fire Fighter Survival and Rescue, Paramedic Refresher Course which is a 40 hour course, Previously it was a 40 hour classroom; the new ALS Paramedic refresher 32 hours classroom with 8 hours on line. We think that will be an improvement also. Also, the revised Public Fire and Life Safety Educator I.
I’m also Chair of the Maryland Instructor Certification Board in addition to responsibilities at MFRI just to give you a quick update. As of the last meeting of the Maryland Instructor
145 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Review Board; 718 state emergency services instructors; 19 instructor trainers, and 269 evaluators. So that system continues to serve the state of Maryland very well to make sure we have confident, highly qualified instructors teaching classes and responsible for that important educational process. With that let me just end by thanking each of you for your attention. Thank you for the support of the Maryland Fire & Rescue Educational Programs particularly thanks President Dave Lewis of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association for their dedication, their attention, their support of fire and EMS training on a statewide basis. Thank you. (Applause)
President David Lewis: Thank you Steve, certainly our thanks to you for coming down here and making this presentation. I also ask that you pass on thanks to the entire staff at MFRI, certainly the work that’s going on downstairs at the certification booth, the work that’s going on in the back with Joe Ward, the training seminars, and the training program as well as Jim Hearn that put on the ones Sunday for the hands on training opportunities. That’s certainly a commitment from the Institute to the convention and we certainly very much appreciate it as well as the year round support. And again I’d like to present you with a plaque of appreciation from me to MFRI on behalf of the officers and members of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association for your year round support to the MSFA, (Presentation of the plaque) and of course to make him a part of the official family, your own delegate’s bag and another ceramic to go on the wall in your conference room. I’ll be looking for that one when I walk by your office.
Director Steven Edwards: Thank you
President Lewis: Now I’d like to call on Dr. Robert Bass, Director for the Maryland Institute of Emergency Medical Service Systems. Did I get all that right? MIEMSS.
Dr. Robert Bass, MIEMSS Executive Director: Good afternoon everybody. I would like to start today by saying the Maryland EMS system continues to be one of the best in the country and a national and international model. This could only be accomplished through the hard work and support from our partners in the fire and EMS community, and we are grateful to the MSFA and its members for their dedicated efforts on behalf of our statewide EMS system.
Additionally, I would like to acknowledge President Dave Lewis. I want to thank Dave for his service this past year and for all his support. I would also like to thank First Vice President John Denver and Second Vice President Jackie Olson for their support over the past year. Thanks also to Past President Gene Worthington for his service on the EMS Board and to Linda Dousa for her service on SEMSAC.
146 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference I would now like to give you a brief overview of some of the successes we have worked together to create over the past year.
The Emergency Medical Resource Center was expanded to the Eastern Shore on April 4, 2012. Many thanks for Clay Stamp and his staff in the Talbot Department of Emergency Services for taking on this important task. Extending the EMRC to the Eastern Shore is a significant milestone that will improve communications and coordination between EMS and emergency departments and statewide trauma and specialty centers.
Last November, the Ambulance Safety Task Force released a report and recommendations at a statewide summit. Representatives from the MSFA, MFRI, local jurisdictions, commercial ambulance companies, and others reviewed and discussed national and Maryland statistics in ambulance crashes. Working in small groups, conferees discussed ways to implement the Task Force recommendations, including creating a “culture of safety” for the nearly one thousand public safety and commercial ambulances operating in Maryland. Other recommendations included: Implementing initial and periodic driver screening and training, increasing the use of safety restraints, reducing excessive speed and restricting routine use of “lights and sirens”, improving the monitoring of safety issues and enforcing safety practices, and creating an ongoing statewide forum to address safety issues. eMEDS, the new electronic Maryland EMS Data System, continues to be successfully implemented across the state in both public safety jurisdictions and commercial services. This user-friendly data collection and reporting tool allows EMS agencies to access their own data for performance improvement measures. As of now, nearly two dozen commercial companies, several Maryland-based federal installations, Baltimore City, Ocean City, and 11 counties have transitioned to eMEDS. We expect to have statewide implementation by the end of this year. As part of this transition, MIEMSS encourages jurisdictions to establish a computer aided dispatch system interface to eMEDS which will automate the inclusion of 911 data into the eMEDS report. To facilitate this interface, a 60% reimbursable grant is currently available for the installation of the CAD interface. The deadline for this program is soon—June 30, 2012—and information is available on the MIEMSS website.
The 2012 EMS Care Conference—Broad Horizons at the Beach—was presented by the Maryland EMS Regional EMS Advisory Councils and MIEMSS on April 14 and 15 in Ocean City. Approximately 300 EMS professionals attended this year’s conference which included dozens of breakout sessions, several workshops, special guest speakers, and a preconference skills course for EMT-Bs. To cap off the weekend, the first-ever EMS Care Bowl at the Beach competition was held at a local restaurant. The Ocean City team won
147 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference first-place in this trivia contest on EMS Protocols and trauma care.
We were proud to present our Stars of Life Awards on May 22, 2012 in Annapolis. Among the winners this year were five Maryland youths for Right Care When it Counts and 24 EMS professionals and citizens for Stars of Life awards, including two providers from the Oldtown Volunteer Fire Department in Allegany County. Our highest honor, the Leon W. Hayes Award was also presented to life-long volunteer paramedic, Charles Arcadipane. I want to encourage all of you to nominate deserving colleagues for these annual awards. We will be seeking 2013 nominations early next year.
I also want to take a moment to remind you that National EMS Education Standards will become effective on July 1, 2012. As part of this transition, Maryland is adopting national terminology for it EMS providers. First Responders will become Emergency Medical Responders, EMT-Bs will transition to EMTs, and EMT-Ps will become Paramedics. Any new courses for Emergency Medical Responders and EMTs begun after July 1, and for Paramedics after December 31, 2012, must be taught under the new standards. President Lewis has raised concerns regarding the additional hours and the reintroduction of anatomy and physiology into the new EMT education standards. We have convened a group to closely monitor implementation of the new standards that includes MSFA, MIEMSS, and MFRI.
Of more immediate concern, is the insolvency in 2014 of the Maryland Emergency Medical System Operations Fund (MEMSOF). The fund goes to support the Amoss Fund grants to local jurisdictions, MFRI, the MSP Aviation Command, Shock Trauma, and MIEMSS. Despite our efforts to hold down spending, the growth of revenue from vehicle registrations has not been sufficient to keep up with inflation. We will need to work together to address this critical need in the upcoming legislative session.
Another issue that we need to address is the aging technology in the SYSCOM/ EMRC communications center at MIEMSS in Baltimore. Much of this equipment is past its engineered life, and we are becoming increasingly at risk for a catastrophic and potentially unrecoverable failure. Upgrading this technology is not possible without an increase in the MEMSOF revenue which is needed to fund these technology upgrades that will use Internet Protocol and digital based technology. With these advancements, we would also be able to maintain operations off-site in the event of a need to evacuate the center in Baltimore.
As a final note, I want to recognize two major passages at MIEMSS this past year. Our long-serving Region V Administrator, Marie Warner-Crosson, retired in April 2011. Also,
148 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference in February 2012 we lost a colleague to cancer, Richard Meighen had been with MIEMSS since 1994 and held the Region II Administrator position since 2004; he will be missed.
Many thanks, again, to the MSFA and all of our partners for your support in making Maryland’s EMS the best in the country. It is only through this collaboration that we are able to build on our strong foundation and continue improving our world-class system. While we have challenges to face, I am confident that by working together as we have over the past decades, we will succeed.
Thank you for your attention today. (Applause)
President David Lewis: Thank you Dr. Bass for coming to bring us that update. The man behind the curtain will hand me something. Again we certainly, the success of the Maryland System is predicated on the partnership between the first responders and the state agencies that coordinate and work together in a cooperative fashion and that’s what makes Maryland so great, so I guess it is certainly my privilege to present you with a plaque to hopefully hang proudly in the conference room at MIEMSS with the others thanking you in appreciation for the support and cooperation that exists between the Maryland State Firemen’s Association and MIEMSS the past year. Of course to welcome you to our convention, I want you to have one of our official delegate’s bags as well as a commemorative mug. I know you have a whole line of those in your office, I think, again thank you for being here tonight and for the partnership and support that you’ve given me in the past year. Thank you. (Applause)
Got another partner brief certainly would like to present. I’d like to present Karen Doyle, Vice President of Operations at Maryland Shock Trauma. Any of you’ve been up in the downtown area around shock trauma would notice that there’s a brand new expansion going on to that center. Certainly that we can be proud of, if we weren’t proud of shock trauma before, we certainly can be more proud of it as certainly as we in Maryland can be proud of and the rest of the nation can look at and we can be proud of. I had Karen give me a tour of things under construction earlier this year at the start of my term and I had to admit to her, I said my first trip to shock trauma, Dr Cowley took us over and we squeezed between the dumpsters and we went up the back elevator and down about 18 hallways till we finally got to a little corner of the building, that’s where shock trauma was at the time. And my, what we’ve done in that 40 years since then. Certainly is there so Karen, welcome to our convention and we look forward to hearing the report from shock trauma.
Karen Doyle, R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center Report: Thank you. Dave wanted to know if I wanted a stool. I don’t think I need a stool. You can hear my voice, right?
149 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference That will be good. Good afternoon. Thank you President Lewis. It’s certainly a pleasure to be here at this convention. I just want to say it’s a privilege working with the Maryland State Firemen’s Association and the last two years I’ve been getting acquainted with MSFA and my role as Vice President and I couldn’t have had a better year with someone like President Lewis and John Denver and Jackie Olson, we just had a great time. They serve your organization well and I know you are very proud of their leadership. Ok we’re up there.
Just as a reminder, the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, we are the primary adult clinical resource center for the state of Maryland. As President Lewis was saying we started out in some very ouster times in our building and at the end of this presentation I’ll show you what the new building looks like and I want each of you to come see us because it’s quite fabulous.
We have a new building because our admission volumes continue to grow. We our current building which was built in 1989, was built for capacity of 3,500 patients and this year, fiscal year 12, we will break 8,500 patients. It’s important that we added capacity to the hospital not just for the local citizens but, we serve as the state resource center, so that we can continue to serve the citizens of the state of Maryland it’s important that we have additional capacity. You can see that we work very hard to make sure we keep our doors open 24/7. We don’t say no to anybody that needs us. So we’ve had no bypass occurrences, no bypass hours for the last several years. We do go on capacity alert occasionally but you can see that for fiscal year 12, it’s amounted only to about 17 hours. It’s important to us that we remain open to everybody. We also try very hard to fulfill our educational mission. We do a lot of pre educational hospital activity and you can see listed here between July 2011 and March 2012 the number of courses that we provide to the entire EMS community. We do our ALS airway courses observation programs and welcome anybody to come through the trauma resuscitation unit. The operating rooms and our critical care units, it’s important to us that we collaborate with you so we learn from you the pre-hospital providers what your needs are and that you see what happens once the patient gets into the acute care setting.
We have multiple evening educational broadcast settings located among 13 areas throughout the state. Many of you know Jamie Huggins who’s our EMS coordinator and she works with all of you to make sure she puts on programs that are important to you and your success in the pre-hospital setting.
As we said we’re expanding the vision, the vision of Dr. R Adams Cowley who had a beautiful vision many, many years ago to create you know the state wide system. I do
150 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference want to mention momentarily that we did lose the partner in crime, Elizabeth Scanlan, she was his right hand person. He called himself the dreamer and she said she was the doer. On June 6th, Elizabeth Scanlan, who was the first director of nursing for the Shock Trauma Center did pass away and she was honored in a very magnanimous way by our EMS providers and MSP so I thank all of you for that.
The division that’s being expanded you can see it, that building that I just passed through, looks, ok, that’s the new building, ok, and we actually just moved in to the first part of it on a temporary basis to the third floor (going through slides of new building). We are building this building without losing any capacity, so as we expand a building like that, we have to relocate a lot of the units. So we will have a grand opening in 2013. And we will have an expanded emergency department, we’ll have ten new operating rooms, and an expanded recovery room, sixty new ICU beds which are critical to our mission, and we’re very excited about having a training and simulation center. A center totally devoted to training and simulation to collaborate with our EMS providers with 10,000 square feet and we can put on programs for mass causality training, rural provider training, and acute care setting training. This is an initiative that we are partnering with all of our partners to make happen. We’re excited about the simulation center.
Can I just move through? Ok that was the simulation center. Many of you went to our Gala on May the 5th, which is a very collaborative experience, with all of you. We honored a young man named Andrew Green who was our hero nomination, he was elected, so, Jamie was down at the table today making sure she handed out papers to all you so if you have a hero selection we need you to nominate people. This is some of your leadership at the Gala. And it was a great night, we honored all of you. Let me go through this. Ok. I apologize, this does not go back. With that I want to say thank you to the leadership of MSFA. Thank you for having us here and I look forward to a year with your future President and with the leadership, so thank you very much. (Applause)
President David Lewis: Thank you Karen. As I’ve said a number of times already today, certainly the success of our system is built on partnerships and we certainly recognize the Shock Trauma Center as a very important partner to the member companies of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association. It is certainly my privilege to present you a plaque to be hung at the Shock Trauma Center in appreciation for the services the Shock Trauma Center gives to us. I know there’s never a problem, never a doubt. I know that anytime we’ve had one of our members that are in route, that if Mark Gibbons tells me the birds in the air, my next phone call is to you or Jamie and the members are taken care of when they hit the pad at Shock Trauma. So we thank you for everything that you do to help Maryland
151 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference be the best system in the world. Officially welcome you to the convention with a delegate bag and commemorative mug to this year’s convention. (Applause)
Ok, I have a few announcements here. Remind you that voting will begin tomorrow at 0800 and continue for two hours. Additional convention events, I certainly remind you the basket bag bingo tonight at 6:30 in the convention hall, the other side of that wall, doors open at 5:30. Jolly Roger event at 6:30. Reminder that we still have ongoing in service training programs here this afternoon. Vendor booths are open downstairs and will be open until 4:30 and don’t forget to stop by the raffle booth and buy your $10,000 raffle. The registration committee tells me that they do have extra convention program books and proceeding books available so if you you’d like additional ones for additional persons, they are here to take back to your company so please feel free to do so. I have one more announcement. The Ocean City Fool’s club federation, the Fraternal Order of the Leatherheads Society will have their annual block party that they hold during the convention June 19th, 7PM, Wicomico St. and Baltimore Ave., basically between the Poor House, the Bearded Clam and the Cork Bar. A $10 donation at the door gives you a souvenir mug and part of those proceeds go to support the National Fallen Fire Fighter’s Foundation. Fool’s will also be presenting tomorrow a hands on training opportunity, man vs machinery. Be presented by Lt. Mark Gregory, from Tower 111 FDNY starting tomorrow at 8:00, morning session 8:00 – 12:00, afternoon session 1:00 – 5:00 and the registration for that is $50 per student payable to the Fool’s and again part of those proceeds go to the Fallen Fire Fighter’s Foundation. So again there’s a lot going on in Ocean City, Please take advantage of it, please be safe. At this time I’d like to ask Pete Walbert, one of our chaplains to come up and leave us with an attitude of prayer this afternoon.
Chaplain Walbert: Let us stand please? Let us pray. Our most gracious heavenly father we come to you Lord looking into your scriptures, you tell us in the 3rd chapter of Ecclesiastes, there’s a time for everything and Lord this is the time that we close out this session of this great Maryland State Firemen’s Association. Lord we ask you now to be with the officers, the members, the delegates Lord as we proceed into this evening’s get together, Lord at Jolly Rogers we ask you to put your arm of safety around them, and comfort the ones who lost loved ones, and Lord we give you all the praise, for we ask this all in your son’s name. Amen.
President Lewis: The session is now in recess until 8:30 tomorrow morning. (Pounds Gavel)
152 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference 120th Annual Convention and Conference of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association Ocean City, Maryland
Session 3 Tuesday, June 19, 2012
President David W. Lewis: My pleasure to call the Third Session of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association to order. At this time we begin with a safety message from Hoby Howell from the MSFA Safety Committee.
Hoby Howell, Safety Committee: Good morning and welcome. Thank you Dave and congradulations. Everybody needs to again, look at your surroundings. We are getting in a smaller area, there are not as many way out to exit. Look and see where the best possible exit is for you to go if we have a problem. So be aware of your surroundings and welcome and I hope you all stay to the end for all the awards this morning. Have a nice morning.
President David W. Lewis: Thank you Hoby. Now I would like to call Chief Chaplain for the morning prayer.
John Long, Chief Chaplain: Good morning! Before we have prayer I need to tell you about some concerns our family. Chaplain Coblentz is ill and is unable to be with us today. Mary Jean Cooper is still in the hospital in Salisbury. Baby Morgan is hospitalized and Vivian Morgan is unable to be with us. Bridget Heller is still in Shock Trauma and is in serious condition there. Susan Wagner – lift her up in your prayers. Jason Scarloft, son- in-law of our soon to be Secretary, is in very serious condition and we really need to lift up prayers for him today. And we have some bad news from Prince Frederick, Walter Gott passed away last night. So let’s lift up all these folks in prayer.
Almighty God, you have heard our concerns this morning. Please be with these folks. Be with the doctors who are treating them, give them the wisdom and knowledge to bring these folks back to full life. Father we pray for the Gott Family, we ask for comfort for them in their time of grief. Father, today as we continue the convention, we praise you for the award recipients that are going to be awarded today. And Father, as we are voting at this time, we ask for wisdom and knowledge for those who are casting the ballots. And Father, continue to be with the Officers as they guide and direct the Association through this convention. We ask this all in your precious name. Amen.
President David W. Lewis: Thank you Chaplain Long. A few brief announcements. Certainly welcome everyone. Today’s agenda, we want to welcome everyone to the
153 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference awards ceremony. It is certainly a day we look forward to. It gives us an opportunity to recognize many of our fire service and EMS personnel from around the state; certainly something very important to us. I would think any of you who attend county association meetings over the last six months or more, know we have harped on you to please submit the names and so we are delighted today to have the awards ceremony which is a product of that and we thank those departments that did submit names. We certainly encourage others to do so, so that we have more recipients.
A few other announcements; If your company has not voted, we remind you the poles will remain open until 10:00 am. We do have an election. We have two candidates for second vice president and three very important by-law amendments for your consideration as well.
I also remind you that in addition to the many other activities tonight, we have the brotherhood block party by the Fools – Wicomico Street and Baltimore Avenue between the Bearded Clam and Cork Bar and part of the proceeds go to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.
At this time I would like to make one additional presentation to one of our partners, they could not be here yesterday. I would ask that Major Mark Gibbons come up – please come to the stage please.
Major, thank you for being here with us all week, I know you were here Saturday and been here throughout. Your folks are downstairs staffing the booth. Unfortunately we don’t have the helicopter. Last year when we were here we thought we would have the AW1 sitting in the parking lot. But unfortunately it took a small detour in the delivery – a very important one though. I think we all agree that the delay in the delivery of those helicopters is vital.
I think we had a very good year. And as I have always said, the success – the key to our success and partnership that exists between the first responders and the key state agencies that and so I would like to take this opportunity to do what I did with the other partners, to recognize the cooperation and support that we received from MSP Aviation and do on a continuing basis. You continuously advised me when events were happening with the helicopters, when we have one of our own being transported by air and supporting flyovers for key events – funerals that we have had, and we certainly appreciate each and everything you do and it is part of the partnership that exists between the MSFA and MSP Aviation. So it is my pleasure to present you with this plaque of appreciation to you for everything you and your staff have done and hope that this hangs proudly in the aviation office. (Applause) A Mark to make you an official part of our convention, we want to make sure that you leave here with the delegate’s bag and the official convention mug.
Part of the success that I had this year was certainly based on putting the team together. As I told people last year as I was going around and working on the year ahead, the only 154 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference way we were going to succeed as an organization was if we had a team that worked together and made this happen. So I am certainly delighted that we had some committee chairs, committee members and a lot of folks out there that really made the clock keep ticking on the MSFA machine. I am going to recognize several of them today. I would like to recognize one now, I would like to ask Joanne Robison if she would come to the stage please.
(Applause) I know she is here. I see her. OK there she comes. Joanne served as a member of the LOSAP Information Committee from 1986 to 1993 when she was then appointed chairman of that committee. She continued as Chairman in the transition of the committee when it became renamed as the Incentive Program Committee in 1993. This change was necessary to allow the committee to align with its new responsibilities to fill the requirements of Senate Bill 144 that implemented the Volunteer Tax Incentive Program. Joanne has been the ONLY Chairman of the MSFA Volunteer Tax Incentive Committee. Every year she begins the task of collecting information for over 13,000 members who qualify each year for the Income Tax Incentive and provides this information to the Maryland Comptroller’s Office. She maintains the records of each county’s LOSAP program in order to have essential records of each of those programs. So it is at this time, with great pleasure and an honor for me to recognize the contributions of Joanne as the Chairman of the MSFA Incentive Program Committee and I ask that you join me in congratulating her. (Applause)
At this point we will begin the awards presentations. We begin with the presentation of the Gladhill-Thompson Trophy and at this time it is my pleasure to call Chief Darren Long to the podium for that presentation.
Chief Darren Long: Thank you Mr. President. It is always a pleasure and an honor for President German, myself and the Damascus Volunteer Fire Department to present the highest honor given at the convention annually. I would first like to call on Philip Hurlock to come forward and receive his trophy to take home with him.
I remember through the years any time Phil would address (applause). I remember all the years I have known Phil, any time he would address Les Thompson or Buck Gladhill, it was always Mr. Les and Mr. Buck. He always had that kind of respect and I always noticed that.
Here today, to speak briefly about two pillars in the Damascus Community. Mr. Bernard D. “Buck” Gladhill and he told me many times he was tired seeing buildings burn down in Damascus. Because of the distance of travel made on the departments, he took it upon himself to be the spearhead of a committee of all the business people and citizens in Damascus to organize the Damascus Fire Department. And that goal was reached September 17, 1944.
Buck was very instrumental in our community with several things. He was a charter member 155 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference of the Damascus Lions Club, Damascus JC’s and also the Chamber of Commerce. He was almost solely responsible for bringing public water to Damascus. He had contacts that you would not believe – politically.
Leslie B. Thompson, Chief of Damascus 1958 through 1970. And he too, was a pillar in Damascus. He had 68 active years in the fire service in our state. Chief also admitted fire department in Montgomery County, when he came to Damascus in 1952 and in his first year he was appointed rescue captain and that was the year the first ambulance was backed in the door. He helped to organize and purchase an ambulance from the funeral home across the street. He purchased a 1937 Buick for $1.00. And Les, through his efforts, led the department to put that thing in service and bring ambulance service to Damascus. He was Past President of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association, Past President Maryland Fire Chief’s Association, Past President Montgomery County Fire Rescue Association and numerous other committees and department heads across the state. I have been asked to keep this short, because I could probably keep you here until lunch time anyway. All the things he accomplished for the state of Maryland.
I would now like to call President Dave Lewis to the podium to name this year’s lucky recipient. Mr. President.
President David W. Lewis: Thank you Chief. It is with great pride and pleasure that the MSFA Officers and members present this year’s Gladhill-Thompson Trophy to Mitch Vocke. (Applause) Mitch says he is speechless. So he declined the opportunity.
At this time I would like to call on the Board of Trustees Chairman, Steve Hales for the presentation of the Colburn Cup.
Steve Hales, Chair of Trustees: Morning. Nice to be here isn’t it? The Board of Trustees annually is called upon to judge the Colburn Cup which is sponsored by the Princess Anne Fire Company. This to me is an honor; it recognizes those who go above and beyond. Unfortunately there are others who have whose names don’t come before us and if you’ll note my comments, we are encouraging membership companies to please reconsider and send in their nominees next year. It is a very important part of the program in the recognition of those who are well deserving. In the interest of time, as I start reading these presentations, the first five will be honorable mention and the last one will be going to the recipient – winner of the cup. Standing behind me are your Board of Trustees. Please familiarize these faces, if you have any questions about the services we provide for you, our member companies, please call upon us and ask any questions that you may have. On the far end we have Doug Alexander, Danny Carpenter – aka Santa Clause in his local community, Gene Worthington - Past President, and Terry Thompson – Past President and these are your Trustees. Terry is solo on the Ballot and if you could take a moment and give him a vote of encouragement, we would appreciate it. And this is a paid political announcement – thank you. 156 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Members of the Leonardtown Volunteer Fire Department if you would please come forward – this recommendation comes to us on February 19th the fire company was called by Chief 37 he needed help at a fire, they had to abandon the truck in order to save their own lives. Firefighter/EMT Chris Smith was driving the utility with Sam Werneke on board, they saw the two running for their lives, while Chris drove, Sam helped pull the two firemen running for their lives into the bed of the truck and made this heroic save. Doug if you would present the recognition. Congratulations. (Applause)
If members of Riviera Fire Department please come forward. Lt. Christopher Fowler was leading the crew at a dwelling and commenced rescue and search. The patient was located and Lt. Fowler along with his crew from Engine 10 and Squad 12 worked to remove the very large patient from the dwelling to waiting EMS crew and made this life-saving save on this day. We are very proud to present him with this recognition certificate and thank him and the other people who were nominated that day for their services. Congratulations. (Applause and cheers)
This is Volunteer Fire Company #1 please come forward. Paramedic Amelia Wolf, Paramedic Rebecca Rice, Firefighter/Paramedic Chris Carter, Safety Officer Michael DeVoe, Firefighter/EMT Ron Patton. Crews immediately recognized that Chief Riley was suddenly in Cardiac Arrest. Firefighters and Paramedics previously mentioned immediately administered CPR and provided ALS procedures to assist in this rescue. Converted the cardiac patient to a life saving rhythm and therefore provided life-saving procedures that allows him to be here with us today. I would like to congratulate each and every one of these folks for a job well done. (Applause)
Bryans Road Volunteer Fire Company if you would please come forward. Captain Tony D’Losuer entered the hallway and used his body to protect a child from heat, smoke and conditions they encountered in a fire allowing the child to be safely removed. The two year old little girl was treated and released from the hospital a few days later due to these efforts. Ladies and gentlemen, this is why we are how we are and what we do and this like the other previous mentioned efforts show that we care, we do our jobs getting the training and support to do so. Is Scott here? Anyone from Bryans Road? Here he comes. Thank you very much, we are very proud of your efforts. (Applause)
Members of Cobb Island Volunteer Fire Company please come forward. Ladies and gentlemen this award will be made in memory of Christopher Allen Staley who will not be with us because due to his efforts in trying to complete a water rescue, Chris gave his life in that effort. His fire company asked that he be mentioned and recognized for this attempt to save another person’s life in the community and unfortunately he gave his life in doing so. So Chris if you can hear us up in God’s Chapel, we are here saying to you “thank you.” May the Lord keep you and look over you. Congratulations. (Applause)
157 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Princess Anne Volunteer Fire Company please come forward. Folks this is the winner of the Colburn Cup; comes recommended by Middletown Fire Company. Members of the Princess Anne Volunteer Fire Company are here to make this presentation. While Bret Herman was driving in the area an accident call was dispatched for a Ford Escort in a pond with a women trapped in it and the water was rising fast. Although Bret had his children in his vehicle, he immediately responded to the scene, went into the pond and rescued the trapped woman. The driver’s window had to be broken to get the woman out. Once the window was broken, the vehicle rapidly filled with water and subsequently submerged. Fortunately the panicked woman was pulled free and total submersion occurred later. When the vehicle was pulled from the pond, it was reported the level of the water was six to seven feet. Sgt. Wayne Trappe of Frederick City Police Department called the rescue effort heroic to a situation that was very critical. The rescue was completed before dispatched units arrived on the scene. Bret Hearn and the woman could have drowned during this attempt. We are 24/7 in this business and we never know when we will be called upon to provide these efforts. So if we could have this year’s recipient to come forward for the award. (Applause) Thank you, very proud of your efforts. (Applause)
Ladies and gentlemen, if we didn’t do and provide these services that have been mentioned by me based on the submissions our committee received or by efforts by you in the audience individually know and remember, there are a lot of people who would not be standing here or in the communities in this great state today. We make it happen and we make it possible. Keep up the good work. God bless you all and thank you for the privilege of serving. Have a nice day. (Applause)
President David W. Lewis: At this time I will call on Past President Bobby Jacobs for the presentation of the Robert H. Shimer Administrative Award.
Past President Bobby Jacobs: Good morning everyone. It has been a little hectic here this morning to say the least. At this time I would like to call the committee members up: Past President Phil Hurlock, Past President Danny Davis, Past President Joe Robison and Past President Roger Steger. If you are in the hall please come forward.
Also I would like to identify the nominees this year and if they are here if they would please come to the stage also: Mr. John Bender, Miss Rosemary Culley, Luther Della, Garyton C. Echols, Jr., Tom Flint, Terry Hamilton, Ben Kurtz, Scott Legore, Gloria Lewis, Ken May, Carl Ruth, Russell Schlick and Andrew White. If you notice we have had a total of 13 nominees this year for the Robert H. Shimer Administrator of the Year Award. I think it is a great honor for your departments to have nominated each of you. And we thank the departments for this opportunity to express to these individuals that honor.
And just to give you information as to what this award is about. At the request of the Shimer Family and with the endorsement of the Officers of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association, an award was established and presented annually in recognition for the many 158 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference years of faithful and dedicated service that was provided by Past President Robert H. Shimer to the fire/rescue/emergency services of the state of Maryland. This prestigious award will recognize individuals for their achievements, activities and positions they have held within their own community, county and state. The time requirements for the award are now restricted to this past year but could have included accomplishments of prior years as well. The intention of the award is to honor Past President Robert H. Shimer for his 37 years continuous service to the state of Maryland for the many different roles and responsibilities he held in his career. This award is a tribute to him for his deserved recognition that he earned as a member of the emergency services in the state of Maryland. His passion for emergency services affects every one of us and his presence is sorely missed.
Today, unfortunately, the Shimer Family could not be here. Representing those folks is Past President Phil Hurlock.
Phil Hurlock, Past President: Thank you Past President Jacobs. Good morning to the Officer, members and guests of the 120th Annual Convention and Conference. On behalf of the Shimer Family, Mrs. Joann Shimer, Chris Shimer and Diane May, I am most pleased to be a part of the presentation of the Robert H. Shimer Administrator of the Year Award.
This award was mentioned by Past President Jacobs was established back in 2004 to give honor of the many dedicated years that Mr. Shimer gave to the volunteer fire and EMS service in the state of Maryland.
Mr. Shimer was an individual noted for giving both praise and recognition to other individuals for their hard work and dedication and was not one wanting to receive them himself. His dedication to his family, his church, his community, and especially to the fire and EMS service were qualities that you don’t see very often. And the Maryland State Firemen’s Association was pleased to have been part of his 37 years of distinguished service. The Shimer Award is given to an individual who exemplifies the things that the late Bob Shimer had and this individual joins an elite group that have received this award since its inception in 2004. The Plaque the recipient will receive is to be proudly displayed in their home or fire/EMS or rescue station and is theirs to keep as a small token of their hard work and dedication and the reason they have been nominated and are receiving this presentation. There is also a traveling plaque that will have the winner’s name engraved on it and this can also be display at their station for a year and then returned back to the MSFA to be awarded to the next year’s recipient. I will now turn the program back over to Past President Jacobs for the announcement of this year’s winner.
Past President Bobby Jacobs, Chair: This year’s recipient and winner of the award, and it is an honor for me to announce Mr. Benjamin Kurtz. (Applause and cheers)
159 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference President David W. Lewis: Thank you Bobby. At this time it is a pleasure to call on Danny Carpenter for the presentation of the Hall of Fame Awards to be followed by the Marbery F. Gates Service Award.
Danny Carpenter, Chair: Thank you Mr. President. Good morning Officers, Past Presidents, Delegates and Guests. The Hall of Fame Committee Report is printed in the convention program book on page 67 without the inductees’ names. I would like for the Hall of Fame Committee to come out on stage and be recognized: - Vice Chair Ben Kurtz - C. Oscar Baker, PP - George A. “Fred” Cross, PP - John T. “Jack” Ferguson III - John O. Gatton, Sr. - Donald Lee Howard - William B. “Bill” Lay, Sr. - James T. Riegel, Sr. - Richard Smith
This year the Committee received 28 nominations for the Hall of Fame. We can only induct 10 nominees each year. If your nominee did not get selected, please resubmit them again next year before April 15, 2013. That is the deadline. It gives me great pride to announce the new inductees into the MSFA Hall of Fame for 2012. Please come up on the stage when your name is announced or someone from the Company to receive the award. This year’s inductees are:
Dennis E. Beard - Sykesville Freedom District Fire Department, Inc. (Applause) Patricia Bowser - Friendsville Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department, Inc. (Applause) Alfred William “Butch” Britton, Jr. - Rescue Hose Company No. #1, Inc. (Applause) Edward T. Clopper - Funkstown Volunteer Fire Company, Inc. (Applause) Teresa Ann Crisman - Greenbelt Volunteer Fire Department & Rescue Squad, Inc. (Applause) Thomas Diem - Cordova Volunteer Firemen’s Association, Inc. (Applause & Cheers) Donald F. Hall - Prince Frederick Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. (Applause & Cheers) Barry Johnson - Laurel Volunteer Rescue Squad, Inc. (Applause) Dan M. Tabler - Goodwill Fire Company, Inc. (Applause & Cheers) William D. “Buddy” White - Potomac Heights Volunteer Fire Dept. & Rescue Squad, Inc. (Applause)
Each year we can induct up to 3 special inductees into the MSFA Hall of Fame. This
160 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference year the committee has selected three (3) individuals that have supported MSFA and the Convention Committee. They are:
Major Mark E. Gibbons - Maryland State Police Aviation Division (Applause) I would like to call Danny Davis and Richard Yinger to the stage. Mark’s support to the MSFA Legislation Committee has helped with many bills. We congratulate you Major.
I would like to call Chief Ron Siarnicki, Chair of the Convention Committee to help make the next two presentations:
Susan Taylor - Maryland State Firemen’s Association (Applause & Cheers) Susan is a member of the Convention Committee Go-Team and back stage Manager. A lot of you don’t see these faces but they have worked very hard for years.
Chris Yinger - Maryland State Firemen’s Association (Applause) Chris is a member of the Convention Committee Events Tickets Sales. Chris has been very active for many years doing this.
Thank you ladies and gentlemen. (Applause)
The MSFA Hall of Fame Committee also has the responsibility of selecting the Marbery F. Gates Service Cup Award. This award was established by the Rockville Volunteer Fire Department and accepted by the Maryland State Firemen’s Association Executive Committee in 1981 to honor over sixty (60) years of active service performed by charter member, Mr. Marbery F. Gates of the Rockville Vol. Fire Dept., Montgomery County, Maryland. The first award was presented to Mr. Marbery F. Gates on June 15, 1981, at the 86th Annual Convention of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association. Mr. Gates served on the MSFA Board of Trustees from 1969 through 1989. This year the committee received 46 nominations, with 4 being postmark after the deadline of April 15. The committee voted not to accept the 4 late nominations and returned them. The committee accepted 42 nominations for a total of 2,325 years of service. Each individual will receive a Governor’s Citation. They will also receive a MSFA plaque the first year nominated and any sequential years a certificate for their years of service. Please come up on the stage when your name is announced or someone from the Company to receive the award. This year’s nominations are:
Berlin “Jake” F. Caple – Reese & Community Volunteer Fire Company, Inc. 63 Yrs. Granville Albright – Mount Airy Volunteer Fire Company, Inc. 51 Yrs.
161 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Thomas L. “Tom” Flint II – Silver Hill Volunteer Fire Department 51 Yrs. C. Edwin “Bunk” Grimmel, Sr. – Jarrettsville Volunteer Fire Company, Inc. 70 Yrs. Earl “Tim” Warehime – Lineboro Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. 50 Yrs. Douglas P. Geouge – Westminster Fire Engine & Hose Co. No. 1 52 Yrs. John H. “Jack” Lippy - Westminster Fire Engine & Hose Co. No. 1 57 Yrs. Fred L. Plunkert - Westminster Fire Engine & Hose Co. No. 1 52 Yrs. Luther A. Della, Jr. – LaPlata Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. 50 Yrs. Bernard R. Winkler, Jr. - LaPlata Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. 53 Yrs. Garyton C. Echols, Jr. - LaPlata Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. 53 Yrs. Leonard H. Rieck – Easton Volunteer Fire Department 69 Yrs. Clinton B. “Sparky” Duke – Leonardtown Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. 64 Yrs. William J. Delcher III – Long Green Volunteer Fire Company 55 Yrs. James J. Snyder – Laytonsville District Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. 50 Yrs. Don Beach – Hebron Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. 51 Yrs. Edward T. Clopper – Funkstown Volunteer Fire Company, Inc. 52 Yrs. James T. Fayer – Community Fire Company of Perryville, MD, Inc. 66 Yrs. Paul Nickle – North East Fire Company, Inc. 68 Yrs. Otis Isaacs, Jr. - North East Fire Company, Inc. 50 Yrs. Lowell Howard - North East Fire Company, Inc. 70 Yrs. Joseph Piatelli - North East Fire Company, Inc. 51 Yrs. Harry Reynolds - North East Fire Company, Inc. 59 Yrs. Charles Tull - North East Fire Company, Inc. 60 Yrs. Joseph Letts - North East Fire Company, Inc. 50 Yrs. Harvey E. Smith – Easton Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. 58 Yrs. Frederic E. Ireland - Easton Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. 57 Yrs. James E. Henry - Easton Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. 56 Yrs. Maurice E. Newnam III - Easton Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. 56 Yrs. Ernest E. Fisher – Easton Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. 54 Yrs. Donald W. McDaniel - Easton Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. 54 Yrs. Louis E. Mullikin - Easton Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. 51 Yrs. Eugene C. Butler - Easton Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. 50 Yrs. Charles J. Bryan - Easton Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. 50 Yrs. Ronald C. Lorah - Easton Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. 50 Yrs. Robert C. Willey - Easton Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. 50 Yrs. William W. Olsen – Waldorf Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. 55 Yrs. Benny Bozman – Deal Island – Chance Volunteer Fire Company 50 Yrs. William R. Caldwell – Singerly Fire Company 57 Yrs. Raymond F. Stevens, Sr. – Vol. Fire Co. No.1 of Chesapeake City, Inc. 52 Yrs. J. Raymond Lankford – Solomons Volunteer Rescue Squad & Fire Dept. 57 Yrs. George A. “Fred” Cross, Jr. – Chestnut Ridge Volunteer Fire Company 51 Yrs. Total Years Service: 2,325 Yrs. (Applause and cheers were heard for each nominee.)
162 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference At this time I would like to call up the Rockville Volunteer Fire Department Chief Scott Emmons and President Timothy C. Jones for some remarks and to make the presentation. They are going to make the presentation to the winner of the Marbery Gates Award.
Chief Scott Emmons: Good morning everyone. From the Rockville Volunteer Fire Department to the Maryland State Firemen’s Association, I would like to welcome everybody and thank everyone for being here this morning during this wonderful award time.
Each one of these gentlemen has served their communities and the state of Maryland for 50 years. It is outstanding the amount of time each one has dedicated to their communities. One person, each year, gets selected for the Marbery Gates Award. It is very hard for this committee when there are so many across the state that serve their communities so well. So again, I would like to thank each and every one of these people for what you do each and every day, for what you have done for so many years for your communities and the rest of us in the state of Maryland. Thank you all very much. (Applause)
In a second, my President, Tim Jones is going to read the award winner. But on one final note, when I leave here, I am trying to find out where Easton is, because after reading these awards, I clearly think I know where the “fountain of youth” is. That’s where I am headed. (Applause and laughter) Thank you again and thank you for letting me present this.
President Timothy C. Jones: Good morning. As the Chief said I am Tim Jones and I am the President of the Rockville Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. It is indeed a distinct honor and a pleasure for the Chief, myself and the members of RVFD to stand up here with such an elite group of individuals that have served their communities in the state of Maryland. What was the total number of years? Three thousand and something? Unbelievable! As I said a couple of years ago up here, you younger ladies and gentlemen can learn from this group and the traditions they have held in the fire service in the state of Maryland and in their companies. Learn from them.
Let me read the nomination letter. I tried to work this letter out so I wouldn’t give it away right off the bat but they wrote it so well, it is impossible to do that.
Address to Mr. Daniel C. Carpenter, Chairman Hall of Fame Committee.
Dear Mr. Carpenter:
I would like to nominate Mr. George A. “Fred” Cross, Jr., Past President of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association. (Applause & Cheers) Fred has completed fifty one years of active service to the Chestnut Ridge Volunteer Fire Company, Baltimore County, Maryland.
163 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Over the years Fred has served his department for the past fifty one years in numerous capacities. He has served on committees, chaired committees, held offices within the department including President on numerous occasions. In addition to his dedication as a committee member and officer, Fred has maintained active participation in emergency responses and training.
Fred has served the Baltimore County Volunteer Firemen’s Association for the past fifty one years in numerous capacities on committees, chairing committees and as an officer. Fred climbed through the chairs of the County Association and served as their President.
Fred has also been extremely active within the Maryland State Firemen’s Association also serving on numerous committees such as the Emergency Assistance Trust Fund, Budget, Convention, Hall of Fame and other committees. He not only served as chair of many of those committees, he currently serves on the Convention Program Committee and chairs the Golf tournament.
Fred served this Association as President in 1995 – 1996 after serving as 2nd and 1st Vice President. He committed to assist Paul Fabisak as Assistant Financial Secretary and upon the untimely death of Paul has performed as our Financial Secretary in an outstanding manner. Fred is dedicated to the emergency services of the State of Maryland and continues to travel to foster the values of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association.
It is an honor to nominate George A. (Fred) Cross Jr. for the most prestigious Marbery F. Gates Service Cup Award.
Signed: Stephan D. Cox, Past President (Applause)
Chief Scott Emmons: Mr. Cross I’d also like to give you from the State of Maryland, from the Governor, this proclamation and Governor Citation. As you know on behalf of the citizens of this state in recognition of your selection of receiving the Marbery Gates Service Cup Award in honor of your fifty one years of continuous and faithful volunteer service in the community and as the people join and applaud you for your commitment to the fire service and the community and our state, we’re pleased to confer upon you this Governor’s Citation. Here you go sir. (Applause)
Chair Carpenter: Alright gentlemen you can either go this way or down the steps. That concludes my presentation. I thank you. (Applause)
President Lewis: What a significant accomplishment all the years that was just recognized on this stage. Two thousand three hundred and forty five years of service to their communities. Certainly proud there. We’re going to switch gears now; we’re 164 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference going to go to the other end. We went with the longest activity, now we’re going to go with the future. Now we’re going to recognize for the first time the Edwin L. Emkey, Sr. Cadet Award. The Edwin L. Emkey Cadet Award was established by Past President Roger Powell and is being underwritten by the American Claim Service accepted by the Maryland State Firemen’s Association Executive Committee at the November 2011 meeting. This approval follows nearly two years of development of guidelines for the award. The award was established to recognize Edwin L. Emkey, Sr. for his outstanding service in promoting cadet programs. The outstanding cadet program must be sponsored by a fire rescue or EMS Department Company or Squad. The program must be based on teaching safety, basic skills for firefighting or EMS. At this time it is certainly my pleasure to introduce Past President Roger Powell who initiated this award and allow him to introduce the award as well as some special guests we have today for this first presentation of this new award. Roger. (Applause)
Past President Roger Powell: Thank you everyone. You know it is appropriate that after we follow the Marbery Gates Award for the people who have done all the service for all the years and now to honor the juniors who are our future of the Maryland volunteer emergency services. There is not a lot to say about the award, it is an honor and a pleasure for me to have established this award. This year interesting enough and appropriately enough, the namesake of the award, Ed Emkey, Sr. who was a dear friend of mine for many years from English Consul Volunteer Fire Company, their fire company – their Junior Fire Company, English Consul is the winner. (Applause)
I would like to introduce John Emkey who is Ed Emkey’s son who wants to tell you about his dad. Could the Juniors come out please.
John Emkey: Good morning. In 1975 Edwin Louis Emkey, Sr. joined the English Consul Fire Department in Baltimore County. Ed became a firefighter and EMT in the fire department in a short time. When, at the age of 35, he suffered a heart attack bringing an early end to his riding status. He didn’t let this set-back stop him from doing his part. In 1978 Ed took over the English Consul Juniors Fire Department at the English Consul Firehouse.
This unit has kids ranging in age from 6 years old to 16 years old. When he took over the Juniors he decided he wanted this unit to be the best. These kids that he referred to as his kids, were the start of a program that pioneered its similar youth programs about Baltimore County, the state of Maryland, the United States and even some other countries.
Ed would receive either a phone call or a letter from other departments asking about how his unit ran and how they could do their own. He had calls from Nevada, Texas, Utah and even a company in Canada.
He was proud of his kids. And through many contacts within the county and the state, 165 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference began obtaining training materials such as Firefighter I, HazMat and Truck Company Operations books to teach from.
Through the same contacts he began to, as he called it, obtaining equipment. Old SCBA masks that he would blackout for mazes, ladders, ropes, and eventually a 1969 Seagrave Pumper.
During his tenure as the Junior Director, many kids grew through the ranks of the Juniors including my sister, myself and even Ed’s oldest grandson. Ed and his unit made a difference within the fire service. There are two career captains in Baltimore County Fire Department, one career captain in the BWI Fire Department and one career captain in the Howard County Department of Fire Rescue Services. These captains started in Ed’s program. Many of Ed’s Juniors also became officers of different ranks within many volunteer fire companies in Baltimore County.
As Juniors, amongst being taught how to be a fireman and we also learned that a toothbrush was to clean more than your teeth. And that we were thankful that Pepsi, Diet Pepsi was given a plastic bottle and not glass any more.
To say he was proud of his unit would be the same as saying the ocean is only a little wet. Ed received many citations and awards for his work with his Juniors including being inducted into MSFA Hall of Fame in 2004. And a short time later he was given the title Honorary Fire Chief of Baltimore County – both of which he wore proudly on his uniform.
In 2008 after thirty years as the Director of English Consul Juniors, Ed began a long road of health problems and decided to step down as the Junior Director. In December of 2010 Ed lost his battle with cancer.
The day after Ed passed I stopped by the station. I found many of the guys who came up through the ranks of the Juniors cleaning the engine that would carry Ed to his final resting place. The guys were polishing the diamond-plate with toothbrushes. When asked what they were doing, the reply I received was simple, it has got to shine for Mr. Ed. So it was no surprise that in Ed’s casket there were several toothbrushes and a bottle of Diet Pepsi that went with him, placed there by the senior members who grew up him.
At Dad’s funeral, a Junior from long ago, who happens to be one of the career captains, was asked to present the flag from Dad’s casket to my mom. He only said a few sentences but the last sentence I believe came from the heart and could speak for all past Juniors. That last sentence was short but spoke volumes and that was “Thanks for sharing him.”
So today it is with great pleasure and honor and pride that my mother, sister, my wife and my son, my two nephews and my stepdaughter, Chief of English Consul Fire Department, and the captain from BWI – Doug Brinkley, are here today to present this award that is in 166 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference my dad’s name. Thanks you. (Applause)
Past President Roger Powell: This trophy is intended to go to the winning company - this year – English Consul Juniors and it will be a revolving trophy and it will be returned next year and they will receive a permanent trophy. Just as importantly to us because the Juniors and because of the economy is having such a difficult time raising money, this award is being underwritten by The American Claims Management Services Company and the President of that company, David Gold is here today. This is the only award given out by the MSFA which carries a cash award with it of $500 and he is here to present that check while I present the trophy. (Applause)
We have the history book to show the activities for English Consul Juniors for the year 2011. It is awesome to see the amount of community service and the amount of training that this Junior Fire Company undergoes in a year. We will have this if anybody wants to look at it. Thank you very much. (Applause)
President David W. Lewis: Thank you Roger. Now we will go to the middle of the line. How about that? It is my honor to present John Gatton for the presentation of the Firefighter of the Year Award.
John Gatton, Chair: Good morning ladies and gentlemen. Before we get started I would like to introduce the other members of our committee: Bill Radisch who is ill and not able to be with us; Eddie Cross, Jim Jarboe, David Keller, Bill Lay, Rusty Leftwich, Bill Smith, Jim Snyder, and Jeff Thompson.
Again this year the nominations were slack. However, being slack, they were also filled with a lot of information. I would like to now call the nominees forward to receive a certificate of nomination. If they are not in the auditorium, if someone from their fire department could come forward. The first nominee – John Hamilton IV from Northeast Fire Company (applause); the 2nd, Jeffrey Hinkle from St. Michael’s Fire Department (applause); Benjamin Singer from Arbutus Volunteer Fire Department (applause); Michael Sullivan, Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department (applause); Stanley Sutton, Laytonsville Volunteer Fire Department (applause); and Christopher Younger, Glen Burnie Volunteer Fire Company (applause).
I would now like to read some of the nomination letter for this year’s winner. This years’ winner had a seven page nomination form and I will not read all that but I will highlight it:
It is with great pride that our fire department nominates our firefighter for the MSFA Firefighter of the Year. In 2011 our firefighter came in number 11 in calls – attending 304, being only 2 calls short of the top ten. He was also in the top 5 for driver’s attendance. At the annual banquet of his fire department he was recognized for Firefighter of the Year. To be firefighter of the year would be only scratching the surface of what this firefighter did. To 167 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference quote the chief of the fire department – “He does it all. Anything you ask him, he would do without question. He does not complain, he always has a positive attitude and is a genuine guy and a big asset to our organization. In 2011 he got checked off to drive the ladder truck and completed the Firefighter II course.
When he first got to the fire department he found out that Fire Prevention was kind of his forte. He got very active in Fire Prevention and took over from there.
During the annual banquet he received both the President’s and Chief’s Awards as well as Firefighter of the Year.
He also worked his duty Bingo nights and assisted the Ladies Auxiliary with caterings and worked all fire department functions. Help set-up and dismantle the annual carnival and operated one of the rides. He was one of the first to sign up for funeral and other details and also volunteered for extra assignments, projects, etc.
When the hurricane hit our area, he was one of the firefighters on standby responding to assist citizens in our community. Whenever minor repairs were needed on the equipment, he assisted wherever asked. He also takes care of ordering our medical supplies. He can and still does just about anything.
In the short time he has been a member, he has become very interested in Fire Prevention getting his company very actively involved. He designed a float which won 1st place in his regional fire district and Maryland State.
The letter goes on and on and I could read the 7 pages but I will get the Secretary to copy this. It is with a GREAT DEAL OF PLEASURE and honor to present the 2011 Maryland State Firemen’s Association Firefighter of the Year Award to Michael Sullivan ofthe Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department. (Applause and cheers) Mike will receive a plaque for his honor, he will also receive a jacket inscribed with his name and Maryland State Firemen’s Association Firefighter of the Year for 2011, he will receive a medal for his Class A Uniform and also a patch for his uniform. In addition to the certificates he has received, we have another Certificate of Congressional Recognition presented this 19th day of June, 2012 at the Maryland State Firemen’s Association to Michael Sullivan, 2012 Firefighter of the Year. A tribute to his support, commitment and outstanding dedication to the fire service and our local communities and signed by Congressman Steny Hoyer. (Applause) Mike, I also have another surprise for you – you didn’t know it but your mother and sister also attended today. We hid them so you would not see them when you came in.
That completes my report. I have a little note to say that after 10 years as chairman, I have decided to step down. I appreciate all the support you have given me over the 10 years and I ask that you continue to support this and other awards programs and support next year’s chairman. Thank you very much for your time, service and help. (Applause) 168 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference President David W. Lewis: John, please don’t go away. While your committee is still up here with you, I want to take this opportunity to thank you for your contributions and service to the Maryland State Firemen’s Association as Chairman of the MSFA Firefighter of the Year Committee. As near as I can tell, John served almost continuously as a member or chair of the Firefighter of the Year Committee since 1983. Although there are several breaks in service, his record of service is truly commendable and a tribute to his dedication to the Maryland State Firemen’s Association and its membership. He has served continuously as chairman since 2002, as he said 10 years. John Gatton understands the need for recognition of members in the awards program. And constantly reminds members, not only for the Firefighter of the Year Award but also for many awards and recognition that MSFA offers. Early this year John told me he did not intend to return to the committee next year and asked that we begin the search to identify a replacement for the chair. We have honored that request and we will appoint a new chair on Thursday. But as he steps down from his position, I certainly would like to take this opportunity to recognize his service and contributions, not only for the past year but most of the last 29 years on the Firefighter of the Year Committee. It is certainly a pleasure and an honor to present this small token of my appreciation to Johnny for his friendship, his support for my term as President of the MSFA and ask that you join me in thanking Johnny for his support. (Applause)
Chair Johnny Gatton: If I could have the members of the Hollywood Fire Department come up for a picture.
President David W. Lewis: At this time the Chair recognizes Bill Dousa, Chairman of the EMS Committee for the presentation of the Josiah Hunt EMS Member of the Year Award.
Bill Dousa, Chair: President Lewis, Officers, Past Presidents, Delegates and Guests good morning. The Josiah Hunt Award was established in 1991 in honor of Dr. Josiah Hunt. He was instrumental in creating the EMS service in northern Harford County. The Award was donated by the Delta Cardiff Volunteer Fire Company. We have members of Delta here with us with the Trophy. The trophy is awarded to the highest performing EMS person considered in Maryland. This year’s committee – and if there are any members in the audience that I have not found so far – Marianne Warehime, Joan Williams, Stan Williams, Susan Mott, Danny Green and Linda Dousa were the members of our committee.
The first order of business is to present the plaque to last year’s winner. Last year’s winner was paramedic Rick Farrington. Rick are you present? I don’t think so, so we are going to present the plaque to members of Delta - Oh here he comes! Ok good. (Applause) Rick thank you for your service and I understand this was the first time the award was back home at Delta, so it has spent a year there. It is going to wander off again unfortunately.
This year we have six nominees. They were all well qualified and I would like to present certificates to the five nominees who were not selected for the award. If you are present,
169 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference please come up. If not, we would like to have a member of the company come and accept the certificate.
The first member is Kevin Harris of the Glen Burnie Volunteer Fire Company. (Applause) The second nominee is Rebecca Jewell of the Level Volunteer Fire Company. (Applause) The third nominee is Harold Hathaway of the North East Fire Company. (Applause) The fourth nominee is Michael D. Livingston of the Takoma Park Volunteer Fire Company. (Applause) And the final nominee is Rodney Valentine of the Winfield Community Volunteer Fire Department. (Applause)
When I read the resume of the winner this year, actually it reminded me a lot of my mentor when I came into the fire service. He had all the requisite requirements. He was a top responder in EMS; he was also a top responder in fire. He held numerous offices in his home company; he is one of those guys who never wants to be in the lime light but he is always there when tough jobs come up and he is willing to take them on and does a wonderful job. However, his real contribution is the fact that he has been a mentor to numerous young people in the fire service – both at the company and county level. I am going to give away this person at this point, I am not going to read his resume, but a good example of him being a mentor happened yesterday. I was walking beside him through the displays downstairs, his phone rang, it was a new member of his company looking for direction on where he was going to go for training. Donald Thomas from Darlington Volunteer Fire Company (applause and cheers). Donald is the 2011 winner of the Josiah Hunt EMS Member of the Year Award. Donald you get to keep the trophy for a year for your company, you have a campaign ribbon to go with it and you have to be back here at the Convention next year to get your plaque. Donald, thank you very much. (Applause)
President David W. Lewis: Thank you Bill. I would now like to call on Chief Ivan Browning from the Mt. Airy Volunteer Fire Department for the presentation of the Past President C. Oscar Baker Rookie of the Year Award. Chief.
Chief Ivan Browning: Good morning. Thank you for coming to the awards ceremony. I am Chief Ivan Browning with the Mt. Airy Volunteer Fire Company and on behalf of the members of the Mt. Airy Volunteer Fire Company we would like to present the Past President C. Oscar Baker Rookie of the Year Award. We are fortunate that Oscar is here with us in his 70th year of service to the fire service. (Applause) And this award basically is what Oscar has instilled in many over the years. Coming through the fire service and being a rookie, being able to look to somebody like Oscar, who has put so much time and dedication into the fire department, we appreciate being able to present this to someone else who would like to follow in his footsteps one day.
This is the 10th year of the award and your 90th birthday. Without further ado, we have four nominees this year. When I call your name if you would please come up on stage, Dante Blackwell from the Ridge Volunteer Fire Department; (Applause), William “Billy” Pagent 170 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference from the Leonardtown Volunteer Fire Department; (Applause), Nicholas Haspberg from the Winfield Community Volunteer Fire Company; (Applause), and Kevin Thurmon from Independent Hose Company #1 (Applause). These are our nominees this year, they have all put in a tremendous amount of training and hours at their local fire companies and we appreciate that.
This year’s award recipient for the C. Oscar Baker Rookie of the Year Award, this member has attended 9 meetings, 126.53 EMS response hours, 142 fire response hours, 99 hours of fund-raising, 1,354 hours of station stand-by, 217 fire training hours, 8 fire prevention hours, 143 EMS training hours. This person has currently taken the following classes his first year: Protective Envelope and Foam, Hazardous Materials Operations, Firefighter I, Emergency Vehicle Operator, Emergency Medical Technician Basic, Decision Making for Conditional Company Operations, and he is currently enrolled in Firefighter II, Pump Operator, Strategy and Tactics for Initial Company Operations. This is a huge accomplishment for somebody who has just joined in December, 2010 and became an active member in September of 2011. This person was the Firefighter of the Year for their local company and they were also the Rookie of the Year for their local fire company which shows the dedication they provided. This person spends an enormous amount of time at the firehouse and always willing to lend a hand.
The Mt. Airy Volunteer Fire Company and C. Oscar Baker would like to present this year’s Rookie of the Year Award to Nicholas Haspberg of the Winfield Community Volunteer Fire Company. (Applause)
The trophy will be proudly displayed at Winfield for the next year and we hope that he continues this tradition of service provided to his community for the following years like he has done his first year. And maybe we will see him up here on the stage like Oscar. (Applause) He is a little gun-shy on the mike. Thank you for coming and enjoy the day.
Past President C. Oscar Baker: Thank you all for being here and hopefully, God willin’, we will be back next year to see you again. Thank you. (Applause)
President David W. Lewis: Thank you Chief and members of the Mt. Airy Volunteer Fire Company. Doug Alexander while you are up here, please don’t go away. I want to take this opportunity to recognize Doug Alexander for his service, this is not a rural water supply award but we are going to recognize Doug for his service on the Rural Water Supply Committee. Doug became a member of the Rural Water Supply Committee in 2002 and was appointed as the Chairman in 2003, a position which he has served continuously since. The committee has been a vital component of our operational training programs as the committee sponsors two regional drills each year to train and develop procedures for moving large amount of water in a rural setting. I want to take this opportunity to recognize Doug also for his leadership on the MSFA Residential Sprinkler Committee. Doug served as the first chairman of this committee when it was established byPast 171 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference President Lee Sachs in 2005 to promote the requirements of residential sprinklers across the state. Doug led the charge to forward this goal and achieved much success in the seven years as Chairman. Earlier this year, MSFA was successful at pushing statewide legislation to require the adoption of residential sprinklers requirements in all new one and two family residences. This accomplishment could not have been made possible without the foundation started by Doug and his role as the Chairman of the Residential Sprinkler Committee in 2005 to 2011. It is certainly a pleasure and an honor to present this small token of my appreciation to Doug Alexander for his friendship and support during my term as President and certainly for his contributions to both Rural Water Supply Committee and the Residential Sprinkler Committee. I ask you to join me in thanking him for his contributions in service. (Applause)
Now I introduce Hoby Howell from the Safety Committee for the presentation of Smith N. Stathem, Jr., Past President Memorial Safety Award.
Hoby Howell, Safety Committee: Good morning and thanks for the opportunity to bring before you these individuals who were dually nominated for the Smith N. Stathem, Jr., Past President Memorial Safety Award.
I would ask these gentlemen or a designated individual from their fire company to please come forward: Mr. Michael Strickland from the Glen Burnie Volunteer Fire Company in Anne Arundel County; Mr. Timothy Holt from the Fallston Volunteer Fire and Ambulance Company in Harford County and if Mr. Douglas Alexander from the Mt. Airy Volunteer Fire Company in Carroll County and last year’s 2011 recipient to receive his plaque.
Once again I would like to take the opportunity to thank the Safety Committee who stand before you today for all their hard work during the past year. Can I have a round of applause for your MSFA Safety Committee. Please present Mr. Alexander with his plaque as the 2011 recipient. Thank you.
We are pleased to announce the 2012 recipient of the Smith N. Stathem, Jr. Memorial Safety Award for 2012 goes to Timothy Holt of the Fallston Volunteer Fire and Ambulance Company, Harford County. (Applause) Present the trophy please.
Your MSFA Safety Committee congratulates all who were nominated this year for their accomplishments in safety. Thank you and be safe.
President Lewis: Thank you Hoby and members of the safety committee. Ok we’ll take a brief pause here on the awards program and provide you with one of our program presentations because it’s very vital. We just went through the safety award ah; the next program presentation is actually a good linkage to that on fire fighter safety and the codes and that’s their partnership. To present this is Battalion Chief Sean De Crane of the Cleveland Fire Department. A 22year member of the Cleveland Fire Department 172 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference currently serving as Battalion Chief and has a history of representing Cleveland in the IAFF in the building and fire code process. What do fire codes have to do with what we’re doing, again we just went through a major initiative the past year which culminated seven years effort of residential sprinkler program in Maryland. That involved actually a great involvement by many of us in the code process. Several of us, a many of us went out to Minneapolis and got involved in the ICC process again reaffirmed in Baltimore when the ICC met in Baltimore to make residential sprinklers part of the International code, then we brought that to Maryland. Today’s presentation will talk about how we can insure a safer work environment for our fire fighters by being involved with the building and code, and fire codes that protect fire fighters in occupational safety and review various types of construction and case studies where code preparation or adherence may have created more positive outcomes. This presentation will also discuss how codes govern many decisions in our own lives including the dangers we place in our homes, and how you can make a difference creating a safer environment for our fire fighters and our families. Please join me in welcoming a good Maryland welcome to Chief Sean De Crane. Chief. (Applause)
Chief DeCrane: Alright the first challenge of the day, I figured out the buttons. Good Morning. I’m going to walk around if that’s ok. First of all I want to start off by congratulating all the award recipients today. And what we’re going to kind of talk about ah; I promised Fire Marshal Barnard I’d keep this to two hours, just kidding. But we’re going to talk a little bit about fire fighter safety. We’re also going to talk about our work environment. It’s very, very important to understand what our work environment is. And this is actually a very, very condensed version of a seven hour class that we’ve been able to give around the country. Unfortunately, my partner, Bob Davidson could not make it, after spending a week at NFPA in Vegas, he had to spend a weekend at home in South Carolina.
So why should the fire service be active? We saw a lot of that today. A lot of activity within the fire service here in the state of Maryland with all the awards that were given up. And I have to tell you, I’m so impressed that I’m following on a stage of number of individuals who spent 50 years in the fire service. That is tremendous. And knowing that one was 90 years old while he stood up here. But I’ve spent a number of years as a union representative and let me just say this; I may be representing a trade organization, but fire doesn’t know the difference whether you are a volunteer, a combination, or whether you’re a career department. When we walk on that front step and we are about to enter that building, fire doesn’t know the difference and that’s why it’s important that we all are active in establishing a safety work environment for our fire fighters.
So for eight years I sat in the office for secretary for our local. Just as a volunteer service, our responsibility is to make sure we have a safer work environment; that our health and wellness is addressed whether it’s through contract negotiations or educating your members or being active within the community to get the message out about safety. Residential sprinklers, that message was passed by many members within this room. So 173 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference while you’re doing this you’re creating part of the NIOSH report. You’re familiar with the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health. When there’s a fire fighter fatality, they come into the jurisdiction and investigate the circumstances around that incident and then publish recommendations to try to minimize the occurrence in the future. NFPA also establishes a number of reports based on fire fighter injuries and fatalities. I will talk about one in a second, but after reviewing all these reports. After looking at the studies we still see that we are still killing fire fighters. And you have to ask, why is that occurring? We’ve tried to center more on training. We tried to advance our equipment or involve our equipment to protect our members. And when this really hit home for me was father’s day 2001. And you have to remember this is prior to 9 -11. This is prior to losing 343 fire fighters in one day.
Three fire fighters we killed on father’s day in 2001 in New York City in a mixed occupancy, hardware store/residential. One hundred and forty two cylinders of propane were in this basement when the explosion occurred and took the three lives. We traveled up from Cleveland, just a short seven hour drive up to New York. We were going to New York for the funerals and walking down the street talking to some of the members of FDNY, we’re in a group and one of the members had this kind of blank stare. And he looked at me and he said, I don’t get it, why are we still killing our fire fighters. Why are we killing so many fire fighters? That was a question that really struck home. That was 2001 and I’m still trying to answer that question. I’m still trying to find the answer.
If you look at some of the reports, like I say NFPA establishes these reports and this report was issued in 2002. It looked at the comparable fire fighter fatalities from the 1970s to the 1990s. And what they found was in the 1970s, 5.8 fire fighters died per 100,000 structure fires in the line of duty. In 1990s that number was 5.7. It doesn’t seem to be a big difference there. But if you start to look at the numbers now and I start to reiterate last week when we were there that bottom number, 5.7 is trending up. And we know the number of fires have decreased in the United States yet that number of fire fighters that die in the line of duty has stayed pretty consistent. It has dipped in the last couple of years but has had a trend. Hopefully it is a trend. But if we start to look at the numbers more deeply, we see that in the 1970s, 2.6 fire fighters per 100,000 structural fires died of a cardiovascular event. In the 1990s that number dropped to 1.9. So it starts to give an indication that the wellness and fitness initiatives, the awareness on wellness and better eating, and maybe maintaining your physical fitness at the fire station are having a positive influence. But if these numbers are going down, what’s going up? And I’ll tell you in the 1970s we lost 1.8 fire fighters from traumatic injuries, asphyxiation, burns, in contact with falls and collapses. In the 1990s that number jumped to 3. And that number is continuing to stay at that 3 level. So how can this be? We could talk for a number of hours about the contributing factors and is it that the contents are burning hotter and faster? And a lot of engineers will tell me fire doesn’t burn hotter. It still maintains that temperature about 1200 – 1300 degrees. It just creates more energy. So the contents today are creating more energy and you have to remember our turn gear stores that energy. So what we’re being 174 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference subjected to is more energy, not more hotter! But the use of polyurethane foam furniture in today’s homes and we’re actually going to see a video on this in a second. Is our turn out gear allowing us to get into places we shouldn’t be in? Are we so encapsulated we aren’t recognizing the rapidly changing environment around us until it’s too late.
There might be some validity to that. Also the insulation factors; the type of insulation we’re using, the fact that we’re bottling up our buildings so tightly; is/could that be a contributing factor? Or could the fact that the building codes are allowing more mass and less protection tradeoffs? In the 2003 edition of the International building code, there are about 250 sprinkler tradeoffs.
Today there are over 500. We are allowing less passive protection for the installation of sprinklers. And I’m a huge proponent of sprinklers. Huge. But are we putting all our protection eggs in one basket? So if we look at today’s home, this is a picture out of the National Geographic edition, 1997, and it shows what the amount of plastics there are in today’s home. Look at the petroleum based products were putting in the typical American home.
I know it’s tough to see this picture for a little bit with this resolution, but you don’t see some of the things that we’ve added since 1997. You don’t see the big screen T V. You don’t see the computer work stations we put in today’s home. So that fuel package is continuing to grow, it’s continuing to evolve. We also know NIST has done a number of studies and smoke alarm studies. You can get into the debate on ionization VS photoelectric, but we’re not going to today, but in the early 1970s and this was a study, it’s called the Dunes One Report, and it looked at smoke alarm activation and what they found is from the time of activation, to the time they found the conditions became untenable for that occupancy, they had approximately a 15 – 17 minute escape time. So they had 15 – 17 minutes in order to affect self egress. In 2010 they redid the study, replicated the study, the only substitute was today’s furniture. And what they found is that the escape time has gone from 15 – 17 minutes to 2 – 3 minutes. Some of the other stuff, smoldering fires have actually seen statistically around the same. So that indicates to us that a rapidly growing fire is having an impact on the occupant egress. If the occupant can’t affect egress, what are our members doing when they arrive on the scene? Especially some of our rural departments that have one or two individuals that are arriving on scene first. As we know the two in two out rule allows for you to make entry if there’s life safety, extreme life safety. And even in urban departments you’re challenged when you arrive on scene. We’ve seen reduction cuts all across this country.
In Cleveland 11 years ago we had 1,048 fire fighters. As of today when I stand here we have 783. Every one of us has seen a reduction. So this video is a, I’ve been very, very fortunate to be very involved in underwriters laboratory. Its five hours from my house. I can get in my car, five hours later be walking into the laboratory.
175 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference So we started looking at this phenomenon. Is the furniture performing differently? And if you look at the screen, I know it’s not the best picture in the world, but on the left you have our legacy room and the industry will tell you the average service or lifetime use of this furniture was about 45 years; all solid wood framing, cotton batting, natural fiber upholstery. If it wore out, what did you do? You took it to a reupholster and had it reupholstered.
On the right, the only thing that’s missing in there, that Steve Curbal will tell us is the plastic that grandma used to put on that furniture. On the right you have what I’ll term as disposable furniture. Industry tells us that the average life expectancy use on this furniture is sixteen years. So if you think of it, disposable furniture, when you remodel your front room, eight years later when you want to do it again, you can go up to the corner furniture store, Value City, three years same as cash, so it’s like free, and just replace the furniture. When you’re done with it you just toss it. There’s no reupholstering this furniture, it’s just press board structure.
So if you start to look at it, the flame is started by a candle in the right hand corner, and if you look at the film on the left legacy you start to see some flaming. But if you look at the right, I know it’s difficult up there to see it, what can you see being produced on the right? And this is going to be a little interactive because I’m going to ask you a couple questions. So don’t hesitate to jump out.
You start to see a lot of smoke to be produced. And what is smoke? It’s fuel, exactly and you think about today’s open floor plans on the first floor. We have that wide open floor plan; we have that open stairway to the second floor. We have our kids in the sleeping quarters, the sleeping rooms. So is smoke alarm activation important? Are residential sprinklers important here, because if you look on the left it’s easily contained with a pump can. We’re two minutes into this and what I want to ask you is, traditionally in the fire service what we taught is fire grows, what, doubles in size every minute? That was a rough gauge or rule of thumb. So keep that in mind, what you’re seeing here at the 2:15 mark, I’m going to ask you that same question at the 3:15 mark. Because on the left you still have a very controllable fire with a pump can. On the right you see the amount of smoke that’s being produced; you see the thermal layer is still being established.
We’re two and a half minutes into this, are we on the scene yet? Are we even notified yet? If there are sleeping occupants, are they notified yet and this is where we get into the egress time. Contaminates here, the smoke almost reminds me of a car fire. If you look at that deep black smoke and how much is being produced. If you look at the video here in about 10 seconds, you’re going to see that off gassing in the carpeting and the furniture. And if that carpet and furniture is off gassing, what is it doing? It’s pre heating, and that’s an indication of what? - Eminent flash over. And if you start to look at the top of that room you start to see some flicks of flame coming out of that smoke, right about now.
One minute ago we were confined to two cushions. Did that fire only double in size in 176 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference that minute? And that’s what we have to ask ourselves, does that have an impact on you, as you respond? The size of the fire you are now dealing with. The hand line you are going to choose. The type nozzle you are going to choose? How many hand lines do you have? How many hand lines can you deploy? What about life safety? Start to make your decision making much more rapid. And you start to be concerned about that. Now you have to keep in mind, this building at Under Writers Laboratory is a fantastic building, its 120 feet by 120 feet by 65 feet high. And in fact when we did some ventilation studies here, a 3400 2 ½ story colonial, built inside this building and right next to it a 1700 square foot rancher, so it’s quite a large size building. It gives us a lot of flexibility to do some things. And they’re doing some fantastic things at UL. Steve Curber, Bob Baxter and Jimmy Dalton.
On the left, that’s still confined. You could use a pump can and still bring that under control. More importantly that occupant has a tenable atmosphere to get out to there. Now I talked about the size of the building, because that fire on the left is not darkening down. It’s the fire on the right has created so much smoke, that that building that is 120’X12’X65’ high banked down to almost the floor and obscured the lighting system. So you see that the legacy furniture will indeed flash over but it takes a longer period of time. This also has concerns and you have diminished time of egress when that occupant, that means our members have to go in. Can they go in without the protection of a hose line with that furniture on the right? That’s an open ended question. Those are the things we have to consider. Is this having an impact on our work environment? And you sit there and go, ok I see the modern fire environment but what does that mean about the codes? Well if we’re going to talk about our work environment what is our work environment? We have to establish that first. What is the fire service work environment? If I asked you first, hey I want to improve your work environment, whats the first thing you’re going to say? Well, I’d like a big screen TV in the TV room that would look nice. Exhaust systems on the apparatus room floor, that would be nice, oh and the separation of the turnout gear from the living quarters so we don’t have the contaminants, all three very valuable, especially the big screen TV. All valuable but that’s our station house. That station house is your staging area.
You look at the definition of staging area. It’s where you go and accumulate your supplies and mass your resources and prepare yourself to deploy. When you deploy and use your resources use your knowledge. That’s your work environment. That area of operations, that’s your work environment. And what controls that work environment. What’s the building codes? some people say why should we be involved in building codes. Fire Codes, sure I can see fire codes because were fire fighters. A fire code is a maintenance code. And we’re the end users of it. If you look at the building code is what establishes how that building is going to be designed, and how it’s going to be built. Yea there are fire protection features within the fire codes but mainly it’s a maintenance code. So if we want to be involved in how that building is designed and built we have to be involved in the building code. 177 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference We have a responsibility to ensure a work environment for our members then we have to be involved in it and in the process. And there are two sets of processes, there’s the International Code Counsel which has a family of fourteen different codes anywhere from the green code to the fuel gas code. There’s NFPA they have their building code, 5,000, their fire code, one, and their life safety code, 101 which is very involved in the health care industry. But the other thing if you want to say, let’s take this aside, if you don’t want to be involved in the building or fire code there are over 300 standards and publications by NFPA. Many of them address issues within the fire service.
You can be involved on an NFPA standards technical committee and not have a lot of time commitment or financial commitment and still be involved in establishing safety for yourself and your brother and sister fire fighters. You may ask, well is it important? But if you start to look at all the things that are affected by the building codes you’ll see that they are all interactive. You can’t take something away from the height limits without impacting egress. And in turn you can’t take something away from ventilation without impacting the building materials. So that’s where we get into a lot of trouble sometimes. People want to change one item and forget about changing another. And then were stuck with the end result. Because we’re stuck with how this building is going to perform under the most stressful situations. And that’s when we need the performance best.
Now some cities like Cleveland try to address their budget concerns in various ways. And uh, this is a sample of one city’s attempt to address their budget cuts. (Shows video of a building on fire bidding to get rescued) You can’t fit the budget cap very long with that approach. But the thing to keep in mind is that if a fire gets to that point that the buildings that compromised the occupants can’t affect egress, something’s been compromised. There’s been a failure. We shouldn’t have to rely on the fire department putting sticks up to get people out of these upper stories, but that’s the impact we’re seeing in many areas. We’re starting to reduce the egress corridors or the protection that is involved.
And now I’m going to ask you a question, because this video again, I’m sorry it’s a little hard to see here, this is a full scale test done with Underwriters Laboratory, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Actually, Steve Curber, the lead engineer of this, this was done in Delaware County, right outside of Philadelphia and Steve’s dad is the superintendent of the emergency facility there. We’ve always been told by the building industry and the wood industry that we are comfortable as fire fighters operating as dimensional alone, so this is 2X12 sped up and I’m going to ask, twenty two years ago when I came out of our fire academy, I had that senior guy that walked me around and taught me, and did a great job mentoring me, and we’ve done a great job of mentoring and coaching. But he taught me after his 27 years of experience, and then my 22 years experience, so 49 years of experience, 49 years of knowledge, are we still, is it still applicable to what we are teaching today? And that’s the challenge to take research and integrate it into that coaching and mentoring.
178 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference So they tell us 2X12 construction is ok. Twenty two years ago I used to walk across burned out rafters doing my overhaul. And as we start to watch this video, we see this is simply started from ignition. It’s a townhouse simulating a basement fire. And we’re very early into it. If I ask you how long do you think the 2X12 will last until it collapses? There’s no right or wrong answer; 15 minutes, 10 you’ve seen this video before or haven’t you. So we were taking bets, it’s got to last 20 or 30 minutes. Right, because Pete Van Dorn from Chicago says there’s plenty of time left. We want it back because we’re used to 30 minutes of operational time with dimensional lumber and that’s why we have to protect light weight construction, because we need this 30 minutes, so as we start to watch this fire grow from ignition, and we’ve already lost two cameras in it. So we know it’s an intense fire, it’s simulating a couch and a chair in a basement. Fully ventilated, yes, but as we go into this, are we going to get that 30 minutes. Are we going to get our 30 minutes of operational time left? Eleven minutes and 9 seconds. Eleven minutes and 9 seconds, industry will tell us that wood doesn’t burn any differently. If the Southern Pine industry released a report that says they are reducing the reliability factor by 30%, and they are not sure of the date that should be effective, because the last testing was 30 years ago. So now they won’t come out and say it because of legal obligations.
Do we have buildings that are under designed by 30 %? And they will tell us, well, we don’t think there are any dangers of a building spontaneously catastrophically collapsing right now. What? If it’s impacted by fire, all bets are off. When do we experience this building? When it’s impacted by fire. That’s the key. That is our work environment.
Here are some of the collapse tests. You can go on UL’s website. It’s a wealth of information, I’ll tell you right now, UL.com/fireservice. Steve, Bob and Jimmy have done and the whole staff has done a fantastic job. They put all these reports on line. Anyone that has power point materials that are integrated right in to it.
In Cleveland we require quarterly con ed on line, and in a number of cases in the horizontal ventilation and also the study of light weight is also connected with the quarterly con ed. We put the link on our web site, go to it and we create a test material to gauge whether our members are successful. I urge you to take advantage of it. There’s studies that impact the particular fire fighter safety and health all the way to upholstered furniture performance. So if you start to see the performance time, you measured the time where the fire got to the floor system, and then to the time it collapsed, with 2X12 construction, that performance time was only 7 minutes and 11 seconds. You really want to get nervous? Truss construction, metal plated truss construction parallel port; performance time is 1 minute and 58 seconds. That’s what we’re dealing with. And is it the gusset plate’s problem? The problem is what is combustible and we’re dealing with the combustible system underneath or above us.
We know residential sprinklers are a hot topic. We know it’s a very valuable tool to protect fire fighters and the occupants. But the codes aren’t about just one issue. The codes are about multiple issues. It has a synergistic performance effect on that building. And that’s 179 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference why we get involved with it.
And if we look at it we all have challenges. We all have budget cuts. I mentioned Cleveland, 1,048 firefighters down to 743. Reduction of companies. There’s a longer response time for those back up companies to get there. I know a lot of volunteer organizations have a real challenge to get people out to be involved. The numbers aren’t there like they used to be. So when you don’t have the numbers there, then there’s a reduced response. And you still must operate. You still do operate. Especially when there’s life safety involved. Because that’s our job, that’s our responsibility. That’s the oath that we take.
And politicians know that. Politicians know that they can cut our services and they can reduce funds to the fire service and regardless of how much they cut us and not matter how much we complain or debate the issue at the kitchen table, when that phone rings, we’re going. We’re going to do whatever we have to do to bring that situation to a close. And that’s how they can go after the fire service. They don’t understand, they really don’t. They don’t understand what it’s like crawling down a dark hallway, feeling the heat building up not finding the source, not finding the source and hoping that you get your rear end out of there intact, because you want to go home in the morning to your family.
And what we have to keep in mind is that this is our work environment. We have to understand how our work environment operates and reacts to our tactics and our choices. The station house is only our staging area and we need to take ownership. That’s the goal of our program, that’s the goal of our mission to take ownership of our work environment. Cause we cannot rely on industry to do it for us. We cannot rely on politicians to do it for us. There may be a debate as to whether the politicians have a responsibility to do that or not. But industry certainly doesn’t. I don’t think industry’s out there intentionally creating situations putting us in harm’s way. They just don’t understand what we need, how we operate, and how the environment is.
You have to remember industry does all their testing. That’s what their understanding of what fire performance or fire behavior. That testing is done for the most partina very controlled atmosphere. So they don’t have a true understanding to what you are responding to. Everything’s going to hell and now you’re just trying to make some sense and trying to find some direction and hoping that that building stands up while you’re operating inside. And we have the ultimate responsibility to protect our own. You don’t necessarily have to be involved at the national level. In Cleveland we had an episode where we lost a fire fighter in an electrical warehouse. About twenty years later we had the new owner of this electrical supply warehouse come to the fire marshal and wanted a variance. He wanted an easement for a windowless storeroom, so he didn’t want to protect us, he didn’t want to put a sprinkler system in. It was going to cost him too much money. And the fire marshal called the union office. He said guys, I need some help. We have a hearing tomorrow in front of the zoning board and this guys going to get this variance, he’s going to get it because they always side with 180 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference the building office, so we need some bodies there. I don’t need you to talk, I just need you there. So we have about 35 – 40 guys show up all with just T shirts on, all standing in the back of the room; didn’t have to say a word.
And Mark Scott, our Fire Marshal sat at the table and talked about this, this is the importance of sprinklering, the importance of protection and he ended it. He said we’ve lost one brother in this building, we will not lose another. That building owner didn’t have a chance. Every member of that zoning commission looked up and there were 40, 35 – 40 fire fighters standing there just looking, just watching. Watching their decision, taking ownership of their local response area. That building owner threatened to leave, but he’s still operating that facility at the same site, because at the end of the day, our goal is that we put no more names on our memorial. And that takes us being active. It takes us taking ownership of our work environment. I encourage you to do that. Take ownership of your work environment. Learn about the fire behavior. Learn about the performance of that building. And then get involved and ensure that that building operates and performs as designed. You can do that. Thank you. (Applause)
President David W. Lewis: Chief Thank you for a very informative presentation, certainly very key to our safety event that we just talked about with the awards. We certainly would like to have you leave with a few gifts of our appreciation. To begin with a resolution, expression of thanks on behalf of the members of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association for you coming down today. Bill Barnard is picking up his bar bill. That’s what he said. And to make you an official part of our convention we give you one of our delegate’s bags as well as a convention mug so you will remember your trip out here. It certainly was good, thank you for coming out to give us this presentation. Camera man’s out there. (Applause) Ok back to our awards presentations, certainly a pleasure at this time to call Johnie Roth, Chairman of the MSFA Training Committee for the presentation of the Zembower Training Trophy.
Johnie F. Roth, Jr., Chairman: Thank you Mr. President. I bring you greetings from the MSFA Training Committee. Joining me this morning from the Training Committee – Larry Preston, Dan Stevens,Tim Dayton – our distinguished guest of course – Peggy Zembower.
President Lewis, Officers, Delegates and Guests of the 120th Annual Convention and Conference our full training committee report can be found on pages 101 and 103 of the Convention Book.
Each year the MSFA training committee recognizes three member companies that the highest average number of formal training hours per active member. Last year the committee updated the training list of hours since they had increased over time and also increased the number of training classes eligible so there’s a lot more classes out there.
181 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Unfortunately this year’s entrants hours have not increased but in fact have decreased, but we will be looking for solutions to be addressed at our next training committee.
Before we announce this year’s recipients of the training awards, the Zembower award I’d like to recognize last year’s Zembower recipient to the stage to receive their station plaque and remain on stage if you would. Would a representative of the Bethesda Chevy Chase Rescue Squad, Montgomery County come forward? (Applause) Last year the Bethesda Chevy Chase Rescue Squad from Montgomery County, MD documented 167 active members who logged a total of 16,916 training hours with an average of 101.29 hours per student.
To present the station plaque for 2011 is Ms. Peggy Zembower. Congratulations BCC. (Applause). As I announce this year’s recipients, if a representative could come forward on stage to receive this year’s award and remain on the stage afterwards.
This year’s second runner up is the Cabin John Park Volunteer fire Department. (Applause) The Cabin John Park Volunteer Fire Department comes again from Montgomery County, MD and documented 97 active members who have logged 3,928 training hours, with an average of 37.0 hours per student. Congratulations to Cabin John. (Applause)
This year’s first runner up is the Bethesda Chevy Chase Rescue Squad. TheBCC Rescue Squad also again from Montgomery County MD documented this year 260 active members who logged 13,728 training hours with an average of 47.5 hours per student. Congratulations to BCC Rescue Squad. (Applause)
And this year’s recipient of the Zembower training award is no stranger to the stage and comes from Calvert County, St Leonard Volunteer Fire & Rescue. (Applause) St. Leonard has been the recipient of the Zembower for many years. Ah, comes this year documenting 56 members who logged 8,632.25 training hours with an average of 154.15 hours per student. Congratulations St. Leonard Fire Department. (Applause) St. Leonard will keep this trophy in their station for one year, ah, next year when they come back they will receive a plaque to be kept at the station and surrender the trophy for whomever the next recipient of the next Zembower award will be. (Applause).
I’d like to add my congratulations to the participants this year but I’d also like to challenge all the Maryland Fire & Rescue Companies to begin keeping track of your members training hours starting today. In order to that your company can be recognized for all the training hours and efforts. Thank you very much. (Applause)
President David W. Lewis: Thank you Johnie. I’d like to also call to the podium Chief Marc Bashore who also has a special presentation and recognition of this award.
Chief Marc Bashore: Thank you Mr. President. Folks Congressman Hoyer and 182 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Senator Miller bother wanted to recognize the St. Leonard Volunteer Fire Department for this award. Unfortunately neither of them was able to be here. They asked me to make the presentation. They both are in session and big supporters of the fire service. Congratulations. (Applause)
President David W. Lewis: Thank you. Remaining with an attitude of training in mind, I’d like to call to the podium Wayne Colburn for the presentation of the Francis L. Brannigan Instructor of the Year Award. (Applause)
Wayne Colburn: Thank you. I am glad to be here again this morning to present the Francis L. Brannigan Instructor of the Year Award. I will read from the winner of this year’s, which will be 2011.
It is a great privilege and pride I submit the name of “so & so” for consideration for the Francis L. Brannigan Instructor of the Year Award. He currently serves as a field instructor in the Southern Maryland Region, has been certified as an instructor since 1983. In this time he has touched the career of a thousand individuals across the state.
I’d like to high light just a few of his personal accomplishments. During the past year he’s been the lead or support instructor in over 300 hours of direct delivery training, including a FFI, FFII, FOI, EMSOI, Fire Inspector I, Fire Instructor I, plus Rescue Site Operations, Emergency Vehicle Operations, including Safety Officer, and Conducting Live Fire Training.
His course evaluations from his students are always outstanding and will significantly sit in a class this instructor is teaching. In addition he has served in many other positions both at the Maryland State Firemen’s Association and other committees. He is now retired from his position with the Federal Government and has been a chief in his department up until a few years ago. He has been able to dedicate his free time to address the training needs of the emergency services across the state. On any given day he would be fully active either as a training program or training related meeting somewhere across the state. At this time I’d like to present the Instructor of the Year Award to Daniel T. Stevens, Waldorf Volunteer Fire Department. (Applause)
President David W. Lewis: Thank you Wayne. I certainly add my congratulations to Dan. After that award letter was written, Dan also took on the responsibility of becoming the interim Regional Coordinator of Southern Maryland and certainly, as the folks from Southern Maryland can attest, he has done an outstanding job and I am not sure that anyone else could have stood up to the challenges that he had down there. So certainly congratulations to him on that well deserved award.
At this time I bring to the podium Dale Fishack, Chairman of the MSFA Scholarship Committee for the Scholarship Awards.
183 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Dale Fishack, Chair: Thank you Dave. Again this year we have quite a few scholarship awards. First I want to call out the folks who give us the funds to be able to awards these kids the money to continue their education.
The first group I would like to call out is the Shock Trauma Board of Visitors – we have Tara Carlson and Jamie Harrison representing that group. (Applause) Next we are supported by Delmarva Power and Pepco Power, the representative of Delmarva is John Pito (applause) and from Pepco we have Pete Peterson (applause).
We also have the MSFA Ladies Auxiliary that supports us with financial support for our students and Peggy Zembower is representing them. (Applause.)
Then we have a couple of individuals who contribute funds. They are Bill Olsen, Alicia Olsen, Ann Stamper, and Mrs. Hymer. (Applause.) Representing that group is Bill Olsen. Bill would like to say a few words.
Bill Olsen, Chair Emeritus: Good morning. My main purpose in speaking to you is to bring you greetings from Mrs. Josephine T. Hymer. She has been supporting students under this program since 1985. I had the pleasure of seeing her last December and she is doing very well and she turned 100 on March 13th this year. So see has seen a lot in her 100 years. Thank you. (Applause.)
Dale Fishack, Chair: Now comes the important part. All the kids are waiting to see who gets awards. We gave seven awards this year, so we are going to have seven recipients. The amount of money we gave out this year is $23,500. All these funds are made available by this group of individuals here and also through the dues money each member company pays – a portion of that money goes to support the scholarships.
So we get to the announcement of who are the recipients. In no particular order:
Ray Welker. He is from New Windsor and is a member of the New Windsor Fire Department. He is receiving support this year from the MSFA, Delmarva Power and Ann Stamper. If Ray is here would he please come up. (Applause.)
Next supported is Meagan Cockran. She is from Bel Air, Maryland and is a member of the Whiteford Volunteer Fire Company. She is attending UMBC. She is being supported this year by Shock Trauma Board of Visitors, the MSFA and Ann Stamper. (Applause.)
Next is Christine Galley. She is from Tall Timbers. She is attending UMBC. She is a member of the 2nd District and also Arbutus Volunteer Fire Departments. She is being supported by Shock Trauma Board of Visitors and the MSFA. (Applause.)
184 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Next is Philip Smith. Phillip is from Brinklow, Maryland. He is attending University of Maryland College Park. He is a member of the Sandy Spring Fire Department. He is being supported by the Ladies Auxiliary of the MSFA and Delmarva Power. (Applause.)
Next is Kyle Frada. He is from Baltimore, Maryland. Kyle is attending UMBC; a member of the White Marsh Volunteer Fire Company. He is being supported by Bill Olsen and the MSFA. (Applause)
Next is Michael Miller. He is from Taneytown, Maryland and is attending UMBC. He was a member of the Pleasant Valley Volunteer Fire Company and is being supported by Alicia Olsen, Delmarva Power and MSFA. I do know that Michael is not here today because he is attending summer school and has 2 exams. He begged his instructor to get off today but they would not let him out. If he did not take his exams today, he was not going to pass. So we are all about supporting them and their endeavors at school. So Michael sent his thank you and apologies for not being able to attend. (Applause)
The last recipient is Jessica Salla. Jessica is from Rockville, Maryland and attends UMBC and a member of Sandy Springs. She is being supported by Mrs. Hymer, the Shock Trauma Board of Visitors and the MSFA. (Applause)
I would personally like to thank all of our financial supporters here today. Without you we would not be able to give these awards that we do and the students would not be able to continue their education without the great financial support. Thank you and thank you to my committee members for all the hard work they put in. We hope to see you back here with more support next year. Thank you. (Applause)
President David W. Lewis: A brief announcement. The members of the St. Leonard Fire Department please report off stage there because they do need to get a photo of you with the Zembower Trophy. Thank you.
At this time we will have the presentation of the Family Appreciation Award presented by the MSFA Recruitment and Retention Committee and their Chair, Chief Joe Chornock.
Joseph Chornock, Chair: At this time I would like to call the members of the Recruitment and Retention Committee to please come forward. Oh look, I have the stool to stand on! I was afraid I was going to have to start out by saying “good evening.” The Family Appreciation Program Award is to recognize the family of volunteer fire and EMS members whose family must sacrifice time with the members’ family for the good of the community. This year we received about eight nominees. The following people were nominated and I would appreciate it if each of you would come forward at this time. Mary Raley from the Ridge Volunteer Fire Company; James Raley from the Ridge Volunteer Fire Company also; from the Willey Family of Takoma Park Volunteer Fire Department, Richard A. Willey, Tina M. Willey and R. Andrew Willey; from the North East Fire Company 185 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference – Otis Isaacs, Jr.; from the Arbutus Volunteer Fire Department – Steven R. Gower; from the Leonardtown Volunteer Fire Department – Dot Bell and the entire Bell Family: T.W. Bell, Andy Bell, Gary Bell, Mark Bell, A.J. Bell, Chris Bell and Brittany Bell. Did I miss any of the Bells? From the Fallston Volunteer Fire Department and Ambulance Company - Christopher Gibbons and from the Hack Point Fire Company Bobbie - Ann Sheldon. And the committee has selected from the Laurel Volunteer Fire Department, Charles Trey Kelso III as this year’s recipient of the Family Appreciation Award. (Applause)
I would like to go ahead and read the nominees’ letter from Patrick Dillon, the Vice Chair of the Board:
The Laurel Volunteer Fire Department nominates Trey Kelso. He is married to Lisa Kelso. They have been married for ten years and they have a four year-old daughter. Trey sacrifices a significant amount of time to assist LVFD. Trey has been a member of the department for 12+ years. Trey is currently the Deputy Chief and he also serves as the county Volunteer Safety Officer and assists with the Volunteer Battalion Chief Program. All of this is being done while he is attending company meetings, events, conducting training and attending classes or training to further his own knowledge base. He spends countless hours running operations of this department. On the fire ground Trey wears many hats: whether running as a chief officer, making up staffing, driving, riding as the bucket-head, riding the ambulance, he assures our apparatus gets out.
Last year Trey ran over 300 calls, providing overnight staffing 127 nights. He also puts in many hours doing administrative tasks, county reports, newsletters and helping members in various ways. Countless hours spending and responding to emails addressing members’ ideas and questions. The bottom-line he is a vital part of the LVFD Family and team and a great leader and an asset to the department and the community. We believe he and his family are prime candidates for this award. And our committee agreed. Please come up Trey Kelso. (Applause)
As the award for this, Trey and his family will receive two nights and a three day vacation here in Ocean City, Maryland at the Howard Johnson, Oceanfront Hotel with an oceanfront room and a private balcony to be used anytime during the next year at his convenience. (Applause)
President David W. Lewis: Thank you. It gives me great pleasure to bring up Bobby Collins and the Fire Prevention Committee for the Fire Prevention Awards.
Bobby Collins: Thank you Mr. President, Good morning Officers, Past Presidents, Delegates and guests. We’re going to give out some awards here tonight, or this morning. First I want to introduce my committee that’s here today, some of them are up here, some are out in the audience, but Tom Collins is Chairman Emeritus, please come up on stage, 186 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Ed Thurston, Donald Ford, Cindy Wright-Johnson, John Spiker, Jim Jarboe, Emmons Horner, Teresa Crisman, and vice chair Melissa Gould. First I want to congratulate Amanda Soper and MC Richard Brooks for the outstanding job they did Sunday on the Fire Prevention, Miss Fire Prevention Contest. Congratulations to Stacie Jaret, she’s Miss Fire Prevention, MSFA this year and she’s from Carroll County and 1st Runner Up, Solveig Petersen of Montgomery County. They are going to be here today handing out awards as they come up.
We have some displays out in the hall, risk watch, stop by there if you can, it’s for any age anywhere from infants on up to elderly people. A lot of good material out there. Stop by there, Risk Watch is a part of our sub-committee, and it’s led up by Teresa Crisman and Cindy Wright-Johnson, and Marie Warner and they do an excellent job. Also we have a fire safety trailer down in front of the convention center when you come in. If you get a chance stop by there. It’s not only on fire prevention and life safety, it’s on hurricanes and tornados. It’s a pretty good trailer. Kent Island brought that over for display this week during our convention.
Floats; floats will be judged down at the inlet, when your apparatus comes down and lines up at the inlet, floats, fire prevention floats will be judged down there also. They will not be judged in front of convention hall like they have been done in the past. They said it was a little hard to get back to their company after the Fire Marshal’s office was going to go down and judge them at the inlet. So be there, they’re going to be judged at 11:00 so be there and have them set up. They will be checked in and looked at by the Fire Marshal’s office.
We also have members of the Fire Prevention Commission here today and they will be handing out a certificate also, and the chair is Tim Dayton and also on that committee is Richard Yinger, and Danny Davis. Tim do you want to say a few words?
Chairman Dayton: Good morning, we have Commissioners Tracy and LePore along with Commissioners Danny Davis and Richard Yinger. Thank you.
Bobby Collins: Now we’ll be handing our certificates to the winners. We’ll start out with the awards and we’re going to go by the class starting with the year round. Just bear with us, there were twenty entries, but some of the entries have quite a few and it’s going to take them a while to get up here.
Class I Year Round Project – Ridge Volunteer Fire Department Inc.* We also have sponsors that sponsor these awards and that was sponsored by Bay District Volunteer Fire Dept. in memory of all their deceased members. Is Ridge coming up? Ok.
Class II Year Round Project – Cobb Island Volunteer Fire Dept & Rescue Squad, Inc.* (Applause) That was sponsored by Jessup Volunteer Fire & EMS Dept, Inc. in memory of Chief John H. O’Lexin. 187 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Class III Year Round Project – We had five entries in that. Indian Head Volunteer Fire Dept. & Rescue Squad, Inc.*. If you will start up, everybody gets a certificate. Seventh District Volunteer Fire Dept., Inc.; Jefferson Volunteer Fire Company, Inc.; Gamber & Community Fire Company, Inc., and Citizens Volunteer Fire Company. The winner of that Class III goes to Indian Head Volunteer Fire Dept., Inc & Rescue Squad, Inc. (Applause) That was sponsored by Les Hanson in memory of Denise Hanson his wife. Denise used to be a member of this committee. She did an outstanding job. Let me tell you what Denise would do. She used to go to Wal Mart and some of these stores in St. Mary’s County and if she saw matches or something like that for sale down on the lower shelf, she would go to the manager and have them move it. They better move it cause in the next day or two, she’s coming back to make sure they were moved to keep out of the reach of children. Also exits, if they had supplies or something in front of the exits, she’d tell the manager, you better get rid of it or she’d call the Fire Marshal. She was on our committee.
Class IV Year Round Project – Hollywood Volunteer Fire Dept, Inc.* They were the only entrant for that one. (Applause) That was sponsored by Les Hanson also in memory of Thomas Gant Dorsey. We want to thank all the sponsors. They write a check and we give these awards out in memory of someone they love. And some sponsors have no one in memory they just sponsored. Class V Year Round Project –Takoma Park Volunteer Fire Dept., Inc.*, we had five entries in that.; Winfield Community Volunteer Fire Dept., Inc; Bay District Volunteer Fire Dept., Inc; Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Dept. Inc.; and LaPlata Volunteer Fire Dept., Inc. The winner of that class was Takoma Park Volunteer Fire Dept., Inc. (Applause) That was sponsored by Tom and Flo Collins in memory of William G. Collins.
Class VI, we had no entries in the Year Round Project.
Class VII – Carroll County Volunteer Emergency Service Assoc.*, Carroll County. Is someone coming up? That was sponsored by Tom and Flo Collins also in memory of their son Steven J. Collins.
Our next category in single project category. That goes as a special project they might do one time in a month. It might be Christmas time or fire prevention week. But it’s the one time project they could enter.
We had a Class I Single Project – was a combination, three companies go together, each on in their first due areas. That goes to Bel Alton – Cobb Island – Newburg Volunteer Fire Companies.* I believe some of them are already up here. The others can come up too. That was sponsored by C Oscar Baker in memory of Arthur R. Lowman. Class II Single Projects – There was no entries.
Class III Single Projects – We have two entries, Potomac Fire Company # 2, Inc.* and 188 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Indian Head Volunteer Fire Dept. & Rescue Squad, Inc. (Applause)
Class IV Special Projects – Some Company puts in two – One year round category and also a single project and enters two times on two different categories. Class IV goes to Hollywood Volunteer Fire Dept., Inc. (Applause) That was sponsored by Abingdon Fire Company, Inc.
Class V Single Projects – Winfield Community Volunteer Fire Dept., and LaPlata Volunteer Fire Dept., Inc. *. The winner of class V was LaPlata Volunteer Fire Dept., Inc. That was sponsored by Lansdowne Volunteer Fire Dept., Inc. (Applause)
Class III of this Special Project the winner was Potomac Fire Company #2. The sponsor was Janet Pfieffer in memory of James A. Kendle. Our next category of hand outs here, we give $50 for tenth place up to fifth, fourth is $75, third is $75, second is $100, and first is $200. So we are going to start out at tenth place.
The $50 winner goes to Hollywood Volunteer Fire Dept. (Applause); 9th place $50 goes to Potomac Volunteer Fire Co. #2 (applause); 8th place $50 LaPlata Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. (applause); 7th place $50 goes to Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. (applause); 6th place for $50 goes to Indian Head Volunteer Fire Department & Rescue Squad, Inc. (applause); 5th place $50 goes to Winfield Community Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. (applause); 4th place, again some of these companies won twice of because of single project and then because of year in projects – they could win 2 times, for $75 goes to Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. (applause); 3rd place for $75 goes to Bay District Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. (applause); 2nd place for $100 goes to Ridge Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. (applause); and for 1st place overall winner for $200 goes to Takoma Park Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. (applause).
Make sure when you leave here today pickup your fire prevention books and take them with you. Also, I would like to thank the State Fire Marshal’s Office for judging these books. We have nothing to do with judging the books, Bruce Bouch from the State Fire Marshal’s Office always takes care of that. Bruce will also take care of judging the floats at the inlet. The last couple of years, as a member of the committee, he has been outstanding to the committee and I hope will continue because he is doing a good job. He is going to be handing out some checks here in a minute. He is a deputy fire marshal for the state.
Also I would like to thank Bill Barnard, he has done an outstanding job. He comes to almost every one of our committee meetings – him and Bruce both. They give us a lot of input, causes of death, causes of fires, what is going on – he has done an outstanding job. When I came on this committee several years ago, it stayed, up until 2 years ago, the number one cause of fires was always kitchen fires – it still is today. But thanks to the Fire Marshal’s office and the state association, they stepped up and they got this cigarette that is suppose to go out, that was number one cause of fire deaths was smoking, and now in 189 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference the last two years I believe, it has changed to electrical fires. Smoking is not the number one cause. He did an outstanding job and moved forward.
I would like to introduce Deputy Fire Marshal Bruce Bouch to hand-out the grant awards, which is $500 to each company. Bruce will be presenting those.
Bruce Bouch, Deputy Fire Marshal: Let me start with reminding everyone that a busy fire company is a community in trouble. That is unless your company is involved with providing excellent fire and life safety programs in your community.
Good morning members of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association. For those of you who do not know me, I am Deputy State Fire Marshal Bruce Bouch, I am the Director of Public Education and Media Affairs for the Office of the State Fire Marshal.
One of the many outstanding tasks I have is to chair the Public Fire and Life Safety Grant Program. The MSFA, in partnership with the LAMSFA, established this program to find funding assistance in the form of monies made available for the purchase of fire prevention and publications and supplies for the development, continuation and enhancement of local public life safety and fire prevention efforts.
It is well recognized that effective life safety programs are one of the best ways to protect citizens and firefighters from injury and death caused by fire and other traumatic incidents. Today I stand before you to call forward representatives of 79 departments receiving $500 grants from the aforementioned program, totaling $39,500. These departments recognize the need for extra funds to enhance their ability to serve their community. I encourage ALL member companies or departments to apply for these grants because I personally enjoy giving away MSFA’s money.
And now without further ado, I will call out the companies receiving grants today. I ask that one representative come up on stage and remain on stage for a group photo.
We will begin with Arbutus VFD, Beltsville VFD, Branchville VFC, Capitol Heights VFD, Chestertown VFC, Citizens VFC, Cobb Island Fire & EMS, Crumpton VFD, Funkstown VFC, Midland VFC, Ellicott City VFA, Friendsville VFRD, Gamber & Community VFC, Glen Burnie VFD, Glendale Fire Association, Goodwill VFC, Greenbelt VFD, Hacks Point VFC, Herald Harbor VFD, Hollywood VFD, Huntingtown VFRD, Hurlock VFC, Joppa-Magnolia VFC, Kennedyville VFC, if we get a little to bound up here we can always step off stage afterward and present checks.
Bay District VFD, Hebron VFD, Kitzmiller VFD, LaPlata VFD, Lake Shore VFC, Leonardtown Fire/Rescue, Level VFC, Long Green VFC, Maryland Line VFC, Mt. Airy VFC, Ocean City VFC, Odenton VFC, Orleans VFD, Parsonsburg VFC, also Prince George’s Fire & EMS, Pikesville VFC, Pioneer Hook & Ladder Company, Potomac Fire Company #2, Potomac 190 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Heights Volunteer Fire and Rescue Squad, Riviera Beach VFC, Rock Hall VFC, Salisbury Stations #1, 16 & 2, Seat Pleasant VFC, Smithsburg Community VFC, Takoma Park VFD, Halfway VFC, United Communities VFD, Silver Spring VFD, Waldorf VFC #12 & #3, Westminster Fire Engine & Hose, Winfield Community Fire Company, Laytonsville District VFC, Jessup VFD, Junior Fire Company #2, Dunkirk VFD, Deale VF&RD, Community Fire Company of Rising Sun, Anne Arundel County FD, 7th District VFD, Clinton VFD, Hereford VFC, Community Fire Company of Perryville, Annapolis Fire Dept., Hancock FC, Baltimore Pike VFC, Bowling Green VFC, Kent Island VFD, Abingdon Fire Company, Ridge VFD, Leonardtown VFD, Chesapeake City VFC, and last but not least, Goodwill Fire Company of Lonaconing.
While we are getting everyone lined up here, I will take this moment and remind you of a couple of things we have - the Mid-Atlantic Life Safety Conference scheduled for September 26th, it is a Wednesday this year. Lots of good information, if you don’t have it, you need to get on-board with that.
Also I would like to take this opportunity to inform the audience of the Fire and Burn Safety Coalition of Maryland enhanced program for assisting Marylanders who are deaf or hard of hearing. The program has added safe awake alerting devices which have tact dial function, which is a bed or pillow shaker function. You want to go to www.fabscom.org to learn of the advantages of these devices and to obtain applications for your community members in need of these lifesaving devices. You may also seek out Debbie Gartrell of Winfield Community Fire Department or myself for more details. It just so happens that I have applications on hand.
I do personally thank each and every one of you for helping make this program successful. And I do invite all those companies that have not been able to stand here today, apply next year because I do want to give away more money.
President David W. Lewis: Come on and snap it! We will now have the presentation of the Silver Spring Trophy for Fire Prevention.
Burton Brenner: Good morning! I am Burton Brenner of the Silver Spring Volunteer Fire Department and I am here to present the Silver Spring Trophy for excellence in fire prevention for the year 2012.
Presidents, Officers, Delegates, Distinguished Guests, Firefighters, Emergency Medical Personnel, everyone from their respective fire companies and rescue squads from across the State of Maryland, the President, Board of Directors, the Fire Chief and the members of the Silver Spring Volunteer Fire Department welcome you to this 120th Annual Maryland State Convention.
Again, I have the honor of addressing this convention, recognizing the men and women 191 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference who as firefighters, EMTs, paramedics and auxiliary members who stand tall in service to the citizens of the great state of Maryland. The Silver Spring Trophy for Fire Prevention Excellence is born from the efforts of those who came before us, some still here to guide us, and those who have gone from our physical midst and yet are remembered today for their contributions to fire prevention over the years. It recognizes the highest achievement in the field of fire prevention as judged by one’s peers.
The trophy symbolizes what we strive to do in the field of fire prevention in EVERY community in our state. It also singles out an outstanding member of a fire department or rescue squad who deserves individual recognition for efforts in the year 2011 in fire prevention excellence. We recognize these efforts and fresh new innovative ideas which bring credit to the fire service, respect to the fire company and give honor to our state association.
For excellence in the field of fire prevention for the year 2011 it gives me great pleasure to present to this convention, the winner of the Silver Spring Trophy for Fire Prevention Excellence, from Carroll County, Debbie Gartrell of the Winfield Community Volunteer Fire Company. (Applause and cheers)
A special thanks to the Fire Prevention Committee and the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office and his staff and committee for selecting the winner of past and today’s Fire Prevention winners. Thank you all for your kind attention this morning. Have a great convention. And let’s have some innovative contributions to the fire prevention program for 2012.
Aside from this, just a quick comment, there were several applications for this award, which were presented to the committees but they were not anywhere near complete. So I strongly urge that you check the rules and regulations that refer to fire prevention rules, so that next year you will have a shot for a winner from your department. Thank you very much. (Applause)
President David W. Lewis: Thank you Chief. Before we leave the topic of fire prevention, could I have Chairman Bobby Collins come out to the podium please?
Bobby I want to thank you for being here and your service. You served faithfully and continuously on the Fire Prevention and Life Safety Committee since 1986, when you were first appointed by Past President Clarence Carpenter.
Last year Bobby came to me and said “I want to give up the chairmanship. It is time for somebody else to take over.” I told Bobby I need you. I put the team together and I need your support at least for one more year and Bobby agreed. Although he is giving it up after this year and we got a new chairman that will be appointed on Thursday, I certainly want to take some time to recognize your contributions for the last 26 years as member 192 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference and Chairman of the Life Safety and Fire Prevention Committee. And thanks with my appreciation. (Presented Bobby with a plaque) (Applause) Don’t go away. Fire Marshal Bill Barnard has a little something to add to that.
Bill Barnard, Fire Marshal: Thank you Mr. President. Bobby, under your leadership for a number of years, The Fire Prevention and Life Safety Committee has made great progress. Everybody in this room benefits and everybody out there – the citizenry benefit.
It gives me great pleasure to represent our Governor today, and I have a Governor’s Citation for you. “Robert E. Collins be it known on behalf of the citizens of this state, in recognition of your hard work and dedication that you have demonstrated during your 25 years of service to the Fire Injury Prevention and Life Safety Committee of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association; In honor of your untiring efforts to help protect our citizens during which you have set the standards for others to follow. It is an expression of our great gratitude, great respect and sincere best wishes for continued success, we are pleased to confer upon you this Governor’s Citation this 9th day of June, 2012; signed Martin O’Malley, Governor.” Congratulations Bobby. (Applause)
President David W. Lewis: Don’t go away. I am not done with you. Bobby as I mentioned, you served faithfully on the Fire Prevention and Life Safety Committee since 1986, when appointed by Clarence Carpenter. For the first 10 years you served on several occasions as vice chairman and even held the position of chair for one year. That would change in 1997 when you were appointed as Chairman by Past President Stephan Cox and you have continuously held that position since that time. With utmost certainty that much has changed in the field of fire prevention in the span of 26 years that Bobby lead the MSFA state-wide program to promote fire prevention and life safety, Bobby has successfully modified the goals of the MSFA program, taken advantage of new technologies and promotional opportunities.
As I said, Bobby came to me earlier this year and expressed his desire to give up the chairmanship of the committee and requested we begin search for a new chairman. On Thursday a new chairman will be appointed but certainly will have big shoes to fill.
Bobby, it is certainly a pleasure for me, and with the approval of the Executive Committee, that I bestow upon you Chairman Emeritus of the MSFA Fire Prevention Committee in recognition of your outstanding service to the Maryland State Firemen’s Association. This title now gives you a permanent seat at the table at all future meetings. So we are not going to let you go away that easily. Bobby – President Lewis presents him with a plaque. (Applause)
And one more piece. I understand it has been a little bit of an issue that the bullion you wear, that you always wanted one of the newer ones and somebody wouldn’t give you one 193 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference – so now you have one because you have a new title. So it is certainly my pleasure to give you the new badge to be worn on your suit jacket, again with the title Chairman Emeritus of the Fire Prevention and Life Safety Committee. (Applause)
Chair Bobby Collins: The Committee is the one that did a lot of work I want to tell you – not just me. I couldn’t do it by myself – the committee did everything and my wife came here today and she did a lot too behind the doors because I am not a computer wiz. But I want to thank you all and it has been great. I made a lot of friends throughout the state while I was doing this position; it has been a good way for me. Thank you all very much. (Applause)
President David W. Lewis: Certainly now my pleasure to introduce Danny Davis and Richard Yinger, Co-Chairmen of the MSFA Legislative Committee for the Legislative Award.
Danny Davis, Co-Chair: Thank you President Lewis. I know I am standing between you and lunch so we will keep this short and sweet. My report is in the Program Book. Just to give you a quick up-date. The report in the book reported we were not given the $200,000 that the MSFA usually receives through State Appropriations have not been approved because of failure in the budget but during the special session our $200,000 was approved, so we do have $200,000 this year.
Joining me on stage for the presentation of the award is President of Harford Cecil, Joe Price and Vice President Robin Hahn.
The first recipient is no stranger to the fire service. He works continuously here at the Convention. He has been a big supporter of fire prevention and fire safety in the state. He was a tremendous driving force in the passage of the sprinkler bill this past year. Bill Barnard would you please come forward for the Legislator of the Year Award. (Applause)
Surprise, surprise.
Our second award winner for this year is a Senator. He was one of the sponsors of the bill. And on the Senate side he had to defend the bill when it came up on the floor for both second and third reader. He did a tremendous job. His door has always been open for us. In fact he is my Senator, so Senator Roy Dyson, please come forward for your presentation of the Senator Amoss Memorial Award. (Applause & cheers)
And last but certainly not least, as the sponsor of the bill on the House side, and I guess we have to go Senate first because it is protocol. Delegate Malone, was a sponsor of the bill. He did a lot of leg work to get it through the house. He has been our avid supporter there and he is Vice Chairman of the Fire Caucus. So Jimmy would you please come forward for your award. (Applause and cheers)
194 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference That concludes our presentation for the Senator Amoss Award. I would just like to add a personal note. After nine years serving as Chairman of the Legislative Committee I have decided it is time to take a break. I have a new grandson that I want to be spoiling – which I already started. I have enjoyed working with the legislators in Annapolis. It has been a fun ride. It has been a long ride. Sometimes difficult, sometimes funny, but again, thank you all. And when you people call and write to your Delegates or Senators when we ask you, that means a whole lot. It means a lot more than our visits to them. So when you are asked to call or write your Delegates or Senators, please do so. Thank you and enjoy the rest of the Convention. (Applause)
Senator Roy Dyson: I have a couple of Senate Resolutions to read. But before I begin, I want to thank you for the Legislator of the Year Award. Because it comes from you and I am so PROUD of you and what you do. That makes it all the more special to me, so thank you very very much. (Applause and cheers) Now if Danny Davis and Richard Yinger would come up here. You know you usually don’t have to tell firemen what to do! These are official citations and it is in celebration of your outstanding service and dedication for many years for the Maryland State Firemen’s Association and they both say the same. Presented on the 23rd day of June, 2012 and they are signed by Barry Glassman. The reason they are signed by Barry Glassman because he is head of the Fire Caucus.
Let me just tell you one thing. These individuals worked tirelessly and I mean tirelessly to represent the fire service in the Maryland General Assembly. And that is a tough crowd. I know I am a part of it and sometimes I don’t know how they do what they do. But I am very proud of the service they do for you and me and the whole State of Maryland. God bless you both. (Applause)
Delegate Jimmy Malone: Ladies and gentlemen good afternoon. First of all I just want to say I see all the members of the Arbutus Volunteer Fire Department. Next month I’ll serve my 37th year at the Arbutus Volunteer Fire Department, so I see them all over there (points in their direction in audience) and I am proud to represent Baltimore and Howard Counties. This being my 18th year in the legislature, I just want to say with all the positive things that happened to the fire, rescue & EMS this session, I think it was the BEST session in my 18 years in the legislature. And two of the reasons that it happened are because of Danny and Richard. How about a nice round of applause for these two gentlemen. (Applause) And as the Chairman of Fire, Rescue & EMS Caucus, with my good friend Barry Glassman who represents Harford County (applause), I have a Maryland General Assembly Official Citation: Be it hereby be known to all that sincerest congratulations are offered to C. Daniel Davis, Jr. and Richard L. Yinger in recognition of the your outstanding service and dedication for the many years to the Maryland State Firemen’s Association, presented on this 19th day of June, 2012 by Delegate James E. Malone, Jr. Congratulations. (Applause)
President David W. Lewis: Thank you Senator Dyson and Delegate Malone. Certainly 195 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference two guys who were critical to us in our legislative accomplishments this year. Certainly glad to have recognized you a little earlier. I would also recognize you on behalf of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association with resolutions. We will start with Senator Dyson, a resolution with our appreciation of the cooperation and support we got from your office during the last legislative session and continuously throughout the year and certainly it is an honor to present this to you. And to make you an official member our convention, here is a delegate’s bag and Convention Mug. Senator Dyson: Thank you very much. I have been in elected office since 1974 and this is the first resolution I have ever received. God bless! Thank you! (Applause)
President David W. Lewis: Jimmy I also have one to present to you. Similar resolution again thanking you for your cooperation and support . We got a lot of help from you. You and I were Blue Toothed together during the legislative session - me in the gallery and you down on the floor. We did and we certainly thank you for your support and a resolution on your behalf. And again, to make you part of our Convention Family a delegate’s bag and the convention mug to put in your office as well. (Applause)
Now to my two legislative chairs – certainly we couldn’t have done what we did in Annapolis. You have already heard some accolades for them. So I am not going to extend it much further but again I do want to recognize Danny Davis and Richard Yinger for their contributions. They served as Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Legislative Committee continuously since 2002, spending 90 days in the corner office of 17 State Circle in Annapolis during each Legislative Session can be a grueling task. During each session both Danny and Richard made daily trips to Annapolis with at least an hour to an hour and a half commute each way. Each day they would start with a review of submitted bills with over 2,000 bills being submitted each legislative session to determine if there was any emergency services legislation that would have an impact on us. When that is done they made phone calls, personal contacts, attended bill hearings and provide regular communications to the officers and members of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association. Danny and Richard understand the importance of MSFA having an active role in the legislative process, and unselfishly accepted the responsibility of the committee for the past 10 years. Both Danny and Richard have indicated they will not return to the committee next year so they can spend more time with family. We will honor their request but they will also be some tough shoes to fill. It is certainly a pleasure and an honor for me to present this small token of appreciation to both Danny and Richard for their friendship and support during my term as President of the MSFA. And I ask that you join me in thanking them. (Applause)
Ok. Well I had to look at them. One additional action I have the privilege of doing. You seen earlier where we presented a number of individuals with Senator William Amoss Legislator of the Year Awards - our legislators as well as the Fire Marshal. As President I kind of extended that and we would also like to recognize Danny Davis and Richard Yinger
196 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference with the Legislator Awards from the MSFA. (Applause)
That concludes our Awards Ceremonies. Certainly would like to see a lot more nominations. We had a lot more people up here this year. Certainly congratulate each and every one of the award winners for this year.
So at this time the announcement that many of you have been waiting for – the report of the elections, and I’ll call on Assistant Secretary and Chair of the Election Judges Rick Hemphill.
Rick Hemphill, Election Judges: Thank you Mr. President. The report of the election judges for 2012. There are a total of 379 companies in good standing as reported by the Secretary. The Credentials Committee reports that 284 of those companies are in good standing and registered this convention along with a total of 23 Past Presidents. The following Officers were unopposed and elected by a single ballot cast by the Office of the Secretary, with the exception of the Office of Secretary which ballot was cast by the President. President: John Denver 1st Vice President: Jacqueline Olson Secretary: Doyle Cox Chief Chaplain: John Long Trustee: Terry Thompson Financial Secretary: Mitch Vocke
Results for the election of 2nd Vice President: David Keller III – 1,038 votes William Wagner – 66 votes
Out of a total of 1,104 votes cast. So the successful candidate for the Office of 2nd Vice President is David Keller. (Applause)
The results of the amendments for the By-Laws: Question #1: 886 for 117 against Amendment passed. Question #2: 756 for 192 against Amendment passed. Question #3: 807 for 131 against Amendment passed.
They needed 66% of the votes to pass. That is the report of the Election Committee. Thank you.
President David W. Lewis: At this time I would like to have a motion to accept the election results and the ballots to be destroyed. Doug Simpkins - Arubutus, so moved. Bill Wagner – 2nd. Any questions on the motion? All in favor sound aye. Opposed no. Motion carries. Congratulations. 197 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Just want to remind you the remaining events for today’s schedule as well as tomorrow morning: • Luncheon in other room for those who have bought tickets for the luncheon from 12:20 to 3:30. • The Exhibits are downstairs, please visit our vendors and they will be open until 4:30. • Tonight at 6:30 in this room will be the Installation of Officers. Please come out and show your support for the folks who have been elected to serve as your MSFA Officers for the coming year. • Then tonight right back in here – the annual pajama parade and costume contest at 9:30 in this room. • Tomorrow morning at 7:30 a.m. in the other room there will be the Prayer Breakfast. So again, please take advantage of the remaining Convention Events. Next session will resume tomorrow morning at 9:00 a.m. At this time I will call on Charlie Barnhart, Chaplain for the closing prayer for this session.
Charles Barnhart, Chaplain: Let us pray. Gracious God and for the beauty of this day we pause to give you thanks. We give you thanks for the award winners today. We give you thanks for the election of new officers. We ask you to be with us during this recess, be with us during our picnic, may the food that has been prepared for us nourish us in body, mind and spirit. And now may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen.
President David W. Lewis: Convention is in recess until 9:00 a.m. tomorrow morning.
198 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference 120th Annual Convention and Conference of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association Ocean City, Maryland – June 18, 2012 JOINT INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS
Richard Brooks, MC: Will the members of Singerly Fire Company take their place at the edge of the stage.
Ladies and gentlemen good evening and welcome to the joint installation of officers for the Maryland State Firemen’s Association and Ladies Auxiliary. This is a highlight of the week. We celebrate for the final time the walk of our two presidents, who have had a distinguished year and we also look forward to the new – the two new presidents who will take leadership of our great Associations and carry us forward to the next year.
Would you please welcome the out-going presidents, President of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association, President Teresa Ann Crisman, she is walking tonight with the Maryland State Firemen’s Association President, Dave Lewis and his wife Gloria. Please welcome them. (Applause and cheers)
Ladies and gentlemen would you also welcome the Past Presidents of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association and Ladies Auxiliary:
Marie Soutar, 1998-1999 and Steve Cox, 1996-1997; Rosa Maher, 2002-2003 and Fred Cross 1995-1996; Rose Pandolfini, 2007-2008 and Paul R. “Bobby” Balta, 2006-2007. Our Installation Officers, Past President Sandi T. Lutz, 2010-2011 escorted by Roger Steger, Past President 2000-2001. (Applause and cheers for each group as they entered)
And I take great pleasure now to introduce the appointed and elected officers of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association and the Maryland State Firemen’s Association. Please welcome:
Ladies Auxiliary Conference Chair: Ruth Martin from the Woodsboro Volunteer Fire Company and Ladies Auxiliary in Frederick County. Ladies Conference Co-Chair: Jean Main from the Lewistown Volunteer Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary in Frederick County. Their escort is Chief Dennis Derry from the Woodsboro Volunteer Fire Company. Their Past President is Nora Ryan, 2001-2002.
Bessie Marshall Fund Chairman: Past President Elaine Huttenloch, 1984-1985.
LAMSFA Color Bearer: Brenda Harrison, Junior Fire Company #2, Frederick County. Escort: Grandson, Bradley Kennedy. 199 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Page: Christi Harmon. Past President: Kathy Knipple, 2009-2010.
MSFA Executive Committee Member: Richard Smith from the Oxford Volunteer Fire Department, Dorchester Talbot Counties. Escort: Wife, Cindy.
MSFA Executive Committee Member: Lee Lutz from the Glenn Dale Fire Association in Prince George’s County. Escort: Granddaughter Camryne Free.
LAMSFA Color Bearer: Malea Schilling Daughton, Jarrettsville Volunteer Fire Company, Harford County. Escort: Donita Dietz. Page: Barbara Schulz. Past President: Robin Sheldon Hahn, 2004-2005.
MSFA Executive Committee Member: James Seavey, Sr., Cabin John Park Fire Department, Montgomery County.
MSFA Executive Committee Member: William Hildebrand, Chestertown Volunteer Fire Company, Kent-Queen Anne’s-Caroline Counties.
LAMSFA Guard: Becky Wathen, Ridge Volunteer Fire Department and Ladies Auxiliary, St. Mary’s County. Escort: Johnny Wathen. Page: Debbie Fairfax. Past President: Leone Gatton, 1985-1986.
Executive Committee Chair: Benjamin W. Kurtz, Jarrettsville Volunteer Fire Company, Harford-Cecil Counties. Escort: God-daughter, Ashlyn Tapler.
Executive Committee Member: Daniel J. Stevens, Waldorf Volunteer Fire Department, Charles, St. Mary’s and Calvert Counties. Escort: His wife, Bobbi Stevens
LAMSFA Historian: Donna Struntz, Bowling Green Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary, Allegany and Garrett Counties. Escort: Rev. Harry Hetz. Page: Sharon Blank. Past President: Betty Grabenstein, 1998-1999.
200 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Executive Committee Member: Rodney Bowser from the Friendsville Volunteer Fire Department, Allegany and Garrett Counties. Escort: His wife, Pat Bowser.
Executive Committee Member: Charlie Abrecht, Junior Fire Company #2, Frederick and Washington Counties. Escort: Vicki Keller.
LAMSFA Vice Chaplain: Lori Denbow from the Level Volunteer Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary, Harford County. Escort: Her father, Nolan Gallion, Sr. Page: Christine Decker. Past President: Sharon Worthington, 1995-1996.
MSFA Executive Committee: John F. Guntow, Jr., Ocean City Volunteer Fire Department, Worcester, Somerset and Wicomico Counties.
MSFA Executive Committee: Mark A. Bilger from the Hampstead Volunteer Fire Company, Carroll and Howard Counties.
LAMSFA Chaplain: Marcia Roth from the Sandy Spring Volunteer Fire Department and Ladies Auxiliary, Montgomery County. Escort: Her husband, Johnie F. Roth, Jr. Page: Her son, Eric Roth. Past President: Patricia Deamond, 2006-2007.
Executive Committee: Joel McCrea from the Long Green Volunteer Fire Company, Baltimore County Escort: Wife, Barbara McCrea.
LAMSFA Corresponding Secretary: Nancy Jones from the Indian Head Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary in Charles County Escort: Her husband, Otis Jones. Page: Her Great Granddaughter, Sophia Stephen and Granddaughter, Taylor Namm Past President: June Black, 1989-1990
MSFA Executive Committee Vice Chair: Dennis Skinner from the Avalon Shores Volunteer Fire Department, Anne Arundel County
Financial Secretary: Vivian Boyd from the Capitol Heights Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary in Prince George’s County. We regret that Vivian could not be with us this evening due to a family illness.
201 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference MSFA Financial Secretary: Mitch Vocke of the Jarrettsville Volunteer Fire Company in Harford County. Escort: His wife, Darlene Vocke.
MSFA Secretary: Doyle Cox from Prince Frederick Volunteer Fire Department in Calvert County. Doyle could not be with us due to the illness of his son-in-law. Please give a round of applause for Doyle.
LAMSFA Treasurer: Barbara Sue Nelson from the Seventh District Volunteer Fire Department and Ladies Auxiliary in St. Mary’s County. Escort: Her husband, John “Speedy” Nelson. Page: Barbara Lacey Past President: Barbara McWilliams, 2005-2006.
LAMSFA Recording Secretary: Darby Byrd of the Dentsville Volunteer EMS Department Ladies Auxiliary in Charles County. Escort: Her husband, Kevin Byrd. Page: Daughter, Katie Byrd. Past President: Eloise Healy, 1994-1995 and she is escorted by her husband, Russ Healy.
MSFA Chief Chaplain: Rev. John F. Long, Jr. from the Ferndale Volunteer Fire Company in Anne Arundel County. Escort: His wife, Kathy Long.
LAMSFA Junior Vice President: Anne Price Davis from the Cockeysville Volunteer Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary in Baltimore County. Escort: Her father, Paul Price. Page: Her mother, Catherine Price. Past President: Leone Gatton, 1985-1986.
MSFA 2nd Vice President: David Keller III from the Citizens Truck Company #4, Frederick County. Escort: His wife, Vicki Keller & son, David Keller IV.
LAMSFA Senior Vice President: Carol Hayden from the Kensington Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary in Montgomery County. Escort: Don Phillips, Vice President of Kensington Volunteer Fire Department. Page: Past President Lois Hetz, 2008-2009. Past President: Peggy Zembower, 1986-1987.
MSFA 1st Vice President: Jackie Olson from the Ferndale Volunteer Fire Department in Anne Arundel County. Escort: Her son, Tyler. 202 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference (All groups received a round of applause and cheers)
Richard Brooks, MC: Ladies and gentlemen would you please rise for the introduction of our Presidents. Please welcome the President of the Ladies Auxiliary to the Maryland State Firemen’s Association:
LAMSFA President: Sherry Soper from the Woodsboro Volunteer Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary in Frederick County. Escort: Micky Fyock, Frederick County Volunteer Fire Rescue Association Past President. Page: Daughter, Amanda Soper. Past President: Joyce Thorne, 1996-1997. (Applause and cheers)
And please welcome the President of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association: President: John Denver of the Singerly Steam Fire Engine & Hook & Ladder Company in Cecil County. Escort: Wife, Anna Marie Denver. (Applause & Cheers)
Ladies and gentlemen please remain standing and I will call for the Presentation of the Colors and the Pipes and Drums.
I will ask our Chief Chaplain, John Long to provide this evening’s invocation, which will be followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. lead by President Teresa Ann Crisman and the National Anthem sung by Marcia Roth.
Invocation: Chief Chaplain John Long – Let us pray. Our Father, God, we thank you for the opportunity to be here this evening. Father we thank you for this past year and we thank you for the change of guard. Father, as we open this ceremony to change our Presidents and our officers, we ask that you give them the guidance and the direction they need to lead this Association. Father, we thank you for the past year for the leadership of Dave Lewis and Teresa Ann Crisman as they led our organizations; and Father, continue to be with them as they continue to serve our organizations. Father, look after our military for their safety and well-being as they provide us with the opportunity to be here this evening. We ask this all in your precious name. Amen.
President Teresa Crisman: Please join us in the Pledge of Allegiance I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
Marcia Roth sang the National Anthem. (Applause)
Richard Brooks, MC: Honor Guard, you may retire the Colors. 203 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Please be seated. Don’t close the doors yet. Don’t close the doors yet. If you would just hold those open for a second. They never get to hear us thank them and they are going to hear us tonight. Now that their ears have adjusted for perhaps a second, ladies and gentlemen let’s have a big hand for the Combined Maryland Fire Service Pipes and Drums and the Harford County Honor Guard. (Applause and cheers) I did that for that reason, they are always playing as they leave the room when we give them a great round of applause and they can’t hear a thing! I would also like to have a big hand for Marcia Roth for the lovely rendition of our National Anthem. (Applause)
Well ladies and gentlemen we go through a quite a lot of pomp and circumstance and extensive preparation for a new year. Twelve months ago we all stood here with the same pomp and circumstance to bring in new officers.
It has been a great year for these two presidents. Both have worked very hard, both have made tremendous accomplishments and I will go a little bit out on a limb and say the one had just a little more fun than the other. Or maybe I should say I had a little more fun with one than the other. (Mixed emotions expressed from the audience.) They cannot hear what I say only you can in the audience, which is wonderful. But nonetheless, regardless of what that was for, I would like to bring to the podium, the President of the Ladies Auxiliary, Teresa Ann Crisman for her final remarks and for her to truly enjoy this moment. Madame President. (Applause)
Teresa Crisman, LAMSFA President: Big Shirley loves you all. I would like to say thank you to Kevin Roberts for the signs up front. Love that! I was scared where they would find a way and then someone said there is a sign on a hotel on Coastal Highway that says Welcome Big Shirley, so I got to go find that. So I just wanted to say thank you for everything. I have had a tremendous year. I have had a tremendous series of years.
I want to thank my family. And I cannot do this without them. They have been a part of everything with Mom and I and we were really little when Mom when through. So it was pretty cool to do this and to travel with her and to see the state.
I truly enjoy the state and I think we have the better of the states. No one can say they have a claim to what we have. We have Ocean City, we have the mountains, my father has his cows. Dad, they called again – they’re ok! I just want to say thank you to all my committee chairs and the committee members themselves. It is because of you all that we are able to stand here – it is an honor. And I truly say that from my heart. And I cannot say enough for all the support they have given me, knowing that on April 23, 2010 my life would change and I have fought that change and I think I have done pretty well. I am just working through everything and I will be ok because nobody can take out Big Shirley. So I am working on that and that is my next challenge in my life but I will be good.
204 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Again, I cannot say enough to the main man over here. Dave we have had a ride man! We have had fun. We have had a good time going to Annapolis - I know some people don’t like us there; they cringe when they see us but that is the fun part about it. We know we have effected changed and we know there is something better coming on the horizon for the people of the state. And that really truly what it is, we had an offer to them, we made a challenge to the builders, and hopefully, they will make a better product. So we have a couple of things for them next year – we will be back. I get my car seat stuff taken care of because that is what we do. We make the state safe for them. And if they can’t see it then they shouldn’t be in office.
To John and Jackie and my boy Dave, (I have no stickers for your car so don’t worry about that.) I wish you the very very best. It is a good time and a good ride. You know that I am here for you guys and the Executive Committee and all the others. Mitch, congratulations. You have big shoes to fill Hoss. You will do fine.
To the officers – Sherry, Carol Ann, bookend, Darby – love you guys so much. You guys are going to do a great job. Sherry, I wish you the very very best. It is a fun ride. You will enjoy it.
To you all and to the rest of you guys (pointing to remaining LAMSFA Officers), can’t say enough. So I thank you all very very much. Thank you for all the invitations and cards. I look forward to crashing a couple of meetings as I say, cause that is how I roll because I am Big Shirley. Thank you! (Applause and cheers)
Richard Brooks, MC: Teresa, thank you. Next it is a pleasure to bring to the podium the President who has had an incredibly successful year with landmark legislation that will be touted far and wide to protect life and property in the state of Maryland. Please welcome the President of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association, David Lewis. (Applause)
David W. Lewis, President: Thank you Richard. Shirley, we spent so much time at Annapolis maybe they will have a Big Shirley Sandwich at Chick’s & Ruth’s.
Let me begin my comments tonight by congratulation Presidents Denver and Sherry Soper on their election to the highest level within our respective associations.
One year ago, I had the same honor that you are having tonight. Your accomplishment may have not set in yet, but sometime in the next few days it will hit you – YOU ARE THE PRESIDENT! Congratulations on achieving this milestone, enjoy every minute of it, and don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it.
On Saturday night, I gave thanks to the many Past Presidents, Officers and committee chairs that supported me over this past year. Tonight I give thanks to each of you again as I complete my term of office. 205 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Teresa, we have had a good ride but the Big and Large tour bus has made its final stop and it is now time for us to get off.
It will be an honor to join the Past Presidents as a member of this elite group. I have grown to trust their judgment and advice during my own term and look forward to being able to help others that may call upon me for assistance.
I thank each and every one of you for the opportunity to serve as your President and pledge my continued commitment to the incoming officers to support the mission and goals of the MSFA in any way possible.
Special thanks to my family who is here tonight and have backed me all along the way. And I can’t say enough about their love and support they have given to me. Good luck John and Sherry and thanks to each and every one of you. (Applause)
Richard Brooks, MC: Mr. President if you could stay front and center for just a second. Madame President if you would join him. This has been a dynamic duo, a tremendous team. They have led us. They have entertained us. And they have loved us as a fire service. Let’s give this team a wonderful ovation as we send them on. The Presidents for 2011-2012. (Standing ovation, cheers and applause)
Now just stay there for one second. The rest please be seated. Senator Dyson. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Senator Roy Dyson to come forward for a presentation. (Applause)
Senator Roy Dyson: I am not going to read them, it all has been already said. (Presents Teresa and Dave with citations.) They are an outstanding team. They did an outstanding job during the legislative session. And God bless them. (Applause and cheers) (Senator Dyson did not use the mike, so not all of what he said was completely audible)
President Teresa Crisman: It is not the key to the scoreboard people. I have that. For your efforts I have made a little thank you. And it says: Presidents salute to service presented to the Honorable Roy Dyson. I don’t know how honorable you will be tonight after the Pajama Parade, but it’s ok. (Laughs from audience) He has a sweet office I’d just wanted to let you know. It is with great admiration and appreciation for all your support that you have shown to me as I became President of the LAMSFA. It is signed by myself. So congratulations. Thank you very much Buddy.
Senator Dyson: Thank you very much and thank you all! (Applause)
Richard Brooks, MC: Mr. President your business is finished? Madame President as well? That was your final act. Ladies and gentlemen it is time for the Changing of the Guard. Would you please welcome the Installing Officer of the Ladies Auxiliary, Past 206 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference President Sandi Lutz to install the new officers of the Ladies Auxiliary. Madame Past President.
Sandi Lutz, P.P. & Installing Officer: Thank you sir. Ladies will you please stand. Ladies if you would please raise your right hand and repeat what I say using your name where I use mine. I, Sandi Lutz, do solemnly swear that I will perform the duties of the office to which I have been elected, and I will perform the duties of the office to the best of my ability. I will abide by and uphold the Constitution and By-laws of the Ladies Auxiliary to the Maryland State Firemen’s Association. I will keep and maintain all equipment and properties entrusted to my care. At the termination of my office I will hand same to my successor. So help me God. Ladies I am proud of you. These are your officers for 2012- 2013. Thank you. (Because there was no mike used, the pledge from the previous year was printed.)
Ladies and gentlemen, your newly installed officers. (Applause and cheers)
Richard Brooks, MC: Ladies and gentlemen please be seated. We will look forward for a wonderful year for each and every one of you.
Teresa, I waited a long time to call you President and now it is my pleasure to call you Past President. Would you please come forward and present the seal, shadowbox and gavel to the President.
Teresa Crisman, Past President: This is the great Seal of the President, I would like to present it to you. It is an honor to have been able to put this in Greenbelts’ Firehouse. So I hope that you can do the same in Frederick. I present it with pride and it is a great thing to have. Congratulations. (Applause)
This is the Shadowbox that was created that holds all the original officers’ pins and the helmet that the president would wear. It was retired a long time ago and it is a privilege of the president to hold in its honor. So Sherry I would like to present this to you to hold and this also is a true honor to have this in my home this past year.
Richard Brooks, MC: And now we will move to the Officers of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association and I will present Past President Roger Steger to install the MSFA Officers.
Past President Roger Steger, Installing Officer: Will you please stand. Raise your right hand and repeat after me. Use your name where I use mine. I, Roger Steger, Solemnly swear to uphold the rules, regulations and by-laws of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association. I will diligently and faithfully perform the duties of the office which I have been elected or appointed. And I will, at the completion of my term, turn over all records, monies and equipment to my dually elected successor, so help me God. Congratulations. Ladies 207 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference and gentlemen your new officers. (Applause)
At this time I would like to call Past President Tom Mattingly to present the Past President’s ring to Dave Lewis now that you are officially a past president. Report to the center please.
Tom Mattingly, Past President: The tradition is for the President to receive his Past President’s Badge once he is out of office. It gives him a lot of great opportunities to do a lot of great things, including pay for the Past President’s Luncheon. You’ll get the bill.
And while you are here Mr. Past President, certainly we want to congratulate you on a very successful year this past year and your entire time going through the chairs – you did a great job representing the State Firemen’s Association. It is my pleasure, on behalf of the State Association Convention Committee, to present you with your Past President’s Ring. (Applause)
Also some years ago, it has been, in fact, twenty years ago this year, we started a tradition with a gentleman from Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department, Noah Callis who is deceased now, he provided the President at that time, which was me, a hand-painting of the MSFA Logo. Then following that term of the President, we have typically presented the outgoing President with a copy of the logo for them to hang in his home, office or fire station whichever he would like to do. So it is my pleasure to present that to you now. (Applause)
If President Denver would join me. As I said Noah Callis hand-painted this 20 years ago and we have passed it on since the first year and we continue to present this to the active President of the Association to hang in his station or office or wherever you would like. It is your responsibility to return this to us next year at Convention. It has been forgotten at times. But it is my pleasure to present this to you to hang in your station or office. (Applause) Thank you.
Richard Brooks, MC: Thank you Past Presidents. And now I will have Ladies Auxiliary Past President Sandi Lutz present the Past President’s Pin to Teresa Ann Crisman.
Sandi Lutz, Past President: Teresa join me right over here please. Hello Teresa. How are you doing? Having a good time tonight? I have something in my hand that I think is very important. And it is the Past President Pin. I want you to wear this with pride. This doesn’t mean we are going steady (as she pins the Pin on Teresa.). (Laughte.) Congratulations. (Applause)
Richard Brooks, MC: It will be a pleasure to bring Terry Heneke from Greenbelt Fire Department forward.
Terry Heneke: Could I ask the members of Greenbelt Fire Department to come forward? Teresa. Teresa on behalf of the Greenbelt Fire Department and Ladies Auxiliary I would 208 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference like to present you with this small gift in honor of your accomplishments. We are very proud of you and you had a great ride. (She is presented with a gift card.) Congratulations! (Applause)
Mary Fran Crisman: I will give them a chance to sit down. Teresa Ann it gives me great pleasure to give you your Past President Ring. I am very excited about this. Here’s your little bag. And to know where you sit, you have your own little cover. Thank you. (Applause)
Richard Brooks: Mr. President, would you please escort Madame President to the center of the stage. Ladies and gentlemen it is a pleasure to introduce to you for the first time the Ladies Auxiliary President, Sherry Soper and the Maryland State Firemen’s Association President, Mr. John Denver for 2012-2013. (Standing ovation and cheers)
If you would be so kind as to escort Madame President to the podium and introduce President Sherry Soper for her remarks.
Sherry Soper, President LAMSFA: Thank you John. I did not write a big speech because I wanted to keep it simple and short. I am not a fancy person. I am just a plain ordinary me but I did want to introduce some people that I know are out here that came for me tonight.
First, my daughter Amanda; my brother Chuck; my nephew Chad; and a special family friend, he has been a family friend for a very long time and I wanted him here, Mr. Richard, some of you know him as Buzzy Bales. Dick I really appreciate you being here. It means a lot.
I also wanted to thank – I asked some special people and this is Michael Ambrose and his wife Tammy and their boys Colby and Blake. I have known Rocky since he was the President of the Junior Membership of the Independence Hose Company and I really wanted him to be here because he is a big mentor to young people and he has worked his way to a career person in Alexandria, Virginia. I want to thank them for coming.
I also want to thank all the Frederick County people who are here tonight. And little did I know or even think, that when I started this Office, I would be sharing this stage tonight with someone from Frederick County as the 2nd Vice President of the MSFA – Dave congratulations and I am proud to share the stage with you.
I also want to thank, I know he couldn’t be here, I want to thank President John Zimmerman of the Frederick County Volunteer Rescue Association and all the officers for all their support over all the years. They are a great bunch of people and they are hard working people and I thank them very much. As well as the County Ladies Auxiliary and their President, Marguerite Damuth and also the Woodsboro Ladies Auxiliary, where I hold membership and their fire company. They are great people and also the Independent Hose Company 209 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference where I hold Associate Membership. I really want to thank you all for being here.
I want to say it is really an honor, true honor, to be wearing this President’s Pin tonight and representing such a great organization. We are a GOOD organization. I am very proud, with pride in my heart to the fullest extent to represent this organization. And with these ladies, all of these ladies behind me I know I can’t go wrong and will do a good job. I thank you all for all your hard work and I look forward to a great year. Thank you all so much. (Applause)
I look forward to working with John Denver this year. I know we have a good year planned. I know we haven’t had a lot of time to talk but with the conversations we have had, we will work well together and we’ll do a great job.
And Jackie I congratulate you too. Wow the first woman 1st Vice President – wow. That is great.
Again I want to thank everybody for coming and enjoy tonight if you come to the Pajama Parade and please have a safe trip home. Thank you. (Applause)
Richard Brooks, MC: Thank you Madame President. And once again it is a pleasure to call Senator Roy Dyson for his presentations.
Senator Roy Dyson: Ladies and gentlemen I would like to ask President Soper to join me at the podium. What I have is a citation from the Governor of Maryland and a Proclamation from me. I am not going to read them both but I just want to tell you this is a tribute to you, this is to thank you. This is from the Governor and this is from me and this comes from me from the bottom of my heart. Thank you. (Applause)
Richard Brooks, MC: Thank you Senator, always wonderful to have you here. Next it is a pleasure to introduce the Senior Vice President of the Ladies Auxiliary, Carol Hayden for her address on behalf of the Ladies Auxiliary Officers. Madame Vice President.
Carol Hayden, Sr. Vice President: Good evening everybody. Sherry, and the other officers, congratulations. I want to let you know that we are behind you. If you need us for anything, please let us know. Thank you. (Applause)
Richard Brooks, MC: Thank you Carol. And now Mr. President, if you are ready. It is a pleasure to bring to the podium the President of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association for 2012-2013, President John Denver. (Applause & cheers)
President John Denver: Good evening. It is a tremendous honor to stand before you as the President of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association. The MSFA is one of the premier fire service organizations in this country and I am humbled that you have chosen 210 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference me to lead.
It seems my whole life has prepared me for this evening. As the third of four generations of family to be involved in the fire service, I began at an early age. From helping stuff, stamp and seal donation envelopes with other family members around our kitchen table to marching in parades as soon as I was big enough to fill out a uniform, even though I was still too young to still belong to the department.
Once I did join in 1968, I developed many life-long friends. A number of them are here this evening and I know some of you travelled a long distance and I cannot thank you enough.
During my career in the utility industry, I spent several years teaching firefighting. I spent about 17 years in Government Affairs position and I think that really helped prepare me for this position. After retiring just over three years ago, Past President Steve Cox suggested I consider running for the Office of 2nd Vice President. While I had been active in the MSFA for a number of years, I really hadn’t considered seriously running as President. It was in the back of my mind but I didn’t think it would ever really happen.
After thinking about it and receiving my family’s support, I also asked for and received the support of Singerly Fire Company, the Cecil County Firemen’s Association and the Harford-Cecil Volunteer Firemen’s Association.
I have so many people to thank. First of all my family; Anna Marie, my wife of nearly 40 years, my two children – Tracey & Mike, their spouses – Mike & Angela and their children – Austin, Allison and Belle. I missed a lot of dinners, birthday parties and school functions the last two years and they have all been outstanding.
The Officers and members of Singerly Fire Department, the Singerly Ladies Auxiliary have supported my candidacy from day one. The Officers and members of the Cecil County Firemen’s Association and the Harford-Cecil Association have worked tirelessly to help me. They have run fund-raisers, handed out pins and hats and stickers, whatever was needed.
MSFA Past Presidents and members who offered support over the last two years. And I will be forever grateful to all of you.
In closing, I do need to single out two special people for thanks. First, Past President Steve Cox for not only starting me down this path but sticking with me and offering me guidance and help every step of the way. The second person is Ben Kurtz who joined me on this ride as my Executive Committee Chair and we have worked closely over the last two years and there is a lot more to come. Thank you very much. Thank you again. (Applause)
211 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Richard Brooks, MC: Thank you Mr. President. We wish both of you a wonderful and successful year. And don’t forget the enjoyment part because half of it is the fellowship of the fire service in this state and that is wonderful.
Now we will have a few presentations for the President. And I will ask Mr. Mike Denver, John’s son and John’s wife Anna Marie to please come forward. Mike I understand you are the family spokesman.
Mike Denver: Many people have already said nice things about Dad. I will keep it short and sweet. Some of my earliest memories are coming down here to the Convention and going to the beach and wondering where Dad was all the time. He was over here doing things and helping. Grew up around that and saw where he has gone with his career with the MSFA. And as Big Shirley said, this state reaches from the ocean to the mountains and we wanted you to have a little something to keep you warm and make you look good as you travelled around. So we have a gift, on behalf of the family, for you to wear for your year as President.
Gifts of 2 different jackets with the MSFA Logo. Granddaughter Allison comes around everyone with her hands on her hip and an envelope for John. (Laughter and applause) Again Dad we love you and good luck during the coming year. (Applause)
Richard Brooks, MC: I think John’s grandson wanted to stay here and do this job! Next John we have your home fire company of Singerly. It is a pleasure to bring the Chief of the Singerly Fire Company, Chief William McCall and Ladies Auxiliary President, Nancy Caldwell to the podium. Chief. (Applause)
Chief William McCall: Good evening, John on behalf of the Singerly Fire Company, we got you a gift. If you’ll open that up I will explain. It is a natural leather helmet, unfortunately that is not what we wanted. Back the first of April we ordered John an antique N6. I was disappointed when that is what was delivered to me. I have talked to the guy and tomorrow we have a conference call and I don’t know if we’ll change vendors or not. But this is a rental until the correct one comes in in two weeks. With that I want to say congratulations and you have the full support of Singerly Fire Company. Thank you. (Applause)
Nancy Caldwell, Pres. of Singerly Auxiliary: John, on behalf of the Ladies Auxiliary who would like to congratulate you on becoming President and we wish you a successful year. And we have a little something for you. He is presented with a check from the Auxiliary. (Applause)
Richard Brooks, MC: Next John, we will have the Harford-Cecil Firemen’s Association with President Joe Price, Vice President Robin Hahn accompanied by the Cecil County Association President, Monica Penhollow and Vice President, Howard Flower. President Joe Price. 212 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Joe Price, Pres. HCVFA: Good evening. President and Mrs. Lewis, I am honored to be here with you this evening to bring you greetings from the Officers and members of the Harford Cecil Volunteer Firemen’s Association. We are extremely proud of your accomplishments over the last few years of service. And we are extremely proud as you begin to lead the Maryland State Firemen’s Association for the next year. We have a small token of appreciation we would like to present to you tonight and we are confident you will get a lot of use out of it. (John receives a camera he had been wanting.) (Applause)
Monica Penhollow, Pres. CCFA: John on behalf of the Cecil County Firemen’s Association we want to thank you for taking the time out of your personal life to dedicate to the citizens of Cecil County and the State of Maryland. We also have a small token of our appreciation. And I want to mention something, for all those who couldn’t be here tonight and all those who are here, we congratulate you and we love you. (Applause) (John is presented several gifts from CCFA)
Richard Brooks, MC: Thank you Presidents. Next I am going to introduce once again, Senator Roy Dyson and following Senator Dyson is a representative from each of the incorporated towns of Cecil County as well as a representative from the Board of County Commissioners and the Department of Emergency Services. Senator and representatives.
Senator Roy Dyson: Let me warn you, there are about twenty certificates and resolutions in the back. Now the Mayor way way over there in the corner, I said you don’t get to read your resolution. And he looked at me and I said if we can short change the Governor, we can short change you! (Laughter) That is entirely off the record!!! (Laughter)
I am please though today John to offer a citation to you from the Governor and he pays tribute to who you are and what you are and what you will become. There is also one here from the House of Delegates and it is from the Speaker and your Delegate Dave Rudolf. And the one I think is most important is the one from me. Why wouldn’t I think that? I have known this guy a long long time, he does what the rest of them do, works very hard for all of us. And you know what, fifty thank yous isn’t enough. Thank you very much. (Applause) I am not going to leave the Mayors alone.
Mayor of Elkton (name not given.): OK I will make this short. You told me to make it short so I will be. It is a distinct privilege for me to be here today. To join with my fellow firefighters as we bestow both the honor and the responsibility of the President of the State Firemen’s Association on John Denver. However, this Certificate of Recognition for outstanding Community Service, that I as well as Commissioner Charles Hicks, join with me today to have the honor to present this from the citizens of John’s community – the town of Elkton. And as the Mayor of Elkton, I as well as Commissioner Charles Hicks, have been charged by the Town Board and the citizens of Elkton to present this certificate and to say thank you for many years of service to your community. Again, thank you so much John. (Applause and cheers) 213 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Senator Dyson: I think after each one of them, read just the introduction.
Richard Brooks, MC: Got you Senator. But we do want to thank the Mayor of Elkton and Commissioner Hicks and the Mayor of Port Deposit. John if you would and thank each of the representatives and we will collect those for you. But it is a pleasure to have every town and the Board of Commissioners in Cecil County and the Department of Emergency Services to congratulate you and wish you well in your ensuing year. Thank you all. (Applause)
Let’s have a big hand for Senator Dyson, he is always always here to support us! (Applause) I would like to introduce the Chairman of the Transportation Committee Mr. Tom Flint to make a presentation to both Presidents.
Tom Flint, Chair Transportation Com.: Good evening. It is our pleasure as the Transportation Committee to present the new Presidents with their new tag each year. Enjoy and have a good year. Thank you. (Applause)
Richard Brooks, MC: Mr. President I know the sign of a good man is to take care of business. I’ll leave it to you.
President John Denver presented his wife with a bouquet of flowers. (Laughter and applause) And after much goading by those on stage, gave her a kiss.
Richard Brooks, MC: Oh my. Oh my goodness. I am not violating a trust but he walks over and says “I can’t say anything right now” and he hands them to her; both beautiful and spontaneous. That was wonderful. And I was getting ready to say “John, that’s your pass for the year.” Not so sure. We’ll work on that.
Ladies and gentlemen as we close this evening I want to announce to you that there will be a Receiving Line for the Officers and Presidents outside of Room 209. Certainly for those of you who would like to stay in the building another ninety minutes, we will be back in this room for the Pajama Parade. We welcome all of you to attend that.
And finally it comes time to send each and every one of us along. Madame President and Mr. President this is just the culmination of an exercise to install you. What lays before you is months of challenges and friendships to be made. What lays before you are the miles of Maryland roadways and fire stations for you to enjoy and the hospitality for you to embrace. The Maryland Fire Service will open its arms to each and every one of you. I know that you will walk in and receive them warmly. Please enjoy that. And when it comes time to go to Annapolis, we know that you will provide the leadership required for this Association to once again make great strides for the State of Maryland and the safety of its citizens and firefighters. Ladies and gentlemen we wish every one of them the best as we continue on. Let’s have a big hand. (Applause) 214 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference And I will invite Rev. Harry Hetz to please come forward for a special blessing. Rev. Harry Hetz: Thank you. President Denver, President Soper, Officers, God has called you to great things. I believe he has called each of you to the leadership responsibilities that you have assumed. It will be a time of learning and a time of growth. God waters his garden with blessings. He prunes his trees to bear much fruit and to be fruitfulness. You are in God’s hands. The year ahead is in God’s hands. The year ahead you should look to it with anticipation, but to the year ahead with hope. Trust God to guide you, trust God for him to help you. Turn to him for your help. May your year be blessed as you fulfill your responsibilities. Let us pray:
Lord God we turn to you and ask you for your blessings upon President Denver and President Soper and these Officers as they take up the responsibilities that you have called them to do. Father, bless their hands for the work. Bless their minds with wisdom. Bless the miles with traveling mercies. Lord, as we have gathered this evening to induct these officers and to celebrate their positions. Two are not with us, our Financial Secretary Vivian Boyd and Secretary Doyle Cox. Lord there is mercy in your grace and we ask your mercy upon them, on their families and upon their needs. Surround them with your kindness. Father we thank you for all things and we thank you for these officers. Bless their year. Amen.
Richard Brooks, MC: The Benediction will be provided by Ladies Auxiliary Vice Chaplain, Lori Denbow.
Lori Denbow, Vice Chap. LAMSFA: This is great, nobody can see me! (Laughter) Let us pray. Lord as we bring this installation to a close, we ask that you bless the MSFA and the LAMSFA. Bless all who have gathered. Dismiss us with your presence and peace. Amen.
Richard Brooks, MC: We are always prepared. (Richard shows a step stool he provided to Lori so she could see over the podium) Ladies and gentlemen let’s have a big hand and I am going to ask the Presidents lead a precession down the center aisle. Please be safe this evening and have a great time. Welcome the MSFA and LAMSFA Officers! (Applause)
215 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference 120TH Annual Convention and Conference of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association Ocean City, Maryland June 16-22, 2012
Session 4 Wednesday, June 20, 2012
President John Denver: I call the 4th Session of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association to order. I ask Hoby Howell to come to the podium with the Safety Message.
Hoby Howell, Safety Com.: Thank you Mr. President. I would like to thank David Lewis from the Safety Committee for a well-done year. And we would like to congratulate John Denver on his up-coming year. As you all well know, we have had difficulty this year with the exits with people standing in front of them. Due to the fact that we have had 500 less chairs to work with, so I think your Safety Committee has done a well and great job this year trying to protect your needs and ideas. And, once again, check the exits, know your surroundings and please be safe and go to the parade and watch the parade and have fun with your families this afternoon. Thank you very much. (Applause)
President John Denver: Now I would like Deacon George L’Heureux for the Invocation.
Deacon George L’Heureux: Let us stand in prayer. Most loving and merciful Father, we thank you again, for the opportunity to meet for the business of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association. We ask you to be with us as we call upon you for help and the decisions we make and the work we do. We ask you to bless us in all we do as we end the conference and convention. Lord, look down upon those who are not able to be here because of illness. We actually bless all those who have died, may they rest in peace. Lord this morning, may we call upon you for help, we need it. We ask this in Christ’s name oh Lord. Amen.
President John Denver: I would just like to do a quick reminder – the parade does start at 1 o’clock. It will run from 16th Street to about 33rd Street. I would also like to remind you that it is predicted that the weather will be quite warm today so please hydrate and be prepared for that warm weather.
President John Denver: I would like to ask Dave Lewis, Past President Lewis, to come to podium for an award presentation.
Past President David Lewis: I am not done yet! I have a little unfinished business. I would first like to ask Convention Committee Chairman Ron Siarnicki to join me at the
216 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference podium, also Mayor Rick Meehan and Dennis Dare; just got a little bit of unfinished business. This convention takes a lot of work to go on. Our own MSFA Convention Committee works hard to make the convention work and we cannot do it without the help of the City. We certainly would like to recognize those individuals that help the convention committee to help us to put the convention on.
Dennis Dare was the City Manager for more than twenty years for the town of Ocean City. Of course the Mayor, Rick Meehan, who has been right there. So I know from Ron’s perspective anytime we needed help it was always we that we had help from the top two players of the City – the Mayor and the City Manager, that we could go to to address any issues or concerns that we had. We certainly appreciate their efforts. And we certainly thank the Mayor and the others that are not here today and to continue we need to thank him.
But we would like to make a small presentation. Dennis did retire in September and we don’t want him to get away without a few tokens of our appreciation for the job that he did for us, again, a City Manager for over twenty years. So we do have a small gift from us, it is presented to Dennis Dare, retired City Manager of Ocean City, Maryland. A special tribute to honor Dennis Dare for his outstanding and dedicated service to the Maryland State Firemen’s Association, we would like you to take this and proudly display as a token of our appreciation. (Applause) And Dennis to make you an official part of the MSFA Convention, we certainly want you to leave here with one of our Convention bags as well as the commemorative mug for this year’s convention, again to take back as small token of our appreciation for your support and assistance for the last twenty years. (Applause)
Mr. Mayor, again we got a lot of help from a lot of people here in Ocean City and we have some Resolutions, on behalf of MSFA, that we would ask your assistance to some city officials – to the City Council, Chief Bernadette of the Ocean City Police, Chief Larimore of the Ocean City Fire Department, the Ocean City Chamber of Commerce and the Hotel Motel Association. If you would please take those back and make sure they are given to the appropriate individuals with our thanks and appreciation.
Mayor Rick Meehan: Thank you very much and thank you all. (Applause)
Dennis Dare: Your President mentioned dedication, over twenty years here, but it has been a privilege to work with Maryland State Firemen’s Association over those twenty years. And I thank YOU for your dedication to your communities. In this day and age it is very important. Thank you for your dedication and for the recognition. (Applause)
Past President David Lewis: Thank you President Denver for the opportunity to give these awards this morning.
President John Denver: There is an announcement we would like to make sure that 217 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference anyone that might be heading home today is aware of. The Bay Bridge will be totally closed today at 13:00 hours for approximately one hour. So time your trip accordingly but we wanted to make sure everyone was aware of that in case you are leaving today.
Next we will have a presentation from John Donohue, from the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services System. Over the past 12 months, Maryland has been witness to a variety of natural disasters from wind, rain, storm, fire, flood and even earthquake. In some cases, emergency responders were dealing with consequences of events rarely seen in this area. This presentation will review the response and recovery of these major events, and lessons that can be applied to planning for emergency response to future events of this nature. John Donohue.
John Donohue, BS, EMT-P, MIEMSS: This is quite intimidating for me. I think the last time I was up on this stage was several years ago when I was in the pajama parade with Lana Parson’s nightie on, so hopefully I can learn to use this thing. Seriously, I have done presentations recently, for example, for 3,000 people in Nashville. This is quite an honor to be here in front of everybody who are my peers, who I consider my friends. So thank you very much for inviting me.
Let me just start. We did on Tuesday, August 23rd I was getting ready for our morning leadership meeting with Dr. Bass and all the leaders in MIEMSS and just going through a bunch of notes I needed to present and I knew we had a little storm coming up, so I wanted to look at that and here you see the proposed storm track for Isabelle, I’m sorry Irene. Not Isabelle, we have already had Isabelle. So this was the tract for Irene and I looked and it was a little intimidating. Because a couple of weeks before I went out to West Virginia. They have a little dam called Bluestone Dam. That dam is about sixty or seventy years old and it is failing apparently, so they have been doing a lot of work to shore the dam up and they are still worried that it might break.
If that dam does break, that is the area (showing slide of aerial view of affected area) that will be affected – all down along the New River Valley. And those of you who might know West Virginia, about 2/3 down-stream is a little town called Charleston which is their capital. So we were told that the Convention Center would have 20’ of water should the dam break.
So we had been working with West Virginia and I was making some phone calls to see if they were concerned about that because when we did go up there to talk with them about it. They showed us the track of Isabelle and they said if another Isabelle hit that they would have three to four inches of water hitting the dam and then they would end up having to deal with the response of evacuating that entire community. So we looked at Isabelle and if you overlay the track of Irene, it was just slightly west of where Isabelle was and that would come right into that whole drainage area for the dam.
218 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference
So I went off to the meeting and made that presentation and came back and made some more phone calls to West Virginia, who was still watching it closely. Then that afternoon when I was getting ready to pack up and go off to another meeting, things shook a little bit. I was wondering what the hell was going on! I think many of you remember that little earthquake we had on the 23rd. So all in one day I am worried about a dam breaking and then I thought “Oh my God!” did the dam stay after the earthquake? Where was the earthquake? We actually did not have a lot of damage from the earthquake and the dam was still there, thank goodness. So we went off to West Virginia to help them out.
Then, unfortunately the storms turned a little bit more to the east and guess what – we got hit by the storm. So a couple of days before the storm we started looking at, actually if you back and look at the history, we have not been hit by a real full scale hurricane since 1931. This is the first hurricane it has always been tropical storms or whatever, so this was the first hurricane to come across Maryland since 1931. So we were a little concerned. We normally know where all the healthcare facilities are so 72 to 94 hours out we are looking at that and trying to make a decision as to what we are going to be doing – whether we need to evacuate or move folks out.
We did make a decision to contact a nursing home in Salisbury. Number one Anchorage Nursing Home which is right on a canal that goes through Salisbury. They voluntarily evacuated and took care of things themselves. They had some commercial ambulance companies that they were under contract with and they also used some bus companies. So we did not get involved in the evacuation of Anchorage.
However there is another little place, down a little bit further south in Somerset County called Alice B. Tawes Nursing Home and Edward McCreedy Hospital. Just a small hospital, I think they probably have 10 or 20 beds but they also have about 60 people in this nursing home. They spent a lot of money trying to ensure that if they did get hit by a hurricane, that they would be ok. For those of you who are not familiar with Tawes, if you take a look at it, the building right here (shown on slide) the building right here is the nursing home and the building adjacent to that. So they spent a lot of money putting everything up higher and made sure that if they did get hit by water they would be ok. The problem is if they get hit by water and they get inundated by water and floods, then we will be unable to get to them. So if they had an issue with one of their patients or residents, then we are going to have some issues. So we felt like we needed to move those folks out of there.
They were not really willing to move out on their own, so we ended up having to have the Governor to order them to move out. We sent several folks from MIEMSS down there and got a bunch of commercial ambulance companies involved since there are not a whole lot of ambulances in Somerset County and in that area, they were all busy already trying to deal with getting ready for the storm. And during this was the first time we used something called patient tracking system where we were able to keep track of every individual patient 219 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference – they would walk thru and be scanned by little handheld scanners and they had triage tags on them. We were able to track exactly where those patients were and when they arrived at the other facilities.
During that, you can see that we had 62 patients that we sent to 10 different nursing homes using 36 transport units. We travelled 7,970 miles one way with these patients. Because we didn’t have a whole lot of space on the eastern shore, we had to move them over to the western shore – as far as Silver Spring or more, some being more than a 160+ miles. So you can imagine that that took a little bit of time – almost 12 hours. When we were moving folks back, we did have one of the ambulances crash on the Bay Bridge – luckily it was a minor crash and everybody was ok.
After we got that done, I finally got home and went to bed about 3 a.m. and Jeff who was at the EOC called and said John we have a problem. I said what now? Everybody ok, did something happen to one of the patients? He says no, Dorchester just called and apparently they have wind damage from the storms. So this is right in the middle of the storm that they are talking with us and we wound up doing pretty much the same thing with Dorchester that we did with Somerset and moved all those patients. Luckily there was only about 25 patients there. It is the first time that I have actually been on the Bay Bridge by myself. The Bay Bridge was actually closed and I am trying to get down there and talking to SHA on the way down – they said oh yes you can go across just stay in the middle of the road and hold on to the wheel real tight and you’ll be fine. So I said OK. Actually the bridge that was worse than the Bay Bridge was the Choptank River Bridge you see right there (on the slide). It actually was worse than the Bay Bridge, I was going through there and the wind is whipping up over the concrete barriers, I felt like I was in a big tunnel because a big tunnel of water was coming across that bridge.
That one was really pretty easy. There were only 19 patients, took us five hours but it was because we were trying to take things slow and not injure any of the patients. None of the patients’ rooms were hurt but it was all their diagnostic areas that they had difficulties with. They all went to Easton Memorial which is about 15 miles away. So we did have Dorchester County, Talbot County units involved. We also had commercial units involved and myself and Joe Davis that helped out from MIEMSS trying to keep track of all the patients.
Well we got through that and got a little bit of rest and tried to catch up on regular work during the week. However, we had another disaster waiting to happen. You can see this (slide), this is Pratt Street in Baltimore and there are cars going 250 mph down Pratt Street with lots of people just on either side of those, so that was actually a disaster waiting to happen. We ended spending the whole week-end with 3 different aide stations plus what we called the race hospital. This is the race course itself (slide). It is kind of difficult to see but this is the Baltimore Convention Center (show on slide) we had the race hospital and we had aide stations here (again shows on slide) and one over there and an aide station 220 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference over here, right along the harbor. The Command Post for EMS was set-up right there by the stadium.
So during that time we had about, if you look on here (another slide), again we used the patient tracking system, this is a little difficult to see but if you look right around where I pointed, you will see little green dots, yellow dots and red dots – they were all patients we tracked during that time. We were using the patient tracking system, we were able to keep track of all the patients and provide a report to Command every 2 hours – several reports. I just missed one. They were very detailed reports about how many patients were at each station at any one time. How many they had seen over a certain period of time and when they saw them and the priorities of the patients. We had about 146 patients that week-end.
Again, here are some of the folks involved in it (slide). We did have a lot of help from our contractor for the patient tracking system that week-end which we didn’t have when we were doing the Tawes, so we were able to supply lots more reports.
We during that, I think it was Saturday morning, I am standing there at the Command Post and I am getting a call from MEMA. I said look, I can’t talk to you guys right now, I’ll call you back in a few minutes, I am just trying to get everybody out on the street, so we got everybody out on the street and of course I tried to call them back and as soon as I try to call them, it is like errrrrr, as all the cars go by and I couldn’t hear. Mike Fischer from MEMA was on the line and he say John, have you seen Lee? Lee? Who’s Lee? He says Lee! I said I don’t know who you are talking about. He says not WHO but WHAT. Basically he was talking about the Tropical Storm Lee. I had worked with Mike also and a couple of other folks at MEMA to be prepared for the Bluestone Dam issue. I had talked to them a couple of weeks before or a couple of days before when we had Irene come up and here is Lee heading right for West Virginia. So I was like Oh my God, here we go again. Luckily for West Virginia, Lee took a turn and unlucky for us, Lee took a right turn. Guess what – now we are dealing with another storm.
We have Tropical Storm Lee, the storm itself, was not that bad. It was just all the water it dumped above us that was coming down to the Conowingo Dam. Before hand, I think Harford and Cecil had a couple of the gates opened before Lee actually hit, because of Irene, now we are opening up all the gates all 51 gates. Which has not happened since Agnes is the last time I believe that happened. So we are talking about a major issue.
Well downstream there is another little place called Citizens Care Nursing Home and Nursing Center and it is right on the water. Our one indention map showed that the water would end up half way through the nursing home when they opened up all the gates. So we were like oh my goodness, here we go. Luckily our indention maps from the weather service are very conservative. So we decided it was actually time – Harford County and Citizens decided on their own – without the state even getting involved, to evacuate – and we stepped in to help. 221 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Again we were using the patient tracking system. They had 152 patients, we sent them to 25 nursing homes using 46 ambulances, Howard County Medical Ambulance Bus, 2 county buses and it took us 10 hours and 20 minutes – we were getting better – 3 times the patients in 2 hours less. So we are getting a little better. And we did something new. There was not going to be any of the administration at the nursing home after they left. So they were concerned that patients’ families were going to be looking for them, so we contacted the Department of Human Resources who I had had some discussions with, no real plans yet, but discussions with for them to be the Family Reunification people. So they decided to do that. That is the first time we have set up an 800 number to have a number for people to call to do that. I think they got one call during the time the nursing home was evacuated but at least we were ready for questions. Again here, we have Harford, Cecil commercial ambulance companies and obviously, a lot of the other local resources helped out with them.
So that is pretty much some of the issues that we dealt with during that one month. Since then we have had the Sailabration and a couple of other issues pop up. But every time we do something like this, I always get very concerned that we are maybe not doing enough. What do we have in place in Maryland? - I am going to go through this fairly quickly.
Probably the biggest asset we have in the State of Maryland is one communication system that spans the entire state for EMS. At the center of that communication system is the EMRC system and if they know about something then they can bring resources to whatever is going on. So your folks are ever faced with a situation like this and they don’t know where to go, they can contact EMRC/Syscom and they will start kicking some resources up for you. We will send some folks out and if it turns out to be nothing, we will stand there and give you some coffee and run back and forth to make sure you have coffee and donuts any time you need it.
However, if you do need to get started getting the hospitals notified, the earlier your folks call EMRC/Syscom, the better off we are going to be because we can get the hospitals notified, we can let MEMA know that something is going on, etc. So LET your folks know to get in touch with EMRC/Syscom as soon as possible. We now have – (power goes off on stage). There it is, the screen is back up as well. But get in touch with EMRC/Syscom as quickly as possible.
We now also have something called HC Standard which is our resource and tracking system so that once you guys do call them, we can notify the hospitals. Quickly, MEMA gets notified, lots of folks get notified if we put out an alert that there is a mass causality incident or hospitals having issues, that information goes out to lots of folks through HC Standard. We can also find out where hospital beds are, if you need medications – I think Baltimore City at one point needed Calcium Glutamate for some hazardous materials at the harbor. So we were able to find the Calcium Glutamate through the system at the hospital. There is a lot more Calcium Glutamate gel out there than you would think. We 222 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference also asked some of the folks at the 911 centers and hospitals and everything to start monitoring the systems. They kept saying that we got enough systems to monitor now, we are not going to monitor yours too. I said how about if we bring them all together? Now we have this situated that it is set up with this dashboard, they can look at several systems at once. Here you have the Health Network and other applications so you can get little snippets’ of information from any system you need – the monitor can be placed into that system.
And again, we have already talked about patient tracking, you’ll see on here the little handheld unit (slide) and it pretty much follows the triage tag, it has several screens, and you can jump from patient to patient quickly and get through everything and get on to the next patient.
There is one thing that is new that is coming out, it pretty much looks the same, for the most part, it is the new triage tag coming out. It will have a peel-off armband, so that if you need to you can just put the armband on and have the triage tag there also. There is also a new color here, you need to start letting people know about but ignore it – it’s gray, red, yellow, green and black. Gray is something new, every time we order triage tags, we have to order enough for five years, so we have to be ready for whatever is coming down – there is some work going on at the National level which will include a new category which is called expectant which will be gray. So until that comes along, we have to order the tags now but the gray has not yet been defined so we’ll have to ask everybody to ignore that for a while.
We do lots of planning for the EMS Surge. If you look here (slide), this is just a spreadsheet that is kind of small here but our biggest issue is to keep people out of the hospital during EMS Surge so that we don’t have ambulances backing up and that sort of thing. So we are looking at setting up call centers to 911 if somebody doesn’t need an ambulance, they can transfer them to a call center and looking at alternate care centers. We already have protocols for EMD folks to be able to send less resources than they would normally send. We have different alternate transport protocols so that folks can take patients to patients other than hospitals. So that is coming down the line.
We now have a DMAT or Disaster Medical Assistance Team which is a federal asset within Maryland. It is the Maryland Team, unfortunately we can’t use them without saying “mother may I?” which is not what I like to do to the feds. So we are looking at trying to make that a state asset by providing them some resources locally. So we are looking to make that a state asset also. So basically what it is is a mobile hospital that can be moved and setup wherever.
There is also something called Chempack which is available to you if you had a mass poisoning. You can call Syscom for the pack and they will have state police fly it out to you. It is all the medications you would need for Organophosphate Poisonings which are 223 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference many of the WMD agents.
We also have been working very hard to be prepared to receive patients from other people’s disasters including MDNS Reception and in fact there are plans for the Bluestone Dam are based on the MDNS Reception. We just had an exercise back in May for this where folks get flown into BWI, we use commercial and public ambulances to get them out to all the hospitals.
We still have CISM folks out there and they do get used very often. We are trying to move from a team, a state team, to a state network of teams since many folks have their own local teams that they want to have around and we are working to make sure they are all coordinated and that they work with one another.
As many of you have been involved, we have done several EMS EMAC Deployments. This is one area where we need to do some more work to have folks ready to go beforehand. Get them trained and ready to deal in the environment. We have sent folks to Katrina in Louisiana and Gustof. We did have two major EMAC deployments.
Now how do you know what we have is enough. Every year we survey all the jurisdictions and one thing that I found out is that nobody can do the stuff on their own. There are lots of folks that even after taking patients using ambulances twice during an MCI, using some of the Federal guidance; we are supposed to be able to transport 500 patients per million population from a disaster. If you will look at this (slide) you will see several counties that even after using the ambulance twice, they can’t do that on their own. However, if we look at those numbers at a regional level, you can see that we can do that. We look at not just the ability to transport but we are also looking at the supplies that are available, etc… to make sure that we have enough assets ready to roll.
So just let me recap. We have lots of hazards in the state, a lot of them we are familiar with and ready for hurricanes, tropical storms, fires, etc… We did get introduced this year to a new disaster called an earthquake. Actually I just hired a guy in the last six months from California to help us out with some of the emergency management stuff. Every time we talk about the earthquake he laughs at us because he is from Sacramento and he says we deal with those all the time – big deal. So we do have many hazards, however, I think we are very lucky in the state of Maryland that we do have many resources here also. We are very blessed with a lot of folks who are willing, including yourselves, willing to step-up and respond and not have to worry about the money.
There is one thing I forgot to mention when I talking about the Tawes Nursing Home, the state ended up having to pay for the commercial ambulances and it was over $150,000 to move those patients out and move them back. We have changed the law now so that all the nursing homes would be responsible for the bills. We did get a bill passed this year to be able to do that. 224 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference
So we do have many resources and we have many providers. And I spent some time on Sunday doing a longer version of this where I kind of walked through what the providers need to be trained to be ready. We are going to add, we are working on a draft protocol not to tell everybody or not to dictate to all jurisdictions what they need to do for disasters but to give them certain points where everybody has difficulties during disasters. Some communications issues, it’s tracking of the patients’ issues, etc… Every time we got a disaster we have had lessons learned and they all seem to be the same. So we were trying to come out with a protocol shortly and a lot of training materials – we do have triage training material on our website right now which is also being updated. So we need to make sure those providers are ready even though the person that is on first ambulance may be the one that finds out that he is in the middle of something that is well over his head and will hope that the local jurisdictions will be able to handle it. So we need to prepare him to set up the command and that sort of thing.
With that, that is pretty much everything and if anybody has any questions I will be more than happy to answer them or I will be hanging around for a little while afterward to be able to answer other questions. Thank you. (Applause)
President John Denver: Thank you for that fine presentation. This is a resolution expressing our thanks and the Convention bag and mug. Thank you again.
I would like to call Past President Dave Lewis for his remarks as outgoing President.
Past President Dave Lewis: Thank you John. Members of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association, it has been an honor to serve you over the past year as your President and last night we installed a new team of officers for 2012.
I am now proud to stand before you as the newest member of the Past Presidents club. This is an elite group of individuals and I have grown to trust their judgment and advice during my own term. I now look forward to being able to help others that may call upon me for assistance.
I thank each and every one of you for the opportunity to serve as your President and pledge my continued commitment to the incoming officers to support the mission and goals of the MSFA in any way possible. And I was told there were three things I need to remember: stand-up and be be seen, speak-up and be heard, and shut-up and be light. Thank you. (Applause)
President John Denver: I would now like to ask the Officers of the Ladies Auxiliary to please come forward. I now have the pleasure of welcoming to the podium 2012 President of the Ladies Auxiliary to the Maryland State Firemen’s Association, President Sherry Soper. (Applause). 225 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference
President Sherry Soper, LAMSFA: There is a lot of us. It is a pleasure to be here today to greet you all. I hope everybody is having a good day.
At this time I would like to introduce our officers: Senior Vice President Carol Hayden from Kensington VFD (applause); Junior Vice President Ann Price-Davis from Cockeysville VFC (applause); Recording Secretary Darby Byrd from Dentsville (applause); Treasurer Barbara Sue Nelson from Seventh District (applause); our Financial Secretary Vivian Morgan Boyd, she is not here this week due to the illness of her sister and she needed to be there with her; Corresponding Secretary Nancy Jones from Indian Head (applause); Chaplain Marcia Roth from Sandy Spring (applause); Vice Chaplain Lori Denbow from Level (applause); Historian Donna Struntz from Bowling Green (applause); Guard Becky Wathen from Ridge (applause); Color Bearer Malea Daughton from Jarrettsville (applause); Color Bearer Brenda Harrison from Junior No. 2 (applause); Bessie Marshall Fund Chair Elaine Huttenloch from Forestville (applause); Conference Co-Chair Ruth Martin from Woodsboro (applause) and my Conference Co-Chair Jean Main from Lewistown (applause).
Before we leave, we have had an amazing week with our Bessie Marshall Committee and I would like to ask Elaine to give you her report of what we have done this week with Bessie Marshall.
Elaine Huttenloch, Bessie Marshall Chair: Good morning. This year we have paid 49 cases for over $40,000. That money is raised through donations, etc… the lottery when you receive it. Bessie Marshall is for any fire or EMS person who is hurt or sick – not in the line of duty. You are required now to put your social security number on the form. The forms are confidential; they are not spread around the world so you don’t have to worry about that.
In the past we have had a good convention but we have never raised money like this today. I would like to tell you just where we are: taken in at Ocean City - $25 in phone fines, so every time your phone rings somebody is going to tap you on the shoulder and ask you for $5; the money raffle – was $641; the Susan Club was $63; the fire company donations were $650; the gift cards were $268; individual donations were $830; the lottery took in an additional $526; the little red fire truck we took in an addition $368; and from around the state the fund raisers that the local auxiliary did was $21,101 for a grand total taken in at Ocean City of $24,472. Thank you all very much. (Applause and cheers)
President Sherry Soper: Bessie Marshall is a very important committee we have and I encourage all of you to support it. We try to do our best to help the firemen that need our help. I want to thank you all again for allowing us to come over here and be introduced and John we are finished if you are ready to let us go.
President John Denver: Thank you so much for joining us and you can please return to 226 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference your meetings. (Applause) While the ladies are leaving, I please ask that all the Executive Committee Members to please report back stage and also all the Assistant Officers, also to report back stage.
Good morning. It is a tremendous honor to stand before you as President of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association. The MSFA is one of the premier fire service organizations in this country and I am humbled that you have chosen me to lead it.
It seems my whole life has prepared me for this responsibility as the third of four generations of my family being involved in the fire service – I began actually before I was old enough to join. Once I did join in 1968, I developed many life-long friends, a number of whom are here this week and I thank you all for coming.
After retiring just over 3 years ago, Past President Steve Cox suggested I consider running for 2nd Vice President. While I had been active in the MSFA for a number of years, I had not seriously considered running as President. It was in the back of my mind at times but I did not think it would ever actually happen.
After seeking my family’s support, I also received the support of the Board of Singerly Fire Company, the Cecil County Firemen’s Association and the Harford Cecil Association and my travels around the state began.
I have so many people to thank. First of all my family: Anna Marie, my wife; my two children, Tracey and Mike and their spouses and their children. I have missed a lot of dinners, birthday parties and school functions in the last two years and they were very understanding. The Officers and members of Singerly Fire Company and the Singerly Ladies Auxiliary have supported my candidacy from day one. The Cecil County Association, the Harford Cecil Association worked tirelessly to help me also. They have run fund raisers, handed out pens, hats and stickers and done whatever was needed.
MSFA Past Presidents and Officers and members have all offered support over the last two years and I will be forever grateful to all of them. I do need to single out two people for professional thanks – Past President Steve Cox for not only starting me down this path but sticking with me and offering guidance to help every step of the way. The second is Ben Kurtz who joined me on this ride, to serve on the Executive Committee the last two years and to chair it this year.
In closing, I would like to invite each of you to join us for the Executive Committee meeting on August 25 and 26th in Elkton – the NEW center of the state! (Applause and cheers.
I would now like to introduce Jackie Olson, 1st Vice President of the MSFA. (Applause)
Jackie Olson, 1st Vice Pres.: Good morning. It is an honor to stand before you as your 227 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference 1st Vice President. I thank you for your continued support and I thank you for what you do every day – whether it be running calls, saving life or property, organizing a bingo fundraiser, serving refreshments at an incident, taking classes to become a volunteer or conducting a meeting. Thank you. The MSFA is a diverse organization and we are blessed to have so many individuals who are dedicated and committed to the volunteer fire, rescue and EMS services of this great state.
Congratulations to John Denver, Dave Keller and Sherry Soper, Carol Hayden and Anne Price-Davis and to the Elected and Appointed Officers. I pledge again to you to do my best to make our voices, the volunteers, hear when it comes to issues and find solutions that will benefit us all.
Again, a heartfelt thanks and if I can be of any assistance, please do not hesitate to call upon me or President Denver or Vice President Keller. Please enjoy the parade today and thank you again. (Applause)
President John Denver: Now I ask 2nd Vice President David Keller III for his remarks.
2nd Vice President David Keller: Good morning. First a heartfelt thank you to everyone. To President Denver, Vice President Olson, Officers and Delegates, I am honored to stand here this morning as the Maryland State Firemen’s Association 2nd Vice President.
I would like to start with some thank yous. First to my wife, Vicky and son, Davey for allowing me to spend time away from them as I try to move this association forward; to my Mom and Dad, Aunts and Uncles who have taught me how to give to the community as they have and to my home company Citizens Truck Company and the Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association for their continued support. To the Past Presidents who have provided me a guiding hand and my supporters who will stick with me as I continue to grow as a leader of this great association.
I will close with this, I look forward to working with each of you and your associations as we move the Maryland State Firemen’s Association and the Maryland fire service for the betterment of our citizens. Thank you. (Applause)
President John Denver: Normally the next officer to give remarks would be the newly elected Secretary. As I am sure you are aware, Doyle is unable to join us. Please, please, please keep Doyle and his family in your thoughts and prayers.
I would like to ask Ron Siarnicki, Treasurer to please step forward. Ron Siarnicki, Treasurer: Good morning. It is a pleasure to be here again with you and there’s a lot happening here within the convention. I am here just to say that it is going to be an honor to again serve as your Treasurer. I am on a two year term cycle, so there
228 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference was no election for me this year. I have another whole year and I am looking forward to the changes with the new Financial Secretary and the adjustments we have made to the assistant treasurers and assistant financial secretaries.
As I said in my report on Monday, this association has done a lot to bring your books in order. We are making changes in going from cash accounting system to an accrual accounting system, so overall things are well in line. And we are working with the Ladies Auxiliary of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association to bring their books into the same accounting software since we all function under one tax ID number.
So it is a pleasure. If there is anything you need from my office or myself, please don’t hesitate or email and reach out to us and it will be a great opportunity to serve you again as your Treasurer. Thank you. (Applause)
President John Denver: Now I would like to call newly elected Financial Secretary, Mitch Vocke.
Financial Secretary Mitch Vocke: Thank you President Denver. Good morning everyone. Lou Jonske wanted me to extend this speech for about 30 minutes so he can sell more raffle tickets downstairs but I told him this trap door is going to open so it is not going to happen.
First I would like to make some thank yous. First to my wife, Darlene, as I stated at a Harford Cecil meeting, you have to have your support and endorsement at home first. She has been behind me 150% and for that I thank her. President Ted Burkhart, Chief Ruddy Walter, Jarrettsville Volunteer Fire Company and all its’ members, President Bill Dousa and the members of the Harford County Volunteer Fire Association, President Monica Penhollow and the Cecil County Volunteer Firemen’s Association and members and President Joe Price and the Harford Cecil Volunteer Firemen’s Association and members – they have all given me their endorsement and support and I much appreciate it; also to my advisor, Past President Steve Cox.
Special thanks go out to the MSFA Financial Team, Treasurer Ron Siarnicki, Past President Bob Jacobs, Past President Lee Sachs and Past President Fred Cross for having the faith and confidence in me to fulfill the duties of this office. Also I will do my best to fill the shoes of Past President Fred Cross is leaving behind, although he is still going to be here.
If the office can help, please call and we will assist you in any way possible. Thank you. (Applause)
President John Denver: Next we will have remarks by Chief Chaplain John Long.
Chief Chaplain John Long: Good morning! What a great day. I woke up this morning as 229 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference a new man. (Laughter) But if you like the old one, I am back. (Displaying a fake mustache) (Laughter) The Chaplain’s corps is here to help whatever your needs are, we are here for you but we cannot be there for you if we don’t know you have needs. Please don’t fail to call us. I would rather get 20 phone calls telling me about the same thing than not get any phone calls. So keep in touch and in your thoughts and PLEASE keep Doyle Cox and his family in your prayers. Thank you. (Applause)
President John Denver: Next I would like to ask Ben Kurtz, Chair of the Executive Committee, please come forward.
Ben Kurtz, Chair Exec. Committee: Thank you Mr. President. At this time I would like to introduce your Executive Committee for 2012-2013. Vice Chairman, Dennis Skinner, Charles Abrecht, Bill Hildebrand, Lee Lutz, Jim Seavey, Richard Smith, Dan Stevens, Joel McCrea, Mark Bilger, Rodney Bowser, John Guntow, and joining us this year, Past President David Lewis. (Applause) Ladies and gentlemen your Executive Committee for 2012-2013. Thank you gentlemen.
President John Denver: Next we have remarks from Terry Thompson, Board of Trustees.
Trustee Terry Thompson: Good morning everyone. I would thank you all for your support so that I could serve another term on the Board of Trustees. I want to thank my fellow trustees, I can really say that this team of trustees, that we have now and the past several years, has worked as a team, which we should be to improving the benefits that we are able to provide to the people that are injured in the line-of-duty or the widow or widowers when someone is killed in the line-of-duty.
I can tell you that we are going to continue working on that. We had a long discussion on Sunday morning and tomorrow morning we will be meeting again at the Executive Committee meeting. We will be announcing some enhancements to rewards. If you need any of us, during an injury, line-of-duty injury or death, please contact us, because that is why we are here. We are here to serve you all. Thank you very much. (Applause)
President John Denver: Next we would like to introduce the assistant officers. We will start with the Assistant Secretaries: Richard Hemphill, Shirley Copado, Tom Scott and Nancy Scott. Assistant Treasurers: George A. Fred Cross, Jr., Past President, Robert W. Jacobs, Past President, and Lee Sachs, Past President. Assistant Financial Secretary: Mike Faust. The Office of the Attorney: Michael Farlow, Esq. Office of Parliamentarian: Chair Richard Brooks, William J. Wagner and Ken Bush. The Assistant Chaplains will be Rev. Frederick Bahr, Deacon Charles Barnhart, Jr., Rabbi Kenneth Block, Rev. David L. Coblentz, Rev. Harry Hetz, Rev. Marvin Jackson, Deacon George L’Heureux, and Calvin “Pete” Walbert. And we would like Trustee and Past President Terry Thompson to come out for the swearing in to office which will be done by Past President David Lewis.
230 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference
Past President David Lewis: Let me begin by congratulating you. (Because he did not use the mike, what he said was not recorded as he swore the above into their respective offices.) (Applause)
President John Denver: Next we will have a presentation on the National Fire Heritage Center preserving the written fire history in America. This will be presented by Wayne Powell. The Heritage Center is a tenant of the new Museum; both opened last year and together their joint efforts collects, preserves and makes available for access critical written texts, records and documents from both the firefighting disciplines and related fields of fire protection from codes to sprinkler technology and from fire equipment manufacturing to acknowledging the contributions of those who have struggled to protect their neighbors, businesses and institutions of our society from the ravages of fire. ayneW Powell.
Wayne Powell, Fire/Life Safety Specialist, Marriott Fire Protection: Good morning everybody. How you all are? As Minnie Pearl would say “Howdy”. I am so proud to be here.
I want to share a little something I think will be of interest to all of you. And if you don’t mind, l’d like to have a little fun along the way. At the end of each of these three aisles, there are people with brochures about what I am going to share with you over the next couple of minutes. If at any time you want to go back and pick one up, please do. My mission this morning, if I can get all of this to come together for me, is to speak on behalf of a dedicated group of men and women from all over the United States, in all related disciplines of fire or fure depending upon where you are from. The National Fire Heritage Center is part of the fire landscape in metropolitan Emmitsburg as you all already know. And our working relationships with all the other activities based there are just extraordinary. And I am delighted to have these few minutes with you today to talk about your legacy, your history, and all of them with whom you have served, including those members of your own family who may have already gone on before. The National Fire Heritage Center was born from the realization that every day critical bits and pieces of our history are disappearing. Most of us in the firefighting business are really kind of oriented around three dimensional things. If you will the badges, the helmets and the equipment and the trumpets and the antique apparatus and what have you. But behind all of that there is written word of great importance. And much of that has already disappeared, in fact literally daily, some of the things are being thrown away and we will never be able to be found again. So the Fire Heritage Center is not only about the fire services but for all of that are connected, related disciplines fire protection. The Fire Service and Fire Protection Disciplines are working together to Preserve Historic Documents via a Fire Museum and an Archival Effort in Emmitsburg.
Across the country, there are thousands of collections of fire memorabilia such as buckets, badges, helmets and even old fire trucks, too. But, there’s no repository for the written 231 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference word or photographs. And, that’s begun to change. A group of national fire protection leaders have been hard at work for some years now to launch National Fire Heritage Center (NFHC – the Heritage Center) in Emmitsburg, Frederick County, Maryland, to help preserve records and documents from both the field of fire protection and also the firefighting disciplines. A cooperative initiative with the Frederick County Fire / Rescue Museum and Preservation Society, Inc. (the Museum), has allowed this dual initiative to develop, evolve and succeed.
The former Emmitsburg Volunteer Ambulance Company building on South Seton Avenue, vacant from mid-2007 until late 2010, after tons of volunteer effort now houses the collections. All aspects of both efforts are done entirely on a voluntary basis. Work began on reinvigorating the building in June 2010 upon approval of the Frederick County Board of County Commissioners and the Town of Emmitsburg.
Both groups work on means to save and preserve documents and papers relating to the fire service and fire protection nationally as well as items from across the county, too. Both groups have as their goal to save more cardboard boxes full of firefighters’ works from ending up in the dump. Project organizers are excited about uncovering records that will share stories about the fire service and related fields, and the critical thinking behind various concepts. Everyone else collects hardware, we want documents – that said, when collections are donated, 3-dimensional items are nearly always included. And, particularly important is documenting the evolution of technology over the years, too. The Museum works with the Frederick County Volunteer Fire / Rescue Association so that all interested can learn about the proud history of the county’s fire companies and the brave and resourceful men and women who have served area communities for several centuries now and still do. As well, historical items from the Maryland State Firemen’s Association are also included. Past President Bobby Balta serves on the NFHC Board.
The Heritage Center group has been using as its model the U.S. Army’s Heritage and Education Center in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, to get an idea what’s involved in such an undertaking. The USAHEC motto is, “telling the story of the Army one soldier at a time,” which has a special ring to it that could also well apply to all in our country who have given of their time, talents, money and sometimes their lives to help protect our county from the ravages of unwanted fire. Such a project is long overdue for the fire community. Both groups are IRS 501c3 non-profit organizations incorporated in the State of Maryland.
The Heritage Center collection, in concert with the County Museum, is housed at 300B South Seton Avenue, within walking distance of the National Fire Academy - U.S. Fire Administration / NETC campus. The off-campus site was pursued to make it will be easier for the public to visit and yes, it will be open to the general public. In fact, several area citizens with a keen interest in history have already expressed their desire to assist. Town officials and local fire service folks have been excited about the overall project continually offering their collective support. The works of both groups make for a great addition to the 232 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference town; and, it’s only fitting since the National Fire Academy / U.S. Fire Administration and the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial are here, too. Also, the Emmitsburg Business & Professional Association and the Town are both NFHC Platinum Members. Recognizing that the nation’s fire services and fire protection disciplines work in concert with the NFHC as protectors of our rich history. For some years now, NETC campus leaders, too, have supported the effort saying that the Heritage Center is a project that absolutely has to be done and Emmitsburg is the ideal place for it to be based.
The NFHC is an IRS 501c3 non-profit organization incorporated in Maryland and based in Emmitsburg, near the outstanding resources of the United States Fire Administration and its National Fire Academy, the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Foundation, National Fire Data Center, National Fire Programs, Learning Resource Center, PREPNet TV studios, Emergency Management Institute - all located on the NETC campus. No other such effort exists to help save the important historical written work related to both America’s Fire Services and Fire Protection Disciplines.
This effort enhances the current initiatives of fire museums (holders of 3-dimentional artifacts) and fire libraries (keepers of written work that sometimes gets tossed when no longer frequently referenced / example, old building & fire codes) while also helping local, state and national groups, fire departments (in communities large and small), fire-related businesses, buffs, including active and retired individuals and their families, too, learn how to preserve and protect unique and even one-only collections, too. Different levels of memberships are available to all who share a desire to be a part of “Preserving the Perishable” – is the NFHC’s Motto. Oral histories are also a part of the efforts.
Examples abound where holders of written history have been dismayed to learn that no single place exists to transfer or receive valuable materials even when offered. It is the intent of the newly evolving National Fire Heritage Center (NFHC) to bring about a systematic process to overcome these shortcomings. Envisioned is a “Center” for assuring the collection of and access to historical information, both electronically and otherwise. It is both an archive and legacy documentation preservation project. The NFHC effort has been designed to not supplant but rather to support existing fire libraries, which generally contain documents of the second half of the 20th century, or fire museums, which often contain only limited written materials for ready reference or only hold materials specific to one locality and not global or national / international in scope.
Upon being incorporated in the State of Maryland, the National Fire Heritage Center received its IRS 501c3 non-profit organizational status in the fall of 2006 allowing it to receive tax-deductible contributions and collection-suitable donations. When first launched, the original concept was referred to as “Heritage Hall.” The National Fire Heritage Center of today is a more encompassing organizational title which can be thought of as a central
233 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference repository of significant written history of the fire services and fire protection disciplines from throughout our nation’s history.
While the Museum will contain 3-dimensional items the Heritage Center could be considered as the “attic of the fire community” – a place where important historical written materials are held and even better are properly maintained / catalogued to ultimately to be accessible via electronic means for those doing research. To learn more, consult the organization’s website, www.nationalfireheritagecenter.org (or the newly emerging site, www.thenfhc.org). A Membership Application can also be found on-line.
NFHC Mission Statement: The National Fire Heritage Center exists to preserve, protect and increase the utilization of contributors to the body of knowledge of the American Fire Protection Services and allied disciplines through identification, acquisition, preservation, conservation and restoration. The NFHC seeks to remember all who made decades long contributions to the fire community. A series of memorandums of understanding have been developing between the NFHC and a number of national fire-related groups and agencies.
NFHC Purpose: Gaining access to historical fire-related writings is difficult to impossible to achieve as there exists no centralized, coordinated archival activity to insure that important written materials are saved in an accessible fashion. Indeed, much of the rich written history of fire in America is hard to locate with some of it having already been lost. And, more is being lost each day, too. Most such documentation that does exist is held in private collections where access is exceedingly difficult. Often those locations are not readily known, don’t have support personnel on hand to assist patrons nor trained individuals to properly collect, restore, preserve, and catalog materials such that they can be electronically accessed by others.
Ladies and gentlemen I am delighted to have had this opportunity to have been with you. I will be around for a little while before I head out if you have any questions. Thank you very much for your attention and have a great parade. Bye bye. (Applause)
President John Denver: Wayne we have a proclamation thanking you for your presentation that I would like to present to you. And we have a convention bag and mug. (Applause) I ask Ron Siarnicki to come to the podium for the final Convention Committee Report.
Ron Siarnicki, Convention Com. Chair: Well it is winding down. Today we will finish up in here but we still have activities over the next couple of days.
It has been interesting with all the changes here at the Convention Center, what we have been able to pull together. And that would not have been possible without the efforts of the Convention Steering Committee and the Convention Committee as a whole. When we got word that there was going to be a construction project here, we were pretty concerned 234 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference about how we were going to be able to maintain the elements of our annual convention, but as you can see the teams that worked on this pulled it together. There are a few changes of course but we were able to pull it together. So I would like to ask if you would join me in a round of applause for all those people that did all that work. (Applause)
The construction update for next year we are just not sure if the back will be finished or not. It is supposed to be but we are just not positive about that. As you well know in any construction project things never seem to stay on schedule but if you haven’t followed that process, the intent for this phase of the project will be an extension on this level all the way out to the bay of an additional meeting room and exhibit space. And the back wall at the bay end will be all glass, so that when you come into the main ballroom, you will be able to see out over the bay and have the beautiful waterfront as the view.
Also, underneath this level which was the old loading dock, we used to have the picnic and the Monday night beach parties that will all be exhibit space as well. And we plan to move the exhibits that are in there now what we call the old “C” Hall, which is underneath this room, outback and that will add to the exhibits we have over in the new wing which is the old “A/B” Hall. So there is a lot that is going to be happening.
Once that project is completed, the town of Ocean City has gotten the approval to start the next phase of the construction which will be to put in a 1,200 set performing arts theatre with a full stage and theatrical support activities. And the plan is that it will be a two-leveled room. Two level facility and actually what is going to happen is everything on the backside of this temporary wall which is where we had the President’s Banquet, the picnic lunch yesterday, the prayer breakfast and the bingo events that actually will be under renovation after this project being finished. And they will put the two-level theatre for the performing arts center in there. It will run north to south, probably with seating on this level – high on this side and the stage down below that we now use as an exhibit hall. So that is the next phase. They have been through the Board of Public Works, they have support from the Stadium Authority and that will be the next piece we have to deal with as we go through. Hopefully when that is finished we will be back to having a formal stage and a performance area without so much of the pipe and drape and some of the other audio-visual things such as the light trussing we had. So please stay tune to that. Keep aware of what is going on the MSFA website, we will provide updates to all of you so you can be prepared for next year’s event.
This year we have actually set some records. The attendance at the Monday Night Jolley Roger was over 2,000 members of the MSFA, so we broke the 2,000 mark for Monday night. That is a phenomenal thing for all of us. And that is part of our commitment from the Convention Committee to get back to some family activities where we could do some things as a family unit.
The Memorial Service we had about 1,800 people in here for the service on Sunday. And 235 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference we did see a lot of interest in the new member benefits we provided. I understand that the seated massage was busy all day yesterday for those that took advantage of it. And the hands-on training we are really going to try and expand that and provide more training as part of the Convention.
Of course today the parade starts at 1:00, you’ve heard people talking about this as it is expected to be in the high 90s. So please bring lots of water and make sure you are hydrated. We know that it is going to be a little confusing, we have already been trying to deal with the questions, the best I can tell you is to bare with us, it is a new route. The route is a result of a request from the Town of Ocean City, trying to deal with the traffic flow in town and also the huge costs relative to public safety overtime in order to keep the traffic moving throughout the Town of Ocean City. So lineup is still at the inlet parking lot. And then they will move blocks of apparatus from the inlet up to the start of the parade, kind of like in a convoy. They will dispatch them in groups and they will flow normal traffic conditions from the inlet up to around 14th street where they will be staged to run the parade from there up to 30th street. And we are going to see how it goes. Apparently many of you have been down there for the Ravens Roust, the same parade route use for that event. So we are going to work through that and see how it goes and see what the feedback is. Yes sir – (question from audience). Yes madam, I am sorry, the lights are too bright! (The question was where are the reviewing stands?) They are on 23rd and 28th from what I understand. Two reviewing stands. So we are hoping we will get through it this year and make it work. It is something new and we put a lot of plans and energy into it.
The other thing is don’t forget Executive Committee meeting tomorrow morning in the East Hall which is where the ladies have been meeting all week. And then the golf tournament on Friday at Eagles’ Landing which starts at 7:30 sharp, I think there was 1 foursome left but otherwise it is completely sold out. If you are scheduled to play, please come on out. If you think you want to see Fred Cross. He is down on the lower level.
So I hope that the Convention Committee has met your expectations, we have had a lot to overcome this year and a lot to adapt to but I feel that we have given you a good event. I want to thank you for bearing with us through these changes and as we continue to grow in the convention. Are there any other questions? Mr. Past President. (Question relating to how units will be moved from inlet for parade.) My understanding is that they are going to move them in blocks – like a convoy. They are not marching, they will just be moving with the regular flow of traffic – just the vehicles. Bands and marching units will be placed on the side streets from 13th through 15th. But the vehicles only will be moved in blocks through town. The problem is there is no place to stage all those fire trucks, EMS units, etc. up there. It will involve two moves of equipment. Any other questions? Next years’ dates – June 15 start of Convention here in Ocean City with President Banquet on Saturday night, Memorial Service on Sunday, still working on weekday schedule but Golf Tournament on Friday.
236 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Don’t forget we have bus passes, good through the next couple of days. Try to ride the bus to keep the traffic down. It is a nice benefit for everybody. Parking is going to be at a premium, especially down at the parade route. So you might want to ride the bus down if you are going to watch it. The other thing the curtain has asked me to do is to call on Richard Brooks - are you here? Would you come out here. Nice! So I have been asked to bring him out and say thanks. If you didn’t notice the doo, this was what this was all about! Richard has done a lot with the Convention; he serves as our Master of Ceremonies for many events. That was just a way to get him out here to get him on the internet, so that he has been blasted around the world with his very special doo today. So anyway, thank you, it is a pleasure serving as your convention chairman. If you have any issues you want to bring to the table, if you have any ideas or suggestions, we would love to hear them. We will hold our critique for the convention probably late August and we will get things cranking for next year. Other than that, thank you very much and it has been a pleasure serving as your chairman. (Applause)
President John Denver: I would like to thank Ron and the Convention Committee. Again, they have done a tremendous job this week.
Also like to remind you again, those of you who are thinking about leaving about now, the Bay Bridge will be closed for an hour starting at 1:00. Stop and see the parade instead!
Those of you who are interested in picking up the certificates for families have multiple generations serving in the fire service or for those serving in the military; those certificates will be at the Executive Committee meeting tomorrow morning. The Executive Committee Meeting will be in the East Hall starting at 9:00. Those that are not picked up tomorrow morning will be given to the appropriate Executive Committee Member and they will distribute them as soon as they can.
The next thing we need to do is start some of the drawings. And I would like CJ Benz from Providence. CJ is the regional director. Please come on the stage.
C.J. Benz, Providence Ins.: How’s everybody doing? The heat is here – stay hydrated! First off I would like to congratulate Past President Lewis on his term and wish President Denver a successful term as well. Wonderful convention. As I think back, I don’t think I have been around this long but somehow I have made it to twenty conventions. I don’t know how that happened. If I can get the President out here to pick the winner of the bronze engraved fire axe from Providence Insurance. The winner is Saltwater – Charles Stewart of North East Fire Company, Cecil County. (Cheers and applause!) Thank you very much.
President John Denver: Next we would like John Fisher, Chairman of the Safety Committee. They have a drawing for the seatbelt pledges.
237 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference John Fisher, Safety Chair: Morning. We have a basket of safety equipment for those that signed the seatbelt pledge; they were able to fill out a chance for the giveaway. Mr. President and Past President Lewis, we need each of you to draw a ticket. We would like to thank Past President Lewis, he has been very supportive of the safety avenues and anything the safety committee can do to help any company, please contact us.
Winner: Don Miller – We have his phone number, so we will be contacting him to pick up the basket.
Winner: Janet Fallscott – We have her phone number and we will be calling her from back stage.
We would like to thank those who participated. Again, our big push, we would like to see the State of Maryland become the first state to have 100% in the seatbelt compliance. It is something that we should be able to reach and it is the state law – riding in the fire apparatus that you wear your seatbelt! So it is just a matter of getting some signatures of your riders and if there is ANYTHING the Safety Committee can do help any of the departments please get with us, we are on the website. Thank you.
President John Denver: Thank you very much. Next we will have Past President Gene Worthington with the drawing for the Maryland Fire Rescue Memorial Foundation.
Gene Worthington, Past President: Good morning. I bring you greetings from the Maryland Fire Rescue Memorial Foundation. You know our biggest challenge is to continue on. You know we have a budget that we need to meet every year and we got to keep raising funds so this is one of the benefits we are trying to raise funds and we are doing a raffle on the jacket. John if you will draw a name. The jacket is extra-large but if that is not the right size we’ll get you one. The winner is from Pennsylvania, Delvia Kumm, Cariganville, PA. I feel certain she is not here.
Also as part of our ongoing money raising efforts, we are requesting that every station in Maryland purchase a Memorial Picture and display in honor of our fallen firefighters. Through-out the year the Presidents will have these with them as they travel. They are $75.00 just as you see them, already framed. So please we are requesting all the stations to have one. Thank you very much.
President John Denver: I would like the Ways and Means Committee to come forward now for the $10,000 raffle.
Lou Jonske, Chair: Ok, this is the time everyone has been waiting for. I know it is the time I have been waiting for. Now I can stop selling these chances.
238 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Presidents, the incoming and the out-going Presidents, I want to thank you guys for allowing me to chair this committee.
Most of the work that is done on this committee is done by my committee here. And as of the close of business today we have turned in $56,319. (Applause and cheers) We had thought we were going to make a record this year but yesterday was slow and we got to beat that $58,000 this year when John is President. So we have to work a little harder. So we will get it this year - $58,000 but I got to thank a few special people. Number one is my committee, because these people put in HOURS, and I mean HOURS. They work the Chesapeake City Canal Days, the Harford County Fair, the Bel Air B-B-Q Bash, the Darlington Apple Festival, the Sunfest, the Springfest and here at the convention. I mean hours, days they put in.
Need to thank a few other special people. Chuck Austin – he sold $1,400 worth of chances on his own. Gloria Lewis sold $600 on her own. Betty Pilkerton, from the LAMSFA sold $500 on her own and she is 85 years old!! What can you do, she is a great salesperson.
I would like to thank John. You reappointed me again this year didn’t you? Thanks for my reappointment to the committee.
And right now I am going to bring up Past President Lewis to give us special thanks to my people who worked all these 4 or 5 affairs that I spoke of. Like I said they spent hours – in the cold, in the rain and in the heat, so Dave.
Past President Dave Lewis: Lou I just want to take a moment of personal privilege to thank you and the entire team out here. As you heard him mention, these folks travel around, at their own expense, on their own time, to Springfest, Sunfest, every festival they could find in order to sell these tickets. And this is the huckster (Lou) I am telling you. I have watched him here in Ocean City inlet – gang tackle people in order to get them to buy chances. So you buy a beer for $4 and you have a dollar change – buy a ticket with that. Either that or skip the beer and just buy the tickets and get yourself a headache later. I certainly want to take this opportunity to thank you and the members of the committee and I have a Certificate of Appreciation. I will read the first one.
“The Officers and Members of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association offer our sincere thanks and appreciation for your service and support as a member of the Ways and Means Committee. This committee has done an outstanding job promoting the annual $10,000 raffle and contributes significant toward the operational funding to support the mission of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association. Thank you on a job well-done.” Signed by myself and Secretary Joe Cooper. I certainly thank you and I am going give you the first one because you are the ring-leader. Anna and hopefully I got everyone and if not Lou will give me another list! Mitch. John Means here? I know he kind of takes care of the Central Maryland area. Buddy Schweers, your other half, Lou Ann Schweers, John Byrne, Betty 239 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Byrne, Chris Cornes, there’s John – I’d like to thank you for your support. Chris’s daughter Sue, Alan Thompson, Shirley Thompson, thank you Lou.
Lou Jonske, Chair: All right. This crew that got the certificates are the people that spend the time at all the festivals and they work like he said, they work many hours and they’re on their own dime – MSFA does not pay our way. We have fun doing it.
Here we go for the first big winner. She went deep, she went deep (Miss Fire Prevention and 1st Runner-up drew the winners). The winner of the $10,000 is a P. Walsh and read the phone number. Is he/she here? P. Walsh we will get a hold of him/her.
I know, I been told about 100,050 times to find my ticket. The second winner is Potomac Fire Company #2 in Westernport, MD for $2,500. (Applause and cheers)
And the third winner for $1,500 is Lauren Kidd, Lauren are you here? Nope – we will get a hold of you too.
Fourth place winner of a $1,000 is Guy Geisel, Denton, Maryland. Are you here? We will contact you also.
Fifth place winner of $750 is Diane R. Love. Sixth place winner is Richard Allan for $500.00. Next for seventh place winner is Ken Wilson for $250. Is he here? We will contact him. Next winner for the 8th prize is The Reese & Community Fire Company of Westminster for $100. For the ninth place is Danielle Redrigue from Glen Burnie, MD for $100. Last but not least is Debbie/John Shukey of Lonaconing, MD for $100. Yeah! We got somebody over there? We do. Is that you? Step right up.
Ok guys we thank everybody for all their participation and all their hard work. And we will see you again this time next year.
President John Denver: We want to thank Lou and his committee. That is a tremendous amount of money they have raised, and also an awful lot of work. In the future, please help. Please sell tickets.
I would like to call for any unfinished business of the Association. Again, calling for any unfinished business of the Association. One last call for any unfinished business of the Association.
We will now move to new business. New business for the Association. Is there any new business for the Association? Last call for new business.
I would like to call Deacon Barnhart forward for the benediction.
240 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Deacon Charles E. Barnhart, Jr.: Let us rise. Let us pray. Gracious God we thank you for bringing another successful convention of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association and Ladies Auxiliary to a close. We give you thanks for the Officers this past year and for the new Officers who are going in to begin their journey around this great state. We ask you to be with us during the rest of the events that are going on here in Ocean City. We ask you to be with those who are traveling back today, grant them safe travel as they return to their respective fire stations to resume the work of each and every individual fire company. And now may the Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you. And may the Lord light up his wonderful light of his countenance upon you and grant you His peace until we meet again. In the name of the Father and the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
President John Denver: There is a motion and a second to adjourn. All in favor aye. All opposed no. Motion carries. It is adjourned. Quick reminder, the bus for judges and officers will leave out front at 12:00. Be careful, be safe and again, it is a hot day, hydrate well. Thank you!
241 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Report of the President
It is indeed an honor and pleasure to submit this report to the 120th Annual Convention of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association as your President. I am humbled to serve this great organization and honored to follow the footsteps of so many great individuals that have walked this path before me. This past year has been especially rewarding as my wife Gloria and I traveled across this state and have been welcomed into your firehouse families and offered your hospitality and support. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your family.
Serving as your President has given me a greater appreciation for the amount of work that occurs behind the scenes to make this association as successful as it is. Thanks to the Past Presidents for your continued advice and leadership, to my fellow officers for your participation as a team to enable the association to move forward, and to the Executive Committee members under the leadership of Wylie Donaldson for your continued leadership of the association in between conventions. Thanks also to each of the committees of this fine organization who are the true work horses of this association. We could not execute our mission without the countless of hours expended by our committees in fulfilling their duties in support of the state’s volunteer fire and EMS services.
Unfortunately, the past year could not go with some sorrow and grief. This year, we lost two past Presidents who were powerful leaders of this association and good friends to a great many of us. Past President Raymond Adkins passed away on December 29, 2011, and Charles “Jenks” Mattingly passed away on January 16, 2012. Both of these men served as good leaders of this association and their own home companies and will be truly missed by everyone who knew them.
We also experienced two tragic line of duty deaths with the loss of Christopher Staley from Cobb Island Volunteer Fire Department on August 6, 2011, and John Gallagher of the Bryans Road Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad on November 23, 2011. Chris Staley was still at an early point in his fire service career but was already fully dedicated to the service and his community. He gave his life while attempting to save the life of another in line with his training and call of duty. John Gallagher was a life member of the Bryans Road Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad, and was currently serving as Secretary to the company. We offer our sincere sympathies to the Staley and Gallagher families, the Cobb Island Volunteer Fire Department, and the Bryans Road Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad
In addition to the above individuals, we lost many other friends and family members over the past year. We will honor their memory on Sunday night as part of this convention and hope that our faith gives us the strength to carry forward in their honor.
242 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference The strength of the Maryland emergency services system has its foundation set in the relationships that exist between the Maryland State Firemen’s Association, the Maryland Fire Chiefs Association, the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute (MFRI), the Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services System (MIEMSS), Maryland State Police Aviation Division, the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center, the Office of the State Fire Marshal, and the Department of Natural Resources Forestry Division (DNR/Forestry). Throughout the year, there were countless occasions when this coalition of partners banded together to support a common vision and goal to make the Maryland emergency services system one of the best in the country/world. I want to thank each of our partner agencies for the excellent working relationship that we have sustained during this past year. Together, we will continue to make Maryland a better place to live. Our year began following last year’s convention with visits to each of our neighboring states as they celebrated their own conventions. In addition to sharing a border with these states, we also share many of the same concerns and challenges in advocating a volunteer emergency services system in each of our states. I want to thank the states of Delaware, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia for their invitations to their annual conventions and sending representatives to attend the MSFA convention each June. We also meet twice a year in the forum of the Presidents’ Council of the Cumberland Valley Volunteer Firemen’s Association to share progress and concerns. MSFA had the pleasure of hosting the Presidents’ Council for their spring meeting on April 14, 2012, at the Cordova Volunteer Firemen’s Association. We were able to provide some eastern shore hospitality to our neighboring states representatives for this meeting and I extend a personal thanks to the members of Cordova who participated for that meeting.
The new year (2012) brought forth one of the most interesting yet challenging legislative sessions of recent years. When we went to Annapolis at the start of the legislative session, I had a vision that the most that we would have to do was protect our budget in these difficult economic times. In reality, several opportunities presented themselves that made this session one of the most successful for the MSFA. I am most proud that we were successful in the passage of legislation that will require automatic fire sprinkler systems in all new homes. I anticipate that we will look back in the next 10 years or so and realize just what an impact this important legislation has made on life safety. We were also successful in helping with the passage of several other bills that I am sure will be highlighted in the report from our Legislative Committee. I want to thank Past Presidents Danny Davis and Richard Yinger for their leadership in Annapolis and helping support the mission of the MSFA.
As I traveled across this state for the past three years, I observed that many of the issues and challenges impacting the volunteer emergency services were common among several counties. On February 28, 2012, I hosted a Volunteer Leadership Summit in order to provide a forum for the leadership from across the state to gather together and discuss
243 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference these issues. There were 84 participants at this summit representing every county from across the state. As a result of the summit, I appointed a special task force to identify key strategic initiatives that we can implement together as a unified volunteer coalition. It is my hope that we are able to implement some of these initiatives to help sustain a viable volunteer emergency services system in the state of Maryland. A key area that I took a personal interest in when I first began my climb up the MSFA ladder was to identify ways that we could improve operational safety for our responders. I am proud of what we have been able to accomplish in this area in the past year and look forward to participating in these initiatives after my term of office is completed. We reorganized the MSFA Safety Committee in order to realign them in accordance with their constitutional duties. Thanks to the members of the Safety Committee for your efforts to reduce line of duty injuries and deaths. Working closely with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, we have adopted the 16 Life Safety Initiatives, provided safety related training programs across the state, and expanded our promotion of the Seat Belt Pledge program and Courage to Be Safe Program. We worked closely with MFRI for the adoption of the Medical Clearance Policy to ensure that training related injuries are reduced. MIEMSS initiated and Ambulance Safety Task Force to look at ambulance vehicle crash data and develop recommended best practices to reduce accidents and injuries. We worked with the Life Safety Sub-committee of the Metro Chiefs Committee on the presentation of two safety related seminar offerings. All of these safety related programs are essential to reducing emergency responder injuries and deaths. What have you done in your department to adopt these essential safety related programs?
This year, with the support of the Executive Committee, we initiated two new programs within the MSFA to provide benefit to our members. The first of these programs, a Wills for Heroes Program, chaired by Past President Roger Powell, offers free legal services to any MSFA member in the development of a simple will. Our second initiative, a Cancer Support Network, chaired by Beth Stone, is developing support mechanisms for our members and their families who are dealing with cancer illnesses. Both of these programs are in their early stages of development and we anticipate that there will be more interest in these programs as word of these benefits become more widespread with our membership.
We have worked hard this year to improve our communications with the members of the MSFA through the Volunteer Trumpet, the Maryland Fire Dispatch, a presence on Facebook, and regular notices through the MSFA email distribution list. We made the conscious decision to stop printing and mailing the Volunteer Trumpet this year and to make it an on-line publication. This allowed us to increase the frequency of the Trumpet and realize cost savings that could be passed on to other MSFA programs. My thanks to Amber Leizear for taking on the responsibility for the publication of the Volunteer Trumpet and the Maryland Fire Dispatch.
As my year comes to a close, I offer a special thanks to Vice Presidents John Denver and
244 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Jackie Olson for their support and assistance over the past year. Leading the MSFA is not a one person task and I have leaned on both of you during the past year and you have responded with your support and assistance to me. But more importantly, you have been a friend and an ally as we worked together to advance the mission of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association. As you continue your climb up the MSFA ladder, I pledge my full support to each of you to assist you in any way that I can. I also would like to extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to my long time advisor and mentor, Wylie Donaldson, who has served now on the Executive Committee for fourteen years. When I first decided to ascend the ladder of the MSFA, I consulted with Wylie and explained that I would only do so with his support and assistance. I learned to lean on Wylie for advice as my Chief and President at Odenton VFC, and now I lean on him again as an advisor and a friend. Thank you Wylie for all the support that you have given to me.
I would also like to extend my congratulations and thanks to LA-MSFA President Teresa Crisman and all of the Ladies Auxiliary members. We started the year as the team of “Big and Large” and I could not have asked for a better partner. Teresa and I worked together throughout the year to better our organizations and! am proud of what we have accomplished together. I learned a long time ago to appreciate the role of the Ladies Auxiliaries because of the support that I have seen in my own home company. I continue to be impressed by the ladies auxiliaries across this state as I witness first hand their participation in fire prevention, fund raising, and administrative activities of their company. To all the ladies auxiliary members out there, I say “Thank you”.
A very special thanks and appreciation go to my wife Gloria, our children David Jr. and Tracy, and our three grandchildren Ashley, Tina, and Noah. One’s family is the most important part of your support system when you take on such responsibility as being the President of the MSFA. But their support has never wavered. They have been here each June to celebrate another convention and accepted the sacrifice that I was not able to be with them for every family occasion. To each of them I send my love and can only say that now that my term is over we can have time as a family again. Especially to my wife Gloria with whom I will celebrate 40 years of marriage next April. Thank you honey and I love you with all my heart. While it has indeed been a great honor to serve this association over the past year, it would not have been possible without the support of my loving wife Gloria, my family, the members of the Odenton Volunteer Fire Company and Ladies Auxiliary, the member companies of the Anne Arundel County Volunteer Firefighters Association and Ladies Auxiliary, my friend and close advisor Wylie Donaldson, and Director Steve Edwards and the faculty/staff of the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute. Each of these individuals serve as my support team and have provided me the support and motivation to do the best job that I can on behalf of the state’s emergency services providers. I extend to each of you my sincere gratitude and hope that I have lived up to your expectations.
245 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference By the time that we travel to Ocean City for this convention and you read this report, I will have traveled over 30,000 miles and attended over 400 meetings/events during the past year representing you as President. Each and every visit to each and every fire station has been a joy and I thank each of you for this opportunity, your hospitality, and your support.
As the sun sets on Tuesday evening and I pass the badge of the presidency to John Denver, I will leave with many fond memories of these past three years in office. I pledge my full support to the association, the incoming officers, and each of the member companies of the great Association. Enjoy your time in Ocean City this week but play safe. Good luck on a successful 120th annual convention and I hope to see many of you around town or on the boardwalk.
Respectfully, David W. Lewis
Report of the First Vice President
President Lewis, 2nd Vice President Olson, Officers, Member and Guests, It has been a fast, enjoyable, and productive twelve months since our last convention. I would like to begin by congratulating President Lewis on an extremely successful year. Under his leadership the MSFA moved forward on a number of important initiatives. The most far reaching of these was the passage of the Residential Sprinkler legislation. The importance of this law cannot be overstated. Lives, both civilians and firefighters, will be saved.
While we kept a very busy schedule, President Lewis was always available for questions and advice. We traveled across the state attending all kinds of events. Whenever possible, President Lewis, 2nd Vice President Olson, and I traveled together. This enabled us to discuss many of the issues facing the volunteer fire service in Maryland. This exchange of information, ideas, and viewpoints has been very helpful in preparing me for my duties next year. I will always be grateful to both Dave and Jackie.
This year, I again had the privilege to represent the MSFA at a several neighboring states’ conventions. Each time I go to other states, I come away with an even higher appreciation of what we have here in Maryland. Through the hard work of our predecessors, and our partnerships, we have a system that is second to none. We need to continue to nourish and grow those partnerships. Our partner agencies have displays and representatives here at our convention. I encourage each of you to talk with them, and thank them.
The National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend causes a wide range of emotion. Feelings of sorrow for the loss of firefighters are coupled with pride and honor for their sacrifice. There is also the desire to help support the survivors. This year there was also the relief that the number of those honored continues to decrease. It is fitting that the MSFA 246 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference participates in this event. It was even more of an honor to represent the MSFA this year as it was the Tenth Anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attack.
This year saw many 9/11 memorials, but one of the most moving was the flag ceremony before the Ravens home opener. The groups brought together that day represented first responders, police and firefighters, and the military. It was a tremendous honor to represent the MSFA as part of that group. It was an extremely moving experience. As one organizer put it “You’ll tell your grandchildren about this.” He was right, I already have.
Unfortunately, this year also saw the passing of two Past Presidents. Raymond Adkins and Charles “Jenks” Mattingly both served this association well and will be missed.
I would also note with sorrow the passing of Shirley Herring of my own department. Shirley was a long time member of Singerly Fire Company. She held a number of offices, and I was honored to be inducted into the Harford-Cecil Hall of Fame on the same evening as Shirley.
There are many people that I must thank. First of all, my wife Anna Marie, my children Tracey and Mike, their spouses and our grandchildren deserve many thanks. I would also like to recognize Singerly Fire Company, the Cecil County Firemen’s Association, and the Harford‑ Cecil Association. A thank you also goes to the many officers, committee members, and past presidents of the MSFA. So many of you have given me help, support, and advice, I will do my utmost to earn the faith you have shown in me.
Respectfully submitted, John J. Denver
Report of the Second Vice President
President Lewis, First Vice President Denver, Chairman Donaldson, Members of the Executive Committee, Officers, Past Presidents, Committee Chairs, and Guests of the Annual Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Convention and Conference.
As I write my report to you as your Second Vice President of this great organization, again I must emphasize just how humbled I am to have served you this past year, the experience has been challenging and rewarding. I thank all of you, and the Officers and Past Presidents for your support and assistance during the year, it was greatly appreciated and your suggestions and guidance was always welcomed and I look forward to working with you and for you these next years.
As I travel across the State, I am learning so much about how different each county is managed when it comes to the Volunteer Fire, Rescue and Emergency Medical Services. It
247 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference seems we have one common goal and that is to provide the best service to our community, whether saving lives, protecting property or just being an integral part of their community. We will do what it takes to get the job done and fight to keep what we need to keep providing this service as well as to survive.
Remember those many dedicated members who have passed in the last year and my condolences to each family member and their home company. I will miss you Mr. Adkins and my friend “Jenks”.
A Job Well Done to the team effort of the Legislative Committee, chaired by Past Presidents Danny Davis and Richard Yinger, the Residential Sprinkler Committee, chaired by Richard Green, and our partner agencies, and special thanks to Fire Marshal Bill Barnard who was there whenever needed. Thanks for your hard work, long hours and dedication to protecting the citizens of our State.
Congratulations to Dave Lewis on your successful tenure as President of this great association and thanks for your support, leadership, critique, and our talks on long rides and for your friendship most of all. I would also like to Congratulate John Denver and wish him well as he assumes the Office of the President of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association. My appreciation is also extended to the Past Presidents of this great association for your support, fellowship and assistance this past year. A special thanks to Secretary Cooper, Treasurer Ron Siarnicki, Financial Secretary Fred Cross, Chief Chaplain John Long and all the assistant officers, as well as the Executive Committee Members ad Committee Chairs and members for working together to help us reach and accomplish our goals to better our organization and to keep it moving forward.
I would also like to say a very special thank you to Danny Davis, Richard Yinger, Joe Robison, Joan Robison and Bobby Collins for your years of dedication serving as Chairman of your committee, it was greatly appreciated and I wish you all the best and don’t be strangers, keep in touch.
Teresa Ann, President of the Ladies Auxiliary to the Maryland State Firemen’s Association, Congratulations on a successful year and for your friendship, assistance and late night, early morning, anytime peep talks. Also, along with your normal duties we were able to judge a couple parades, take road trips to other states and DC, worked the MACO exhibit with some pirates of the lottery, sat in a skybox and watch a NFFM Nascar Race, attended a beautiful tribute and heartwarming experience at NFFF Memorial weekend, attended fire company banquets, visited some candy stores, and rode in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in OC. Thank you to the Officers and members of the MSFA Ladies Auxiliary, for your assistance and for always being there to help and support our organization, while working hard to support your home companies and counties as well.
248 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Thanks to the Anne Arundel County Volunteer Firefighters Association Officers and members, to my home company, Ferndale Volunteer Fire Company, and my family, Jay, Tyler and Mom for your continued support and my extended fire family for your well wishes, thoughts, prayers and encouraging words that make me know that anything is possible and I can accomplish my goal.
I would like to wish all the 2012-2013 incoming Officers best wishes for a successful and productive year as we join together to work for the betterment of this great organization. Again, I would like to thank you for the opportunity to serve you and I look forward to another challenging and exciting year as I move up the chairs to the next leadership position. On behalf of the MSFA members, I have traveled over 14, 000 miles and over 300 activities since being elected in June.
Respectfully submitted, Jacqueline Olson
Report of the Secretary
To the Officers, Delegates and Membership of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association (MSFA). It has been a pleasure and honor to have served this past year as the Secretary of the MSFA. I extend my sincere thanks to everyone for their support and guidance this past year. The members of the Secretary’s Office have attended all of the Executive Committee Meetings and other functions required our assistance and attendance. All items of correspondence have been properly handled and all necessary paperwork and records have been handled in an efficient manner, as required by the Constitution and By- Laws of this Association. I congratulate David Lewis on his successful year as President of the MSFA, and wish him well in his future endeavors. It is my pleasure to have been working with the Chair, Wylie Donaldson for his professionalism during the running of the 2011-2012 Executive Committee Meetings. All correspondence and business from these meetings was transcribed and properly distributed and acted upon. The meetings this year were held in the following locations around the State:
June 22, 2011 — Ocean City (Convention Center) August 20-21, 2011 — Odenton VFC November 12-13, 2011 — Parsonsburg VFC February 18-19, 2012— Sudlersville VFC April 22, 2012 — Midland VFC June 17, 2012— Ocean City (Convention Center)
I express my sincere thanks to the Assistant Secretaries for their dedication, hard work and commitment to this office. I would especially thank VP Jackie Olson for her extra assistance and especially needed for the new Secretary by the outgoing Secretary. Thank
249 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference you. I congratulate Assistant Secretary Kristi Reppe for her new baby, and I thank you for the time you were able to give to the Secretary’s Office this year. I thank Assistant Secretaries Ron Watkins and Rick Hemphill for your help in preparing the Reports for each of the Executive Committee Meetings, and for being available with copies when needed for a particular Committee or Officer. Thank you for keeping the meetings going with the copies, etc. Thanks to Richard Snader for keeping us informed and up-to-date on daily information regarding the organization. He serves the Association and this office well. Without the help of these members mentioned, this job would have been much harder.
To the many individuals of this Association that have contributed to the Secretary’s Office during the meetings and the Annual convention and conference and other occasions, we thank you. I would like to thank my home Company (Bay District VFD) for their help and consideration and cooperation during this past year.
On a personal note, I would like to thank my wife (Jean) and Nikki for their understanding and willingness to help carry out the duties and responsibilities of the Office, and their love and support. It has been a busy and personal year with my wife’s and my health problems, and for these reasons, I must step down after just one year as Secretary. Thank you for letting me have that one year.
Respectfully submitted, Joseph A. Cooper
Report of the Financial Secretary As my term as MSFA Financial Secretary ends I would like to thank all of the people in this Association that have helped me over the years.
To my assistant Susan Schell, who showed me how to keep accurate records for the MSFA accounts, I am thankful. She was always willing to learn and help me learn the best ways to keep records of the MSFA accounts. When Susan was able to take a job in Florida I asked Chris Hyzer to take over for her. Chris stepped right in and handled any task that I presented to her.
When Ron Siarnicki formed the “MSFA Financial Team” and moved the association into the use of quick books it made my position much easier as it made making reports and keeping records much simpler.
To my wife, Pat, and all of my family I owe a great deal of gratitude for putting up with all the time that I had to spend away from them in order to fulfill the duties of my office.
To my three granddaughters, Kari, Anna and Allysia, thank you for the walks down the aisle for my installations. 250 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference I am not going any place and I will still be around, but I really need to thank all the friends I have made over the years that have helped and been there for me with the many questions that I had during my terms of office.
Yours in Fire Service George A. (Fred) Cross, Jr.
Report of the Finance Team To the Officers, Delegates and Membership of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association: On behalf of the Finance Team for the Maryland State Firemen’s Association (MSFA), representing the Office of the Financial Secretary, Office of the Treasurer and the Budget Committee, we would like to extend to all in attendance at the 120th Annual Convention sincere best wishes for a most enjoyable experience here in Ocean City. As we gather again this year to conduct the business of the Association, the Finance Team would like to thank our elected officers, President• Lewis, Vice Presidents Denver and Olson for their continued support and assistance as we have worked through the financial concerns of this organization. They have worked many long hours and traveled numerous miles all year long in an effort to support the mission and purpose of our great organization. Our deepest expressions of gratitude go out to all of them.
Since the creation of the MSFA Financial Team, efforts have been put into place to maintain a solid financial status of our organization and ensure fiscal responsibility throughout the organization. As a team, we will continue to work on addressing every organizational fiscal issue we face and that each of you are kept informed of the financial status and opportunities we have available to us.
For the past twelve months, the Finance Team has worked very hard to fulfill the duties and responsibilities of managing the finances of this association. As elected and appointed officers, we are appreciative of the opportunity to serve the organization and assist in its growth. While growth is critical to our survivability as an organization, the challenge of ensuring the financial stability of the MSFA must be on the forefront of our efforts and work products. Having gone through some tough times in the past, and with the way our national economic situation stands today we have to remain ever vigilant to carry out our tasks and responsibilities, which will help, build a stronger financial plan for all of us.
Each of us on the team, Financial Secretary and Past President Fred Cross, Assistant Financial Secretary Chris Hyzer, Treasurer Ron Siarnicki, Assistant Treasurers; Past President Jacobs, Past President Sachs and Mitch Vocke, Budget and Past President Chair Steve Cox, his Vice-Chair Benjamin W. Kurtz, and his committee members: Eugene Curfman, Past President C. Daniel Davis, Past President Bobby Balta and Past President Gene Worthington are all committed to maintaining a high professional level of performance and fiscal responsibility in this office. Each has helped make a real difference to the end result and for that, we can all be grateful. 251 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Additionally, it has been a pleasure working with the Board of Trusties whose charge it is to support the families of our lost and injured brothers and sisters. The Trusties have worked hard to bring additional resources to the forefront for our families and assisting them is both rewarding and the right thing to do. As a team, we would be remiss if we did not extend thanks to the Executive Committee who, under the leadership of Chairman Wylie Donaldson, always supported our efforts and helped to manage the financial affairs of our organization. We would not be where we are today without their help, guidance and support.
Special thanks are to be extended to Assistant Financial Secretary Chris Hyzer as she leaves the ranks of the Finance Team to pursue other efforts. She has always supported our team and assisted with all of our duties and responsibilities. Best wishes Chris.
We look forward to another year of hard work to ensure that the best fiscal decisions are again made in support of the mission and purpose of this great Association. Your support and understanding will be needed in order for all of us to be successful .Thanks again and remember to “Be Safe” in all you do.
Respectfully Submitted, The MSFA Finance Team
Report of the Chief Chaplain
Greetings from the Chaplains’ Corps of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association, it is our prayer that the wisdom and grace of our heavenly Father be witnessed throughout our association. That he would guide and direct all the leaders and actions of this association.
As I write this report I am reminded of all the happenings going on all around us, and I wonder why we as humans don’t learn from history.
There have been many events this past year in and out of the fire service that could have been avoided, had we been better students of our history. It is said, “When History is ignored, history will repeat itself.” No better place to see the truth in that statement than in the Bible. Over and over again and again you can find the history of God’s people as they prosper and then turn away from God. When all is lost and they are desperate they call on God to rescue them from their misery. Then God saves them and they are blessed, and turn away again. Our country started out with a strong faith in God and our forefathers were reverent to God and our country became prosperous and received many blessings. Not all was perfect, and God never said that we would have a perfect world. Our country was given many blessing that we as a nation could help save the world. But today, where do we put God in our lives? Many people will tell you that they worked for everything they have, “they earned it.” How
252 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference true the statement. But isn’t it God who has given you the ability to earn what you have?
This past year as I conducted and attended many funerals for our fallen brothers and sisters of the fire service I am amazed at the years of dedication these individuals put into their companies. The hours spent helping people they knew and did not know. The hours of raising money to be able to buy the equipment they needed. Many of these individuals never took credit or sought recognition for their accomplishments. These individuals realized that God had blessed them with skills and abilities and they knew that God had selected them to use those to help others.
So I ask you, where have you put God in your life? Is he your source of strength, and knowledge? Do you praise him for what he has given you? Do you seek out his guidance and wisdom daily? Do you ask God to watch over you and protect you from harm’s way? If you do, God bless you, if you don’t start. First ask God for forgiveness for not seeking Him. Then lift up your concerns to him, and listen for a response.
The fire and rescue service could be so much stronger if we would (1) thank God for his blessing, (2) acknowledge that it is he who gives us the skills and abilities to be able to do what we do, (3) treat everyone who God sends to our organizations with respect and love, acknowledging that they are God sent and God has given them the direction to join your organization with skills, knowledge, and abilities to work for the good of your organization.
As stated in the beginning, history will repeat itself. Hopefully, the days of Godly men and women seeking God’s direction will again lead our organizations and everyone would seek and pray to God. As it is written in 2 Chronicles 7:14 “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” In closing I pray that you would find it in your heart to seek God on a daily basis. Surrendering your life to Him. Acknowledging Him as the giver of all knowledge and abilities. I pray that God will keep you safe and protect you from harm.
Respectfully Submitted, Rev. John Long
Report of the Board of Trustees
Who represents your Members? Are you familiar with the Benefits the MSFA provides for our Members? Are you prepared for an unexpected tragedy, should one arrive? Should the time arrive, we, Your Trustees, can be counted on to deliver membership Benefits within weeks, not several months. But, these benefits will not come to your members, or their spouses if you don’t become familiar with the application process. Any and all Trustees are available to assist you if, and when needed. Take time to get to know these and other 253 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Benefits that we provide. On a positive note, take time to submit eligible applications for the Colburn Cup. Many Fire Service organizations do not. Are you one of these, also? Take time while at our Convention, or Executive meetings to meet Your Trustees, ask questions. We are always happy to discuss our duties and services. Vice Chair Danny Carpenter, Secretary P.P. Gene Worthington, P.P. Terry Thompson, Doug Alexander are your Trustees and have provided special service on behalf of our members for several years, and continue to. I am honored to work with such fine dedicated knowledgeable people. They continue to give back to our membership. This past year as announced at our Executive Committee Meetings have presented Line of Duty Deaths, and several serious Line of Duty Injuries. Let’s all be safe. Remember every one goes Home Safe and Sound. Have a safe and fun Convention.
Respectfully Submitted, Stephen V. Hales, Chairman
Report of the Executive Committee Conducting the business of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association is the responsibility of the Executive Committee. We have had a very successful year in supporting the Association membership and officers in this effort. I am proud to have served as Chairman of this very dedicated group.
The business of the Association is brought to the Executive Committee through the reporting of their many committees. I thank all of the committee chairpersons and committee members for their dedication and hard work they performed all year long. Your support to me and the Association was invaluable.
I congratulate President Lewis for his outstanding and successful year as President. David has worked tirelessly for the Association creating several new initiatives, all for the betterment of our membership.
Our relationship with our State Partner Agencies remains strong and we appreciate their support to our organization. We thank them for taking their time to report to the Association, keeping us up to date on the important work they do for us and in turn, what help we might be able to give to them.
To the Officers of the Association, I say thank you for your support to me during my year as the Executive Committee Chairman. I have personally enjoyed my year and feel that we, the Executive Committee, have accomplished much for the Members of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association.
I thank each member of the Executive Committee and wish incoming Chairman Ben Kurtz
254 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference good luck in the coming year.
Respectfully submitted, Wylie L. Donaldson, Jr, Chairman Benjamin W. Kurtz, Vice Chairman
MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE: Mark A. Bilger William Hildebrand Rodney W. Bowser Lee A. Lutz Stuart W. Carter James P. Seavey, Sr. Glen D. Fishack, Jr. Richard Smith John F. Guntow, Jr. Daniel J. Stevens Doyle E. Cox, P.P., EX-OFFICIO
Report of the Budget and Revenue Committee President Lewis, Vice Presidents Denver and Olson, Officers, Delegates and Members of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association; it has been a pleasure to serve as Chair of this committee during this past year. Our Committee continues to work with the financial team to make positive changes in the financial management of this organization.
The Budget and Revenue Committee has worked closely with the Treasurer’s Office and the Financial Secretary to ensure the income and expenditures of the association are managed according to the approved budget, program initiatives are funded at the appropriate level, and all expenditures are in the best interest of the association. Our formally established Financial Team continues to improve communications and streamline the operations which make us financially stronger and more responsive to those we serve.
The continued use of the Budget Request Forms by all committees has provided beneficial information and helps the committee review the requests. After the Budget and Revenue Committee reviews and approves the submitted budget, a copy of the request form is returned to the committee verifying the approved budget amounts in which the committee must operate. Budget requests received after the budget has been established, continue to diminish. Committees have been extremely prudent with spending and have monitored their approved budget staying within the established amounts.
The Budget and Revenue Committee has actively maintained a watch over the income and expenditures of this Association and are pleased to report that we are operating within our level of funding for the current year. All officers and committees are to be commended for the great job they are doing and their willingness to operate within their approved budget limits.
As expenditures of this Association continue to increase, it becomes increasingly 255 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference problematic to balance the income versus expenses and requires complete cooperation, prudent spending, and communications from all officers and committees continues to be key elements in maintaining a balanced budget. The Committee would like to thank the officers and committee chairpersons for their assistance during the past year and we look forward to assisting them and this Association in the coming year.
Respectfully Submitted, Stephan D. Cox, Chairman
Report of the Constitution & Bylaws Committee The Committee was given several tasks by President Lewis to review after the 2011 Convention and Conference. The Committee met twice during the year at the Fallston Volunteer Fire Company and the North Beach Volunteer Fire Department to accomplish these tasks.
As a result of these meetings three questions appear on the 2012 Convention and Conference Ballot:
Question 1: Constitution, Article I, Section 2; Constitution, Article III. Section 4- Changes when a Member Company can be removed for non-payment of annual dues.
Question 2: Constitution, Article V, Section 1; Bylaws, Article K- Changes the number of Standing Committees.
Question 3: Constitution, Article I- Deletes the Individual Memberships, the Silver Lifetime Memberships, and the Gold Lifetime Membership.
The Committee also has requested the new incoming President appoint a Special Committee to review the relationship between the Awards Committee and those other Committees that make awards such as Firefighter of the Year and Hall of Fame.
The Committee appreciates all the assistance from the Officers, Executive Committee, and Committee Chairman during the past year and looks forward to serving the Association in the future.
Respectfully submitted, Dennis Skinner, Chairman Steven Scheinin, Esquire John R. Keyser, Sr., Vice Chairman Barbara Steiner Michael Farlow, Esquire - MSFA Attorney William J. Wagner Robert Allen William Hardee 256 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Report of the Convention Committee
President Lewis, Vice-Presidents Denver and Olson, Ladies Auxiliary President Crisman, Vice-Presidents Soper and Hayden, Officers, Delegates, Alternates and Members of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association and Ladies Auxiliary: I am pleased to report that again this year there has been an extraordinary effort put forth by many individuals to provide to you and our membership the 120th Annual Convention and Conference of the MSFA.
We continue to make changes within the Convention Committee and the convention event as a whole. Convention center construction is rapidly progressing and because of the building being torn up, continual adjustments to the program and facility layout have been occurring. The committee has made several visits to the site and has pulled together various planning efforts to make this convention even better than has occurred in the past as we maneuver through this multi-year project. This construction will be on going through the next convention cycle as well and we will make the most of it as we arrange programming and events to fit into the construction schedule. We have been through this in the past and were able to lean from those experiences to make the best of it. I would be remiss at this time, if I did not take a moment to thank my predecessor Chairman Emeritus and Past President Leonard King for all he did to bring our convention to what it is today and how he managed previous construction projects at the Convention Center. His leadership helped make the Convention what it is today.
Since last year’s event, the Steering Committee: Tom and Flo Collins, William Hawkins, Elaine Huttenloch, Frank Underwood, Roger Powell, Danny Davis and Paul Sterling along with each of the committee management sector leaders: Administration, (Co-Chair Past President Lee Sachs, Vice-Chair Past President Doyle Cox); Exhibits, (Co-Chair Wylie Donaldson, Vice-Chair Past President Rodger Steger); Finance, (Co-Chair Past President Robert Jacobs, Vice-Chair Past President Fred Cross); Production, (Co-Chair Past President Tommy Mattingly, Vice-Chair Bill Hildebrand); and Program, (Co-Chair Ken Bush, Vice-Chair Ben Kurtz); have been hard at work preparing for our week at the beach. We are confident that you will enjoy, learn, and take something back to your departments from this year’s Convention and Conference experience.
As has occurred in the past, behind the scenes there is a group of special individuals who work on the production of the convention program book every year. They solicit the ads, layout the reports and ensure that the information being provided through this document is accurate and very professionally composed. They often times go unnoticed and I want to thank each of them personally for all they do. Leading the group is Past President Tommy Mattingly who has been working on the book since 1992, along with Dennie Mattingly, Danny Carpenter, Elaine Huttenloch, Ginny Wilhite, Past President Danny Davis, Rose Davis and Past President Fred Cross. In addition, helping is the Leonardtown VFD who 257 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference provides their facilities for the book layout, the staff of The Printing Press and Shirley Copado. Thanks guys for a job well done.
Each year the Joint Officers Banquet starts our convention activities as a very well planned out and enjoyable event. This year is another fine example. A special thanks to Rose Clark and her team (Tony Clark, Pat Neil, Skip and Rory Stokes, Darlene and Steve Woodhurst and Tim Clark for their extra attention to details provided with this event and all events that require food coordination. Thanks to Jackie Olson for coordinating the banquet guests, Elaine Huttenloch and Audrey Thurston for the banquet program presentations and Richard Brooks for serving as the Master of Ceremonies. This year the Banquet will be supported by the Town of Ocean City, we thank them for that.
Because of the changes made to the Miss Fire Prevention Contest last year those efforts will remain the same. The interviews will occur on Sunday morning and the actual contest; Sunday afternoon starting at 2 PM. The location of the contest will be in the East Hall and our appreciation goes out to Sherry and Amanda Soper along with Tom Collins for making this work. Special thanks to John Gatton, Sr. and his team for pulling together the annual Convention Flea Market. The location will again change this year as we move it to the Sunset Room to get it inside a structure. This location will be the on the North Side of the Convention Center and will again start at 11 AM.
The “Joint Memorial Service” has always proven to be a most memorable experience for all in attendance and one of the more important parts of the overall convention and conference activities. Chaplain Long, Chaplain Hetz, the Chaplain’s Office, along with Elaine Huttenloch and other team members are to be commended for their efforts for this very moving program. Again, this year you will see that the start time for the event is 5 PM with an intention to allow more family time that evening after the service.
Secretary Joe Cooper, Rick Hemphill and Skip Menzies and the entire registration team have put in many hours taking care of all the credentials listings, delegate check-ins and of course the voting activities and are to be thanked for their efforts. This process will continue to be located in the same spot as last year even with the construction to ensure a very smooth and efficient operation.
The Program Team has been working tirelessly to ensure that some of the most up-to- date informational topics will be featured in the numerous seminars and main program presentations at the convention this year. Scheduled seminars will only occur on Sunday and Monday afternoons. Please take some time to review the schedule to ensure you do not miss any learning opportunities. A special thanks goes out to the Program Team under the leadership of Ken Bush, with the help of Joe Ward, Jim Hern and Director Steven Edwards at MFRI, State Fire Marshal Bill Barnard along with Jim Brown and Dr. Bass at MIEMSS for their devotion and assistance.
258 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Our opening ceremonies on Monday morning will be a most fitting tribute to all who serve the State of Maryland and especially our entire first responder community. Our continued theme of “Honor, Tradition and Courage” will be exemplified with the presentation of the colors accompanied with special video presentations. Thanks to Dennis Beard, Bob Ryan, Ken Bush, Tom Mattingly, Johnnie Roth, Paul Sterling and others on their team for the work completed in this area, especially the talented members of our convention go-team and special operations crew. Without these hard working and committed team members, the audio-visual, program support, logistics and back stage needs of the convention would never get off the ground. They truly are a major component of the backbone of this conference crew. In addition, a special thanks to the Maryland Fire & Rescue Services Pipes & Drums and all the Honor Guard members coordinated by Ben Kurtz, who continue to bring a high level of ceremony to our events. They make the program that much more special.
Immediately following the Opening Ceremonies, a keynote presentation will occur followed by the first general business session to include special recognition activities, the presentation of reports and nomination of officers. The second session that day will include reports from our partner state organizations and a special program presentation mid day. Monday afternoon will conclude with more partner reports. Do not forget about the Basket and Bag Bingo Monday Night since Matt Heard, Doyle Cox and Jackie Olson have been working hard to make it an excellent event. Bingo will start at 6:30 PM.
The Ladies Auxiliary will begin their business session on Monday Afternoon at noon and the location of their meeting will remain the same this year. East Hall has proved to be an excellent location for the ladies activities for the entire convention term. It has been a real pleasure working with their planning team and with Flo Collins who has led their efforts for many years. All of the food service events will again be in Ballroom 2 and 3, like last year.
Monday Night at The Jolly Roger Amusement Park, located at 34th Street. The event will feature food, entertainment and open access to the park for our membership. Come out and enjoy the amusement rides, play a round or two of miniature golf and hit the go-cart tracks all for one very low special MSFA price. Gates open at 6:30 PM.
Tuesday Morning will again start with voting by the membership followed by the MSFA Awards Ceremony. Special thanks to the awards committee, especially Evelyn Graf, Past President Doyle Cox, Past President Bobby Balta and the Ladies Auxiliary Officers for their efforts in recognizing our membership. A buffet lunch will again be served at the Convention Center, inside Ballroom 2 and 3.
Following the Joint Installation of Officers, starting at 8:00 PM, The Ocean City Hotel- Motel-Restaurant Association will be sponsoring a special Movie Presentation on the Beach for our membership. The Movie will be shown near the Boardwalk and the feature 259 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference presentation will be “Despicable Me” Directed by Pierre Coffin and Chris Renaud. The movie features Steve Carell, Jason Segel, Russell Brand and Julie Andrews. Admission is free; bring your blankets, beach chairs and snacks.
Fire Marshal Bill Barnard, along with the entire delegation from his office, the Prince George’s County Fire/Emergency Medical Services Department, the Montgomery County Department of Fire and Rescue Services, the Anne Arundel County Fire and Rescue Department, Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services, MFRI, MIEMSS, Shock Trauma, Governor’s Office and all the individual volunteer departments and associations who work behind the scene all week to help make your experience here at the beach enjoyable, a hearty thank you is given. Individuals such as Chris May and the audio-visual team put in many hours of work before, during, and after the convention and conference making sure that all events run smoothly and deserve a special note of gratitude. Jeff Thompson; thanks for your efforts with the security concerns of this weeklong event. Past President Steve Cox, Nancy Cox, Jim Hall, Ed Thurston, Audrey Thurston, John Spiker, Jimmy Atkinson, Jen Underwood, Ben Kurtz, Bill Hawkins, Ed Bilger, Kevin Reilly, Jim Brown, Hobey Howell, Laura Woods, Harve Woods, Richard Snader, John Guntow, Kent Whalen, Donna Whalen, Bruce Bouch, Matt Tobia, Victor Stagnaro, Cathy Hedrick, Less Hedrick, Jenks Mattingly, Kevin Roberts, Dennis Woods, Charlie Phillips, Chris and Lisa Tona, AJ Papa, Leigh Papa, Tom Clark, Kevin Henderson, John Proels, Billy Hinton, Joy Hinton, John Gatton, Sr, J. Franklin Harvey, Ron Watkins, Tom Collins, John Guntow, Steven Scheinin, Past Presidents Worthington, Preston, Cumberland and Underwood, Ladies President Teresa Crisman, Ladies Past President Fran Crisman, and Bill Hildebrand are to be thanked for their countless hours of coordination and work in the control center, back stage and logistics areas for all events during the week.
Also, my personal appreciation to Susan Taylor, PGFD for all she does all year long and especially keeping the command center back stage well organized and managed without a flaw.
Each year in the Exhibit Halls, the displays of the latest in apparatus, equipment and services proves to continue to be very beneficial to our membership and even with the down turn in the economy, we have been able to bring some new vendors to display their goods and services. Through our convention, you will be able to visit more suppliers and equipment dealers during this one week than you could contact throughout the year. You will meet their technical personnel, sharpen your purchasing power, and obtain answers to important questions, just by visiting the exhibit booth area. We owe a big “thank you” to all of the exhibitors for supporting our convention and conference and a special thanks to Exhibit Chairs Wylie Donaldson, Lee Sachs, Ladies Past President Rose Pandolfini and their team for another year of great exhibitors.
260 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference For all the folks who sell the event tickets, offer bus passes, handle the mad rush in the lower foyers and provide information and guidance to conference attendees, my personal thanks for a job well done, often under very trying times. Your efforts do not go unnoticed and your constant delivery of those friendly smiles is greatly appreciated. That team includes Dennie Mattingly, Sandy Jacobs, Pat Cross, JoAnne Robison, Rose Davis, Chris Yinger, and Nancy Cox.
Again this year, in a joint effort, several events, activities and ceremonies will be conducted jointly with the Ladies Auxiliary to the MSFA. My personal thanks go out to Flo Collins for coordinating our joint ventures and for serving as the official liaison between our two organizations. Best Wishes to President Crisman and her entire leadership team as they conduct their events this week as well. Our Convention and Conference continues to provide this association with opportunities to bring needed revenue streams in support of our programs and activities. My personal thanks to Margaret Gouty and her team who have managed the Special Activities Booth over the years. There was a change in the status of the Special Activities Committee this year as its function has now been rolled into the operations of the Convention Committee. Ladies Past President Sandi Lutz will be coordinating the activities of this new component of the Convention Committee and her efforts will report up through the Administration Sector of the Convention Steering Committee structure. Special thanks to Lou and Anna Jonske along with Mitch and Darlene Vocke with their great crew for the tireless effort put forth all year long managing the $10,000.00 Raffle program.
Again, this year we are planning an array of social, networking and ceremonial events that include the Prayer Breakfast, Pajama Parade and Contest, Exhibitors Reception, Joint Installation of Officers Ceremony, Past President Lunches, Ocean City based block parties and others. Thanks to all who make them possible for their dedicated work in producing these various events. A special thanks to all of our corporate sponsors and the Town of Ocean City for sponsoring many of our events. A special thanks to Past President Fred Cross, 1st VP Jackie Olson, Chuck Austin, Past President Tom Mattingly and the entire golf planning team for another great golf outing. Good job guys.
In cooperation with the Town of Ocean City, the parade route will be changed this year. The parade start will be at 16th Street on Baltimore Avenue and end at 30th Street. This move will involve a great deal of logistics and we ask that you bear with us as we work to ensure a successful parade and address the requests made of the MSFA by the Town of Ocean City. Thanks to Roger Steger, Bill Hildebrand, Paul Sterling, Bruce Surette and your entire team for this tremendous effort. A special thanks to the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company, the Town Transportation Department, Police Department, Public Works Department, and the Town Government including the Mayor and Town Council for all they do to make it the biggest and best parade throughout the State of Maryland. We continue to look for ways to improve our parade activities and will work to ensure your experience 261 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference is the best. Finally, the Convention Committee extends a special thank you to Mayor Meehan for all of his cooperation and assistance throughout the year, ensuring that everything he can help with is successful in support of the convention and conference. As a personal privilege, I would like to single out Retired City Manager Dennis Dare for all that he has done to assist the MSFA throughout the years, while serving as a dedicated employee of the town. We appreciate all his efforts to assist us. Many thanks to the entire Town Council who helped in many ways over the years to assist us and to every single town employee who has contributed in some way. We really do appreciate your efforts.
Thanks also to the Ocean City Convention and Conference Center management and staff, including; recently retired Director R.J. Hamilton, and David Swift who we will miss. The staff there including the regular team Reatta Tate, Regina Brittingham, Amanda Evans, Centerplate and the entire Convention Center Staff for all of the assistance, cooperation and dedication they demonstrate during the planning process and throughout our annual event.
It has been a pleasure serving as your Chairman and working with a great team of individuals on the Convention Committee. We are already talking about things we would like to do next year to make the convention even better. Looking forward to seeing you in Ocean City.
Respectfully Submitted, Ronald J. Siarnicki, Convention Chairman
Report of the Maryland DNR Forest Service
President Lewis, Officers, Past Presidents, Delegates, Members and Guests. I bring you greetings on behalf of Department of Natural Resources Secretary John R. Griffin and Forest Service Director / State Forester Steven W. Koehn.
During 2011 the Maryland Forest Service responded to 125 wildfires that burned 8,310 acres. February was the highest occurrence month with a ten day period of intense fire activity with ten large fires burning nearly 8,000 acres. The leading wildfire causes for the year were debris burning, arson, and equipment. Also in 2011, the agency and partners conducted 53 prescribed burns for hazardous fuel reduction on 729 acres. Nationally, wildfire occurrence was highest in the Southern Area of the US. Maryland dispatched fourteen individual single resources, two 20-person fire crews, and nine wild land engine assignments to Texas, Florida, Georgia, Arizona, New Mexico, North Carolina, Virginia, and Wisconsin. Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) grants were distributed to 43 volunteer fire departments in
262 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference twelve counties and the companies received $86,202 in match grant funding. The grants allowed departments to complete over $209,265 in projects with the 50/50 match funds to enhance wildfire protection in their local communities. Projects included equipping of brush units, wild land nomex gear, portable radios, and other small equipment purchases such as fire hose. The 2012 grant application period is currently open with an estimated $88,000 in grant funds available for distribution this year. All eligible volunteer companies are encouraged to apply!
The Firewise Maryland program has continued to provide outreach to prepare communities for wildfire events. Four Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPP) were completed. These plans involve communities, fire department, and local officials in the planning efforts. Numerous mitigation and prevention activities were also held to inform the public of the risk of wildfires in Maryland and encourage homeowners to take action to make their properties more “Firewise” by creating defensible space around homes and other structures.
There was also renewed interest in the Federal Excess Property Program (FEPP). The agency acquired thirty four pieces of property with an original federal acquisition cost of $1,301,379. The excess federal property is acquired at no cost and then either utilized by the agency or loaned to volunteer fire departments through a cooperative agreement for use in fire suppression. Maryland has a current total inventory of 204 items with an acquisition value of over $5.1 million. This fall the agency will be completing a required inventory inspection of all assigned property in the state.
I sincerely appreciate all the fire departments that work in partnership with our agency in its wild land fire protection mission. I extend my best wishes for a successful and productive 120th MSFA Annual Convention!
Respectfully Submitted, Monte R. Mitchell, State Fire Supervisor
Report of the EMS Committee
President Lewis, Elected and Appointed Officials, Delegates, Alternates, Members and Guests of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association (MSFA), greetings on the occasion of the MSFA’s 120th Annual Convention. The Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Committee held four full committee meetings last year, several subcommittee meetings and served as part of several other state-wide EMS groups. The Committee meetings were routinely attended by representatives from the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS), the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute (MFRI), Maryland State Police (MSP) Aviation Division and the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center. Major topics of discussion for the past year included:
263 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference · Electronic Maryland EMS Data System · Ambulance Safety Summit · New EMT Program · Voluntary Ambulance Inspection Program (VAIP) · Medical Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment (MOLST) · Helicopter Utilization/early Activation · Medication Shortages
ELECTRONIC MARYLAND EMS DATA SYSTEM (eMEDS) eMEDS was successfully piloted by 3 upper bay counties and is now being embraced by all but 2 jurisdictions in the state. It is a quantum improvement over EMAIS, simplifying the users’ input, enhancing quality assurance and allowing individual jurisdictions to evaluate their own data. eMEDS has several features that assist providers with their documentation; the Maryland Medical Protocols are built-in, and the narrative section has a spell checker and import capabilities.
The hospitals have access to the hospital dashboard which will allow the hospitals to pull the reports instead of the providers pushing the reports to the hospital. Until this is finalized, the provider is responsible for making sure the hospital receives a report within 24 hours and that MIEMSS approved “short form” is left with the patient.
AMBULANCE SAFETY SUMMIT MIEMSS held an Ambulance Safety Leadership Summit on November 1, 2011 at the Maritime Institute of Technology and Graduate Studies. There were about 90 attendees, many from the EMS Committee. The EMS Committee chaired the “Lights and Sirens” section of the study leading up to the Summit, was one of the four presenters on “best practices” for ambulance safety and facilitated the “lights and sirens” focus group at the Summit. The Committee then provided final reports on their activities. Second Vice-President Olson and members of the Committee have the responsibility for the implementation of recommendations from the Summit and also the planning of a future Summit in the fall of 2012.
NEW EMT PROGRAM The BLS Committee is closely watching the pilot EMT programs. The college park program instructor has sent several suggestions to MFRI to mainstream the program. One of the concerns was the internship program being upgraded to 10 assessments, 5 being live patients and physical contact. MIEMSS is encouraging assessments being done in EDs at hospitals that are base stations to add flexibility to the program. All classes will have to be re-formatted to get the classroom time completed.
Over the year there was a tremendous amount of discussion about the reasons for changes in the program, the student’s motivation, the program’s effect on volunteer EMS and the 264 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference move toward treatment rather than stabilization. Based on this, President Lewis has sent a letter to Dr. Bass expressing his concern with the upcoming new curriculum.
VOLUNTARY AMBULANCE INSPECTION PROGRAM (VAIP) Charlie Simpson represented the MSFA on the VAIP Committee. They are trying to stay in line with the current standards of the state and federal governments as well as NFPA standards that need to be followed. Many of the changes are “housekeeping” in nature. Specific issues include: secured and closable trash containers; securing portable oxygen bottles; portable sharps container in the ALS bag; and pediatric capable AEDs.
MEDICAL ORDERS FOR LIFE SUSTAINING TREATMENT (MOLST) MOLST was supposed to become effective October 1, 2011. However, to date the regulations have not been signed by the secretary of Health. The front page of the document will have the DNR (A, A/DNI, B) information for EMS personnel. The other information located in the document will be information for hospitals, nursing homes, etc. Any facilities regulated by the Office of Health Care Quality through DHMH must comply including nursing homes. All providers were required to complete a training module which could be done through the LMS system online or by DVD. It was required to be completed by December 1, 2011. While MOLST forms are beginning to show up, the old DNR forms are still accepted.
HELICOPTER UTILIZATION/ EARLYACTIVATION Helicopter utilization database (HUD) still being used to gather data. The data shows a 91% compliance with protocols. However, some Category C and D patients being transported to local emergency departments with some having poor outcomes. Jurisdiction medical directors and QA officers are tasked with evaluating each call in the HUD. Dr. Alcorta asked everyone to make sure the 911 centers have the early activation policy in place to activate helicopters prior to EMS arrival. This will reduce the time for helicopter arrival, which is in the best interest of the patient. Lieutenant Walter Kerr stated they are seeing success with the early helicopter activation policy.
MEDICATION SHORTAGES Medication shortages are an issue world-wide. Some strategies addressed were moving short supply medications to a supervisor vehicle and ordering different concentrations. Since there is no alternative for several medications, MIEMSS is exploring the possibility of extending their useful life.
Respectfully Submitted, William “Bill” Dousa
Report of the Fire Laws of Maryland Book Committee President Lewis, Officers, Members of the Executive Committee, Clergy, Auxiliary, Honored 265 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Guests, State Partners, Delegates and Alternates to the 120th Annual Maryland State Firemen’s Association Convention and Conference. My committee has been working for the past two years on identifying pieces of legislation that will be added to the next edition of the Fire Laws Maryland Book.
I want to congratulate President Lewis on a successful year and I also want to thank him for the opportunity to serve.
Respectfully Submitted, Mark A. Bilger, Chairman
Report of the Fire Prevention / Life Safety Committee President Lewis, officers, members, and delegates to the 120th Annual Convention of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association, it has been a honor and pleasure for me to have served you as Chairman of this committee, and of this great association.
Last year our committee took on three challenges in partnership with the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office. These projects are up and available.
Maryland State Fire Marshal, Bruce Bouch, is to be commended for the job on getting these projects together and keeping them updated. Bruce has attended all of our meetings and gives us an updated report. Bruce has been instrumental to our committee and has done an outstanding job.
I would like to thank Sherry Soper for getting the committee information on displaying Fire Prevention / Life Safety information on Van-go in Frederick County.
Few years back Tom Collins took on our billboard project. Tom displayed Fire Prevention / Life Safety messages targeting areas that was reported with the most fire deaths and injuries. Tom has done an outstanding job!
Theresa Ann Crisman, Marie Warner-Crosson, and Cynthia Wright-Johnson have done an outstanding job with the Risk Watch Program. They have safety traveling display kits that can be used at school events, community training and parent education messages, materials for senior adult communities, and educational programs. These kits can be located at the State Fire Marshal’s Office. I would like to thank Theresa, Marie, and Cindy for all the hard work to make this a part of our committee.
I would like to thank Past Chair, Lori Denbow, Kristi Reppe, and Chair, Amanda Soper, for making our Miss Fire Prevention Contest a success in Ocean City. I would also like to thank Richard Brooks, who has been the M.C. for many years. Great job! 266 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Congratulations to Miss Fire Prevention, Jennifer Barciz, and Miss Fire Prevention 1st Runner Up, Megan Hiltz, for an outstanding job promoting Fire Prevention / Life Safety activities throughout the state.
I would like to thank Past Chair, Jane Huffman, and Chair, Rose Pandolfini, of the M.S.F.A. Ladies Auxiliary Fire Prevention Committee, for all your support this year and past years.
Emmons Horner has distributed over 500 visual smoke alarms over on the Eastern Shore. Well done! I would like to thank State Fire Marshal, William Barnard, and his staff for all their support and attendance to all of our meetings. There have been several projects that could not have been done without your support and dedication. Good job!
Thanks to Dave Lewis, and all of the officers for working with us throughout the year and providing guidance and input to our committee.
My thanks to all the M.S.F.A Fire Prevention / Life Safety committee members for your support and hard work in promoting Fire Prevention / Life Safety throughout the year and past years. This committee is a very hard working committee. If it wasn’t for you, and all of the past presidents, elected officers, and past members of this committee, it would not be where it is today. Thank you all for what you do and what you have done in promoting Fire Prevention / Life Safety throughout this great state. Keep up the good work!
I would like to thank Tom and Flo Collins, and Ed and Audrey Thurston, you all were on the committee in 1984 when I joined this committee. Thank Tom and Flow for being there, over the years, when things weren’t going well. You were there to listen to my bitching and griping. You were only a phone call away. You are the greatest. Thanks!!
Respectfully, Robert E. Collins, Sr., Chairman
Report from the State Fire Marshal I bring greetings from Governor Martin O’Malley, Lieutenant Governor Anthony Brown and Colonel Marcus L. Brown, Superintendant of the Maryland State Police. On behalf of the entire staff of the Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM), I want to congratulate outgoing presidents, David W. Lewis and Teresa A. Crisman for an outstanding and successful year. The entire Association can be quite pleased with their accomplishments and dedicated service. It is my distinct privilege to present the report from the OSFM. During 2011, sixty-seven Marylanders died in 56 fatal fires. Those fire deaths represent a six percent decrease as compared to the 71 fire deaths occurring in 50 fatal fires in 2010; however, the number of fatal fires in 2011 represents a 12 percent increase as compared to
267 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference 2010. Forty-four of the victims in fatal fires, involved victims age 45 and older. As in years past, more victims in this age group succumb to the effects of fire than those less than 45 years of age. Seventy-nine percent of all fire deaths in Maryland in 2011 occurred in residential structures. Fifty-seven percent of those deaths occurred between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. when the highest numbers of Marylanders are most vulnerable — while they are sleeping. This is the time when most of us depend on life saving devices, such as working smoke alarms and residential fire sprinklers, to provide the extra time needed to escape the ingredients of uncontrolled fire.
The OSFM extends congratulations to each fire department and local jurisdiction that suffered no fire deaths or experienced a decrease in the number of fire deaths during 2011. Nine counties experienced no fire fatalities, these include: Calvert, Caroline, Cecil, Dorchester, Garrett, Kent, St. Mary’s, Somerset and Talbot. Baltimore City reported 17 fire deaths in 2011 which is lower than the 20 fire deaths reported in 2010 and the lowest number of fire deaths ever reported by Baltimore City. Anne Arundel County reported one fire death in 2011, while six perished in 2010. Unfortunately, Prince George’s County reported 16 fire deaths in 2011 as compared to seven fire deaths in 2010. As you are very aware, the MSFA leadership and member fire companies play a critical role in helping to ensure the safety of all Maryland residents and visitors from the devastating effects of fire and other emergencies.
During 2011, OSFM staff members along with the MSFA Fire Sprinkler Committee members continued to provide public officials across Maryland with information at meetings, hearings, and events in support of residential fire sprinkler requirements for all newly constructed one and two family dwellings as required by the 2009 edition of the International Residential Code (IRC). Hearty congratulations are afforded to the committee as they received two awards for their tireless commitment to public safety. The Board of Directors for the National Fire Sprinkler Association selected the MSFA Residential Fire Sprinkler Committee as the 2011 recipient of the “Leadership in Public Fire Safety” award and the Partnership for a Safer Maryland recognized Douglas C. Alexander and the MSFA Residential Fire Sprinkler Committee with an award expressing excellence in life safety.
As we do every year, the OSFM followed the 2012 Session of the Maryland General Assembly along with the MSFA Legislative Committee and other members of the Maryland Fire Service Legislative Working Group (MFSLWG) very closely. The MFSLWG held weekly meetings during the session at the Annapolis City, Taylor Avenue Fire Station. Many thanks are offered to Fire Chief David Stokes for hosting the MFSLWG meetings again this year. Every member of the Maryland Fire Service should be proud of the accomplishments achieved during this session. A sincere thank you goes out to all sprinkler systems to be installed in all newly constructed one and two family dwellings. The MSFA Legislative Committee has once again taken a leadership role by effectively advocating, monitoring, and quickly reacting to legislative proposals. By keeping the safety 268 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference of Maryland’s citizens as its highest priority, the MSFA lead the way on numerous legislative issues. The MSFA Legislative Committee kept watch on the key issues, shared information on important topics, and communicated with stakeholders, both inside and outside the Association. The MSFA Fire Sprinkler Committee under the leadership of Richard Green was the driving force behind the legislation requiring residential fire sprinklers in new one and two family dwellings throughout the State of Maryland. It is because of these unique qualities the MSFA is treated with great respect, which allows the organization significant influence even during hard fiscal times. The OSFM worked diligently with the MSFA on three significant bills including, HB-366 / SB602: Public Safety - Building Performance Standards - Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems; HB -875 / SB -421 : Public Safety- Explosives-Package of Components; and SB-331: Manufactured Homes - Sprinkler Systems Opt-Out Provisions for Local Jurisdictions. SB-331 would have permitted local jurisdictions to remove fire sprinkler requirements from newly constructed one and two family manufactured (modular) homes. The Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs (EHEA) Committee gave SB331 a unanimous unfavorable report early in the session. Additionally, I would like to thank the MSFA for supporting companion bills HB-875 / SB- 421 which both passed this year after two previous unsuccessful attempts. This legislation changes the definition of an explosive to include components advertised and sold together with instructions on how to combine the components and make an explosive. Other bills of interest that were monitored throughout the session included HB-2 / SB-173: Public School Buildings - Carbon Monoxide Detection and Warning Equipment, as well as, HB- 1101: Workers’ Compensation - Medical Presumptions Study. HB 2 / SB173 were signed by the Governor in April of 2012. The Governor will be signing HB-1101 at one of the two Bill signings scheduled for May. In 2011, the Delmarva Power Emergency Services Partnership Program for the eleventh straight year provided smoke alarms for the fire service in Delmarva Power’s service area to distribute them to residents needing them, free of charge. This donation brings the total smoke alarms donated by the program to 13,920, with 13,500 being battery operated smoke alarms and 420 special needs alarms.
The Public Fire and Life Safety Education Grant Program, which provides funds for MSFA member companies to purchase items promoting fire and life safety initiatives was incredibly successful last year with $35,500 being distributed at the Convention last year to MSFA member companies and departments, in $500 increments. The MSFA, in recognition of the success of this program, is providing an additional $25,000 to the previously budgeted $25,000 for this year’s grant program. I know the member fire companies and departments are putting these funds to good use.
To promote timely dissemination and updates of fire and life safety information, the OSFM and the MSFA formed a partnership to develop a website to serve as a one stop shop for fire and life safety information. The website established is: www.mdlifesafety.org. This site has been developed through an internship program established by the MSFA and
269 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference facilitated by the OSFM. The development of the MSFA funded internship program began in January of 2012 when Megan Hiltz, Miss Fire Prevention First Runner-up in 2012, was selected to develop this website to provide important fire and life safety information on the life safety information on the information super highway. In addition, Megan is updating the Fire and Life Safety Educational Support Kits located in each of the six OSFM regional offices and OSFM headquarters.
Maryland continues to be at the forefront in effectively addressing fire and life safety issues. The annual Mid-Atlantic Life Safety Conference (MALSC) continues to be the longest running conference of its kind in the nation and attracts fire service personnel, safety managers, injury prevention specialists, and health care professionals. Over 250 attendees gathered at last year’s Mid-Atlantic Life Safety Conference, “Remember - Prevent - Prepare”, to hear keynote speaker Firefighter/Paramedic Daniel Byrne’s presentation in honor of the ten year anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Using American Reinvestment and Recovery Act grant funds, the OSFM Bomb Squad was able to purchase the equipment to implement an Underwater Hazardous Devices Team (UHDT). Much of the past year was spent evaluating and purchasing equipment for use by the UHDT in support of the Maritime Tactical Operations Group. By the close of 2011, dive gear had been purchased along with most required support equipment. In addition, the OSFM invested in the program by sending one of our bomb technicians to an advanced and instructor certification training. The OSFM dive instructor is now capable of certifying other divers and the UHDT is operational, improving Homeland Security readiness for the entire State.
As in most years, the OSFM experienced some organizational changes. Effective July 1, 2011, all fire inspections for Medicare and Medicaid that were performed by OSFM personnel were moved to the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene along with the OSFM contractual fire safety inspectors assigned to the program.
It pleases me to report that the annual Public Fire and Life Safety Educator’s Conference was revitalized this year. In March, an energetic group of 57 fire prevention professionals from across Maryland attended the Conference which included a wide range of topics fire prevention and life safety topics.
As the challenging economic times have dragged on, the OSFM staff continues to perform at a very high level. In 2011, the OSFM conducted nearly 1,100 fire/explosive investigations. The case closure rate achieved by OSFM Deputy State Fire Marshals was an outstanding 41% and remains over 50% higher than the national average of 18%. OSFM staff members completed over 17,000 fire and life safety inspections. The engineering staff reviewed nearly 1,600 construction and fire protection systems plans. Over 200 explosive investigations were conducted and OSFM K-9 Detection teams responded to over 75 calls for service. When reviewing these impressive accomplishments, the dedication of
270 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference the OSFM staff is very apparent. It is through an agency-wide commitment to fire and life safety that together we continue to work for the citizens and accomplish our mission of protecting life and property.
Although we remain challenged by economic conditions, together, we continue to make progress with our progressive fire and life safety agenda. We must continue to be creative with our delivery of our life saving programs. With your continued support, I look forward to embracing opportunities the coming year may bring. Together, as in previous years, we will continue to move our fire and life safety prevention efforts in a positive direction. We look forward to working side by side with incoming presidents, John Denver and Sherry Soper. We wish them great success and know they will continue to make a significant difference during their terms in office.
Respectfully Submitted, William E. Barnard, CFPS State Fire Marshal Report of the Hall of Fame Committee President Lewis, Officers, Past Presidents, Delegates and Guests of the 120th Annual Convention and Conference of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association.
This year the Hall of Fame Committee received twenty eight (28) nominations for the Hall of Fame Award, and forty two (42) nominations for the Marbery F. Gates Service Cup Award.
A complete set of rules for the Hall of Fame and Marbery F. Gates Service Cup Award were mailed or delivered to each member company as well as being placed on the Maryland State Firemen’s Association web page, in the Annual Proceedings Book. A complete list of previous inductees and winners is also on the web page and in the Annual Proceedings Book.
The committee is recommending that each department, company or squad review their membership rolls or records for members that have been with a department/company for fifty years (50) or longer. These individuals should be nominated for the Marbery F. Gates Service Cup Award in recognition of their years of service. There are many members in the departments/companies that have reached this stage of life. They need to be recognized for their service to the department/company, community, county and the state. To be inducted into the Hall of Fame or be selected to receive the Marbery F. Gates Service Cup Award, these are among the highest awards presented by the Maryland State Firemen’s Association. Remember that nominations are not held over from year to year. If your nominee does not get selected, please submit the individuals name again next year before April 15.
271 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference The remainder of the Hall of Fame Committee Report will be given during the presentation of awards on Tuesday, June 19, 2012, during the awards ceremonies.
As Chair of the Hall of Fame Committee, I would like to thank Vice Chair Ben Kurtz for his assistance, support and advice. Thanks also goes to each member of the committee for their commitment, support and hard work they put into selecting the individuals for these two awards.
The committee and I would also like to thank President Lewis for his commitment to the committee and for the opportunity to serve this great Association.
Respectfully submitted, C. Dan Carpenter III, Chair Report of the High School Fire and EMS Career Tech Committee The High School Career Tech Committee continued to monitor the programs around the state and offer assistance when asked. The Committee looks for trends that may identify strengths and/or weaknesses in the various programs. We have a standing offer to assist any county that wants to start a program.
The high failure rate among the Career Tech students in EMT and other classes continues to be a nagging problem. We are concerned about this and hope the new EMT program does not exacerbate the situation.
It will be increasingly important that students be assigned to the Fire/EMS programs with regard for their ability and probably more important – their desire and drive to be EMTs and Firefighters. This will make it imperative that the fire and EMS service be actively involved in the recruitment process.
Another challenge that will be encountered in the school year ahead is the need to incorporate the additional hours of the new 165-hour EMT program into the school year. Some programs have built in “down time” and they will likely find the task easy. The programs that have no slack time will have to make a decision on what to cut. Another option would be to switch to Emergency Medical Responder EMR, which will only be 55 or so hours long. Some jurisdictions have considered going to a two-year program or offer separate tracks — Fire or EMS. The Committee will continue to monitor the situation.
During the past year we have seen several counties suspend the cadet programs for variety of reasons. The most common reason seems to be the lack of students. We believe a renewed effort by the fire service in these counties will solve this problem. Most of the affected counties have the population base that should support a viable program if they aggressively recruit. 272 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference On a positive note, we have witnessed a rebirth of the program in Prince George’s County. This was the first program in the state and we applaud the efforts to revive the program. The PGFD plans a Pilot program at Flowers High School and Station 806. We have met with the coordinators of the program and are impressed with their progress. They have recruited the students and are preparing for classes in the fall. We would like to thank Director Edwards and the staff at MFRI for their continued support of the programs around the state. MFRI and the regional training centers make these programs possible and the Volunteer Fire and EMS Service needs to express appreciation for the support.
We will continue to monitor the programs throughout the state and encourage County representatives to communicate issues and challenges to us. It may be that we have seen the issue in another program somewhere in the state and can provide some guidance.
We also encourage all counties with programs to intensify their recruitment efforts. These programs are one of the best recruitment tools the volunteer fire and EMS service has. We believe recruitment is a major component to achieving a successful high school cadet program. The counties that invest time at this stage of the program and aggressively recruit have very successful programs.
We stand ready to advise and assist any county that wants to start or revitalize a program.
Respectfully submitted, Dan Stevens, Chairman
Report of the Historical and Archives Committee
The Historical and Archives Committee continues to develop plans to preserve and protect the rich history of the Maryland fire service, with particular attention to the history of the MSFA. Vice Chairman Frank Underwood, PP, has maintained vigilance to keep the Volunteer Firefighter’s Room in excellent condition. He is a steward of the room and works closely with the facility to assure the room is maintained.
Vice Chairman John Spiker has continued to keep watch of the archived records and items stored in Anne Arundel County. The committee also had the opportunity to tour the Frederick County Fire & Rescue Museum and view the many artifacts and items, including MSFA programs and information.
With the 125th anniversary of the MSFA rapidly approaching, it will be necessary for this committee to become more active and prepare to support the 125th Anniversary Committee in the celebration.
273 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference
Respectfully, Clarence E. “Chip” Jewell, Chair Frank Underwood, PP, Vice Chair-Vol. Firefighter’s Rm. John Spiker, Vice Chair - Historical
Report of the Incentives Programs Committee
President Lewis, Officers, Delegates, Members, and Guests to the 120th Annual Convention.
LENGTH OF SERVICE AWARDS PROGRAM (LOSAP) The Incentives Programs Committee continues to monitor the counties for any changes in their respective programs. No changes were received this year. There are four counties, Dorchester, Garrett, Somerset, and Wicomico, without a LOSAP. The committee has offered assistance to these companies.
No requests for the LOSAP Information Manual were received this past year. Even though there have been no requests for the Length of Service Awards Program Information Manual for five years, a manual was printed this year for the first time since 2006. It updates and includes all of the counties.
All requests for the LOSAP Summary Sheet were filled. Please continue to keep this committee informed of any changes so the LOSAP Information Manual and the LOSAP Summary Sheet may be kept current. The LOSAP Summary Chart will be on the next page.
TAX INCENTIVE PROGRAM (TIP) Since this convention report is due prior to the date the lists of qualifying members are received from the county coordinators, a total number of qualifying volunteers for Tax Year 2011 is unavailable. A total of 14,520 volunteers qualified in Tax Year 2010. In 2009, 13,309 volunteers qualified.
There is a lot of confusion with the 36 months in the last 10 years for 25-year members. No changes have been made in the legislation. That is to qualify for the subtraction modification, a volunteer with less than 25 years of service must have been active in 2011 (that is a member must have a minimum of 50 points and those points must be earned in at least two categories) and have at least 36 months of qualifying service in the last 10 years. A member with 25 or more years of qualifying service need not have been active in 2011; however, the member must still qualify with at least 36 months of qualifying service in the last 10 years. A member who has served 25 years or more as an active volunteer does not receive the TIP based on this status alone. Everyone must have 36 months in 274 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference the last 10 years. All 25 years does for a member is that member does not have to qualify in the tax year. Additional information may be found on the Comptroller’s website, www. marylandtaxes.com-accessMaryland, Income Tax Administrative Release No. 29, dated September 2009. This should clear up any questions you may have.
MISCELLANEOUS As chair of the Incentive Programs Committee, I wish to express my thanks to the committee members, the county coordinators, and the company tax incentive coordinators for their hard work, assistance, and support in this year.
The committee would like to thank President David Lewis for our appointments and for his support and assistance throughout the year. It has been a pleasure to serve the MSFA another year. We congratulate President Lewis on a very successful year and know he will have a very successful and productive convention. We offer our congratulations to the incoming president, John Denver, and all of the newly elected officers. We wish them a successful and productive year and offer our assistance to them.
Incentive Programs Committee Joan Robison, Chair Anne Hawkins Ken Bush Patricia A. Bowser Gary Crampton Joseph A. Cooper C. Douglas Bostian Donald Lee Howard Stuart W. Carter Donald M. Phillips County Co-ordinators Allegany - Cheri Llewellyn Harford - J. Alan Thompson Anne Arundel - David Lewis Howard - Steve Fleming Baltimore - Stuart Carter Kent - Kim Dixon Calvert - Katie Hanka Montgomery - Linda Dowdy Caroline - William Cooper Prince George’s -Joan Robison Carroll - Linda Bostian Queen’s Anne’s - Marie McHugh Cecil - Linda Reichenbac St. Mary’s - Joseph A. Cooper Charles - Wm. R.Massey Somerset - Donald Lee Howard Dorchester - Bobbie Aaron Talbot - Ken Bush Frederick-Rhonda Cunningham Wicomico-Michael W Farlow, Esq. Garrett - Patricia Bowser Worcester - Norman Cathell
Report of the Legislative Committee
President Lewis, Vice Presidents Denver and Olson, Officers, Past Presidents, members of the Executive Committee, delegates, and guests; The 2012 Maryland General Assembly 275 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Legislative Session started on January 11 and concluded at midnight on April 19. This session was one of the most hectic I have seen. During these ninety days, the legislators submitted 2580 bills. Of these, 51 Bills were closely monitored for their potential impact on the Fire, Rescue, or Emergency Medical Services. The breakdown of these bills was:
Support: 11 Oppose: 1 Monitor: 11 Local: 25 Budget (funding): 3
The one bill that the MSFA opposed, SB331 Manufactured Homes - Sprinkler System Requirement - Opt-Out Provisions for Local Jurisdictions, received an unfavorable report from the Senate Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs Committee.
Two very important bills were introduced that would have a lasting effect on the safety of not only our citizens but also our firefighters, HB366/SB602 - Public Safety - Building Performance Standards — Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems. This legislation will require residential fire sprinklers in all newly constructed 1 and 2 family dwellings by 2015. This legislation was the number one priority of President Lewis. With the combined help of the fire service, Senator Roy Dyson, Senator Jim Mathias, Delegate James Malone, Delegate Doyle Niemann, and State Fire Marshal Bill Barnard both bills passed. The vote in each chamber was mostly down party lines.
There has been some concern about the worker comp coverage of the Fire Police when they were “working” for the local Sheriff. As a result of this concern, HB1085/ SB431 - Workers’ Compensation - Emergency Responders — Revisions were introduced. This legislation will ensure that the Fire Police are covered by worker’s comp. Both bills passed.
SB365 - Higher Education — The Charles W. Riley Fire and Emergency Medical Services Scholarship was introduced by Senator Rob Garagiola. This scholarship will replace the Charles W. Riley Fire and Emergency Medical Services tuition reimbursement program. This action will ease some of the funding problems. HB1423/SB1087 - Local Government - Fire, Rescue, and Ambulance Funds - Distribution of Money to Volunteer Companies — these bills would insure that Maryland Counties distribute at least 51% of the Amoss funds to the local Volunteer Fire, Rescue, and EMS Departments. These bills were introduced to solve a problem in one county. Both bills died in the House Health and Government Operations Committee.
HB1101 - Workers’ Compensation - Medical Presumptions and Study - Adds new cancers to the current approved list.
SB152 Budget Reconciliation and Financing Act of 2012 — Bill died (Sine Die) in the
276 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference House. This bill contained the funding source for the MSFA operating funds ($200,00), a $2.00 increase in vehicle registration that would help fund the EMSOF, and a $2 million increase in the Amoss fund.
HB875/SB421 - Public Safety - Explosives - Package of Components — Both bills passed.
HB1005/5B670 -Washington County - Tip Jars - Accountability and Oversight — Both bills passed.
HB133/SB661 - Carroll County — Gaming — Both failed in committee.
HB494/SB264 - Frederick County — Raffles— Both failed in committee.
HB1287/SB166 - Harford County - Charitable Gaming — Both failed in committee.
HB562/SB623 - Washington County - Volunteer Fire and Rescue Companies - Reimbursement of Costs — Both were withdrawn by the sponsors.
HB810 -Prince George’s County - Volunteer Fire Departments - Poker Events PG 303-12 — Failed in committee. The Committee especially thanks the following for their efforts on behalf of the MSFA: Senator Roy Dyson, Senator Jim Mathias, Delegate Norm Conway, Delegate James Malone, Delegate Doyle Nienman, and Delegate Tony O’Donnell. Thanks are extended to the Fire Caucus and the other Delegates and Senators who supported us throughout the year. Thanks are also extended to the Maryland Fire Chiefs, Metro Chiefs, Mike Rund (career firefighters), State Fire Marshal Bill Barnard and his Annapolis Staff, MIEMSS, MFRI, Shock Trauma, MSP Aviation, and others for their help and support. Special thanks are extended to Governor Martin O’Malley, Lieutenant Governor Anthony Brown and their staff for their support this year.
To the Ladies Auxiliary of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association, your support was immeasurable. The Committee sincerely appreciates the many hours of volunteer service you provide and your excellent support. The committee would like to pay a special thanks to Rose Davis, chairperson of the LA-MSFA Legislative Committee. Rose, you and the other ladies did a tremendous job. We are proud to have the following ladies as a part of the team; Rose Davis, Betty Radisch, Marian Nicholson, Barbara McWilliams, and Carene Housenfluck. We missed Candy Mitchell and Marie Soutar. Heartfelt thanks to President Teresa Crisman for her assistance and support during the year.
I would like to thank Richard Snader, Data Systems Committee, for keeping the computers up and running. He was only a phone call away if a problem was encountered.
277 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference To the members of the MSFA Legislative Committee and all the members of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association a tremendous thank you for your continued support and efforts in contacting your Senators and Delegates seeking their support or opposition on various Bills submitted during this session.
Finally this will be Richard and my final report as Legislative Committee Chair and Vice Chair. We have decided that it is time for a rest. We have enjoyed working with the Governor and the General Assembly on matters that concern Maryland’s Fire, Rescue, and Emergency Medical Services. A few of the legislative issues we have seen; were the passage of the “safer” cigarette, move over legislation, residential fire sprinklers, the defeat of an attempt to dismantle the State Med-E-Vac system, the commitment of the State to replace the aging helicopter fleet, and the designation of the first Sunday in June to honor those Fire, Rescue, and Emergency Services personnel that have given their lives in the service of others. Thanks to everyone for their help and support over the past years.
Respectfully Submitted, C. Daniel Davis Jr., Chairman Richard L. Yinger, Vice Chairman
Report of the Federal Legislation Oversight Sub-committee
President Lewis, Past Presidents, Officers, Delegates, and Guests to the 120th Annual Convention and Conference of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association.
A unique partnership effort of the U.S. Department of Justice; local, state, tribal, and federal public safety agencies; and national organizations, the Public Safety Officer’s Benefits (PSOB) Programs provide death and education benefits to survivors of fallen law enforcement officers, firefighters and other first responders, and disability benefits to officers catastrophically injured in the line of duty. The amount of PSOB benefit is $323,035.75 for eligible deaths occurring on or after October 1, 2011.
Two-hatter Issue — According to the Government Accountability Office (GAO), there are close to 30,000 career firefighters across the county that are volunteering as firefighter — generally in hometowns- when they are off-duty. There are 1,395 two-hatters or 5% in the state of Maryland. These men and women are providing valuable service to their community and they should be appreciated and not be harassed. The counties are seeing a great decline in tax dollars and it doesn’t make a lot of sense to allow this to go on.
State and local governments use property tax rebate and other incentive to recruit and retain volunteer firefighters, yet the Internal Revenue Service views these incentives as income. The Volunteer Responder Incentive Protection Act (VRIPA) excluded from taxable
278 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference income any property tax benefit. However, this law expired at the end of 2010. This year Senators Charles Schumer (D-NY) and Susan Collins (R-ME) introduced the Volunteer Responder Incentive Protection Reauthorization Act (S.933) to reinstate the tax benefit to $600 through the end of the 2013 tax year. House of Representatives John Larson (D-CT), Dave Reichert (R-WA) and Tammy Baldwin have introduced House Bill 2353 to allow this Volunteer Incentive.
Joseph R. Robison, Chairman, P.P. Danny Davis, Vice Chairman, P.P. Laura Woods Harve Edward Woods Robert Cumberland P.P.
Report of the Maryland Fire Rescue Services Memorial Foundation
The Foundation is sad to announce the placement of two additional names on the wall of honor; John Gallagher from Bryans Road and Jerry Hamrick from Rockville. Our prayers are with the families.
The Foundation successfully held another GALA. A crowd of over 250 attended the event and enjoyed the evening. We want to especially thank our committee under the leadership of Dennis Beard. We have signed a contract with McGregor’s of Havre de Grace for the GALA on September 29, 2012, to be held at the Minter Hall in Perryville. We need your support as always to make this event a success. Please sponsor a table and enjoy an evening of fellowship, dancing and recognition.
We are currently designing an upgrade to the lighting at the site to consist of replacement of some of the current fixtures, adding additional ones down the pathway and an overall improvement.
Remember our major goal for the year is to get a picture of the memorial hanging in every fire station. About half of our member companies had a LODD, please hang the picture in their honor.
The Foundation always recognizes the organizations that make up our group. Their commitment and dedication continues with outstanding support. We also would like to recognize our state elected officials who also continue to support the Foundation.
We will be holding our annual ceremony on June 3 to honor all those who have given the ultimate over the years. Retired Chief Rod and his committee have been working diligently to make this a memorable event for all. Please join us in honoring our brave.
We always want to remind you that we are still selling memorial replicas, bricks, pictures 279 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference and DVD’s. We have an annual budget that we must meet. In closing, we want to thank the MSFA and specifically the convention committee for allowing us to be a major part of the convention. Stop by our booth for a first-hand look at our items. And yes, we want to thank those that regularly attend our bi-monthly meetings and chair the various committees. Without you there is no Maryland Fire Rescue Services Memorial Foundation. See you at the beach.
Respectfully submitted, Gene Worthington, Chairman
National Fallen Firefighters Foundation
Mission Statement — To honor and remember the nation’s fallen firefighters, provide assistance to their families and coworkers, and work to prevent firefighter fatalities. Since its creation by Congress in 1992, the non-profit National Fallen Firefighters Foundation has developed many programs to fulfill this mandate. Grants and donations from individuals, organizations, corporations, and foundations fund many of the Foundation’s programs.
Survivor Programs
The Fire Service Survivors Network “It truly helps even more as time goes on to know that someone cares and remembers. I will never forget everyone who has reached out to me from your Foundation and still do.”
A core group of family members of fallen firefighters make up the Fire Service Survivors Network. These dedicated individuals volunteer to assist newly bereaved families and help the Foundation with projects throughout the year and during the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend. There are now a total of 393 Network members from 44 states and the District of Columbia. Members of the Fire Service Survivors Network assisted with: m Contacting newly bereaved families and offering emotional support. Survivors of 2011 fallen firefighters were carefully matched with Network members. These matches took into account similarities between the newly-bereaved survivor and Network member. For example, widows with young children are matched with widows from previous years whose children were young when their firefighter died. This outreach provided peer-to-peer support for fire service survivors which is a key element in the healing process. m Sending Remembrance cards to all survivors on the date of their firefighters’ deaths. Personal messages from Network members let other survivors know that they were remembered on the anniversary date of their firefighter’s death. In 2011, 141 Network 280 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference members sent 3,187 cards. Activities in support of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend, such as sewing black bands for fire service badges, helping with family registration, greeting families being honored, making luminary bags, and other Family Day activities. More than 150 family members returned to assist, provide support, and network with families of fallen firefighters being honored.
Scholarships “We are so thankful for the support that you give families who have lost loved ones that helped others and the community. I know and feel that my father is proud of me, and he would be thankful to know that I have some help paying for my education.”
Many children tell us that their fallen firefighter stressed the importance of getting an education, and our scholarship helps them attain that goal. Since 1997, the NFFF’s scholarship program has given spouses, life partners, children and stepchildren of firefighters honored at the National Memorial the opportunity to pursue their personal, educational and career goals.
For the 2011-12 academic year m A very generous donation from the Motorola Foundation enabled the Foundation to award $205,000 to 78 recipients m ICMA-RC awarded $25,000 to 20 recipients and MasterGuard awarded 2 $2,000 scholarships for a total of $29,000. m The Foundation and it partners combined awarded $234,000 Scholarships were awarded to 78 recipients. m 74 children, 2 stepchildren, and 2 spouses m 7 families had two members who received scholarships m 40 are previous recipients m 38 are new recipients m 12 scholarship recipients are survivors of firefighters killed on 9/11 m recipients range in age from 18 to 37 m 53 are survivors of volunteer firefighters m 25 are survivors of career firefighters Scholarship recipients hail from 26 different states m New York has the greatest number of recipients with 19 m Missouri comes in second with 8 recipients
Recipients will attend institutions in 30 different states and are preparing for careers ranging from Culinary Arts to Criminal Justice. Two recipients are enrolled in a Fire Science program.
281 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Grief Support Resources for Survivors A Lending Library of books dealing with the subject of grief and recovery is available for survivors. Brochures are also available free of charge. m Provided 511 grief brochures to survivors in 11 states—Alabama, Arizona, California, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, New York, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas and Puerto Rico. m Staff often receives requests for grief resources or counseling from families and coworkers. These requests are fulfilled either by information available from the Foundation or by finding counseling services in the area where the family lives. m Research and Disseminate Information on Survivor Benefits m A comprehensive research project on Federal, state, county, and local benefits for the families of fallen firefighters was undertaken. The updated information was posted in the State Benefits section of the Foundation’s website: www.firehero.org. m Sixth Fire Service Survivors Conference m “The time at the conference is so empowering. Each one has helped me get stronger; learn new ways to help me move forward, get to know other spouse survivors, and really boost my confidence when it’s time to rejoin reality ....It felt so good to laugh and have fun! It brings such lightness to my soul and the biggest smile to my face when I think about it.” m The 6th annual Fire Service Survivors Conference took place May 1-6, 2011, in San Antonio, Texas. The conference was held in conjunction with the Foundation’s Local Assistance State Team (LAST) training, and an annual meeting of the Everyone Goes Home® State Advocates. It was beneficial for both survivors and fire service members to meet and learn about the Foundation’s programs. There were 84 survivors and 76 members of the fire service in attendance. m Workshop topics for survivors included Advocacy, Fitness, Facing the Mourning, Forgiveness, Listening, Transition and Transformation, and the ever-popular Home Improvement. Survivors had an opportunity for local sightseeing to River Walk and the Alamo.
Survivors tell us that being able to relax in the company of others who know what it is like when a loved one dies in the line of duty is one of the most valuable experiences the conference offers.
282 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Develop and/or Update Publications and Reference Materials for Survivors
“With every issue of The Journey or newsletter, I read each article. The articles from The Journey especially help me in understanding how others cope with their losses.”
Six issues of The Journey, a publication of articles written by survivors, were published and mailed exclusively to survivors. Each issue included a section authored by Department of Justice staff, “Did You Know,” with information on the Public Safety Officers Benefits program. In their own words, survivors wrote about issues they faced after their loved ones died. Survivors contributed articles on: m The loss of their firefighter—written by teenagers m Sticking points of grief m Forgiveness m Dreams completed m Paying it forward m Inspiration m Coping with holidays
Four issues of the Foundation newsletter, Facing Tomorrow Together, to over 6,000 survivors and members of the fire service. Articles contained information on: m Annual Fire Service Survivors Conference m Scholarships and Public Safety Officers m Educational Assistance benefits m 9-11 Remembrance m Holiday concert m Fundraisers—stair climbs, golf tournaments, softball tournament m Fallen firefighter tributes and remembrances m Tribute to Sparkles, The Fire Safety Dog m NASCAR fundraisers m Highlights of the 2011 Memorial Weekend m CFSI Dinner m Better Angels – A Tribute to 9-11 FDNY firefighters m Remembering Hal Bruno m Corporate sponsors and donors Continued sponsorship of The Link, a special biweekly newsletter for the immediate next-of-kin of FDNY firefighters killed at the World Trade Center. The Link reaches 960 households and more than 2,400 FDNY survivors and members of the FDNY community. 283 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Foundation staff provided design, editorial support, printing and postage for the newsletter.
Fire Service Programs
In 2011, the National Fallen Firefighters received a Fire Act Grant that allowed the Everyone Goes Home® continue to develop and refine programs aimed at reducing line of duty deaths and injuries.
Taking Care of Our Own@ “Definitely one of the better trainings the agency puts on. Real stories from those who have gone through incidents. Something all line officers in fire community should be taking.”
Taking Care of Our Own® training helps prepare fire service officers for a line-of-duty death, including how to make notification to the family. There were 14 deliveries of the training to 352 attendees in California, South Dakota, Kentucky, Oklahoma, Oregon, Wyoming, Pennsylvania, Colorado, Idaho, Ohio, Maryland and Montana. Local Assistance State Teams “Great class — I learned a tremendous amount about LAST and PSOB.”
The Local Assistance State Team (LAST) Program is a collaborative effort between the Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. The Foundation realized that, to best assist families and departments who had lost a firefighter in the line of duty, they needed to have trained personnel on the ground and available to help when requested within six hours of a death. This could only be accomplished by developing a team of trained responders in each state who could be deployed immediately upon notification of a line-of-duty death. The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation began training personnel in these functions in October 2006 and has continued this training across the country wherever potential team members are available. Funds from the Department of Defense, Bureau of Justice Assistance grant make this vital program possible.
When a line-of-duty death is reported to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, the coordinator of the Local Assistance State Team (CAST), in that state is notified; and they immediately make contact with the chief of the affected department or his/her designee and offer the assistance of the Local Assistance State Team. That assistance can include operational support to ensure the continuance of service to the community, any and all needed support to the family of the fallen firefighter, planning and coordination of funeral activities, assistance in obtaining behavioral health counseling for family and department members, and the preparation of local, state and federal benefit claims. While these teams may perform many important functions, their primary responsibility, when requested, is to assist with the preparation and submission of the Public Safety Officers’ Benefits (PSOB) 284 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference claim. The Local Assistance State Team will only assist after being requested and then will operate in a transparent manner behind the scenes to accomplish their tasks.
During 2011, there were 17 LAST trainings in Kansas, Nebraska, South Carolina, New Hampshire, Montana, Oklahoma, Georgia, Ohio, Virginia, New Jersey, Wyoming, Iowa, Minnesota, New York, Maryland, Arizona and Oregon, attended by 525 fire service members.
LAST teams assisted with 56 firefighter fatalities during 2011.
LAST and Advocate Summit
Coordinators of the Local Assistance State Teams (LAST) and Advocates from across the country participated in a mini summit held in conjunction with the Survivors Conference held in San Antonio Texas. The summit provided an opportunity for the members of the fire programs to meet with survivors and to sharpen their skills as last members and advocates. All the participants learned valuable information about Public Safety Officers Benefits and information every public safety officer should be aware of. Additionally, Advocates received a Train-the-Trainer on the Leadership Accountability, Culture and Knowledge course and LAST members were briefed on the new Behavioral Health model developed by the NFFF.
Advocate Program This year the Advocate program added function specific advocates for metro departments and to increase our outreach to the wild land firefighters. Both these programs have proved to be key in developing better relationships within those areas of the fire service.
Life Safety Initiatives.com In 2011 fire programs launched the lifesafetyinitiative. com web site. The website is dedicated to information and research directly supporting the 16 Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives. It should be the starting point for anyone, particularly fire service researchers, who require up-to-date and accurate information. This site updates the bibliographic material which Everyone Goes Home® has maintained for many years on its website. That information will now be accessed through LifeSafetyInitiatives.com. The new LifeSafetyInitiatives.com website will also contain Special Topics and research on emerging topics that fire service researchers and writers need to know more about
Heart Health Project Heart attacks and strokes remain the leading cause of LODDs followed by motor vehicle crashes. EGH has partnered with Johns Hopkins to conduct a research study that will provide departments a means to determine a firefighters “heart age”. Through a medical assessment each participating firefighter’s heart age will be determined and an
285 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference individualized program will allow firefighters to reduce their heart age through a proper diet and exercise. The results of the study will be made available in 2012.
Chicago Fire Department/Everyone Goes Home Video “Must see video for all firefighters, view it, learn from it, and live by it; and EVERYONE WILL GO HOME! 111/11111”
In December of 2011, the Chicago Fire Department’s Everyone Goes Home video debuted. The video highlights the need to change the culture of safety within the fire service. The video has been highly successful and requests for copies of the video have come from as far as Australia and Great Britain.
The National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend
“We were extremely impressed with your organization of the Memorial Weekend. It made everyone in my family feel better It was more like a celebration of life instead of a final goodbye.”
The National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend on October 15-16, 2011, honored 72 firefighters who died in the line of duty during 2010 and 17 who died in previous years. During the weekend, families: m Visited the National Memorial and made rubbings of their loved ones’ names m Visited the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Chapel where they lit candles and placed roses in a Maltese Cross vase in honor of their loved ones m Visited the Walk of Honor® and made rubbings of bricks placed in honor of their loved ones m Made luminaries for their loved ones for use in the Candlelight Service m Attended small group sessions facilitated by mental health specialists with expertise in dealing with grief. Family members were able to share their experiences and were given information and resources to help them deal with their loss. A special session for chiefs allowed them to meet with other chiefs who experienced a line-of-duty death in their department. m Were honored by more than 300 Red Helmet motorcyclists who rode to campus and placed a wreath in honor of firefighters being honored. m Attended the Saturday night Candlelight Service that honored their loved ones m Attended the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service on Sunday where tribute was paid to their loved ones. Each family received a badge, rose, and American flag flown over the U.S. Capitol and the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial. More than 6,000 attended.
Both the Candlelight Service and the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service were 286 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference televised and streamed live over the internet, and were viewed nationwide and around the world.
Public Awareness and Line-of-Duty Death Prevention Initiatives
The Web site was enhanced by including more resources and information for survivors. The site includes a special Family Programs section, online forms to request information and peer support, specialized grief materials, and links to other resources and organizations. m There were 4,712,382 page views of the FireHero.org site m There were 3,767,695 page views of the EveryoneGoesHome.com site m A “widget” on the web site featuring 2010 fallen firefighters changed each day to feature a new firefighter. It was accessed and downloaded by numerous fire service organizations and publications. After the 2011 Memorial Weekend, the widget was revised to show information on firefighters honored in previous years.
Staff continued to promote initiatives to reduce line-of-duty deaths by focusing on the impact on the survivors and communities. Presentations at fire service conferences during which survivors told the audience how the loss of their firefighter impacted their lives and their communities provided a powerful tool to promote firefighter safety. This was combined with information on how to reduce line-of-duty deaths. Presentations were very well received by the audiences.
Respectfully Submitted; Ronald J. Siarnicki, Executive Director
Report of the Recruitment & Retention Committee
President Lewis, 1st Vice President Denver, 2nd Vice President Olson, Officers, Delegates & Guests to the 120th Annual Convention and Conference of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association: It has been a tremendous learning experience serving as the chairman of this committee. In August of 2011, the Committee met and set some lofty goals for this year, as well as developed a roadmap for the future Recruitment & Retention committees.
Short Time Goals - - Assist the member departments to recruit new members. - Create awareness for member companies of the available recruitment programs and to encourage them to request our help.
Medium Range Goals - - Develop a website location so that we could begin collecting the best practices & ideas for use in recruitment & retention.
287 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Long Range Goals - SAFER & AFG - Assist departments with the application process for Grants and funding. Work with the Grants Committee. Assist with the creation of videos, PSA’s Brochures, or Commercials for recruitment of new members.
To begin to accomplish these goals the committee determined that we needed a better understanding of the members needs. A survey was developed and sent out across the entire state resulting in over 350 responses. The committee has analyzed the results and a copy of our findings will be found in this year’s convention bag.
The Committee organized and presented a seminar called “Building Leadership for Organizational Success” on March 24, 2012 that was attended by 40 department leaders. George Zeeks, an experienced motivational speaker on management and leadership designed this seminar to help build a better culture within our departments, by changing behavior and understanding of human behavior styles.
It was with the generosity of some wonderful vendors that we were able to fund this seminar and the committee would like to acknowledge them. Thank you to VFIS, California Casualty, 1-800-BOARDUP, Maryland Fire Equipment and Municipal Marketing for all of your assistance. The Recruitment and Retention Committee intends to continue providing leadership seminars in the future. Our belief is that if a department has good Leadership — the members will follow.
Also, during this past year, Committee Members discussed the value of the national Fire Corps initiative for use by our State’s emergency services organizations. Fire Corps seeks to engage citizens to help their community’s First Responders by assisting with a wide range of nonoperational tasks that includes fundraising, safety fairs, fire & injury prevention activities, chaplaincy programs, awards & recognition duties, website implementation and maintenance, public affairs work, grant writing, and the list goes on and on. Currently, 31 Fire Corps programs exist across the state - http://www.firecorps.org/volunteers/find- a-program#state=Maryland. As detailed at the Fire Corps website, local programs vary slightly in order to best meet a specific local need which is how the opportunity. The Committee feels more Maryland volunteer and combination Fire and EMS companies could also make effective use of the initiative, too.
It was an honor to serve as Chairman on the MSFA Recruitment & Retention Committee this year with all of the dedicated & talented committee members. I would like to thank President Dave Lewis and Vice Presidents Denver & Olson, who provided the committee with tremendous leadership and guidance by their presence at most of our meetings, and to Jim Brown, our MIEMSS Liaison.
288 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Sincerely, Joseph S. Chornock, CHS-III, Chair Jesse Springirth Troy Odendhal, Vice Chair Brendan Burke Jim Brown, MIEMSS Liaison Greg Yost Julie Casey William Smith Victoria Cunningham Robert “Pappy” Hahn
Report of the Risk Management Committee
The Risk Management Committee continues to monitor the Injured Workers Insurance Fund (IWIF) workers compensation program to assure the program remains viable and profitable. The program has been extremely successful with over $18,000 in dividends paid to participating member companies. We continue to encourage member companies with excellent loss experience to have their local agent consider the MSFA Safety Group program.
We are pleased to report legislative initiatives proposed by the Risk Management Committee were successful in Annapolis. HB 1085 and SB 431 passed the Maryland General Assembly. This legislation clearly defines a fire police is covered as “on duty” for purposes of Workers Compensation when assisting a law enforcement agency. Additionally, the legislation defines stipends to offset personal expenses paid to members of volunteer fire, rescue or ambulance companies in an amount less than $5,200 per year is not considered payroll for the purpose of worker’s compensation and the member is not considered a paid firefighter.
The committee is very pleased to have served this past year and conducted activities that have had a positive effect on the member companies of MSFA.
Respectfully Submitted, Clarence “Chip” Jewell, Chairman Charles Brandt Bill Cooke Michael LaCompte
Report of the Rural Water Supply Committee The Rural Water Supply Committee has again had a very successful year. We have assisted with two water supply shuttle drills in the state. Drills were held in Denton, Caroline County in the fall of 2011, and in Jarrettsville, Harford County in the spring of 2012. Both of these drills were well attended and many tried and true concepts were practiced as well as many innovative concepts tested. We have received many compliments, and suggestions for future drills. Our committee members were also able to attend several regional water supply drills in different areas of the state. Our committee has remained pretty much the same for the past several years. We certainly would like to get interested folks to take an active role in the committee to give some others 289 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference a break. If you just wish to say you are on the committee, save your effort as we have no room for namesakes only. But if you wish to get out and participate in planning, setting up, and conducting training exercises and drills, please contact the MSFA President and ask to be placed on this committee. We will be looking for a new committee chair this year as I have held this position for 10 years and feel that it is time for some new ideas and fresh approach. It has been a pleasure to work with such a dedicated group of individuals and we have attained a high level of success in sharpening the rural water supply skills of many of our member companies.
We especially want to recognize and thank Vice Chair Greg Dods, Butch Britton, Robert Small, and George Brown for their enthusiastic participation this year. We also wish to thank the Denton Volunteer Fire Company, and the Jarrettsville Volunteer Fire Company for their assistance and efforts in holding the drills this year. These groups did an outstanding job as hosts for the exercises.
Our fall 2012 drill is tentatively set for Eastern Garrett County VFD. The date and details are currently in progress and will be posted soon.
Respectfully Submitted, Doug Alexander, Chair
Report of the History of the Residential Sprinkler in Maryland Prince George’s County became the first county in Maryland to require residential sprinklers in town houses, apartments, and condominiums (multi-family) in 1988. The State of Maryland began requiring residential sprinklers in multi-family, hotel, motel, dormitory, lodging or rooming houses July 1, 1990.
The City of Laurel became the first jurisdiction to require residential sprinklers in one and two family dwellings in January of 1991. Prince George’s County began requiring residential sprinklers in one and two family dwellings in January of 1992. The State of Maryland began requiring residential sprinklers in townhouses July 1, 1992. The above requirements are the first known requirements for residential sprinklers in Maryland. As you can see, we began with multi-family occupancies and worked our way down to single family dwelling units over time.
The expansion of requirements for residential sprinklers lay somewhat dormant until after 2001 when the cities of Rockville and Gaithersburg in Montgomery County initiated requirements, followed closely in January of 2003 by the Town of Mt. Airy in Carroll/ Frederick Counties. Montgomery County followed suit in 2004. These communities along with the City of Laurel and Prince George’s County laid the ground work for residential sprinkler requirements as we know them today.
290 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference In early 2005, the Carroll County Volunteer Firemen’s Association began work to require residential sprinklers in one and two family dwellings. A thorough campaign was launched to educate the county commissioners, the citizens of the county, and all the firefighters of the county to the benefits of residential sprinklers. Much support was obtained from the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office, ISO, MFRI, local sprinkler companies, and some insurance companies. An education and demonstration seminar was presented at the Westminster VFD in late March of 2005 where the sprinkler trailer from MFRI was utilized to show graphically how effective residential sprinklers were. This session was videotaped by the local cable TV company and broadcast throughout the county many times over the next few months. In June of 2005, the county commissioners voted to require residential sprinklers in all new one and two family dwellings effective January 1, 2006. This was a huge victory for the fire service and the citizens of Carroll County. This effort became the springboard for further efforts in Maryland. President Lee Sachs of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association appointed a committee in June of 2005, at the annual convention, to assist and support the fire service of Maryland in obtaining residential sprinkler requirements anywhere in the state, with a goal of statewide requirements in the future. This committee consisting of approximately 15 personnel, met and began to organize an approach to bringing residential sprinkler requirements to all areas of Maryland. The committee put together a multi-faceted plan to accomplish the task. 1. Put together a comprehensive education program to reach firefighters, citizens, and local governmental officials on the facts about residential sprinklers. 2. Solicit the help of related agencies such as the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office, Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute, Maryland Fire Chief’s Association, Fire and Burn Safety Coalition of Maryland, the Fire Prevention and Life Safety Committee of the MSFA, and as many county fire associations as possible. 1. Complete a mission statement agreed upon by the Maryland State Firemen’s ssociation. 2. Reach out to other organizations including sprinkler installers and fire safety organizations to tap into their experience and knowledge in this area. 3. Extend our offer of assistance to all fire companies and fire service organizations across the state. We will assist any local group, but will not serve as a sponsor or catalyst for action. Initiation of an effort to obtain requirements for residential sprinklers must originate from the local fire service. 4. Take a one by one approach and take on those jurisdictions willing to do so rather than attempt to bring the whole state on at one time. Once we reached a “tipping point” then attempt to bring on the whole state under one requirement. 5. Work only towards requirements for new homes at this time due to the additional costs for retro fitting older homes. We are more interested in getting residential sprinklers in new homes due to the lightweight construction, open floor plans, and amount of decorative materials placed in homes today. We will advocate for residential sprinklers to be retro fitted in older homes, but for now will not promote requirements for such.
With these tasks identified, the committee began to contact the related agencies and explain 291 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference our efforts and request their assistance. In all cases, we were greeted with enthusiasm and a pledge to assist. This became the team behind the MSFA Residential Sprinkler Committee. This continues to be the backbone and support system for the committee. Without the support of this team, our accomplishments would not have been realized. Once this team was in place, our education efforts started in earnest. Many educational gatherings were attended to get the facts out on residential sprinklers. Governmental meetings, Civic club meetings, firefighter meetings, and gatherings of interested citizens were just some of the places we went to get the facts out. With the help of the State Fire Marshal, a mission statement was developed. The Executive Committee of the MSFA supported this mission statement and this statement became a written explanation for our existence. This mission statement can be found on the MSFA website at anytime.
As we began our educational efforts, we learned very quickly that the effort to get residential sprinkler requirements had to come from the “local” fire service for ordinances, and technical support when they went before their local governmental officials. Of course, the committee members could also demonstrate the support of the MSFA which is the organization that represents the volunteer fire service of Maryland. We also learned that career firefighter unions and committees were also willing to support the local efforts, so we involved them whenever possible. They proved to be great contributors each time they attended. We also found that most of the time the local building official understood and supported the requirement for residential sprinklers, particularly after the requirement became part of the International Residential Code. We also learned to assume a “take what you can get” approach as some municipalities only wanted to adopt requirements for duplexes, and some municipalities only wanted to adopt for areas with water systems in place. We found that a “half of a loaf’ was better than not getting any requirement.
Members of the committee who are also members of the International Code Council, worked to get fire service folks to join the ICC and participate in hearings and votes to include residential sprinklers in the 2009 and 2012 editions of the International Residential Code. These efforts, along with the efforts of many fire service groups and concerned fire service personnel, were successful in Minneapolis in 2008 and Baltimore in 2010 in cementing these requirements into the code editions. Maryland fire service personnel had a major impact in this success. However, we must continue our vigilance or the homebuilders will overturn our success in future code editions. We traveled to many communities and counties across the state supporting the efforts of the locals. The committee has consisted of members with skills in different areas. For example, we have had 3 FPEs on the committee and support from others within the State Fire Marshal’s Office. We have had a member from a sprinkler company active with the committee, and support from several sprinkler companies in different areas of the state when it came to hearings and educational gatherings. The committee has done several things to provide documented and face to face support for the locals. A mission statement was developed, a fact sheet was created and distributed, handout items such as rulers, key chains, lanyards, pins, etc. were purchased for a quick giveaway or reminder, and a booth 292 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference was set up at the MACO convention each year in Ocean City to help provide an avenue for the education of our county officials. Of course, public hearings were attended whenever we were requested by the locals to show the support of the MSFA and to provide technical support if needed. The approach that took place was to go wherever the officials were interested and “sell the product” so to speak. As one by one municipalities and counties came on board with requirements, we found more folks willing to listen.
Currently, we have 13 counties and 94 of 157 municipalities including Baltimore City covered by requirements of their own for residential sprinklers in new one and two family homes. We have found that the western counties and lower eastern shore counties have been resisting residential sprinklers even though they are now part of all the model building codes. We feel that further education may help in these areas, but generally, the almighty dollar has been the factor that has disallowed these requirements to take place. Empathy towards the “poor citizen” who is “devastated by governmental intervention” has taken a toll on our success. The home builders have continued to cry poor mouth ever since we began seeking these requirements. For some reason they feel that residential sprinkler costs are killing their business and keeping people from buying new homes. Draw your own conclusion. Residential sprinkler costs consistently cost around 1% to 2% the cost of a new home. The NFPA estimates that the cost averages $1.61 a square foot of home nationwide.
We have been challenged by the homebuilders, realtors, TEA party folks, and those who think we are infringing upon their right to have their home the way they want it when it comes to residential sprinklers. The old “... a man’s home is his castle” syndrome. Well, that would be great if they did not expect the government to get involved when they screw up or are an unfortunate victim of an act of nature. Then, their government should do all it can to save their lives and property despite how dangerous they have made the home or the situation at hand. Firefighters are not sacrificial beings to save some citizen’s house. I am sure they will still go out on the limb to save a life, but I am not so sure we have to throw ourselves into a situation where nothing more than property is to be saved.
Lightweight construction used in today’s houses gives us very little time to get into a house to save a life when the structural elements are attacked by fire. That is why residential sprinklers are so important. The open floor plans in use today differ from construction of just 20 — 25 years ago when there were rooms separated from one another by walls and doors. Cathedral ceilings, ornate archways, open stairwells, and decorative partial doors have allowed houses to be essentially wide open allowing fire to travel very quickly throughout. Residential sprinklers help to combat this occasion of fire deficiency.
In conclusion, the committee has had remarkable success in educating the public, the fire service, and the governmental officials to the virtues of residential sprinklers. There is much work left to do however. New approaches and efforts to bring attention to the significant benefits of residential sprinklers must be found and applied. We must continue 293 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference to cultivate the efforts of local fire service groups to educate and convince their law makers that residential sprinklers are more than “a governmental intrusion”. Like indoor plumbing, seatbelts in vehicles, child safety car seats, and many other items that save numerous lives every year, but were forcefully resisted when first introduced, residential sprinklers will be accepted as time goes on. Anytime safety hits the pocketbook, resistance is inevitable. We must continue to work for requirements for residential sprinklers, particularly in new homes. In recent months we have experienced the backlash somewhat spearheaded by officials that believe in “less government” agendas. There have been several efforts across the state where residential sprinkler requirements have been withdrawn or revoked, or attempts made to do so, because a newly elected official (2010) has, because of “promises or commitments” to their constituents, managed to get the requirement overturned in the name of “less government regulation” or to “allow the housing industry to recover from the recession” without further regulation. I doubt that any of us here today have succumbed to that façade but realize that the builders that helped to fund successful campaigns are asking for their return. Fortunately so far, there have been only a few successful overturns of residential sprinkler requirements.
In the Legislative Session of the Maryland General Assembly in early 2012, bills were cross filed in both houses of the legislature to eliminate the “opting out” of residential sprinkler requirements in the Maryland Building Performance Standards by local jurisdictions. The identical bills cleared both houses of the General Assembly, after some minor changes by amendment, by significant margins and were forwarded to the governor for signing.
On Wednesday May 2, 2012, Governor Martin O’Malley signed SB602/HB366 into law. Effective October 1, 2012, essentially all new homes in Maryland will be required to have residential fire sprinkler systems installed when built. This requirement is part ofthe International Residential Code which is included in the Maryland Building Performance Standards.
The signing of this bill brings to a close a 7 year effort by the fire service of Maryland to get statewide requirements in place to have residential sprinklers in all new homes. However, we must remain vigilant as certainly there will be those that will try to erase this success and attempt ways to avoid residential sprinkler requirements.
Report of the Scholarship Committee
This year the scholarship committee continued with the mentoring program that was developed three years ago and also works with the newly revised process of applications. I am pleased to report that all worked well. Chairman Emeritus Bill Olsen completed writing the history of the scholarship committee that includes the names of all of those supported since the committee was developed
294 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference beginning in 1957. Big thanks to Bill for all of his hard work. The statistics for the 2011-12 school years Total students supported...... 9 Amount of money distributed ...... $29,500.00 Schools that our students are attending: University of Maryland Baltimore Campus University of Maryland College Park University of Maryland University College I would be remised if I didn’t take this opportunity to thank all of our supports: MSFA member companies, MSFA Foundation, Ms. Heimer, Bill Olsen, MSFA Ladies Auxiliary, Shock Trauma Board of Visitors, and Connective Power. Without their support this committee couldn’t provide support at the level demonstrated above. I also would like to thank each and every committee member for their dedication and support of the students.
Finally, I wish to thank President Lewis, 1st Vice President Denver, and 2nd Vice President Olson for having the confidence in me to serve as Chairman. I wish to thank each member of the committee for their outstanding work this year.
Respectfully Submitted: G. Dale Fishack Jr., Chairman
Report of the Search and Rescue (SAR) Committee President Lewis, Vice Presidents Denver and Olson, Chairman Donaldson, Officers, Delegates, Members and Guests of the 120th Annual Convention of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association;The Watercraft Committee and Emergency Support Function/ Resource Typing and Credentialing Workgroup were merged in 2010 and a new Search and Rescue Committee was formed by then President Cox. This Committee has continued to work on issues carried over from the previous committees. Please refer to the bulleted information below for the details of these matters.
Migration from Watercraft Committee to SAR committee plan and goals:
• Combined Watercraft Committee and ESF/RTC Workgroup to provide task recognition to the work of member companies providing SAR and the MSFA role in that work; i.e. other organizations use the SAR term and have had a difficult time identifying the role of the “Watercraft Committee” at various meetings.
• Primary purpose/mission will be to promote the role of, and support, MSFA member companies that provide technical search and/or rescue. Will liaison with state/regional/national organizations involved in SAR to advocate for MSFA member
295 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference companies and gather information to disseminate to the MSFA.
• Monitor the field of technical SAR and work on positioning the MSFA and member companies to respond to any changes in a way that promotes the work of the MSFA.
• Serve as the MSFA organizational representative to the National Association for Rescue (NASAR) and attend the annual NASAR Conference as funding allows.
• Provide technical assistance to member companies and coordinate with other MSFA committees concerning SAR issues, Specifically serve as the MSFA liaison to MEMA on ESF-9 matters including:
• Providing subject matter experts as required in the ESF-9 annex to the State EOP.
• Staffing the SEOC when required/requested.
• Developing and maintaining a roster of MSFA member companies that provide technical SAR response; type and credential those resources based on NIMS; and serve as the contact for mobilization of those resources when requested outside of normal mutual aid requests.
The following work has taken place this year to address the goals listed above:
1. Provided support and coordination of MSFA member company SAR assets for MEMA during ESF‑9 activations for 8/23/11 Earthquake, Hurricane Irene, and TS Lee. This included roistering assets of Swift-Water/Flood, Canine, and Helicopter Aquatic Rescue teams. Committee members participated in telephone conferences with MEMA ESF-9 staff, monitored SEOC operations via WebE0C during these events, and staffed the ESF- 9 group at the SEOC as requested.
The MSFA ESF-9 Resource List has been published. Hard copy is at the MEMA Fire Desk, electronic copies provided to MEMA ESF-9 rep, the SEOC Managers, and SAR committee members. This will soon be available on the MSFA website under the SAR Committee. It should be noted by all that this is a dynamic document and updates/changes will be made. There are still some resources that need to provide information and contact with these providers continues in attempt to achieve this. I again want to emphasize that we want to hear from any SAR resource that a member company operates that meets the NIMS Typing requirements. Even a Type III or Type IV resource is valuable to have in the resource matrix.
296 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference 2. The SAR Committee met to discuss the previously reported gaps analysis of MFRI training and requisite training for SAR job descriptions under NIMS. The committee would like to have MFRI serve in the role as a broker for organizations requiring SAR training over and above the NFPA standard but meeting the NIMS requisite training. Essentially this would mean that MFRI would maintain a list of vetted vendors and broker specific training as requested. Over the course of brokering these courses MFRI would have the opportunity to identify where the demands are and possibly develop in-house instructor cadre. The SAR Committee would serve a role in this development by assisting MFRI with identifying and contacting vendors, such as NASAR, that would be able to deliver the training and participating in meetings to develop the brokering system. The committee decided to contact MFRETEC to begin implementation discussion then pull in a broader audience for discussion including MEMA, MFRI, MSFA Training Committee, and MFCA. 3. MEMA sent out the ESF-9 document labeled as final for review, approval and signatures in March 2012. Upon review of the document it was noted that none of the recommended changes the MSFA submitted in May 2010 had been incorporated. At the suggestion of Chairman Johnson, President Lewis returned the document to MEMA unsigned with a request for clarification as to why none of our recommendations had been incorporated. 4. The committee has also begun a review of the current MSFA Standard Operating Procedures for Watercraft (SOP No. E005) and has noted several deficiencies that will need to be addressed. Input is still coming in from committee members and the recommended changes will be forwarded to the MSFA Standards Committee for any required action. Committee members are looking at the standards in a manner that will allow the safest, regulatory compliant operations without edging out companies that are already providing marine fire/rescue response. A line by line evaluation of the current SOP and discussion as needed was completed and committee members will be word smithing specific changes to incorporate into our recommendations. 5. The Committee Chair attended an informational meeting at USAR MD Task Force 1 at the invitation of MEMA. In addition to MEMA and MDTF1 staff the MSP Search Manager and the Ft. Detrick EM was in attendance. MDTF1 Program Manager Elwood “Buddy” Ey provided the following information concerning MDTF1: m There does not need to be a Federal declaration to request their assets. They are available via mutual aid or MEMAC requests. m They are considered an all hazards response resource. m They have a 2 to 4 hour mobilization time frame. m There is a cost for deployment of the USAR cache. However, Montgomery County Special Operations can provide the same asset at no cost for the first 24 hours. m You can request the entire cache, specific components such as canine, BOO, listening devices, or you can just request SME support.
I would again personally urge each department providing technical search and/or rescue
297 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference services to pursue Maryland Fire Service Personnel Qualifications Board (and National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications where applicable) certifications for their members in the following areas as applicable to the type of service you provide: Structural Collapse Technical Rescuer, Rope Technical Rescuer, Surface Water Technical Rescuer, Vehicle and Machinery Technical Rescuer, Confined Space Technical Rescuer, Trench Technical Rescuer, Fire/Rescue Boat Crew Mate I, II, and Motor Vessel Operator. By having these in place you will be on your way to demonstrating required competencies in the field of SAR response. Information on all of these programs is available thru MFRI.
I would also encourage departments with any questions related to search and rescue to contact a member of the SAR Committee. We are here to serve the member companies and can most likely use the expertise of the committee members in addressing any concerns. We are frequently consulted by departments for information on equipment and training and welcome such contacts.
The Committee would like to thank President Lewis and the other Association officers for their support over the past year. The Committee looks forward to continuing its’ work with each of you and others in the coming year.
Submitted for the Service by: Todd “Scuba” Johnson, Chair Report of the MSFA Standards and NFPA Review Committee It is with great pleasure that I accepted President Lewis’ appointment as Chair of the MSFA Standards and NFPA Review Committee. This Committee plays a critical role in the review and adoption of standards which directly impact the safety and survivability of firefighters and first responders throughout the State.
At the request of President Lewis, a member of the Standards and NFPA Review Committee was designated to represent the MSFA as a member of a regional Task Force recently formed by Chief Bill Goddard of the Howard County Fire Department. This Task Force has been charged with the review of standard operating procedures that directly impact the safety of crew members operating on the fire ground. Such procedures are to include MT operations, May Day procedures, and standardized crew assignments. Members of this Committee have been made aware of a question regarding the colors for emergency lights on fire department vehicles which are permitted and approved for installation and use. Following extensive research and discussion on this subject, the matter was referred to the MSFA Office of the Attorney for investigation and resolution. It was determined that this subject matter was addressed by current State Law, and was not a matter of MSFA Standards interpretation or implementation.
The prevailing issue presented to this Committee was the review of the current MSFA 298 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Bylaws to recommend any necessary revisions to existing MSFA standards requirements, review the changes made to pertinent NFPA standards to assess their impact on MSFA member companies, and review the requirements of the abolished Emergency Vehicles Issues Subcommittee to incorporate the responsibilities of this subcommittee into the purview of the Standards and Review Committee. Over the past twelve months, the activity of the Standards and NFPA Review Committee of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association continued to concentrate on the revisions of the Standards Sections of the MSFA Bylaws.
In cooperation with the liaisons from the MSFA Office of the Parliamentarian, MSFA EMS Committee and MSFA Constitution and Bylaws Committee, a recommended draft for Article D of the MSFA Bylaws was reviewed and approved by the Standards Committee. That draft incorporated the modifications to Sections 3, 4, 5, and 6 as proposed by the MSFA EMS Committee. In addition, the Standards Committee recommended modification Section 1 of the Bylaws to address training requirements for marine vessel operations.
As a result of its recent activities, recommendations for revised wording to all sections of the MSFA Bylaws addressing. Standards issues were completed and forwarded to the MSFA Constitution and Bylaws Committee for their consideration at the January 2012 meeting of that Committee. A final version of that document would represent the recommendations of the Standards Committee for presentation to the general membership of the MSFA for revisions to the MSFA Bylaws.
The goal of this Committee is to continue the review and revision of current MSFA SOG’s for Fire apparatus and EMS vehicles to coordinate these SOG’s with current NFPA Standards and generally recognized practices. Most recently, the activity of the Standards and NFPA Review Committee of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association continued to concentrate on the revisions of the Standards Sections of the MSFA Bylaws, and to commence the review of the current MSFA SOGs regarding apparatus standards. These efforts have been in cooperation with the liaisons from the MSFA Office of the Parliamentarian, MSFA EMS Committee and MSFA Constitution and Bylaws Committee, and were continued at a meeting of the MSFA Standards Committee on March 13, 2012 at the Anne Arundel Co. Fire Hdqts. in Millersville. In addition, revisions of the training standards for EMS providers have been forwarded to the MSFA EMS Committee for review through the committee liaison.
The Standards Committee now plans to continue the process of revising the MSFA Standard Operating Procedures regarding apparatus standards. It was decided to begin this process by assigning different sections of these SOGs to Task Groups of Committee Members for initial review and recommendation of each SOP Section for approval by the entire Standards Committee. In addition it was noted that a request would be sent to other MSFA Committees, including the Rural Water Supply Committee, EMS Committee, 299 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference and Water Craft Committee to lend special expertise on proposed revisions to pertinent MSFA SOP’s. It was noted that these reviews could commence immediately, but that the final reports should be reserved pending the approval of the proposed changes to Article D of the Bylaws by the MSFA Membership, and prepared for submission to the MSFA Executive Committee at the August 2012 Meeting of that Committee. All members of the MSFA Standards Committee were encouraged to participate in the review of these SOGs.
The activities of the Standards Committee were accomplished through much diligent work by its members which included four Committee meetings over the past twelve month period. The next meeting of this Committee will be scheduled for July 2012 following the results of the changes to Article D of the MSFA Bylaws accepted by the membership at the 2012 Annual Convention and Conference. The purpose of this meeting will be to review and approve modifications to the SOGs regarding apparatus issues.
The goal of this Committee is to continue the review and revision of current MSFA SOG’s for Fire apparatus and EMS vehicles to coordinate these SOG’s with current NFPA Standards and generally recognized practices. While the recommended SOGs will attempt to comply with the current NFPA Standards as much as possible, it is understood that many local conditions will require modification to the National standard in order to provide an adequate level of cost effective services. All of these issues will be considered as a part of the MSFA Standards Committee review and recommendation of proposed regulations, with the prime consideration for the safety of the emergency responders of this State and the citizens that they are committed to protect.
It is my personal commitment to continue the fine efforts and tradition of this Committee that has been long established by its previous leadership. If anyone has any questions or comments that they wish to bring before the Standards Committee, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Respectfully submitted, Ken Bush, Chair
Report of the MSFA Representative to the State Interoperability Executive Committee (SIEC)
The State Interoperability Executive Committee (SIEC) had an extremely busy and successful year. The highlight of the SIEC was the implementation and successful testing of the statewide 700 MHz trunked radio system. Though, this is just the first phase of the project, it will provide primary communications for the Maryland Transportation Authority Police and Kent County. This partnership allows local jurisdictions of utilize the statewide system for primary communications, thus saving the local jurisdiction millions of dollars. 300 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Governor Martin O’Malley will make the “first call” of the system in June of 2012 with full operations for Region lA and Kent County by the end of December, 2012. The next phase of the system will focus on the Eastern Shore with several counties possibly participating with the state agencies. Other statewide projects that are also in process are a statewide computer aided dispatch system and a 911 system for utilization by the Maryland State Police.
Narrowbanding has created some concerns from member companies and local jurisdictions, especially with respect to the use of Minitor III, IV pagers that cannot be narrowbanded. Though these pagers will most likely work, the narrowband radio transmission may be less efficient with low volume.
Respectfully, Clarence “Chip” Jewell
Report of the Training Committee
President Lewis, 1st Vice President Denver, 2nd Vice President Olson, Officers, Delegates, and Guests to the 120th Annual Convention and Conference of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association.
President Lewis set his vision for the year of the Training Committee and the Safety Committee working hand in hand on common issues that affected both groups. Both Committee Chairmen agreed and besides holding a combination meeting of both communicating and promoting messages of safety into all aspects of training. During the year these messages were presented to numerous organizations and regions. The Committee continues to be alarmed with the NFPA U.S. Firefighter Deaths Related to Training for 2001-2010 where it was reported that 108 firefighters died while engaging in training related activities. Of that total 1/4 had one year or less of experience. One death in training is too many and in those efforts the Training Committee has endorsed the Maryland Physical Clearance Program implemented by MFRI.
Although the MSFA 10 year Training Plan was updated and completed by last year’s convention the committee was requested to continue to get feedback from all regions of future improvement and how we can move forward. Very little feedback has been received to date from any region but the chair continues to be hopeful that with the right communication and help that all training officers will see the benefit that it provides its membership.
EMS Training continues to be an issue throughout the state regarding the increase in hours required for the new EMT Basic Class that begins implementation July 1, 2012. The issue is shared by both volunteer and career departments for the increase in funds needed 301 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference for instructors, the increase in hours and the additional time that the students will be away from their home departments. President Lewis has sent Dr. Bass a letter stating concerns he has and his fear of departments opting out for EMR training vs. EMT. The increase in the additional training and the associated hours continues to be a large concern amongst all regions in the state pertaining to the volunteer companies and time away from their home fire and rescue companies.
This year the MSFA Training Chairman attended the monthly meetings with the MSFA President throughout the state of the Council of the Academies and MRETEC where we have a seat at the table and where valuable training information is disseminated and obtained.
This year the Training Committee continued to put out as many Training Announcements as it received on its portion of MSFA website and continues to encourage MSFA Partners and Member Companies to submit announcements to its chairman.
President Lewis, Chairman Roth, and Vice-Chairman Lynott distributed a gift of messenger bags to the 187 participants, (purchased by the MSFA Training Committee) promoting the Maryland State Firemen’s Association at Maryland Weekend held at the National Firefighter Academy in February 2012.
Finally the MSFA Training Committee updated the Zembower Training Award’s criteria with current hours of classes and substantially added the many new training classes and has been placed on-line. It is the hope that more MSFA member companies will submit their entries this year and in the future. The sponsorship of the 2nd runner-up and 1st runner-up training awards will be by private sponsors this year. The MSFA Training Committee met 5 times since the last convention at the following locations:
Prince George’s County, Maryland July 17, 2011 Harford County, Maryland September 25, 2011 Carroll County, Maryland December 18, 2011 Charles County, Maryland February 12, 2012 Montgomery County, Maryland April 29, 2012
I would like to thank the member companies that hosted our meetings, the committee members and liaisons that attended as well as the officers of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association.
Respectfully submitted, Johnie F. Roth, Jr., Chairman
302 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Report of the Transportation Committee During the past year, the committee has worked to update the current tag data-base to reflect the many changes resulting from the 2008 recertification. There are still companies that have not responded to the recertification. The County Coordinators have been advised that until a response is received from these companies, new tag requests will be denied.
The upcoming year 2013 will be another Recertification year. The print-out of member companies will start going out in the last quarter of 2012. The recertification is a requirement for member companies that are part of the MSFA and have MSFA logo tags. This happens every five (5) years. The individual that has the MSFA tag is required to pay $5.00 to the MSFA. This will insure that the member is in good standing and still has the tag. If a company no longer has MSFA logo tags, we need to know that by a letter from the President of that company. This would meet the requirement and those members that no longer possess the tags would be deleted from our data base. However, it is very important that the information provided in the letter is accurate, because MVA will be notified to flag the tag. This means when the tag renewal comes up, the member would receive a letter from MVA stating that their tag cannot be renewed. We are now receiving an updated listing every 6 months from MVA. The number of active tags is now approximately 8,000. There were approximately 450 new tag requests this year. This number is up from last year. There were two new Coordinators appointed this year. Baltimore County-South is now Charles Deavers and Howard County is now Past President Terry Thompson.
I would like to thank all committee members and County Coordinators for their support and efforts this year. I wish to extend a special thank you to William Frazier, Judy Frazier, Dorothy Schultz, Past President Underwood and the LAMSFA Liaison, Carol Flint, for the work done this year. I wish to extend my thanks to President Lewis for his support and the opportunity to serve the MSFA by chairing this committee.
Respectfully submitted, Thomas L. Flint II, Chair
Company Report of the Volunteer Assistance Fund Board President Lewis, Officers, Past Presidents, Delegates, Members and Guests to the 120th Annual Convention and Conference of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association: The Volunteer Company Assistance Fund Board held three meetings this past year. There
303 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference were three loans and one grant approved totaling $1,776,653.75. There is one pending meeting to be held on May 20, 2012 with at least one application to be reviewed, possibly three.
It is important to note that all applications must be “complete” and be in the hands of the secretary 30 days prior to a scheduled meeting. This is due to the new requests and requirements now imposed by the DMIL and the BPW’s. The Board is still accepting loan and grant applications from all companies. All 14 copies of a loan and/or grant application must go through the county representative and be forwarded to the Secretary of the Board for distribution to all Board members.
As of April 30, 2012, Assistant Treasurer Lee Sachs advises there is $7,544,336.25 available to loan and $40,000 earmarked for grants. We encourage member companies to apply for funds to assist them in acquiring their project(s). It is imperative that we utilize these funds. If we do not it is likely that the state’s legislature could view this pocket of monies as not needed and/or retrieve them from the account.
We extend our appreciation to Mr. Lee Sachs for his ongoing and untiring work and assistance in the workings of this Board.
Respectfully submitted, Eugene Curfman, Chairman Patricia A. Bowser, Secretary
Report of the Wills for Heroes Committee
Officers, Past Presidents, Committees, Liaisons, Ladies Auxiliary, Delegates and Guests, upon assuming the Presidency of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association,Dave Lewis envisioned a new benefit program for qualified members of member companies to have a last will and testament prepared for them without charge to be called Wills for Heroes.
I, your humble servant, was given the opportunity to chair the Wills for Hero’s Committee. Because this was a new program, the committee had to undertake to prepare all documentation necessary to implement the program which was done. Thereupon, the executive committee approved the Wills for Hero’s documents which became vicariously know as the Wills for Hero’s package.
After approval by the executive committee of the package, the committee members and the executive committee members distributed “hard copies” of the package throughout the state to all of the county associations and explained the program at the time of the distribution of the packets at the county association meetings. Additionally, the package was posted on the MSFA website (MSFA. org). 304 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference The package is intended to be self explanatory that is, that if a qualified member of a member company desires a will, he/she needs only to review the package and complete and sign the paperwork included in the package and return it to the committee chairman to then have the last will and testament prepared and returned to the requesting member for his execution in accordance with the instructions contained in the package.
The Wills for Hero’s program is only one of countless benefits that the Maryland State Firemen’s Association provides to its constituent member companies and as is the case with the other benefits provided by the Maryland’s States Firemen’s Association, provides another, substantial benefit to the Maryland Volunteer Emergency Services membership and its members.
The Wills for Hero’s committee has been proud to undertake this task to serve the Maryland’s States Firemen’s Association and look forward to continuing the program in the future.
Respectfully, Roger N. Powell, Esq. / Past President Chairman Rev. Dave Coblentz Gayle Moreland C. Daniel Davis, Past President Franklin D. Roth, Jr. Michael W. Farlow, Esq.
Report of the Ways & Means Committee $10,000 Raffle
President Lewis, officers and members of the MSFA and LAMSFA. The 2011 raffle, which was conducted from June 2010 through June 2011, yielded a total of $53,665.00. The expenses totaled $20,279.30 which left a profit of $33,385.70.
Counter sales at the 2011 convention produced $6,975.00 and the remaining $46,690.00 was realized by the special events that the committee attended, by the sales returned by the member companies, and by the LAMSFA who sold $10,296 worth of chances. Harford County was again the leader in ticket sales with $18,424.00. This is the ninth year in a row that Harford has led in sales, and the challenge is still open for anyone to take the lead. Although every county returned money, 155 out of 369 (42%) MSFA member companies did not! The following list by county represents the companies that did not return money: Allegany 31% Howard 17% Anne Arundel 44% Kent 29% Baltimore 61% Montgomery 37% Calvert 43% Prince George’s 55% Caroline 56% Queen Anne’s 55% 305 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Carroll 14% Somerset 44% Cecil 11% St. Mary’s 14% Charles 31% Talbot 43% Dorchester 63% Washington 44% Frederick 42% Wicomico 86% Garrett 46% Worcester 73% Harford 8%
The committee would like to thank the county coordinators, member companies, ladies auxiliaries, and special individuals who have worked very hard to make the raffle a success.
The returns by county were:
Allegany $ 2,223.00 Howard $ 762.00 Anne Arundel $ 3,244.00 Kent $ 573.00 Baltimore $ 1,708.00 Montgomery $ 1,899.00 Calvert $ 755.00 Prince George’s $ 2,222.00 Caroline $ 537.00 Queen Anne’s $ 1,240.00 Carroll $ 1,666.00 Somerset $ 409.00 Cecil $ 2,609.00 St. Mary’s $ 1,150.00 Charles $ 1,504.00 Talbot $ 380.00 Dorchester $ 593.00 Washington $ 1,658.00 Frederick $ 1,865.00 Wicomico $ 233.00 Garrett $ 736.00 Worcester $ 300.00 Harford $18,424.00
Expenses for 2010-2011 Raffle: $ 12,500.00 Prize Money $ 4,175.00 Printing $ 1,990.00 OC Sunfest & Springfest Fees $ 65.00 Darlington Apple Fest $ 25.00 Raffle License (Worcester County) $ 175.00 Maryland BBQ Bash $ 300.00 Flag & Flag Pole $ 1,049.30 Tent Rentals $20,279.30 Total Expenses
$ 53,665.00 Total Sales 306 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference $ 20,279.30 Total Expenses $ 33,385.70 Total Profit
Prize Winners for 2010-2011 Raffle 1st $10,000 Cheryl Wade – Severn, MD 2nd $1,500 Lonnie Klahr – Indian Head, MD 3rd $500 Tim Martin – Frederick, MD 4th $100 District 16 – Cumberland, MD 5th $100 Kevin Clipp – Fairplay, MD 6th $100 Steve McKinney – North East, MD 7th $100 Keith Starr – Baltimore, MD 8th $100 Chris Scovill – Upper Falls, MD
The committee would like to congratulate all of the winners and thank them for their support. Also, many thanks are in order to the MSFA & LAMSFA officers and members who helped with the raffle. Without you, we could not have had such a successful year.
The committee has had a very busy year with the 2011- 2012 raffle. We have attended the Chesapeake City Canal Days, the Mason-Dixon Fair, the Harford County Farm Fair, the Maryland Bar-B-Q Bash, the Darlington Apple Festival, and Ocean City’s Sunfest and Springfest.
The committee would like to wish everyone an enjoyable, informative, and safe conference and convention.
Respectfully Submitted, Louis Jonske, Chairman Anna Jonske, MSFALA Co-Chairman Mitch Vocke, Co-Chairman Report of the Public Address Committee
It has been a great pleasure to serve under President Dave Lewis this past year as the chairman of the Public Address Committee.
The committee and I have had another successful year with the new audio system streamlining it to be as portable and easily deployable as possible. The construction of the new system has allowed us to save more than two hours for set up and tear down at the state meetings. We are now able to set up a complete 18 mic wireless system in about 30 minutes whereas the old system took over two hours! We will continue to make improvements as necessary and as needs arise.
307 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference I would like to give a special “Thank You” to the committee members, as well as the Data Committee with whom we interface with quite often helping each other during set up and down.
I sincerely appreciate the hospitality of the meeting hosting companies. Their support allows us to have successful meetings. I also want to thank the Executive Committee Members, both past and present, for their continued help and support.
Sincerely, Michael A. Davis, Chairman
Report of the Delegates to National Volunteer Fire Council
The NVFC continues to take the lead across the country in advocating for the best interests of the volunteer fire, rescue and EMS personnel who provide emergency services to a large segment of our citizenry. Much effort is committed to health and safety issues, and we have developed many partnerships with other organizations who offer benefits to our Members, an effort which continues to expand year after year. For example, this very Convention Week the NVFC is co-sponsoring, with the IAFC, National Firefighter Health Week; we are focusing on the health aspect, and the IAFC on safety.
The Council continues to manage Fire Corps, which has grown by leaps and bounds over the last several years; represents our constituency in the Wildland Fire Assessment Program; administers the Sound the Alarm Program for the ICC; is working with John Hopkins University on their Health Intervention Study, a significant report from which will be given from our stage at Convention this year; has partnered with the US Fire Administration on programs dealing with Firefighter Arson, Firefighter Suicide, many Training undertakings (for example, the STOP campaign, BEST ISO, the VFIS Liability Webinar; and a dozen or so other such initiatives). We continue to be very much involved with the National Junior Firefighter Program and the Hands-On Training Academy at Scott Safety. We continue to build and strengthen relationships with the IAFC and the NFFF as well as NASFM and FDSOA, and have begun to expand our work internationally, with groups in Greece, Italy, Australia and Japan, among other countries.
Our funding, which supports a budget of about $2.5 million annually, comes from government grants and partnership commitments, which together amount to more than 90% of the total, and our Membership dues. MSFA has undertaken a commitment to assist with the cost of our MSFA-Member Companies enrolling in the All-State membership program which is inexpensive, provides support directly to MSFA, and affords every individual member a $10,000 accidental death benefit policy. We will be promoting this new opportunity to all of you this year, and urge you to consider favorable action when the issue is presented. 308 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference The NVFFC website is a treasury of resources, regarding matters that are of common interest as well as some that are rare and hard to find, but very valuable to those who are seeking additional information on those topics.
Our delegates are active in many aspects of the activities of the Council, and provide a Maryland presence at the two Board Meetings conducted each year, as well as on a number of committees that conduct the business of the Council throughout the year.
The Council is the “go to” organization when legislators and administrators want input from the volunteer fire and EMS service. The stature of the NVFC continues to grow, and the Board is committed to steady forward progress!
We are proud of the NVFC’s progress in recent years, and proud of the role Maryland has had in the teamwork necessary to achieve that progress!
Respectfully, Lee N. Sachs, Past President James P. Seavey, Sr.
309 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Ladies Auxiliary of the MARYLAND STATE FIREMEN’S ASSOCIATION Representing the Volunteer Fire, Rescue and Emergency Medical Services Personnel
SATURDAY, JUNE 16, 2012
1800 JOINT OFFICERS’ BANQUET – Ballrooms 2 & 3, by Invitation Only
SUNDAY, JUNE 17, 2012
8:00 Exhibitor Registration – Convention Center Ground Floor 8:30-11:00 Miss Fire Prevention Interviews – M-201 and M-204 09:00 MSFA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING – Convention Center - East Hall 10:00-12:00 Convention Registration – Foyer 2nd Floor 10:00-12:00 Convention Events Ticket Sales – Ground Floor Foyer 10:00-2:00 FREE BUS PASSES – Lower Level 10:30 SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP SERVICE – Ladies Hall Everyone is invited to attend this non-denominational worship service for the entire family 10:00-5:00 Education and Training Seminars – Convention Center 10:00-2:00 FLEA MARKET – North East Loading Dock – Free Admission 2:00 MISS FIRE PREVENTION CONTEST – Convention Center Main Ballroom 1700 JOINT MEMORIAL SERVICE – Convention Center Main Ballroom – Dress Uniform Sea of Blue Line up in the East Hall
MONDAY, JUNE 18TH, 2012
8:00 Convention Events Ticket Sales – Ground Floor Foyer 8:00-2:00 Free Bus Passes – Lower Level 08:30 CALL TO ORDER – Presidents David Lewis and Teresa Ann Crisman – Convention Center Main Ballroom OPENING CEREMONIES 9:00 Exhibits Open 9:10 Keynote Speaker Presentation After the Keynote Speaker has presented his program the LAMSFA will be excused and will then meet in the East Hall.
FIRST SESSION 11-11:45 REGISTRATIONS 12:00 CALL TO ORDER – President Teresa Ann Crisman Presentation of Colors – Color Bearers: Donna Struntz and Becky Wathen Invocation by Chaplain Nancy Jones Pledge to the Flag – President Teresa Ann Crisman Conference Song - Music Chair Susan Derlumas Welcome - Convention Chair Flo Collins 310 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Greetings - Ocean City Ladies Auxiliary Nominations of Officers 2012-2013 Reading of Election Rules – Corresponding Secretary Vivian Boyd Recognition of Guests Recognition of MSFA President David Lewis Report of the Credentials - Chair Fran Fusco Approval of Minutes – Recording Secretary Ann Price-Davis Report of the Treasurer – Darby Byrd Report of the Financial Secretary – Barbara Sue Nelson
AWARDS CEREMONY Jane Todd Award – Perryville Ladies Auxiliary Hall of Fame Induction Chairman – Leone Gatton, PP Honey Award – Past President Leonard King – MSFA Treasurer Ron Siarnicki
REPORTS OF THE OFFICERS REPORTS OF THE COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN Communications and Bills – Corresponding Secretary Vivian Boyd Unfinished Business Door Prize Drawings – Ocean City Ladies Auxiliary Benediction – Vice Chaplain Marcia Roth Recess 4:30 Exhibits Close – No entry into exhibits areas after 4:14 pm
7:00 MSFA Family Night at Jolly Roger Amusement Park Four hours of unlimited amusement park rides, miniature golf and go cart track usage included. Tickets required
7:30 LONGABERGER BASKET & VERA BRADLEY PURSE BINGO Convention Center – Ballroom C (Doors open at 6:30) Ticket required
TUESDAY, JUNE 19, 2012
SECOND SESSION
8:00-8:45 REGISTRATION AND BALLOTING – Only the person with the Chairman of Delegates Badge will be allowed to cast the vote. No auxiliary will be allowed to share the Chairman’s badge.
9:00 CALL TO ORDER – President Teresa Ann Crisman Invocation – Chaplain Nancy Jones Recognition of Guests Report of the Fire Prevention Committee – Chair, Past President Rose Pandolfini Report of the Election Committee – Chair, Past President Leone Gatton FINAL COMMITTEE REPORTS: Ads and Patrons – Chair Denice Melito, Paula Robison, Sharon Martorana Bessie Marshall Benefit Fund – Chair Past President Elaine Huttenloch
311 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Pins and Badges – Chair Marian Nicholson Safety – Chair Past President Robyn Sheldon Hahn Ways and Means – Chair Gloria Schaeffer and Kim Thomas Hall of Fame – Chair Past President Leone Gatton Report of Credentials – Chair Fran Fusco Benediction – Vice Chaplain Marcia Roth Recess Meeting of the 2011-2012 Officers, Past Presidents and Pages in front of the room with Installing Officer, Past President Sandi T. Lutz
12:20-3:30 ALL YOU CAN EAT FAMILY PICNIC – Convention Center Ballrooms 2 & 3
4:30 Exhibits Close
6:00 JOINT INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS – Main Ballroom Presentation by Newly Elected Officers – Upper Foyers
8:00 BONFIRE AND MOVIE ON THE BEACH – BOARDWALK AT 17TH STREET
9:30 PAJAMA PARADE AND COSTUME CONTEST – Main Ballroom
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2012
THIRD SESSION
7:30 PRAYER BREAKFAST – Convention Center Ballrooms 2 & 3 8:30-9:00 Registration 9:15 CALL TO ORDER – President Sherry Soper Invocation – Chaplain Marcia Roth Dismissal 2010-2011 Committees Except Ads/Patrons – Past President Teresa Ann Crisman OFFICERS’ REPORTS COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS – President Sherry Soper New Business Good of the Order Door Prizes – Ocean City Auxiliary Adjourn Convention Meeting Benediction – Vice Chaplain Lori Denbow Retirement of Colors Past Presidents Luncheon – Convention Hall by Invitation Only
1:00 Exhibits Close – No entry after 12:45
1:00 FIREMEN’S PARADE – DOWNTOWN OCEAN CITY – RAIN OR SHINE Please remember that the parade route has changed. Please plan accordingly
5:30 Awarding of Parade Prizes/Trophies – Convention Center 312 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference
Teresa Ann Crisman Greenbelt Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary Prince George’s County 2011-2012 313 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference
Sherry Soper Woodsboro Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary Frederick County 2012-2013 314 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference 2011-2012 LAMSFA OFFICERS
President: Teresa Ann Crisman C 240-882-6772 Greenbelt VFD LA – Prince George’s 104 Ivy Lane, Greenbelt, MD 20770 E-Mail: [email protected]; [email protected]
Senior Vice President: Sherry Soper H 301-662-0761 Woodsboro VFD LA – Frederick C 301-514-0019 600-H Heather Ridge Drive, Frederick, MD 21702 E-Mail: [email protected]; [email protected]
Junior Vice President: Carol Hayden H 301-468-1014 Kensington VFD Aux. – Montgomery C 301-325-4944 4605 Stoneleigh Court, Rockville, MD 20852 E-Mail: [email protected]; [email protected]
Recording Secretary: Ann Price-Davis H 717-227-2931 Cockeysville VFC LA – Baltimore C 410-371-7906 10993 Glen Valley Road, Glen Rock, PA 17327 E-Mail: [email protected]; [email protected]
Treasurer: Darby Byrd H 301-934-5454 Dentsville EMS LA – Charles C 301-751-5025 12270 Rupert Drive, LaPlata, MD 20646 E-Mail: [email protected]; [email protected]
Financial Secretary: Barbara Sue Nelson H 301-769-2654 Seventh District VFD LA – St. Mary’s C 240-925-9210 P.O. Box 28, Avenue, MD 20609 E-Mail: [email protected]
Corresponding Secretary: Vivian Morgan Boyd H 301-736-7176 Capital Heights VFC LA – Prince George’s C 301-807-5840 423 Balboa Avenue, Capital Heights, MD 20743-2848
Chaplain: Nancy Jones H 301-753-9722 Indian Head VFD LA – Charles C 301-399-0560 6 Alton Court, Indian Head, MD 20640 E-Mail: [email protected]
315 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Vice Chaplain: Marcia Roth H 301-774-4901 Sandy Springs VFD LA – Montgomery C 301-452-6265 19104 Treadway Road, Brooksville, MD 20833 E-Mail: [email protected]; [email protected]
Historian: Stephanie Holsinger C 240-793-7624 Laytonsville VFD LA – Montgomery 19439 Brassie Place, #104, Montgomery Village, MD 20886 E-Mail: [email protected]; [email protected]
Guard: Lori Denbow C 410-734-6845 Level VFC LA – Harford 103 Brotherton Court, Havre de Grace, MD 21078 E-Mail: [email protected]; [email protected]
Color Bearer: Donna Struntz C 240-727-0312 Bowling Green VFD LA – Allegany 11610 Poplar Avenue, Cumberland, MD 21502 E-Mail: [email protected]
Color Bearer: Becky Wathen H 301-872-5671 Ridge VFD LA – St. Mary’s C 301-481-1308 P.O. Box 67, St. Inigoes, MD 20684 E-Mail: [email protected]
Bessie Marshall Fund Chair: Elaine Huttenloch, P.P. H 301-735-1319 Forestville VFD LA Prince George’s 4703 Mellwood Road, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772-7178 E-Mail: [email protected]
Conference Co-Chair: Carene Housenfluck H 301-261-0061 Arundel VFD LA – Anne Arundel C 301-412-1948 1744 Thistle Court; Gambrills, MD 21054 E-Mail: [email protected]
Conference Co-Chair: Brenda Harrison H 301-620-2564 Junior No. 2 LA – Frederick 7951 Old 7th Street, Frederick, MD 21702 E-Mail: [email protected]
316 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Report of the President Since taking the oath of office as President I have truly expressed to the best of my ability to lead this organization with great pride and accomplishment. This year was met with some high tasks that I wanted to see our auxiliary be a strong partner with and stand with the Maryland State Firemen’s Association. This past year you allowed me an opportunity to represent this organization as the President to the Ladies Auxiliary of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association. I cannot say thank you enough for allowing me this opportunity.
To my great friend Dave Lewis, I want to congratulate you on a great year my friend. This year has been great and as we traveled this great state we stood together proud as leaders of these great organizations. Your hard work and dedication to the fire service of this state is tireless. We both have jobs that as if our lives center on the fire service for us there is really no on or off switch. I have truly enjoyed working with you. I have enjoyed the many outings that we’ve taken and to the many visits that we have taken around this great state. It is truly a great state and we have so many valuable members it is their dedication that we are able to stand before you as a president and have the pride that we both have. As the BIG AND LARGE TOUR 2011-2012 travels across the state look for us you’ll never know where your gonna see us next.
I must express my gratitude to the Maryland State Firemen’s Association 17 State Circle Legislative Committee, lead by Chairman Past President Danny Davis and Co-Chairman Past President Richard Yinger. Gentlemen I wish you the very best in your many great accomplishments. This year the Legislative Committee worked very hard and had many tireless nights working towards a better Maryland for the citizens we serve and for the fire service of this state. I hope that we fully understand what great strides weremet in Annapolis this year. The committee that came to Annapolis from the Auxiliary was a great asset to the office, Momma Rose, Aunt Careen, Mrs. Radisch, Ms. Bobbie and Aunt Marian, I cannot say thank you enough for all of your hard work. Working on several bills for Safe Kids and for the MSFA, I traveled to Annapolis 38 times equaling 1976 miles traveled up and down route 50 but I must say with the greatest day being May 2, 2012 as Governor Martin O’Malley signed into law House Bill 366 and Senate Bill 602 Public Safety - Building Performance Standards — Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems. Sitting in each session as Delegate Jimmy Malone and Senator Roy Dyson and many others fought for the importance of ensuring that every residential and multi home dwelling will now have installed a sprinkler system allowing more protection for every Marylander. These two bills were fought with great zeal.
Danny and Rose, thank you both for your countless hours of support and guidance to the MSFA and LAMSFA as chairs to this most important committee. There are so many words that I wish to express to you both but I must say thank you first and that your commitment to the fire service is forever highlighted. Thank you for everything you’ve done for these so many countless hours and years of service to the fire service of this state.THANK YOU...
317 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Three other bills that I am very proud of supporting was HB1101 - Workers’ Compensation - Medical Presumptions and Study — This will allow for firefighters, paramedics and certain career civilian employees of the fire service diagnosed with cancer allowing the support that has lacked in this area. I would like to thank two gentlemen that worked very hard for the fire service this year. President Mike Rund of the International Association of Fire Fighters of Maryland and Andy Pantelis of the Prince George’s County International Association of Fire Fighters and Paramedics Association Local 1619. These two could be seen in Annapolis fighting for every fire fighter and paramedic for this state. They fought for the fire service not just for a side. I was very proud to know that this bill passed it will allow for so many to now find the support they will need.
The second bill that I found working hard on was HB875 and SB421- Public Safety - Explosives - Package of Components, as an employee for the fire service I worked hard with Jane Edwards of the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s office to help support passing out the much needed information to each committee member. Jane is a great asset to have in Annapolis and I wish to thank her on her great work. Only a phone call by the Fire Marshal found us both walking those long halls seeking out the respective members to those committees. We were able to meet and express interest and concern and brought back the needed information for the Fire Marshal to submit for testimony.
The third bill that I was very happy to see pass with little opposition was SB365 - Higher Education — The Charles W. Riley Fire and Emergency Medical Services Scholarship. This was a great feeling that this is a great resource for many of the fire service to have as a benefit to be able to attend college. As a person who benefits from this fund it is very nice to see that it is being named after a great person.
Working on three bills to benefit Safe Kids in and around cars we present three requests. Sadly I must report that only one bill passed this year. SB185 cross filed as HB313; Repealing the exception for children weighing more than 65 pounds, to the requirement that a child under the age of 8 years must be secured in a child safety seat. This will allow for the height of a child to be more of a factor along with other components of a car seat and booster seat to be used. The magic number that we will now express is the height of 4 feet 9 inches as a deciding factor to graduate the child to the seat belt itself. We find that the fit of the height brings the child into correct position with the seat belt and with the area in which the seat belt rest. The other two bills presented were presented with strong positions to the committee but we were met with some of them passing one committee or not at all. Both bills will be presented again next year.
As we all gathered in Annapolis for the bill signing I must say that it was a great day to see this take place. I find comfort in knowing that we have made Maryland a much safer place.
This past year you allowed me an opportunity to represent this organization as the President to the Ladies Auxiliary of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association. I cannot say thank you enough for allowing me this opportunity. The position of being an officer is not a task that a person takes lightly. 318 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference I would like to thank everyone that has invited me to your meeting, auxiliary celebration, installations and events featuring your department. There are some that say Maryland has nothing to offer them and they move away. I say just open your eyes and look around. From the mountains of Allegany Garrett to the shores of Ocean City to the big cities and to the small towns we have so much to offer. Maryland is as so many can say the Jewel of the Eastern Seaboard. I have traveled many miles and I really never count as I drive around. I find that no mile can be counted when you reach your destination filled with friends awaiting your arrival.
To my home auxiliary of Greenbelt I cannot say thank you enough. To Branchville my home away from home thank you, thank you cannot be said enough for you all have been there for me. To my County Auxiliary of Prince George’s County I would like to thank you all for your support this past year.
To the Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department I wish to thank you for allowing me to take this year and support the auxiliary and the fire service this past year. To Chief Marc S. Bashoor it is truly an honor to serve as one of your employees. I stand with you, alongside you as you lead this department in a direction of support to the many residents of Prince George’s County. As a Community Developer II for the department I have worked hard to ensure that the county is educated in fire prevention and fire protection to their homes and families. I thank you for allowing me to continue my work in Fire Prevention and Education. I feel that this position is one of the most important roles that this department has and knowing that we can reach so many and invest in spreading the word of Fire and Life Safety Prevention. Thank You Marc for everything this past year.
To Mark Brady my other boss I wish to thank you for your leadership and support as I entered this office. I cannot say thank you enough for allowing me to attend the many functions and events in and around the state. Mark you’re a great friend and I want to thank you for everything that you and your family have done for me. I cannot say thank you enough.
To Susan Taylor my REAL BOSS... Thanks Big Sue for everything you’ve done for me. Thank you for your ear when I need to vent and your calm reserve bringing me back to reality. Thanks for everything.
HAWK there are no words to express to you of all the hard work and dedication that you give to the Fire Service of the State of Maryland. YOU my friend I value your friendship so much.
To Chief Siarnicki and Chief Blackwell I want to thank you again for everything that you’ve done for me as you both hired me to work for the Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department. I cannot thank you enough for everything that you’ve done for me. I continue
319 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference my efforts in prevention and I feel that you both gave me the ability to do so. Without you both I am not sure where I would be today. I thank you so much for everything.
This past year the officers and committee members were process for the conferences are a very challenging task and I cannot say thank you enough for everything you all have done.
I would like to thank the Girl Scouts able to support the needs of the Auxiliary. We had many wonderful events together and I want to thank everyone for your support as you took either a committee chair or were a committee member. We have many talented members and I really cannot stand before you as a President without the support of the auxiliary. Thank you for all of your hard work. To my officers and Committee Chairmen thank you for your hard work and dedication that you provided to the auxiliary this year. Each year as we hear the numbers of members that are listed under the Tax Program, the years of service and countless hours given by the membership is truly a insight as how committed the auxiliaries of this great state are. Again, THANK YOU for all of your hard work.
I want to take this time and thank a very special person. Darby you entered the chairs of the Treasurer this year and was tasked with a great deal of responsibility and I cannot say thank you enough to you for your many countless hours working on all of the request from the MSFA Financial team and the auditor. You spend many countless nights working on the request and were able to turn them around without any problems. You were able to integrate the Quick Books into our lives and for this my friend I cannot say thank you enough.
I must send a great thank you again to the National Fire Academy to the National Fallen Fire Fighters Foundation for hosting the Fall Conference. To the many that attended the conference I wanted to say thank you for coming to Fall Conference to Emmittsburg that weekend. The National Fallen Firefighters Memorial is very important to me. And I felt what better way to bring tribute to this memorial but by allowing you all to see why it means so much to me. I hope you enjoyed the memorial as much as I did. I have many friends that have been etched on the memorial and it gives me a place to reflect and think of them.
I would like to thank the Hollywood Volunteer Rescue Squad and Ladies Auxiliary for hosting the hospitality party Friday night of Spring Conference. Secondly wish to thank the Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department and Ladies Auxiliary for everything you did for us at Spring Conference. I know that this planning Troop of Mother Seton in Emmittsburg and the Solomon’s Steelers Boys and Girls Club Cheerleaders for performing the Pledge of I would especially like to thank the CRAWLER CREW, To Johnny, Becky, Timmy, Darby, Cyndi and David and the many others, I cannot say thank you enough for everything. Your friendship is wonderful and I really don’t have words to truly express how important you all are in my life. Thank you for the wonderfully planned events this past year.
I wish to thank some very important people that have helped me this past year. To Aunt
320 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Marian, Aunt Careen, Brenda, Kathy, Cyndy and Darby and my special boyfriend David, thank you for making my conferences great. I cannot say thank you enough. I really think these have been some of the greatest conferences that we’ve had in a very long time. Thank you for your help and assistance. Thank you for being there when MOM could not be. I truly thank you both for everything you do. To Elaine Huttenloch thank you for helping me and with the phone calls of support. Mrs. Radish thank you for everything I really appreciate it.
To EMMA, KITTY and FRANKIE and MY MOM and DAD, thank you for your support this past year; Emma thank you for the sidebars when I needed it. Frankie thanks for being my escort. MOM and DAD I know that you live so far away but a phone call just brings you both very closer to me. MOM and DAD I haven’t said it enough “I love you both thank you for everything”. To my great stand in Clarence, thanks for being by my side these past few years. Thank you for sharing my special times together. Love you all.
To John and Jackie and to the Maryland State Firemen’s Association Officers, I want to thank you all for everything I really appreciate your hard work and dedication that you all give to this organization. I really don’t know if people fully see what the hours of dedication are truly given to this great organization. Good Luck to you John on a great year.
As I close this report, I wish the incoming officers much support and I let you know that I am always there for you and I am only a phone call away. I wish everyone great thanks for everything that you’ve all done this year. I am proud to be able to support this auxiliary as your President. I am proud to stand before you all in knowing that we worked very hard for this state.
Again thank you for the support I sign off with great pride.
Respectfully Submitted, Teresa Ann Crisman
Report of the Senior Vice President It has been my honor and privilege to serve as the Senior Vice President of the LAMSFA. I would like to THANK everyone for your support this past year.
My sincere THANKS to everyone for your many invitations that I have received. It has been a most enjoyable opportunity to represent the LAMSFA at these functions. The hospitality and kindnesses shown to me are most appreciated. I look forward to attending these functions again in the coming year and visiting with the friends I have made and continue to make.
My travels this past year included many of your County meetings as well as MSFA Executive Committee meetings, Convention meetings, Fire Prevention Committee meetings, Fire Prevention Ambassador Contests and the LAMSFA Conferences. 321 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference I would like to extend my congratulations to President Crisman, MSFA President Lewis, 1st Vice President Denver and 2nd Vice President Olson for an outstanding year. To all the LAMSFA and MSFA incoming officers, I extend my sincere hope for a successful year ahead.
I wish to THANK my Auxiliary of Woodsboro for their continued support as well as the membership of the Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association and President John Zimmerman and the Frederick County Ladies Auxiliary Association and President Margurite Damuth for all their support.
To my traveling companion’s Ruth Martin, Kay Ensor and LAMSFA Donna Struntz, thank you for all the wonderful memories we have made in our travels. To my Past President Joyce Thorne, thank you for your continued support and confidence.
To all the incoming LAMSFA Officers, you are all wonderful Officers and I look forward to an outstanding year ahead with each and every one of you.
I wish every one of you a wonderful convention and all safe travels to and from.
Respectfully Submitted, Sharon E. “Sherry” Soper
Report of the Junior Vice President This year I proudly served as Jr. Vice President to the Ladies Auxiliary of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association (LAMSFA) for the year 2011-2012.
As Membership Chairman, I am pleased to say that we had two new Auxiliaries join us this year, both of them from Southern Maryland. Welcome to the Auxiliaries of Bay District and Ridge Volunteer Rescue Squad.
I attended many banquets and represented the LAMSFA and also attended them in place of Teresa Crisman, LAMSFA President and enjoyed all of the festivities each time. I want to thank all of the auxiliaries for their invitations to their banquets, installation, meetings and parades. I traveled throughout the State of Maryland and met so many nice people, old and young.
I would like to thank my Past President Peggy Zembower, the members of the Montgomery County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association Auxiliary, the members of the Kensington Volunteer Fire Department and Auxiliary, Bobby and, of course, my Mom and Dad for all of their support during this year. Thanks to all of you for your support and friendships.
I look forward in working with incoming Presidents Sherry Soper and John Denver and hope for a great year. I am also looking forward in working with Jackie Olson, 1st Vice President of the MSFA.
322 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference To my fellow Officers, thank you for your support and friendships and let us havea successful year and look forward to working with each of you.
Respectfully, Carol Hayden
Report of the Recording Secretary It has been and honor and pleasure to serve the LAMSFA as Recording Secretary during 2011-2012.Thank you for allowing me to represent this organization. I have been busy taking notes and then typing, copying, and mailing the minutes for our two Conferences. In addition I have been working with Corresponding Secretary Vivian M. Boyd keeping our member’s contacts and addresses up to date.
I would like to thank all the auxiliaries for their invitations to meetings, conventions, installations, and parades. It is a joy to travel over 4,000 miles each year in support of your auxiliary, LAMSFA, and MSFA. There is so much to learn at each event, wonderful people to meet and renew friendships with, as well partaking of amazing food made by some of the best cooks in the state.
Thank you to my Page, Cathie Price, my escorts Paul H. Price or Mike Davis, and my Past President Leone Gatton. Thanks to the Ladies Auxiliary Cockeysville Volunteer Fire Company and Ladies Auxiliary Baltimore County Firemen’s Association as well as the CVFC and BCVFA. Their support is truly appreciated.
To my fellow LAMSFA Officers, MSFA Officers, and LAMSFA member Auxiliaries please remember I am only a phone call away if you need anything. I am here to serve for the betterment of the Volunteer Fire Service in Maryland.
Respectfully Submitted, Ann F. Price-Davis
Report of the Treasurer It has been my honor to serve as the Treasurer of the LAMSFA this past year. I have been amazed by the generosity I have seen from our member auxiliaries, fire departments and individual donations to the Bessie Marshall Fund. Thank you for your continued support to this wonderful fund.
I would like to thank the members of the Dentsville Volunteer EMS and Auxiliary, the Ladies Auxiliary of the Southern Maryland Volunteer Firemen’s Association, my Past President Eloise Healy, my page Katherine Byrd, my mother, my husband for being my silent supporter and my Angel Dad. I could not have accomplished my goals this year without your love and support!
323 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference To my fellow officers, thank you does not seem enough. You are a great group of ladies and I look forward to working with you in the coming year. Please know that I am always just a phone call away.
I look forward to continuing my service to the LAMSFA and would like to wish all the incoming officers a most successful year!
Respectfully, Darby Byrd
Report of the Chaplain It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as Chaplain for the Ladies Auxiliary of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association for the term 2011-2012.
Thank you for the many invitations I have received to banquets and events throughout this great State, and to the many friendships I have acquired in the past year.
I would like to congratulate both MSFA President, David Lewis and LAMSFA President, Teresa Crisman, for a job well done! It has been my pleasure and honor to work with Teresa and my fellow Officers and for their friendships and support they have afforded me and I pray we continue to work together as a family.
I would like to thank my fellow Officers and the membership of the LAMSFA for their votes of confidence and belief in me.
A Special Thank You, to my home Auxiliary of Indian Head VFD&RS Ladies Auxiliary and my Department Indian Head VFD&RS, Inc. for their continued support and for always being there for me and helping me attain my goals.
Thank you to the Ladies Auxiliary of the Southern Maryland Volunteer Firemen’s Association for their continued support and friendships.
Thank you to my LAMSFA Past President, June Black, for escorting me at Installation, and for supporting and advising me throughout the year and for her continued friendship.
To my granddaughters, Stefanie, Miranda, Taylor, Zoe and Jessica who have taken turns being my Page, I love you all!
Most of all I want to thank my husband, Les for all his love and support, I cherish you dearly and I love you!
It’s been a pleasure working with MSFA Chief Chaplain, John Long and Rev. Harry Hetz as we prepared this year’s Memorial Service.
May God Bless and watch over each and every one of us as we convene at each session 324 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference of this 2012 Convention and grant the Officers of the MSFA and LAMSFA the knowledge and wisdom to administrate and conduct a successful Convention.
Listed below are the names of our deceased LAMSFA Auxiliary members, who have left us here on earth between January 1, 2011 thru December 31, 2011 to answer God’s call to a new life, to watch over and protect us who have been left behind.
Respectfully submitted, Nancy J. Jones
Allegany County Bedford Road Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary – Doris J. Donahue Bedford Road Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary – Norman E. Gillum Bowling Green Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary – Ellen H. Golliday Clarysville Fire Company Auxiliary – Anna Mary Blank Clarysville Fire Company Auxiliary – Helen Scott Ellerslie Volunteer Fire Company Auxiliary – Lela May Spellman
Anne Arundel County Jessup Volunteer Fire Department & Auxiliary – Mary D. Bladen Lakeshore Volunteer Fire Company & Auxiliary – Hazel M. Curley Ladies Auxiliary to the Odenton Volunteer Fire Company – Ruth E. Chase
Baltimore County Ladies Auxiliary Rockaway Beach Volunteer Fire Company – Cynthia J. Miles
Carroll County Gamber and Community Fire Company Auxiliary – Virginia Elizabeth Day Gamber and Community Fire Company Auxiliary – Lionel E Stickles, Jr. Hampstead Volunteer Fire Company Auxiliary – Debora C. Hudgins Hampstead Volunteer Fire Company Auxiliary – Dorothy Elseroad Martin Hampstead Volunteer Fire Company Auxiliary – Hannah V. Stevens Harney Volunteer Fire Company Auxiliary – Treva C. Ridinger Manchester Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary – Margaret Myerly Manchester Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary – Katherine Warehime Mt. Airy Volunteer Fire Company Auxiliary – Ruth Virginia Linton Mt. Airy Volunteer Fire Company Auxiliary – Mary Rebecca Rimeby New Windsor Fire & Hose Company #1 Auxiliary – Mary E. Darr New Windsor Fire & Hose Company #1 Auxiliary – Dale Green New Windsor Fire & Hose Company #1 Auxiliary – Mildred Hesson New Windsor Fire & Hose Company #1 – Ann Roser Roop New Windsor Fire & Hose Company #1 – Jane Wolfe Reese Auxiliary – June Snyder Cashman
325 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Taneytown Volunteer Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary – Lela Baumgardner Taneytown Volunteer Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary – Earl K. Lookingbill Taneytown Volunteer Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary – Grace Putnam Taneytown Volunteer Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary – Mary Louise Tracey Winfield Community Volunteer Fire Company Auxiliary – Lillian M. Taylor
Cecil County North East Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary – Rachel E. Alexander North East Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary – Nancy Nesbitt Clark North East Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary – Norma G. Huntzberry North East Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary – Joanne N. Irvin Wm. M. Singerly Steam Fire Engine & Hook & Ladder Co. #1 Ladies Auxiliary – Eva Addis Wm. M. Singerly Steam Fire Engine & Hook & Ladder Co. #1 Ladies Auxiliary – Virginia Marcus Wm. M. Singerly Steam Fire Engine & Hook & Ladder Co. #1 Ladies Auxiliary – Olive Murphy Wm. M. Singerly Steam Fire Engine & Hook & Ladder Co. #1 Ladies Auxiliary – Dorothy Ruckman Wm. M. Singerly Steam Fire Engine & Hook & Ladder Co. #1 Ladies Auxiliary – Mary Satterfield
Charles County Cobb Island Volunteer Fire Department & EMS Auxiliary – Martha M. Shymansky Waldorf Volunteer Fire Department & EMS Assoc. Auxiliary – Betty Durrer
Frederick County Independent Hose Company Ladies Auxiliary – Kathy J. Kinnaman Junior Fire Company #2 Auxiliary – May L. Hahn Junior Fire Company #2 Auxiliary – Elizabeth Stroup Woodsboro Volunteer Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary – Maxine E. Murray Woodsboro Volunteer Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary – Mary Catharine Crum Smith
Harford County Abingdon Fire Company Auxiliary – Lilo M. Jarusek Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company Auxiliary – Mary Lorraine Hanna
Howard County Elkridge Volunteer Fire Department – Nancy Boyd
Montgomery County Damascus Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary – Mary L. Johnson Kensington Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary – Nancy G. Reichmeider
326 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Takoma Park Fire Department Auxiliary – Hilda D. Baker Takoma Park Fire Department Auxiliary – Edna G. Fiske
Prince George’s County Baden Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary – Mason G. “Goldie” Goldsmith Baden Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary – Ruth Goldsmith Beltsville Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary – Hilda Mahoney Boulevard Heights Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad Auxiliary – Margaret “Tootsie” Ellis Branchville Volunteer Fire Company & Rescue Squad Auxiliary – Jack Garner Cottage City – Colmar Manor Fire Company Auxiliary - Deanna Bartlett Ladies Auxiliary Forestville Fire Department & Morningside Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary – Hazel Loughmiller Morningside Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary – Carolyn J. Davis Sowell
Queen Anne’s County Church Hill Volunteer Fire Company Auxiliary – Virginia H. Bailey Church Hill Volunteer Fire Company Auxiliary – Clara B. Taylor Sudlersville Volunteer Fire Company Auxiliary – Hilda Blackiston
St. Mary’s County Leonardtown Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. Auxiliary – Ellen M. Mattingly Second District Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad Auxiliary – Vivian “Kay” Zimmerman Seventh District Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary – Mary C. Nelson Seventh District Volunteer Rescue Squad Auxiliary – M. Marguerite Cheseldine Seventh District Volunteer Rescue Squad Auxiliary – Brenda F. Wathen
Washington County Community Volunteer Fire Company, Inc. District 12 Ladies Auxiliary – Shirley Mae Ford Community Volunteer Fire Company, Inc. District 12 Ladies Auxiliary – Mary Louse Plank Leitersburg Volunteer Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary – Adeline G. Domenici Leitersburg Volunteer Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary – Geraldine J. Iving
Bessie Marshall Chairman The Bessie Marshall Benefit Fund would like to thank everyone for their continued support to this fund. As of this date we have paid 43 cases for a total of $33,900.00. This fund, started in the early 1930’s, and was established for disabled firemen not hurt in the line of duty. But please remember this is not an insurance policy for when you get sick. It is supposed to be for fire/EMS when they are really in need of some financial help .It is our part of contributing to the support of our volunteer fire and EMS members.
327 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference The Ladies Auxiliaries and Fire Departments continued support of the annual lottery and the convention raffle and along with the other raffles held at the conferences has been very helpful in keeping up with the case demand. Please remember this when you receive your lottery tickets. It takes all of us as a “Family” to be here for our fire/EMS members. Thanks in advance for your support of these raffles. We mailed out IRS Form 1099 to all who received over $600.00. Please go to the web-site and use the form that is there. The following is the list of those who received payment from the Bessie Marshall Fund:
ALLEGANY – 7 ANNE ARUNDEL 4 BALTIMORE - 4 Barton 1 Arundel 1 North Point Edgemere 2 Bowman’s Addition 1 Lake Shore 2 Reisterstown 1 Bedford Road 1 Rivera Beach 1 Sparks 1 Clearysville 1 Flintstone 1 Midland 1 CAROLINE 2 CARROLL 7 CECIL 3 Federalsburg 1 Gamber 3 North East 1 Greensboro 1 Hampstead 1 Perryville 1 Manchester 2 Waterwitch 1 Pleasant Valley 1
CHARLES 3 FREDERICK 2 GARRETT 2 Bryans Road 2 Graceham 1 Kitzmiller 2 Waldorf 1 Woodsboro 1
HARFORD 2 HOWARD 2 KENT 1 Havre de Grace 1 Elkridge 1 Millington 1 Jarrettsville 1 Lisbon 1
MONTGOMERY 1 PRINCE GEORGES 1 WASHINGTON 2 Kensington 1 Marlboro 1 Junior Fire Company 1 Williamsport Fire Dept. 1
My sincere thanks to all of the Auxiliaries and Fire Departments for your continued donations to the fund. We have received thousands of dollars this year in honor or in memory of a member. This is a good way to support your member and the Bessie Marshall Fund.
My thanks to my committee members for working all of the fund raising events. You have made my job much nicer. A special thank you goes to my daughter, Ginny. My thanks to President Teresa Crisman for my appointment. It has been my honor pleasure to serve this Association.
Respectfully, Elaine Huttenloch, Chair
328 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Report of the Legislative Committee President Crisman, Officers, Members, and Guests, it has been my pleasure serving as Chairman of the Ladies Auxiliary Legislative Committee for the last three years.
The office at 17 State Circle is always a hum of activity. The ladies read 2,575 bills that were presented this legislative session, reviewing any that may have an impact on the Fire, Rescue and EMS service, and filed each bill. We, as a committee, worked 360 hours and traveled 5,416 miles. These figures show how dedicated the committee is each year.
The residential sprinkler bills did pass both chambers and has been signed by Governor O’Malley. The budget has not been settled as of this report. A special session is planned for May 14, 2012. Hopefully, the MSFA will get their Budget request finalized.
I would like to thank the legislative committee, Betty Radisch, Vice Chairman, Barbara McWilliams, Carene Housenfluck and Marian Nicholson for all their dedicated labor keeping the office running smoothly. Three months is a lot to ask of your timeand expenses. Not everyone will be returning to the office next year. Some of us have worked many years in Annapolis and have enjoyed it tremendously. It is very interesting to see how our government works.
Thank you to Richard Snader and his crew for being “only a phone call away.” They always come through for us.
The Ladies Committee extends our thanks to the MSFA Leadership, Legislative Chairman Danny Davis, and Legislative Vice-Chair Richard Yinger. It has been our pleasure working with you again this year.
I will not be returning to the committee next year, as I have a new job (spoiling my grandson.) I have assured Sherry Soper that I will work with next year’s Chairman getting the office ready, preparing all reports and the bulletin. I have truly enjoyed the work and the friendships I have made.
Respectfully submitted: Rose Davis, Chairman
329 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference ROLL CALL AND CREDENTIALS LIST OF 2012 DELEGATES AND ALTERNATES ACTIVE MEMBERS
(code: ** Registered at 2012 Convention)
**ABERDEEN FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. - PO Box 118, 21 North Rogers Street, Aberdeen, MD 21001; Harford County. Telephone 410-272-2211; Organized: 1889; Chartered: 1901; Joined MSFA: 1901; President: Russell Piper; VP: Charles Glassman: Secretary: Lyle Dehaw II; Treasurer: Judy Hinch; Chief: Steven C. Hinch. Delegates: Christina F Morlok, Jr, Fred Budnick, Albert Severn, Jr., Edward Budnick, Dale Budnick. Alternates: John Bender, Albert Severn III, Victoria Cunningham, Noel Budnick, Eric V. Reith.
**ABINGDON FIRE COMPANY, INC. - 3306 Abingdon Road, Abingdon, MD 21009; Harford County. Telephone 410-638-3955 Fax 410-638-3964; Organized: 1925; Chartered: 1926; Joined MSFA: 1932; President: Charles Williams; Vice President: Donna Averion- Laird; Secretary: Linda Dousa; Treasurer: Thomas Schultz; Chaplain: Nancy Randers- Pherson; Chief: Doug Crouse. Delegates: Donna Averion-Laird, Bill Dousa, Linda Dousa, Charlie Kranz, Mark Foster. Alternates: Joe Tolliver, Jarid Franz, Katie Schuler, Patricia Autry, Patrick Schuler, Sr.
**ACCIDENT VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. - PO Box 50, 109 - S. South Street, Accident, MD 21520; Garrett County. Telephone 301-746-8800; Email [email protected]; Organized: 1946; Joined MSFA: 1947; President: Jesse Deniker, Vice President: Adam Bach, Secretary: Shaina Saturday, Treasurer: Alva Rexrode, Chaplain: Alva Rexrode, Chief: Richard Carlson. Delegates: Mike Simmons, Tim Simmons, Alva Rexrode, Hobe Bowser, Allen Bach. Alternates: Richard Carlson, Paul Custer, Dean George, Paul Bowser, Derrick Bender.
ACCOKEEK VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. - PO Box 226, 16111 Livingston Road, Accokeek, MD 20607; Prince George’s County. Telephone 301-283-2730 Fax 301- 283-3024 No Credentials were submitted for 2012
**ALLEN VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, INC. - PO Box 128, 3676 S. Upper Ferry Road, Allen, MD 21810; Wicomico County. Telephone 410-546-3515 Fax 410-546-5053; President: Arthur Widdowson; Vice President: Bruce Alex Bright; Secretary: Samuel Brannock; Treasurer: Jacob Malone, Jr; Chaplain: Matthew Radcloiff; Chief: Kyle Kinnamon. Delegates: Arthur Widdowson. Alternates: Kyle Kinnamon.
ALLENTOWN ROAD VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. - 8709 Allentown Road, and 10900 Fort Washington Road, Ft. Washington, MD 20744; Prince George’s County. 330 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Telephone 301-248-6519 Fax 301-265-1164, Organized: 1950; Chartered: 1950; Joined MSFA: 1950; NO Credentials were submitted for 2012
ANTIETAM FIRE COMPANY, INC. - 113 Summit Avenue, Hagerstown, MD 21740; Washington County. Telephone 301-733-3334, 301-733-9385; Website: www. antietamfirecompany.org; Organized: 1808; Chartered: 1818 NO Credentials were submitted for 2012
**ARBUTUS VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. OF BALTIMORE COUNTY - 5200 Southwestern Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21227; Baltimore County. Telephone 410-242-6601; Email: [email protected]; Organized: 1938; Chartered: 1938; Joined MSFA: 1938; President: John W. McDowell; Vice President: Steven Gower; Secretary: Gina Birsner; Treasurer: Joseph O. Melia; Chaplain: Steve Owens; Chief: Douglas Simpkins, Jr. Delegates: John McDowell, Doug Simpkins, Donald Gutberlet, Joseph Antoszewski, Sr, Lew Harvey IV. Alternates:
**ARCADIA VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, INC. – PO Box 7, 5415 Arcadia Avenue, Upperco, MD 21155; Baltimore County. Telephone 410-887-1576 Fax 410-374-6238; Organized: 1910; Chartered: 1950; President: Barry Stocksdale; Vice President: Tanny Boose; Secretary-Treasurer: Hofe Hale; Chaplain: Mike Adams; Chief: Scott Boose. Delegates: Scott Boose, Scott Hale, Mike Rill, Jerry Wayne, Barry Stocksdale. Alternates: Gary Snyder, Neal Stocksdale, Linda Hale, Bill Hale, Tonny Wickline.
**ARNOLD VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. - P.O. Box 1, 1505 Ritchie Highway; Arnold, MD 21012; Anne Arundel County. Telephone 410-751-2686 Fax 410-757-5942; Organized: 1943; Chartered: 1943; President: Thomas Best; Vice President: Heather Green; Secretary: Wayne Handshur; Treasurer: Jean Allen; Chaplain: Chief: Charles Kennedy. Delegates: William Schriefer, Neil Gordon, H. Kevin Knussman. Alternates: None.
**ARUNDEL VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. - 2380 Davidsonville Road, Gambrills, MD 21054; Anne Arundel County. Telephone 301-261-0060 Fax 410-798- 2848; Email [email protected]; Website: www.arundelfire.com; Organized: 1954; Chartered: 1954; Joined MSFA: 1955; President: Julie Peterson, Vice President: David Loyd, Secretary: Garry Ash, Treasurer: Joanie Seegar, Chaplain: Laura Woods, Chief: J. David Ayers. Delegates: Bob Coughenour, Julie Peterson, Harve E. Woods, Laura Woods, Carene Housenfluck. Alternates: David Loyd, Steve Race.
**AVALON SHORES VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. - PO BOX 528, 6270 Shady Side Road, Shady Side, MD 20764; Anne Arundel County; Telephone 410-867- 3141 Fax 410-867-6862; Organized: 1943; Chartered: 1944; Joined MSFA: 1944; President: Thomas Ladd, Vice President: Kenneth Harrison, Secretary: Dennis Skinner, Treasurer: Dennis Skinner, Chief: Career Captain. Delegates: Dennis Skinner, Thomas W. Ladd. Alternates: None listed 331 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference **BADEN VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. - 16608 Brandywine Road, Brandywine, MD 20613; Prince George’s County; Telephone 301-888-1888 Fax 301- 888-1526; Organized:1955; Chartered:1955; Joined MSFA: 1956; President: Roy Hall, Vice President: Robert Boswell, Secretary: Mary Summers, Treasurer: Cora Goldsmith, Chaplain: Nancy Mandragos, Chief: Wendy Baden. Delegates: Paul Harris, J. Robert Breen, Stephen Mandragos. Alternate: None listed.
BALTIMORE PIKE VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, INC. - 15010 Baltimore Pike, NE, Cumberland, MD 21502; Allegany County; Telephone: 301-724-4170; Email: co4@ allconet.org; Organized: 1947; Chartered: 1947. NO Credentials were submitted for 2012
**BARTON HOSE CO. NO.1, INC. – PO Box 277, Barton, MD 21521; Allegany County; Telephone 301-463-6305; Organized: 1919; Chartered: 1947; President: Stanley Broadwater, Vice President: Joseph Langham, Secretary: John Shuhart, Treasurer: John Shuhart, Chief: Wayne Rounds. Delegates: John Shuhart, Wayne Rounds, Stanley Broadwater, Marilyn Rounds, Kevin Rounds. Alternates: Gene Foutz, Joseph Langham, Kenneth Schramm.
**BAY DISTRICT VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. – PO Box 1440, (46900 Shangri-la Drive, Lexington Park-Station 3) California, MD 205619; St. Mary’s County; Telephone 301-737-0654 Fax 301-737-0353; Email [email protected]; Website: www. bdvfd.org. Organized: 1943; Chartered: 1943; Joined MSFA: 1944; President: Wayne Johnson, Vice President: Patrick Stanley/Doug Medley, Secretary: Joseph A. Cooper, Treasurer: Bruce Theden, Chaplain: Keith FairFax, Chief: Shawn Downs. Delegates: Wayne Johnson, Joe Gould, Joe Cooper, Joe Zienda, Keith FairFax. Alternates: Les Hansen, Doug Medley, Mel Tennyson, Bob Braddock, Pat Stanley.
BEDFORD ROAD VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. – 13200 Bedford Road NE, Cumberland, MD 21502; Allegany County; Telephone 301-724-3670 Fax 301-724-1588; Email; [email protected]; Organized:1943; Chartered:1943; Joined MSFA:1944; NO Credentials were submitted for 2012
**BEL AIR VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, Inc. – 109 South Hickory Avenue, Bel Air, MD 21014; Harford County; Telephone 410-638-4400 Fax 410-638-4430; President: Anthony Coliano, Sr., Vice President: Charlie Walls, Secretary: Tom Fry, Treasurer: Cleat Resh, Chaplain: Rabbi Kenneth Block, Chief: Eddie Hopkins. Delegates: Russel Eyre, Joe Price, Gary Kadolph, Mike Lochary. Alternates: None Listed.
**BEL ALTON VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. – PO Box 37, 9765 Bel Alton- Newtown Road, Bel Alton, MD 20611; Charles County; Telephone 301-932-0894 Fax 301- 932-1115 Organized:1962; Chartered:1962; Joined MSFA:1962; President: Tom Albrittain, Vice President: Hoover Thompson, Secretary: Larry Fisher, Treasurer: Billy
332 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Robertson, Chaplain: Julian Hayden, Chief: Cory Frye. Delegates: Tom Albrittain, Bill Robertson, Larry Fisher, Martin Culp, Katelyn Albrittain, Alternates: Lauren Cusic, Ryan Armstrong, Diane Bowling, Eddie Hayden, Eric Harris.
**BELTSVILLE VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. – PO Box 831, 4911 Prince George’s Avenue, Beltsville, MD 20704; Prince George’s County; Telephone 301-937- 3160 Fax 301-937-1859; Email: [email protected]. Organized: 1946; Chartered: 1946; Joined MSFA: 1952. President: Margie Dickey, Vice President: Michael Schaffer, Secretary, Samantha Schwartz, Treasurer: Garry Snider, Chaplain: Rev. Harry Hetz, Chief: Alfred Schwartz. Delegates: Margie Dickey, Al Schwartz, Harry Hetz, Tony McCall, Janice Gardiner. Alternates: William McNeel, Brian Ellis, Matt Tomlins, Steve Florz, Lucy McDonald.
**BENEDICT VOLUNTEER FIRE AND RESCUE SQUAD, INC. – PO Box 303, 18210 Hyatt Avenue, Benedict, MD 20612; Charles County; Telephone 301-274-3890 Fax 301- 705-7089; Organized: 1950; Chartered: 1950. President: Brian Cusick, Vice President: Francis Griffin III, Secretary: Destiny Cusick, Treasurer: Katie Vanslyke, Chaplain:, Chief: Sean Kerrigan. Delegates: Brian Cusick, Sean Kerrigan, Francis Cusick, Wyade Peapen, Aaron Ruslhnder, Alternates: Katie Varslyke.
BERLIN FIRE COMPANY, INC. - 214 North Main Street, Berlin, MD 21811; Worcester County; Telephone 410-641-1977 Fax 410-641-2494; Organized: 1910; Chartered: 1910; NO Credentials were submitted for 2012
**BERWYN HEIGHTS VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT & RESCUE SQUAD, INC. - 8811 60th Avenue, Berwyn Heights, MD 20740; Prince George’s County; Telephone 301- 474-5587; Fax 301-220-2476; Organized: 1924; Chartered: 1924; President: James V. Ward, Vice President: Edgar Burton, Secretary: Lucinda Frend, Treasurer: Paul Martein, Chaplain: John Hess, Chief: Charles Fusco. Delegates: Peter Isaacson, James V. Ward, Charles A. Fusco, Paul J. Martein, Ryan R. Wagner. Alternates: Benjamin Ross, John Hoffman, Steve McDonald, Scott Pierce, Rochelle Pazmino.
**BETHESDA FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. – PO Box 30384, 6600 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20815; Montgomery County; Telephone 301-652-5602 Fax 301-656-3550; Email: [email protected]; Organized: 1926; Chartered: 1926; President: John Murgolo, Vice President: J. Morenoff, Virginia Miller, Secretary: Dr. Ted Rosen, Treasurer: Grant Davies, Chaplain:, Chief: Lawrence Gaddis. Delegates: Lawrence J. Gaddis, Michael Kay, Virginia Miller, Nat Finkelstein, John Murgolo. Alternates: None listed.
**BETHESDA-CHEVY CHASE RESCUE SQUAD, INC. - 5020 Battery Lane, Bethesda, MD 20814; Montgomery County; Telephone 301-652-0077 Fax 301-656-6523: Email: ken. [email protected] Website www.bccrs.org; Organized: 1937; Chartered: 1945; President: Kenneth Yazge, Vice President: Robert Kretzmer, Secretary: Kenneth Holden, Treasurer: , 333 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Chaplain:, Chief: Edward Sherburne. Delegates: Kenneth Holden, George Giebel, Johnie Roth, Jack Hartley, Robert Kretzmer. Alternates: Edward Sherburne, Kenneth Yazge, Donald Fitz Gerald.
**BETTERTON VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, INC. – PO Box 235, 2 Howell Point Road, Betterton, MD 21610; Kent County; Telephone 410-348-5678 Fax 410-348-5300 Organized: 1938; President: John Nicholson, Vice President: Bill Pumphrey, Secretary: Amanda Clark, Treasurer: Dave Leonard, Chaplain:, Chief: Jim Price, Delegates: Jimmy Price, Kip Mathews, Amada Clark, Chad Clark, Dave Leonard, Alternates: None Listed.
BISHOPVILLE VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. – PO Box 350, 10709 Bishopville Rd. Bishopville, MD 21813; Worcester County; Telephone 410-352-5757 Fax 410- 352- 5482 Organized: 1939; Chartered: 1939; Joined MSFA: 1939. No Credentials were submitted for 2012
BITTINGER VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. – PO Box 27, 76 Brenneman Road, Bittinger, MD 21522; Garrett County; Telelphone 301-245-4414; Organized: 1973; Chartered: 1973; Joined MSFA: 1982. NO Credentials were submitted for 2012
BLADENSBURG VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT & RESCUE SQUAD, INC. - 4213 Edmonston Road, Bladensburg, MD 20710-0001; Prince George’s County; Telephone 301-864-4415 Fax 301-277-9366. NO Credentials were submitted for 2012
**BLOOMINGTON FIRE COMPANY, INC. – PO Box 12 (77 North Branch Avenue) Bloomington, MD 21523; Garrett County; Telephone 301-359-3729 Fax; Organized: 1938; Chartered: 1938; President: Tristan McCrobie, Vice President: Don Harvey, Secretary: Barbara Carpenter, Treasurer: Jonathan Dowden, Chaplain: Paul Wilson, Chief: Chris Feaster. Delegates: Danny Bever, Kathy Bever. Alternates: Tristan McCrobie, Jon Dowden
BOONSBORO AMBULANCE AND RESCUE SERVICE, INC. – PO Box 7, 7619 Old National Pike, Boonsboro, MD 21713; Washington County; Telephone 301-432-6979 Fax 301-432- 2265; Organized: 1950; Joined MSFA: 1997. No Credentials were submitted for 2012
**BORDEN SHAFT VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY #1, INC. - 19303 Shaft Road, SW., Frostburg, MD 21532; Allegany County; Telelphone: 301-689-1535; Fax: 301-687- 0121; Email: [email protected]; Organized: 1938; Chartered: 1938; Joined MSFA: 1941; President: Ryan L. Chapman; Vice President: Jeff Pfister; Secretary: Jackie Kroll; Treasurer: Patty McGowan; Chaplain: Aaron Winters; Chief: Scott Yates. Delegates: Aaron Winters, Scott Yates, Ryan Chapman. Alternates: Roger Bennett.
BORING VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, INC. – P.O. Box 15, 14711 Old Hanover Road, Boring, MD 21020; Baltimore County. Telephone 410-429-5200; Email ca0420@bcvco. org. NO Credentials were submitted for 2012 334 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference BOULEVARD HEIGHTS VOLUNTEER FIRE & RESCUE DEPARTMENT, INC. – 4101 Alton Street, Capitol Heights, 20743; Prince George’s County; Telephone 301-568-8112; Fax 301-568-0581; Organized: 1920; Chartered: 1923; Joined MSFA: 1925; President: Leslie Eggleston, Vice President: Vanessa Surles, Secretary: Voni Eason, Treasurer: Patrick Smith, Chaplain:, Chief: Thomas Forrester. Delegates: Leslie Eggleston, Thomas Forrester, Vanessa Surles, Marco Baylor. Alternates: Danita Mickens, Robert Goodwin, Voni Eason.
**BOWIE VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT & RESCUE SQUAD, INC. – PO Box 270, 3262 Superior Lane and 15454 Annapolis Road, Bowie, MD 20715; Prince George’s County; Telephone 301-809-0122; Fax 301-809-0123; Email: [email protected]; Website: bowievfd.org; Organized: 1928; Chartered:1928; Joined MSFA: 1929; President: Jonathan Bigony, Vice President: Francis Gormley, Glenn Locker, Jr., Glenn Locker, Secretary: Timothy Daly, Treasurer: Shirley Meadows, Chaplain:, Chief: Lee Havens. Delegates: Jonathan P. Bigony, Jason Bloom, Glenn Locker, Francis Gormley, John Fealy. Alternates: James R. Bigony, Denis Bloom, Timothy Daly.
BOWLING GREEN VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. 14625 McMullen Highway, Cumberland, MD 21502; Allegany County; Telephone: 301-729-1522; Email: [email protected]; Website: bowling-green-vfd.org; Organized:1947; Chartered: 1947; Joined MSFA: 1947. NO Credentials were submitted for 2012
BOWMAN’S ADDITION VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. – PO Box 868 (11710 Boardwalk Avenue) Cumberland, MD 21502; Allegany County; Telephone 301-759-3272 Organized: 1942; Chartered: 1942; Joined MSFA: 1943. NO Credentials were submitted for 2012
BRADDOCK HEIGHTS VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. – PO Box 320, 6715 Jefferson Boulevard, Braddock Heights, MD 21714; Frederick County; Telephone 301- 371-6820; Fax 301- 371-6234; Organized: 1910; Chartered: 1947; Joined MSFA: 1942. NO Credentials were submitted for 2012
**BRANCHVILLE VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY & RESCUE SQUAD, INC. - 4905 Branchville Road, College Park, MD 20740; Prince George’s County; Telephone 301-883- 7711; Fax 301-345-8994; Organized: 1924; President: James Cresman, Vice President: Thomas Tanner, Secretary: Lani Lindsey, Treasurer: Frank J. Underwood, Chaplain:, Chief: Richard Leizera. Delegates: Frank J. Underwood, Richard Leizear, Ronald Leizera, Jr., Jeff Dickey, Ronald Leizear, Sr. Alternates: Edward Norris, John Gavidiner, Raymond Briscoe, Spiro Dimakas, James Davis.
BRANDYWINE VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT – PO Box 238, 14201 Brandywine Road, Brandywine, MD 20613; Prince George’s County; Telephone 301-372-8507; see Volunteer Fire Department of Brandywine 335 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference BRENTWOOD VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. - 3716 Rhode Island Avenue, Brentwood, MD 20722; Prince George’s County; Telephone 301-927-0615; Fax 301-927- 5713; Organized: 1922; Chartered: 1923; Joined MSFA: 1922. Website: www.brentwood4. com; NO Credentials were submitted for 2012
**BROOKLYN COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, INC. – 5100 Ritchie Highway, Baltimore, MD 21225; Anne Arundel County; Telephone 410-789-0242; Email: [email protected]; Organized: 1937; Chartered: 1937; Joined MSFA: 1938; President: Charles Doegen, Vice President: Joseph Laumann, Secretary: Norman Ray, Treasurer: Norman Ray, Jr., Chaplain: Chief. Delegates: Charles Doegen, Lester Helfrich, William Ray, Joseph Laumann, Norman Ray, Jr. Alternates: John Anderson, Phillip Laumann, William Gibson.
**BRUNSWICK VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, INC. – P.O. Box 156, 1500 Volunteer Drive, Brunswick, MD 21716; Frederick County; Telephone 301-834-7296; Fax 301-834- 8081; Website: www.bvfd.net; Organized: 1893; Chartered: 1894; Joined MSFA: 1910; President: George Clary Jr., Vice President: Tom Watson, Secretary: Lyndi D’Amico, Treasurer: Kevin Myers, Chaplain: Chief: Roy Lipscomb. Delegates: George Clary, Jr., Dave Young, Kevin Myers, Dave Nalborczyk, Clarence Webber. Alternates: Roy Lipscomb, Todd Webber, Lyndi D’Amico, Kim Beacht, Courtney Nalborczyk.
BRUNSWICK VOLUNTEER AMBULANCE & RESCUE COMPANY, INC. – PO Box 156 (200 West Potomac Street) Brunswick, MD 21716; Frederick County; Telephone 301- 834-5223; Fax 301-834-9684 Email: [email protected] Website: bvfd.net; Organized: 1958; Chartered: 1958; Joined MSFA: 1961. NO Credentials were submitted for 2012
**BRYANS ROAD VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT & RESCUE SQUAD, INC. – PO Box 111, 3099 Livingston Road, Bryans Road, MD 20616; Charles County; Telephone 301-283-0239 Fax 301-375-6130; Organized:1962; Chartered:1963; Joined MSFA:1963; President: Michael Walko, Vice President: John Allison, Secretary: John Gallagher, Treasurer: Paul McCormick, Chaplain: John R Gallagher, Sr., Chief: David McCormick. Delegates: Elvan Hedges, Paul M. Tackish, Dennis N. Tomlinson, Rick Green, Gary Crampton. Alternates: Mike Walko, Ron Willett, Charles Allison, Robert Eastburn, David McCormick.
**BUNKER HILL VOL. FIRE & RESCUE ASSOCIATION – 3716 Rhode Island Ave, Brentwood Maryland; Telephone 301-927-5713; Fax 301-927-5713; Email: information@ bhvfrass.com; Website:bhvrass.com; President: Steven King; Vice President: James Pilkerton, Jr.; Secretary: Diane Schmidt; Treasurer: Debbie King; Chaplain: Ed Mutchler; Chief: Howard Ewing. Delegates: Alternates: None listed.
336 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference **BUNKER HILL VOLUNTEER FIRE & RESCUE COMPANY – P.O. Box 264, 3716 Rhode Island Ave., Mt. Ranier, Maryland 20712, Prince George’s County; Telephone: 301-985-5400; Fax 301-985-5405; Website: www.bhvrc.com; President: John R. Hines, Vice President: John Mutchler, Secretary: Lawrence Tramum, Treasurer: Barry Miller, Chaplain:, Chief: Jason Fisher. Delegates: Opal Benoit. Alternates: None Listed.
**BURTONSVILLE VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. – PO Box 215, 13900 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20866; Montgomery County; Telephone 301-384-8058; Fax 301-879-1487; Email: [email protected]; Website: burtonsvillevfd.com; Organized: 1947; Chartered: 1947; President: Drew Dunn, Vice President: Tamera Bulla, Secretary: Leonard Newman, Treasurer: Peter Ukstins, Chaplain: Harry Hetz, Chief: Joseph Pignataro. Delegates: Michael Nelson, Tamera Bulla, Harry Hetz, Glenn Fitzpatrick, Drew Dunn. Alternates: None Listed.
BUTLER VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, INC. – PO Box 75, 15019 Falls Road, Butler, MD 21023; Baltimore County; Telephone 410-887-7913; Fax 410-771-4103; Email: cao490@ bcvfd.org; Website: butlervfd.com; Organized:1953; Chartered:1954. NO Credentials were submitted for 2012
**CABIN JOHN PARK VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. – PO Box 41, 8001 River Road, Cabin John, MD 20818; Montgomery County; Telephone 301-365-2255; Fax 301- 365-2563; Email [email protected]; Website: cjpvfd.org; Organized:1930; Chartered: 1930; Joined MSFA: 1931; President: James Hunter, Vice President: Michael Harting, Secretary: Christian Mage, Treasurer: Elaine Custead, Chaplain: Katherine Bryant, Chief: James P Seavey, Sr.. Delegates: James Seavey, Sr., Paul Sterling, Jr., Robert Hook, Christina Mage, Frank Leizear, Jr. Alternates: Edward Tamulevich, Michael Simmons, Paul Krouse, Mary Morgal, Jonathan Shim.
CALVERT ADVANCED LIFE SUPPORT, INC – P.O. Box 1909, 60 Industry Lane, Prince Frederick, MD 20678; Calvert County; Telephone: 410-535-0411; Fax: 410-535-0499; Email: [email protected]; Organized: 1989; Joined MSFA: 2001; Charter: 1989. NO Credentials were submitted for 2012
**CAPE ST. CLAIR VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, INC. - 1411 Cape St. Claire Road, Annapolis, MD 21401; Anne Arundel County; Telephone 410-757-3434 Fax 410-349-0959; Email: [email protected] Website: cscvfc.org; Organized: 1955; Chartered: 1955; Joined MSFA:1957; President: Morgan Parker, Vice President: Heather Dole, Secretary: Nancy Wright, Treasurer: George Ryan, Chaplain:, Chief: Drew Mutch. Delegates: Carol Mekins, Jim Mekins, Jr. Alternates: None Listed
**CAPITOL HEIGHTS VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, INC. - 6061 Central Avenue, Capitol Heights, MD 20743; Prince George’s County; Telephone 301-336-2111. See Volunteer Fire Company #1 of Capitol Heights, MD. 337 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference **CARROLL MANOR FIRE COMPANY, INC. – PO Box 7, 2795 Adams Street, Adamstown, MD 21710; Frederick County; Telephone 301-874-5111; Fax 301-874-5101; Organized: 1953; Chartered: 1954; President: Ronald Kunz; Vice President: Buck Young; Secretary: Melissa Kunz; Treasurer: Ida E. Young; Chaplain: Doris Simpson; Chief: Andrew Aronold, Jr. Delegates: Edward Arnold, Ronald Kunz, Andrew Arnold, Jr., Steve Shook, Michael Smallwood. Alternates: Jeff Howard, Mark Murphy, Tiffany Grisso.
**CECILTON VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, INC. – 110 East Main Street, Cecilton, MD 21913; Cecil County; Telephone 410-275-8686; Fax 410- 275-8686; Organized: 1935; Chartered: 1936; Joined MSFA:1938; President: Buddy Evaland, Vice President: Natalia Dixon, Secretary: Lata O’Neil, Treasurer: Christy Biggs, Chaplain:, Chief: Robert Plato. Delegates: Robert Plato, Jeff West, David Sakers, Logan Quinn. Alternates: Logan Pardee.
CHAPEL OAKS VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. – PO Box 31309, 5544 Sheriff Road, Capitol Heights, MD 20731-0309, Prince George’s County; Telephone: 301-925- 4438, Fax: 301-925-4950; Email: volchief38; Website: chapeloaksfire.com; Organized 1946; Chartered 1950; Joined MSFA 1973. No Credentials were submitted for 2012
**CHARLES COUNTY MOBILE INTENSIVE CARE UNIT, INC. – PO Box 366 ,10700 Billingsley Road, White Plains, MD 20695; Charles County; Telephone 301-645-7707; Fax 301-638-3915; Organized: 1978; Chartered: 1986; Joined MSFA: 1983; President: David Siviter, Vice President: William Wedding, Secretary: Rachael Zelechoski, Treasurer: Donna Porter, Chaplain: Dave Petroni, Chief: Michael Thrift. Delegates: Stephanie Robertson, Heather Reisinger, Heather Dautrisch, Connie Robertson, David Siviter. Alternates: Michael Thrift, Janet Siviter, Donna Porter, Jim King.
CHARLES COUNTY DIVE RESCUE, INC. P.O. Box 13, Pomfery, MD. No Credentials were submitted for 2012
CHARLES COUNTY RESCUE SQUAD, INC. – PO Box 40, 2 Calvert Street, LaPlata, MD 20646; Charles County; Telephone 301-934-4434; Fax 301-934-4108; Organized: 1952; Chartered: 1984. No Credentials were submitted for 2012
**CHARLESTOWN FIRE COMPANY, INC. – PO Box 111, 307 Market Street, Charlestown, MD 21914; Cecil County; Telephone 410-287-6451; Fax 410-287-2843; Email: cfc5@iximd. com; Organized:1948; Joined MSFA: 1949; President: Tomas Bicking, Vice President: Mike Doss, Secretary: Kenny Schockley, Treasurer: Rosalyn Bott, Chaplain:, Chief: Gary Bott. Delegates: Gary Bott, Ronnie Daniels, Mike Starling, Mike Walsh, George Stanko. Alternates: Tom Bicking, Kenny Shockley, Mike Doss, Bill Doss.
**CHESTERTOWN VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, INC. – PO Box 296, 211 Maple Avenue, Chestertown, MD 21620; Kent County; Telephone 410-778-3434; Fax 410-810-
338 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference 0348; Website: angelfire.com/md2/chestertownvfd, President: William Blackiston, Vice President: William Coleman, Secretary: Cindy Morris, Treasurer: Henrietta Maloney, Chaplain: Richard Vance, Chief: F. Bruce Neal. Delegates: William Blackiston III, William L. Hildebrand, William T. Blackiston, Jr., Jeff Thompson, Bruce Neal. Alternates: Marion Townsend, Donald Hodges, Sr.
**CHESTNUT RIDGE VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, INC. - 12020 Greenspring Avenue, Owings Mills, MD 21117; Baltimore County; Telephone 410-262-9734; Fax 410-252-6111; Email: [email protected]; Website: crvfc.com; Organized:1954; Chartered: 1957; Joined MSFA: 1961; President: Larry Getlan, Vice President: Ari Kodeck, Secretary: Megan Stover, Treasurer: Harry R. Kakel, Jr., Chaplain:, Chief: Dan Uddeme. Delegates: Fred Cross, Larry Getlan, Dan Uddeme, Harry Kakel, Ari Kodelk. Alternates: Chuck Gaven, Scott Cohen, Stacy Uddeme, Steve Miller, Megan Stover.
CHEVY CHASE FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. - 8001 Connecticut Avenue, Chevy Chase, MD 20815; Montgomery County; Telephone 301-652-0707; Fax 301-652-1532; Organized: 1927; Chartered:1930. No Credentials were submitted for 2012
**CHILLUM-ADELPHI VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. – PO Box 7459, 7833 Riggs Road, Langley Park, MD 20787; Prince George’s County; Telephone 301-434-3435; Fax 301-434-7463; Organized: 1951; Chartered: 1951; Joined MSFA: 1952; President: Charles Walker, Vice President: Charles Larkin, Secretary: Louise Davis, Treasurer: John Guyton, Chaplain:, Chief: Charles Aldridge. Delegates: Charles Walker, Charles Aldridge, Charles Larkin, William Radisch, John Guyton. Alternates: Robert Jacobs, Louise Davis, Scott Radisch, Matt Verlaque, Calvin Colwell.
**CHURCH CREEK VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, INC. – PO Box 16, 1902 Church Creek Road, Church Creek, MD 21622; Dorchester County; Telephone 410-228-4156; Fax Same; Email: [email protected]. No Credentials were submitted for 2012
**CHURCH HILL VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, INC. – PO Box 66, 316 Main Street, Church Hill, MD 21623; Queen Anne’s County; Telephone 410-758-6552; Fax 410-556- 6244; Organized: 1895; Chartered: 1943; Joined MSFA: 1938; President: Robert Mansfield, Vice President: Tyler W. Williams, Secretary: Jessica L. Bates, Treasurer: Sandra A. Reed, Chaplain: Rev. Tina Blake, Chief: Charles D. Jester. Delegates: Phillip Hurlock, Holly Collins, Lindsey Cannon, Robert Mansfield, Charles D. Jester. Alternates: Stephen T. Hurlock, Francis D. Jester, Brett Vanzant, Kevin Carson, Patrick Robinson.
**CITIZENS TRUCK COMPANY #4, INC. – PO Box 3855, 9 South Court Street, Frederick, MD 21705; Frederick County; Telephone 301-694-1713; Fax 301-694-1734; Organized: 1926; Chartered: 1927; Joined MSFA: 1927; President: David R. Keller III, Vice President: H. Thomas Larson, Secretary: Vicky Keller, Treasurer: Timothy Ganley, Chaplain: Timothy May, Chief: Frederick Enos. Delegates: David Keller III, Jeff Wisner, Frederick Enos, 339 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Robert Jacobs, William Nichols, Jeff Wisner. Alternates: Tim Ganley, Vicky Keller, Bion Winpigler.
**CLARYSVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. - 16304 Clarysville Road, Frostburg, MD 21532; Allegany County; Telephone 301-689-3828; Email: [email protected]; Organized: 1942; Chartered: 1942; President: Justin Ritchey, Vice President: , Secretary: Joey Railey, Treasurer: Sharon Blank, Chaplain: Carl J. Blank, Sr., Chief: Eric L. Clark, Sr.. Delegates: Carl D. Blank, Sr., Carl D. Blank, Jr., Eric L. Clark, Sr., Barry Dubit, Victoria Mctague. Alternates: Jesse Ritchey, Dana Kesner, Sharon Blank.
**CLEAR SPRING AMBULANCE CLUB, INC. – PO Box 61, 233 Cumberland Street, Clear Spring, MD 21722; Washington County; Telephone 301-582-2711; Fax 301-842- 3073; Organized: 1954; Chartered:1954; President: David Glaze, Vice President:Christine Muir, Secretary: Lori Irvin, Treasurer: Brenda Keefer, Chaplain:, Chief: James Miller. Delegates: Walter Irvin, Sr., Grace Irvin, Lynn Hunsberger, Tom Altman, Richard Blair. Alternates: D. Irvin, Jr., Lori Irvin, James Miller
**CLEAR SPRING VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. – PO Box 400, 30 Mulberry Street, Clear Spring, MD 21722; Washington County; Telephone 301-842-3775; Fax 301- 842-3794; Email: [email protected]; Website: clearspringfire.org; Organized;1935; Chartered:1935; Joined MSFA: 1938. President: Ronald Downs, Vice President: Gary Marriotti, Secretary: Cheryl Bumbaugh, Treasurer: Charles Mundey, Chaplain: Ted Holermale, Chief: Michael Reid. Delegates: Robert Downs, Gary Mariotti, Michael Reid, Dave Irvin, Tammy Marriotti. Alternates: Richard C. Blair, Brittany Marriotti, Dora Reid.
**CLINTON VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. - 9025 Woodyard Road, Clinton, MD 20735; Prince George’s County; Telephone: 301-868-1313/1333; Fax: 301-868-0330; Organized: 1936; Chartered: 1937; Joined MSFA:1937; President: Jerry Spence, Vice President: , Secretary: Sally Brown, Treasurer: Robert B. McGhee, Jr., Chaplain:, Chief: Robert N. Small, Jr. Delegates: Jerry Spence, Robert McGhee, Robert N. Small, Jr., Sally Brown, Scott Kaiser. Alternates: Lisa Faunce, Renaldo Mason, Kara Small, Michaelle Desperes, Ginger Henderson.
**COBB ISLAND VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT & EMS, INC. – PO Box 156, 17069 Cobb Island Road, Cobb Island, MD 20625; Charles County; Telephone 301- 259-4258; Fax 301-259-0527; Organized:1949; President: Edward B. Godwin, Sr., Vice President:Charles “Chuck” Shaw, Secretary: Kathy Kilinski, Treasurer: Michael Burnham, Chaplain: , Chief: Bill Goldsmith. Delegates: Kathy Kilinski, Kenny Staley, Sr., Charles “Chuck” Shaw. Alternates: None Listed.
**COCKEYSVILLE VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, INC. – PO Box 344. 11210 York Road, Cockeysville, MD 21030; Baltimore County; Telephone 410-527-1634; Fax 410-527-1634; Email: [email protected]; Website: cvfc.org; Organized:1896; Chartered:1896; President: 340 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Jean Roberts, Vice President: Christopher Roberts, Secretary: Gabriella Willhite, Treasurer: John Dixon, Chaplain: Helen Banister, Chief: Kevin Roberts. Delegates: Clarence Tracey, Jack Roberts, Lawrence Gribble, Kenneth Cole, Michael Davis. Alternates: David Crumbie, Kathy Walker, Tom Jeffers.
COLLEGE PARK VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. - 8115 Baltimore Avenue, College Park, MD 20740; Prince George’s County; Telephone 301-901-9112; Fax 301- 901-9115; Email: [email protected]; Website: cpvfd.org; Organized: 1925; Chartered: 1927; Joined MSFA: 1926. NO Credentials were submitted for 2012
**COMMUNITY FIRE COMPANY, INC. – PO Box 248, 309 S. Camp Meade Road, Linthicum, MD 21090; Anne Arundel County; Telephone 410-859-0244; Organized: 1927; Chartered: 1928; President: Joseph Delisle, Vice President: Joan Reese, Secretary: Jason Pippen, Treasurer: Joseph T. Delisle. Delegates: Joseph Delisle, Jean Reese, Jason Pippen. Alternates: J. G. Delisle, David E. Reese III, Charles Doegen.
**COMMUNITY FIRE COMPANY OF PERRYVILLE, MD INC. – PO Box 776, 920 Principio Furnace Road, Perryville, MD 21903; Cecil County; Telephone 410-996-6066; Fax 410-642-0266; Website: crgsites.com/md/prfd; Organized:1923; Chartered:1926; Joined MSFA: 1929; President: John Jones, Vice President: Daniel Mahan, Secretary: Kimberly Jones, Treasurer: Dale DeWeese, Chaplain: Susan Hornbarger, Chief: Lloyd Beard. Delegates: Raymond Ryan, Jr., James Fayer, Charles Thomas, Samuel Anderson, Dale Brown. Alternates: John Jones, Daniel Mahan, John Reinhart, Charles Gardner.
COMMUNITY FIRE COMPANY OF RISING SUN, INC. – PO Box 699, 300 Biggs Highway, Rising Sun, MD 21911; Cecil County; Telephone: 410-658-5115; Fax: 410-658-9899. NO Credentials were submitted for 2012
**COMMUNITY RESCUE SERVICE, INC. –110 Eastern Boulevard North, Hagerstown, MD 21741; Washington County; Telephone 301-733-1113; Fax 301-739-6015; Email: camos@ xra75.org; Organized: 1998, Chartered: 1998; President: Donna Long, Vice President: Lynn Brumbelow, Secretary: Charlie Shindle, Treasurer: Michael Zampelli, Chaplain: Melvin Smith, Chief: James Sprecher III. Delegates: James Sprecher III, Melvin Smith, Scott Leeney, Donna Long, Lynn Brumbelow. Alternates: R. David Hays, Christopher Amos, Terry Gearhart, Charlie Shindle, Michael Zamplelli.
**COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY OF MILLINGTON, INC. – PO Box 255,185 Sassafas Avenue, Millington, MD 21651; Kent County; Telephone 410-928- 3171; Fax 410-928-3945; Organized:1921; Chartered: 1923; President: Leroy David, Vice President: Wayne Starkey, Secretary: Edie Morales, Treasurer: Paige Hickman, Chaplain: Kevin White, Chief: Marshall Ellsworth. Delegates: C J Morales, Jessica Morales, Charles Willis. Alternates: None listed.
341 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference **COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY DISTRICT 12, INC. – PO Box 97; Fairplay, MD 21733; Washington County; Telephone 301-582-0099; Fax 301-582-4013; Email: [email protected]; Organized:1947; President: William Pennington, Vice President: Robert Moncrief, Secretary: Paul Brown, Treasurer: David Grabill, Chaplain:, Chief: Leonard Heller. Delegates: Robert Moncreif. Alternates: Glenna Moncrief.
**COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT OF BOWLEY’S QUARTERS AND VICINITY, INC. - 900 Bowley’s Quarters Road, Middle River, MD 21220; Baltimore County; Telephone: 410-335-8820; Fax: 410-335-9277; Organized:1944; Email: [email protected], Website: bowleysquartersvfd.org; Chartered: 1945; Joined MSFA: 1945; President: Paul J. Cusic, Vice President; Rick Fischer III, Secretary: Bernie Eckert III, Treasurer: Paul G. Cusic, Jr., Chaplain: Roy Elder, Chief: Eric Baumgart, Sr.. Delegates: Jerome Cusic, William Stockum, Paul J. Cusic, John Hammon, Eric Baumgart. Alternates: Max King, Fran Harker, Rick Fischer III.
**CONDUIT ROAD FIRE BOARD/GLEN ECHO VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. – 5920 Massachusetts Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20816; Montgomery County; Telephone 301-229-9766; Fax: 301-229-9767; Organized: 1932; Chartered: 1932; Joined MSFA: 1933; President: Diane Pitts, Vice President: Jane Callen, Secretary: Mark McCaffrey, Treasurer: Barry Fausnaugh, Chaplain:, Chief: Herbert Leusch. Delegates: Joseph Chornock, John Whitherspoon, Michael Kay, Jane Callen, Diane Pitts. Alternates: Mike Bowman, John Hardison, Herbert Leusch.
**CORDOVA VOLUNTEER FIREMEN’S ASSOCIATION, INC. – PO Box 102, 11864 Kitty Corner Rd, Cordova, MD 21625; Talbot County; Telephone 410-364-5400; Fax 410- 364-5119; Organized:1926; Chartered:1926; President: Randall Satchell, Vice President: William Dulin, Secretary: Katheryn Dulin, Treasurer: William Behrens, Chaplain: William Cheezum, Chief: Lonnie Larmore. Delegates: Thomas Diem, Vernon Dulin, John Keyser. Alternates: None listed.
CORRIGANVILLE VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, INC. – PO Box 187, Corriganville, MD 21524; Allegany County; Telephone 301-722-7418; Organized: 1939; NO Credentials were submitted for 2012
COTTAGE CITY-COLMAR MANOR FIRE COMPANY, INC. - 3716 Rhode Island Avenue, Mt. Rainier, MD 20712; Prince George’s County; Telephone: 301-985-5400; Email: [email protected]; Website:www.cc2fd.org; Organized:1921; Chartered: 1922; President: Steve Parker, Vice President: Keith Schenk, Secretary: Diane Schmidt, Treasurer: Fred Hull, Chaplain:, Chief: Chip Ewing. Delegates: Chip Ewing, Michele Bunce, Diane Schmidt, Jimmy Pilkerton III, Herb Bartlett. Alternates: None listed.
342 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference **CRESAPTOWN VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. – 13110 Warrior Drive, Cresaptown, MD 21502; Allegany County; Telephone: 301-729-1111; Fax: 301-729-1820; Email: [email protected]; Website: cresaptownvfd.org; Organized:1932; Chartered:1933; President: Christopher Cage, Vice President: Pete Walbert, Secretary: Sheri Rotruck, Treasurer: Sue Clark-Cecil, Chaplain: Pete Walbert, Chief: Jeremy Athey. Delegates: Calvin “Pete” Walbert, Chris Cage, Jeremy Athey, Patrick Reid, Richard Wolford. Alternates: None listed.
**CRISFIELD VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. – PO Box 591, Crisfield, MD 21817; Somerset County; Telephone 410-968-1262; Fax: 410-968-9536; Organized:1874; Chartered:1921; Joined MSFA: 1939; President: Louis H. Hickman, Vice President: Steve Marshall, Secretary: John Dize, Treasurer: Randy Laird, Jr., Chaplain: Russell Ward, Chief: Frankie Pruitt. Delegates: Russell Ward, Danny Tyler, Carl Tyler, Bill Reynolds, Louis Hickman. Alternates: Ryan Dodson, Nicole Dodson, Jay Paro, Koly Ward, Eric Emely.
**CRUMPTON VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. - PO Box 68, 300 Third Street, Crumpton, MD 21628; Queen Anne’s County; Telephone 410-778-6100; Fax 410-778- 0979; Organized:1961; Chartered:1961; Joined MSFA:1963; President: Tabitha McGinnis, Vice President: Thomas Pennington, Secretary: Linda Hamann, Treasurer: Norman Husfelt, Chaplain: Chief: James A. Hurlock. Delegates: Norman Husfelt, Tabitha McGinnis, James A. Hurlock, Linda Hamann, Eric Meredith. Alternates: Louise Foxx, Brian Knotts, Patsy Hunter, Trica Hunter, Mary Husfelt.
**CUMBERLAND HOSE #1, INC. – PO Box 1340, Dorn Avenue, Cumberland, MD 21502; Allegany County; Telephone 301-777-7114; Fax 301-777-8196; President: Richard DeVore, Vice President: Tim Dayton, Secretary: Ken May, Treasurer: Cheri Lewelyn, Chaplain:, Chief: Tim Growden. Delegates: Richard Devore. Alternates: Tim Dayton, Jeremy Athey.
**DAMASCUS VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. – 26334 Ridge Road, Damascus, MD 20872; Montgomery County; Telephone: 301-253-3988; Fax: 301-253-2323; Email: [email protected]; Organized:1944; Chartered: 1944; Joined MSFA:1946; President: Ronald German, Vice President: Wayne Warfield, Secretary: Mitch Shon, Treasurer: Tricia Taylor, Chaplain: Rev. Bob Braider, Chief: S. Darron Long. Delegates: Ron Watkins, Leonard King, Darron Long, Gary Hilton, Roger Runkler. Alternates: Ron German, Thomas Watkins.
**DARLINGTON VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, INC. - 2600 Castleton Road, Darlington, MD 21034; Harford County; Telephone: 410-638-3760; Fax: 410-638-3756; Organized;1949; Chartered: 1949; Joined MSFA: 1955; President: Ralph Borden, Vice President: Donald Thomas, Secretary: Betty Borden, Treasurer: Carolyn Phillips, Chaplain: Ralph Borden, Chief: Anthony Weiman. Delegates: J. Alan Thompson, Donnie Cox, Willard Evans, Samuel Sauers. Alternates: None listed.
343 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference **DEAL ISLAND-CHANCE VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, INC. – 10090 Deal Island Road, Deal Island, MD 21821; Somerset County; Telephone: 410-784-2612; Organized: 1954; Chartered: 1954; Joined MSFA: 1956; President: Charles Jacobson, Vice President: James Corbett, Secretary: Jimmy Muir, Treasurer: Daniel Webster, Chaplain: David Webster, Chief: Donald Ford. Delegates: Donald Ford, George Miste, James Muir, Dan Will, Charles Jacobpson. Alternates: Ryan Evans, Ray Ford, Scott Wheatly, Danny Webster, Will Jones.
**DEALE VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT & RESCUE SQUAD, INC. – PO Box 114, 6007 Drum Point Road, Deale, MD 20751; Anne Arundel County; Telephone: 410- 867-1350; Fax: 410-867-9374; Organized:1946; Chartered:1946; Joined MSFA: 1948; President: Gayle Moreland, Vice President : Karen George, Secretary: Shannon Rohr, Treasurer: Rebecca Lare, Chaplain: Robert Wilkerson, Chief: Russell Lancaster III. Delegates: Gayle Moreland, Raymond Mudd, Karen George, Russ Lancaster III, Bernie Phipps. Alternates: Shannon Rohr, Heidi Mudd, Eddie Lumpkin, Russell Lancaster,Jr., Rusty Norfolk.
DEEP CREEK VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, INC. – PO Box 419, 1906 Deep Creek Drive, McHenry, MD 21541; Garrett County; Telephone: 301-387-5252; Fax: 301-334- 2803; Organized:1965; Chartered:1966. NO Credentials were submitted for 2012
DEER PARK COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. – PO Box 3152, 5353 Maryland Highway, Deer Park, MD 21550; Garrett County; Telephone 301-334- 4120; Organized:1950; Chartered:1950; Joined MSFA:1950; President: Ron O’Brien; Vice President: Bernard Moon; Secretary: Bonnie Zimmerman; Treasurer: Barbara Collins; Chaplain: Ron Perando; Chief: Kenneth Collins. Delegates: None submitted
**DELMAR FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. – PO Box 143, Grove & Bi-State Boulevard, Delmar, DE 19940; Wicomico County; Telephone 302-846-2530; Fax 302-846-2505; Organized:1928; Chartered:1928; Joined MSFA:1929; President: Jeff Kowalski, Vice President: Rob Thompson, Secretary: Rich Lehr, Treasurer: Marty Skarson, Chaplain: Bob Jones, Chief: Darvin Scott. Delegates: Bob Jones, Jack Morris, Joe Morris, Marty Skarson, Ken Moore. Alternates: None.
**DELTA-CARDIFF VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, INC. – PO Box 15, 500 Main Street, Delta, PA 17314; Harford County; Telephone 717-456-7133 Fax 717-456-7958 Organized: 1898; Chartered:1910; Joined MSFA:1942; President: Rick Farrington, Vice President: Troy Testerman, Secretary: Katie Brown, Treasurer: Duane McLaughlin, Chaplain: Gale Parthree, Chief: William Buecker. Delegates: John R. Williams, Rick Farrington, William Buecker, Daniel D. Blake, Chris Moore. Alternates: Gale Parthree, Dean Colvin, James R. Williams, Katie Brown, Daniel L. Blake.
344 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference DENTON VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, INC. – PO Box 262, 400 South 5th Avenue, Denton, MD 21629; Caroline County; Telephone 410-479-2121; Fax: 410-479-5377; Organized: 1892; Chartered: 1922; Joined MSFA: 1927, NO Credentials were submitted for 2012
**DENTSVILLE VOLUNTEER EMS & AUXILIARY INC – P.O. Box 109, 12135 Charles Street, LaPlata, MD 20646, Charles County; Telephone: 301-392-0500; Fax: 301-392- 5754; President: Mark Kaufmann, Vice President: Greg Thompson, Secretary: Darlene Thompson, Treasurer: Darby Byrd, Chaplain: Jerry Butchowiz, Chief: Robin Windsor. Delegates: Darby Byrd, Guelda Farrall. Alternates: None Listed.
DISTRICT 16 VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. – 12100 North Branch Road SE, Cumberland, MD 21520; Allegany County; Telephone 301-722-4444; Email: co7@ allconet.org; Organized: 1942; Chartered: 1942. NO Credentials were submitted for 2012
**DISTRICT HEIGHTS VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. - 5900 Marlboro Pike, District Heights, MD 20747; Prince George’s County; Telephone 301-516-7530; Fax 240- 838-3429; Organized: 1942; Chartered: 1942; President: Harold Fletcher, Vice President: James Boyd, Secretary: Joan Fletcher, Treasurer: Charles A. Norris, Chaplain:, Chief: Kirk V. Ingram. Delegates: Charles A Norris, Harold Fletcher, Kirk Ingram, Thomas C. Stommel, Jamaal Brooks. Alternates: Joan Fletcher, James Boyd, Mark Jackson, Timothy Tharp, Terry Brown
DUNKIRK VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. – PO Box 86, 3170 West Ward Road, Dunkirk, MD 20754; Calvert County; Telephone 301-855-8895 Fax 410-286-2890; Email [email protected]; Website: dunkirk.com: Organized:1974. NO Credentials were submitted for 2012
**EARLEIGH HEIGHTS VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, INC. – PO Box 547, 161 Ritchie Highway, Severna Park, MD 21146; Anne Arundel County; Telephone: 410-647-1990; Fax: 410-647-9463; Email: [email protected]; Website: www.ehvfc.org; Organized: 1918; Chartered: 1918; Joined MSFA: 1923; President: Charles Disney, Vice President: Andrew Condor, Secretary: Paul Demasky, Jr., Treasurer: Victor Henderson, Chaplain: Keith Zucco, Chief: Ed Detwiler. Delegates: Paul J. Demasky, Jr., Ed Detwiler, Chuck Austin, Rob Reed, Evelyn Graf. Alternates: Chris Kain, Joe Angelo.
EASTERN GARRETT COUNTY VOLUNTEER FIRE RESCUE DEPARTMENT, INC. - 401 Finzel Road, Frostburg, MD 21532; Garrett County; Telephone: 301-689-8388; Fax: 301- 689-0554; Organized: 1967; Chartered: 1967; Joined MSFA: 1967. NO Credentials were submitted for 2012
345 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference EAST NEW MARKET VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. – PO Box 280, 101 Main Street, East New Market, MD 21631; Dorchester County; Telephone: 410-943-3663; Fax: 410-943-0900; Organized: 1938; Chartered: 1939; Joined MSFA: 1942. NO Credentials were submitted for 2012
**EASTON VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. – 315 Aurora Park Drive, Easton, MD 21601; Talbot County; Telephone 410-822-4848; Fax 410-822-1970; Email: [email protected]; Website: eastonvfd.org; Organized: 1808; Chartered: 1917; Joined MSFA:1914; President: Barry Slaughter, Vice President: Timothy E. McNeal, Secretary: Becky Caldwell, Treasurer: Kenneth Bush, Chaplain: Andrew Jensen, Chief: Jamie McNeal. Delegates: Ed Mullikin, Lyle Fuller, Fred Ireland, Rose Miles, Leonard Rieck. Alternates: Barry Slaughter.
EASTPORT VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, INC. – PO Box 3332, 914 Bay Ridge Avenue, Annapolis, MD 21403; Anne Arundel County; Telephone: 410-263-6133; Fax: 410-798-9018; Organized: 1886; Chartered: 1930; Joined MSFA: 1930. NO Credentials were submitted for 2012
ELDORADO-BROOKVIEW VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, INC. – 5752 Rhodesdale- Eldorado Road, Rhodesdale, MD 21659, Dorchester County; Telephone: 410-943-4004; Fax: 410-943-1311; Email: [email protected]; Organized: 1947; Chartered: 1948; Joined MSFA: 1948. NO Credentials were submitted for 2012
**ELKRIDGE VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. - 6275 Old Washington Road, Elkridge, MD 21075; Howard County; Telephone: 410-313-4901; Fax: 410-313-4904; Website: www.elkridgevfd.org; Organized: 1942; Joined MSFA: 1942; President: Julianna Casey, Vice President: Keith Summers, Secretary: John Christoffel, Treasurer: Gene Poligardo, Chaplain:, Chief: Don Watson. Delegates: Julianna Casey, Keith Summers, Vince Glorioso, Kris Sherman. Alternates: Pam Summers, Tani Scovitch, Dan Casey
ELLERSLIE VOLUNTEER AMBULANCE SERVICE, INC. – PO Box 188, Ellerslie, MD 21529; Allegany County; Telephone 301-777-0476; Organized: 1980; Chartered: 1986; Joined MSFA: 1982. NO Credentials were submitted for 2012
ELLERSLIE VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, INC. – PO Box 237, 12000 Ellerslie Road, Ellerslie, MD 21529; Allegany County; Telephone: 301-777-0959; Organized: 1946; Chartered: 1946; Joined MSFA: 1946; See Volunteer Fire Company of Ellerslie
**ELLICOTT CITY VOLUNTEER FIREMEN’S ASSOCIATION, INC. – PO Box 292, 4150 Montgomery Road, Ellicott City, MD 21041; Howard County: Telephone: 410-313-2600; Fax: 410-313-2671; Organized: 1888; Chartered: 1927; Joined MSFA: 1924; President: John Meitl, Vice President: Jeff Germain, Secretary: Mary Jo Lombardo, Treasurer: John
346 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Lombardo, Chaplain: Kathleen Ralston, Chief: Scott Wood. Delegates: Scott Wood, Craig Ralston, Shawn Germain, William Rosebrough, Jared Hendrix. Alternates: Megan McAvliffe.
ELLIOTT ISLAND VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, INC. – 2317 Elliott Island Road, Elliott Island, MD 21869; Dorchester County; Telephone: 410-376-3026; Fax: 410-376-3026; Organized: 1973; Joined MSFA: 1989. NO Credentials were received for 2012
**EMMITSBURG VOLUNTEER AMBULANCE COMPANY, INC. - P.O. Box 1101, 17701 Creanery Rd., Emmitsburg, MD 21727; Frederick County; Telephone: 301-447-6626; Fax: 301-447-3887; Web Site: emmitsburgems.org; Organized: 1946; Chartered: 1948; Joined MSFA: 1988; President: Marylou Little, Vice President: Diane Kelly; Secretary: Kaitlyn Smith, Treasurer: Pam Dolin, Chaplain: , Chief: David Stonesifer. Delegates: Marylou Little, Diane Kelly, Eric Stackhouse, David Stonesifer. Alternates: Bob Dinterman, Pam Bolin.
**ENGLISH CONSUL VOLUNTEER FIREMENS ASSN., 2827 Michigan Ave., Baltimore, MD,; Baltimore County; Telephone; Fax; Email;, Organized:; Joined MSFA:; President: Donald Condon, Vice President: Arthur Hoffman, Secretary: Helene Nally, Treasurer: Gerald Mathison, Chaplain: Moses Rodriquez, Chief: Franki March III; Delegates: Frank March, Donald Condon, Robert Bury, Sr., Robert Bury, Jr., John Campbell. Alternates: Darren McDevitt, Jennifer McDevitt, Sarale Bury, John Emkey.
EWELL VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. – PO Box 44, 3994 Smith Island Road, Ewell, MD 21824; Somerset County; Telephone 410-425-5521; Organized: 1957; Chartered: 1957. NO Credentials were received for 2012
FAIRMOUNT VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY – P.O. Box 395, 27407 Fairmount Road, Westover, MD, Somerset County; Telephone: 410-651-2888; Fax: 410-651-1018; Organized: 1999; Chartered: 1999; Joined MSFA: 1999. NO Credentials were submitted for 2012
**FALLSTON VOLUNTEER FIRE & AMBULANCE CO., - P O Box 141, 2201 Carrs Mill Rd, Fallston, MD 21047; Harford “County; Telephone: 410-638-4890; Fax: 410-638-4880; Email; Website:fvfac.org; Organized: 1974; Joined MSFA: 1974; President: Christopher Gibbons, Vice President: Scott Golly, Secretary: Kate Sanner, Treasurer: William Miller, Chaplain: Ed Geisendaffer, Chief: Will Rosenberg. Delegates: Steven J. Scheinin, Chris Gibbons, Edwin Geisendaffer, William Reinecke, Jr., Ed Benesch. Alternates: Christine Sullivan, Hobart Howell, Mark Pilachowski, Kathy Pilachowski.
**FEDERALSBURG VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, INC. - P O Box 99, 208 N. University Ave, Federalsburg, MD, Caroline County; Telephone: 410-754-7400, Fax: Email, , Organized: 1900; Chartered:1926; Joined MSFA: 1920; President: L. Mike Robinson, Vice President: Douglas O Ramey, Jr., Second Vice President: Wendell Merrick, Secretary: 347 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Thomas Blades, Treasurer: Glenn Merrick, Chaplain:, Chief: Gerald Ramey. Delegates: Thomas Blades, William C. Collins, Kevin Mowbray, Janet Blades, Todd Garvey. Alternates: NONE
**FERNDALE VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, INC. - 4 S. Broadview Boulevard, Glen Burnie, MD 21061; Anne Arundel County; Telephone: 410-766-2131; Fax: 410-768-0487; Organized: 1942; Chartered: 1943; President: Joseph M. Wojtowycz, Vice President: Gerard A. Varner, Secretary: Richard Meise, Treasurer: Craig A. Bidinger, Chaplain: John Long, Chief: Jay Olson. Delegates: Jay Olson, Tyler K Olson, Jacqueline Olson, Gerard A Varner, Timothy J. Doegen. Alternates: Joseph M. Wojtowycz, Richard Meise, Bridget E. Weiss, Jeremey L Weiss.
**FIFTH DISTRICT VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. – PO Box 51, 5000 Signal Bell Lane, Clarksville, MD 21029; Howard County; Telephone 410-313-7215; Fax 410-313- 7219; Email:[email protected]; Website: www.erols.com/clarksvillevfd; Organized: 1947; Chartered: 1947; President: Miji Kim, Vice President: Carol Stevens, Secretary: Edgar Zepp IV, Treasurer: Roy Ferguson, Chaplain:, Chief: F. Patrick Marlatt. Delegates: John McNeece, Butch Hipp. Alternates: Terri Taylor, John Taylor.
FIRST HAGERSTOWN HOSE COMPANY, INC. – 33 South Potomac Street, Hagerstown, MD 21740; Washington County; Telephone: 301-733-3339; Fax: 301-733-3154; Website: engineone.org. NO Credentials were submitted for 2012
**FIRST HOSE COMPANY OF BOONSBORO, INC. - 5 St. Paul Street, Boonsboro, MD 21713; Washington County; Telephone: 301-432-2348; Fax: 301-432-2438; Organized: 1832; President: John Sherwood, Vice President: Vern Wachter, Secretary: Jacqueline Bussard, Treasurer: Michele Shoffer, Chaplain: Rev. Jim Jones, Chief: Oley Griffith. Delegates: Vernon Brown, Richard Brown, Vern Wachter, Jessic Wachter, Danny Bussard. Alternates: None.
**FLINTSTONE VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, INC. – PO Box 105, 21701 Flintstone Drive, Flintstone, MD 21530; Allegany County; Telephone: 301-478-2311; Fax: 301-478- 3324; Organized: 1943; Chartered: 1944; Joined MSFA: 1944; President: Lori Moyer, Vice President: Bryan Adams, Secretary: Amber Thomas, Treasurer: Dorothy Ruby, Chaplain: David Kyle, Chief: Steve Bowman. Delegates: David L. Kyle, Steve Corion, Paul Porta, Anna May Porta, Steve Bowman. Alternates: Pam Kyle, Allen Ruby, Dottie Ruby, Paul Stickley, Jan Stickley.
**FORESTVILLE VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT #1, Inc. - 8321 Old Marlboro Pike, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772; Prince George’s County; Telephone: 301-736-7170; Fax: 301- 736-5796; Email [email protected]; Organized: 1931; Chartered: 1931; Joined MSFA: 1932; President: Dorothy Talbaert-Burket, Vice President: John Gray, Secretary: Edwin Thurston, Treasurer: Paul Thorne, Jr., Chaplain: Joe Gray, Chief: Robert Wilhite. 348 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Delegates: Edwin Thurston, Mark Worth, Robert Wilhite, Joseph Gray, Dorthy Talbert- Burket. Alternates: Paul Thorne, Jr., Jeff Thorne, Bill Honeycutt, Tommy Lloyd, Charles Thorne.
**FRIENDSVILLE VOLUNTEER FIRE & RESCUE DEPARTMENT, INC. – PO Box 186, 122 Walnut Street, Friendsville, MD 21531; Garrett County; Telephone: 301-746-5577; Fax: 301-746-5195; Website:fire110.com; Chartered: 1909; President: Rodney W. Bowser, Vice President: Edward B. Kelley, Secretary: Patricia A. Bowser, Treasurer: Craig P. Umbel, Chaplain: Robert L. Sisler, Chief: Terry E. Spear. Delegates: Rodney W. Bowser, Patricia A. Bowser, Wayne A. Anderson, Terry E. Spear, Edward B. Kelley. Alternates: None listed.
FROSTBURG AREA AMBULANCE SERVICE – PO Box 75, 86 West Main Street, Frostburg MD 21532; Allegany County; Telephone: 301-689-3356/57; Fax: 301-689-1679; Email: [email protected]; Website: frostburgambulance53.bravehost.com; Organized: 1975; Chartered: 1975; Joined MSFA: 2005; President: Wayne Lewis; Vice President: Dorothy Turner; Secretary: Linda Rase; Treasurer: Shelley B. Drees; Chaplain: Valerie Vrieze; Chief: Paul Hostetler. Delegates: Wayne Lewis, David Ogden. Alternates: None listed.
**FROSTBURG FIRE DEPARTMENT NO. 1, INC. – PO Box 461, 75 South Water Street, Frostburg, MD 21532; Allegany County; Telephone 301-689-8444; Fax 301-689-2938; Email [email protected]; Organized: 1878; Chartered: 1878; Joined MSFA:1893; President: Gary Tummino, Vice President: Ron Dugan, Secretary: Emily Bladen, Treasurer: Dayne Lancaster, Chaplain: Harry Foor, Chief: Rich Atkinson. Delegates: Dayne Lancaster, Bill Price, Rich Atkinson. Alternates: Emily Bladen, Harry Wolford, Jay Hovatter.
FRUITLAND VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, INC. – PO Box 70, Fruitland, MD 21826; Wicomico County; Telephone 410-749-9421; Organized & Chartered: 1909; President: Bryan Smith; Vice President: John McIntyer; Secretary: Inky Payne; Treasurer: Dave Twilley; Chaplain: Mike White; Chief: Robin Townsend. Delegates: Burton Gordy, Donald Fields, Robin Townsend, Chris Twilley, John McIntyre. Alternates: Dave Elliott, Jack Heath, LeLand Nonneville, Jeff Shrieves, Dole Williams.
**FUNKSTOWN VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, INC. – PO Box 670, 2 South West Side Avenue, Funkstown, MD 21734; Washington County; Telephone: 301-790-0090 Fax: 301- 739-5244; Email: [email protected]; Organized:1930; Chartered: 1931; President: Dale L. Hill, Vice President: A. Larry Iseminger, Secretary: Judy Bowers, Treasurer: Joan Kotanko, Chaplain: Dan Fraley, Chief: David Fraley. Delegates: Edward Clopper, Jean Clopper, David Fraley, Kyd Dieterich, Dale Hill. Alternates: Steve Pifer, Dave Johnston, Eric Fraley, Larry Iseminger, Paul Hottinger.
**GAITHERSBURG-WASHINGTON GROVE VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. - 801 Russell Avenue, Gaithersburg, MD 20879; Montgomery County; Telephone 301-948- 349 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference 0660; Fax 301-948-6836; Email: [email protected]; Website: gwgvfd.com; Organized: 1900; Chartered: 1927; Joined MSFA: 1927; President: Steve Hayes, Vice President: Sheila Williams, Secretary: Bob Harding, Treasurer: Garry Walker, Chaplain: Fr Joseph Catrambone, Chief: John Luper. Delegates: James M. Magruder, Ann Hughes, Steve Steinberg, Joe Bradley, Greg Graves. Alternates: Phillippe Ngoma, Steve Hayes, John Luper, Garry Walker, Bob Harding.
**GALENA VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, INC. – PO Box 189, 90 East Cross Street, Galena, MD 21635; Kent County; Telephone: 410-648-5050; Fax: 410-648-5906; Email: [email protected]; Organized:1942; Chartered:1942; Joined MSFA:1942; President: Richard Koch, Sr., Vice President: Jack Duhamell, Secretary: Ray Long, Treasurer: Ethel Duhamell, Chaplain:, Chief: Chris Powell. Delegates: Christopher Powell, S. Richard Powell, Joyce Powell, Robin Powell, Mark Shun. Alternates: Allison Bird, Dare Shun, Lisa Shun
GALESVILLE VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. – PO Box 174, 956 Galesville Road, Galesville, MD 20765; Anne Arundel County; Telephone:410-867-1521; President: Nathaniel Scotten IV; Vice President: Raymond L. Hardesty; Secretary: Gladys S. Sears; Treasurer: Albert P. Bembe. Delegates: Nathaniel Scotten IV, Raymond Hardesty, Terry McAllister. Alternates: Carol Sherbert, Ronald Wood.
**GAMBER & COMMUNITY FIRE COMPANY, INC. - 3838 Niner Road, Finksburg, MD 21048; Carroll County; Telephone: 410-795-3456 Fax: 410-795-0208; Email: info@ gambervfd.org; Website: gambervfd.org; Organized: 1964; Chartered: 1964; Joined MSFA: 1964; President: Dale Bollinger, Vice President: Lionel Stickles, Secretary: Jeannie Green, Treasurer: Clay Myers, Chaplain: Arthur Frotton, Chief: Charles Green, Jr. Delegates: Robert Klinefelter, Dale Bollinger, Charles Green, Jr., Lionel Stickers, Michael Franklin. Alternates: Dennis Leppert, C. Daniel Dreen, Sr., Richard Green, Sr.
**GEORGE’S CREEK AMBULANCE SERVICE, INC. – PO Box 155, 19 Union Street, Lonaconing, MD 21539; Allegany County; Telelphone 301-463-6122; Fax 301-463-6172; Organized: 1977; Chartered: 1977; President: Dennis Youngblood, Vice President: Harold Nicol, Secretary: Betty M. Dawson, Treasurer: James W. Dawson, Sr., Chaplain: Mary Guthrie, Chief: James L. McVay,Jr. Delegates: Barbara Knippenburg, James W. Dawson, Sr., Dennis Youngblood, Harold Nicol, Betty Dawson. Alternates: None listed.
**GERMANTOWN VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. – PO Box 1163, 20001 Crystal Rock Drive, Germantown, MD 20874; Montgomery County; Telephone: 301-253-0061; Fax 301-515-8764; Email: [email protected]; Website: www.gvfd29.org; Organized: 1989; Chartered: 1989; Joined MSFA: 1989; President: Michael P. Dmuchowski, Vice President: Solveig Petersen, Secretary: Caren L. Springer, Treasurer: James R. Barto, Chaplain: Gina M. Hamilton, Chief: Matthew C. Kenworthy. Delegates: R. Scott Colvin, Kevin Younkins, Robert C. McHenry, Jr., Solveig Petersen, Robert King; Alternates: Raymond L. Hartzell, Sarah Ogrin, Robert McHenry III, Brian Jones. 350 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference **GIRDLETREE VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, INC. – PO Box 25, 2739 Snow Hill Road, Girdletree, MD 21829; Worcester County; Telephone: 410-632-2128; Fax: 410-632-5664; Email:[email protected]; Website www.dmvweb.com/gvfc; Organized: 1953; Chartered: 1953; Joined MSFA: 1953; President: John Merritt, Vice President: Virgil Dukes, Secretary: Jeff McMahon, Treasurer: Jeff McMahon, Chaplain: Ralph Carman, Chief: Brad Hauck; Delegates: Virgil Dukes, Kenneth Dukes, Joe Truitt, Brad Hauck; Alternates: None listed.
**GLEN BURNIE VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. – PO Box 1268, 15 Central Avenue, Glen Burnie, MD 21060; Anne Arundel County; Telephone: 410-766-5153; Fax: 410-766-5243; Organized: 1922; Chartered: 1922; Joined MSFA: 1937. NO Credentials were submitted for 2012
**GLEN ECHO VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. – 5920 Massachusetts Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20816; Montgomery County; Telephone 301-229-9766; Fax: 301-229-9767; Organized: 1932; Chartered: 1932; Joined MSFA: 1933. See Conduit Road Fire Board/ Glen Echo Volunteer Fire Department
**GLEN DALE FIRE ASSOCIATION, INC. – PO Box 249, 11900 Glenn Dale Road, Glenn Dale, MD 20769; Prince George’s County; Telephone: 301-805-2400; Fax: 301-805-2438; Website: www.gdvfd18.com; Organized: 1928; Chartered: 1929; Joined MSFA: 1929; President: Lee Lutz, Vice President: Laura Woods, Secretary: Erin Becraft, Treasurer: Dinah Sosebee, Chaplain:, Chief: Robert Mooney; Delegates:, Lee Lutz, Laura Woods, H. Edward Woods, Sr., Hugh Owens, Daniel Stallings. Alternates: Sandi Lutz, Ardythe Peters
**GLYNDON VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. – PO Box 3671, 4812 Butler Road, Glyndon, MD 21071; Baltimore County; Telephone 410-833-1262; Fax 410-833-7362; Website GVFD40.org; Organized: 1904; Chartered:1904; President: Kathy Reitz, Vice President: Richard Stem, Jr., Secretary:, Treasurer:, Chaplain: Joan Wolfenden, Chief:; Delegates: Kathy Reitz, Scott Warner, Frank Corasaniti; Alternates: Richard Stem, Sr.
**GOLDSBORO VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, INC. – PO Box 35, 700 Old Line Road, Goldsboro, MD 21636; Caroline County; Telephone 410-482-6196; Fax 410-482-8358; Email goldsborofirecompany@yahoo; Organized:1948; Chartered:1948; Joined MSFA: 1948; President: Joel McGinnes, Vice President: David Wothers, Secretary: Edna Talley, Treasurer: Vincent Ebling, Chaplain:, Chief: JT Bartz; Delegates: Shelly Gray, Paul Gray, Chrissy Bartz, Brian Cahall, Jack Reed; Alternates: Robin Cahall, Stephanie Wethers, Courtney Utbery.
**GOODWILL VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, INC. – 212 Broadway Street, Centreville, MD 21617; Queen Anne’s County; Telephone: 410-758-1422; Fax: 410-758-3528; Organized 1889, Chartered 1889; President: Cliff Green, Vice President: Lester A. Downes III, Secretary: Amanada Stokes, Treasurer: Donald Dawkins, Chaplain: Rev. Mark Farnell,
351 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Chief: R. Nathan Powell, IV; Delegates: Butch Britton, Floyd “Butch” Kauafman, Dan Tabler; Alternates: None
**GOODWILL VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY #1, INC. – 6 Douglas Avenue, Lonaconing, MD 21539; Allegany County; Telephone 301-463-2275; Organized:1882; Chartered:1882; Joined MSFA:1893; President: John J. Shockey, Sr., Vice President: Gary T. Hadley, Secretary: Gerald J. Cook, Treasurer: , Chaplain: Thomas Morgan, Chief: Robert G. Ritchie; Delegates: John J. Shockey, Sr., Robert G. Ritchie, Gary L. Holshey, Alex McAlpine, Tim Connor; Alternates: Robert L. Richie, Clarence Broadwater, John E. Smith, Gerald J. Cook, Gary T. Hadley.
GORMAN VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. – 270 Gorman Road, Oakland, MD 21550; Garrett County; Telephone: 301-334-1600; Fax: 301-334-1392; Email hneel01@ earthlink.net. NO Credentials were submitted for 2012
GRACEHAM VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, INC. – PO Box 181, 14026 Graceham Road, Thurmont, MD 21788; Frederick County; Telephone 301-271-2000; President: Jim Kilby; Vice President: Bill Morgan, Secretary: Beth Wachter, Treasurer: Sterling Serss, Chief: Wayne Wachter, Jr.; Delegates: Bill Morgan, Jim Kilby; Alternates: Wayne Wachter, Sr.
**GRANTSVILLE VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. – PO Box 248, 178 Springs Road, Grantsville, MD 21536; Garrett County; Telephone: 301-895-5200; Organized:1928; Chartered: 1936; Joined MSFA: 1930; President: David Stein, Vice President: Charles Yommer, Secretary: Menno Yoder, Treasurer: Herman Yoder, Chaplain: Raymond Yoder, Chief: Duane Stein; Delegates: Jeff Yommer, John Vought, Charles Yommer, Keith Durst, Tony Bittenger; Alternates: William Kelly, Shawn Broadwater, Doug Wilburn, Eugene Stein, Steve Miller.
GRASONVILLE VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. – PO Box 457, Grasonville, MD 21638; Queen Anne’s County; Telephone 410-827-8100. NO Credentials were submitted for 2012
**GREENBELT VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT & RESCUE SQUAD, INC. – 125 Crescent Road, Greenbelt, MD 20768; Prince George’s County; Telephone 301-345- 7000; Fax: 301-345-0530; Email:[email protected]; Website: engine35.com; Organized: 1955; Chartered: 1955; President: Kenneth L. Stair, Vice President: John R. Wynkoop, Secretary: Wayne L. Lewis, Treasurer: Lawrence E. Hughes, Chaplain:, Chief: Thomas Ray; Delegates: Wayne Lee Lewis, Adam Anthony-Pyndsell, Augustine Garcia, Chris Ranson, Robert Tripe; Alternates: None Listed.
GREENSBORO VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, INC. – PO Box 307, Main & Stonesifer, Greensboro, MD 21639; Caroline County; Telephone: 410-482-8420; Organized: 1927; Chartered: 1927. NO Credentials were submitted for 2012 352 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference GUARDIAN HOSE COMPANY, INC. – 21 North Church Street, Thurmont, MD 21788; Frederick County; Telephone: 301-271-3413; Fax: 301-271-4990; Email: guardianhose@ net2vu.com; Website: guardianhose.org; Organized: 1887; Chartered: 1934. NO Credentials were submitted for 2012
**HACKS POINT FIRE COMPANY, INC. - 1185 Glebe Road, Earleville, MD 21919, Cecil County; Telephone: 410-275-8308; Fax: 410-275-9018; Organized: 1948; Chartered: 1948; Joined MSFA: 1953; President: Christina Neddo, Vice President: Bill Rothwell, Secretary: Robyn Hahn, Treasurer: Rich Rand, Chaplain:, Chief: Joseph Rinker; Delegates: Robyn Hahn, Bobbie Sheldon, Robert Hahn, Mary Wassamer, Scott Slutsky; Alternates: None listed.
**HAMPSTEAD VOLUNTEER FIRE ENGINE & HOSE CO. NO. 1, Inc. – PO Box 231, 1341 North Main Street, Hampstead, MD 21074; Carroll County; Telephone: 410-239-4280; Fax: 410-239-0523; Organized: 1899; Chartered: 1900; President: Robert R. Rill, Vice President: Brian Crombie, Secretary: Gary Wheeler, Treasurer: Dennis Rhoten, Chaplain: William Allenbaugh, Chief: Jeffrey Carroll; Delegates: Leon Fleming, Mark Bilger, Susan Fleming, Brenda Parry, Gary Wheeler; Alternates: Edgar Stegar, John Korman, Ed Bilger.
**HANCOCK FIRE COMPANY, INC. – 3 Fulton Street, Hancock, MD 21750; Washington County; Telephone: 301-678-7739; Fax: 301-678-6072; Organized: 1928; Chartered: 1928; President: Robert Barnhart, Jr., Vice President: Thomas Leach, Secretary: Doug Snow, Treasurer: Mike Stewart, Chaplain:, Chief: Randy Poole; Delegates: Greg Yost; Alternates: None.
HANCOCK RESCUE SQUAD, INC. – PO Box 416, 57 East Main Street, Hancock, MD 21750; Washington County; Telephone 301-678-6774; Fax 301-678-5399; Chartered: 1969; Joined MSFA: 1998. NO Credentials were submitted for 2012.
**HARNEY VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, INC. – 5130 Harney Road, Taneytown, MD 21787; Carroll County; Telephone: 410-756-6464; Fax: 410-756-2879; Organized: 1951; Chartered: 1951; Joined MSFA: 1958; President: James Waybright, Vice President: Charlie Blocher, Secretary: Richard Yingling, Treasurer: Leonard Bowers, Chaplain: Jennings Martin, Chief: Donald Yingling, Sr.; Delegates: Gene Curfman; Alternates: None listed.
**HAVRE DE GRACE AMBULANCE CORPS, INC. – PO Box 465, 1601 Level Road, Havre De Grace, MD 21078; Harford County; Telephone: 410-939-6658; Fax: 410-939- 6665; Organized: 1984; Chartered: 1984; Joined MSFA: 1984; President: Carol Barnett, Vice President: Jennifer Mothershed, Secretary: Susan Angelucci, Treasurer: Deborah Way, Chaplain: Frank McCadden, Chief: Jeremy Mothershed; Delegates: Luanne Schweers, Peter Quackenbush, John Correri, Susan Streb, Zach Coyle; Alternates: Buddy Schweers, Marck Butt.
353 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference HEBRON VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. – PO Box 300, 300 South Main Street, Hebron, MD 21830; Wicomico County; Telephone: 410-749-3037; Fax: 410-749- 0511 Organized: 1926; Chartered: 1937. NO Credentials were submitted for 2012.
**HERALD HARBOR VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, Inc. – PO Box 777, 401 Hall Road, Crownsville, MD 21032; Anne Arundel County; Telephone: 410-923-3990; Organized: 1926; Chartered: 1926; President: Robert Jones, Vice President: John Storm, Secretary: Rose Conrad, Treasurer: Alex Graham, Chaplain: Billie Armstrong, Chief: Dennis McDonald; Delegates: John Storm, Lynn Storm, Shermeen Collins, Kathy Gies, Karen Cutler; Alternates: Bob Jones, Alex Graham, Marty Orndorff, Ruth Orndorff, Dennis McDonald.
**HEREFORD VOLUNTEER AMBULANCE ASSOCIATION, INC. – PO Box 262, 901 Monkton Road, Monkton, MD 21111; Baltimore County; Telephone: 410-887-1935; Fax: 410-343-2021; Email: [email protected]; Website: herefordemsrescue. org; Organized: 1952; Chartered: 1953; Joined MSFA:1955; President: Gery Simms, Vice President: Jennifer Pearce, Secretary: Cindy Humphrey-Elwood, Treasurer: Steve Wilcoxson, Chaplain: , Chief: Robert Pearce; Delegates: Edwina “Hope” Bilger, Richard Bilger, Gery Simms, Robert Pierce, Steve Wilcoxson; Alternates: Kenneth Welsh, Jennifer Pearce, Paul Tice, Paul Demme.
**HEREFORD VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, INC. - 510 Monkton Road, Monkton, MD 21111; Baltimore County; Telephone: 410-887-1934; Fax: 410-357-4443; Website: herefordfire.org; Organized: 1924; Chartered: 1924; Joined MSFA: 1926; President: Wayne Smith, Vice President: Ronald Campion, Secretary: Peggy Lang, Treasurer: Christina Baldwin, Chaplain: Deborah L. Bollinger, Chief: Kenneth Bollinger III; Delegates: Kenneth Bollinger, Wayne Smith, Dick Bilger, Hope Bilger; Alternates: None listed.
**HILLANDALE VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. - 10617 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20903; Montgomery County; Telephone: 301-434-2400; Fax: 301-434-8152; Email: [email protected]; Website: hvfd.org; Organized: 1941; Chartered: 1941; Joined MSFA: 1941; President: Russell Hartung, Vice President: Mark Lamb, Secretary: Betty Phifer, Treasurer: Earl Clime, Chaplain:, Chief: Frank Gaegler; Delegates: Joseph Weisgerber, Russell Hartung, Mark Lamb, Earl Clime, Kelee Norris. Alternates: Dino Pignataro, Steve Dubiak.
**HOLLYWOOD VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. – PO Box 7, 24801 Three Notch Road, Hollywood, MD 20636; St. Mary’s County; Telephone: 301-373-2900; Fax: 301-373-8772; Website: hvfd7.com; Organized: 1956; Chartered: 1957; President: William C. Mattingly, Jr., Vice President: Thomas A. Thompson, Secretary: John Gatton, Sr., Treasurer: Steve Facini, Chaplain: James M. Lloyd, Chief: Dennis Brady, Jr.; Delegates: John Gatton, Sr., William C. Mattingly, Jr., Stephen G. Facini, Dennis P. Brady, Jr., C.
354 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Daniel Davis; Alternates: James M. Lloyd, John O. Gatton, Jr., M. Kevin Gardiner, J. Albert Johnson, Thomas A. Thompson.
HOLLYWOOD VOLUNTEER RESCUE SQUAD, INC. – PO Box 79, 43256 Rescue Lane, Hollywood, MD 20636; St. Mary’s County; Telephone: 301-373-3131; Fax: 301-373-2033; Organized: 1975; Chartered: 1975; Joined MSFA: 1986. NO Credentials were submitted for 2012
**HOOPERS ISLAND VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, INC. – PO Box 125, 2756 Hoopers Island Road, Fishing Creek, MD 21634; Dorchester County; Telephone: 410- 397-3311; Fax: 410-397-3024; Email [email protected]; Organized: 1953; Chartered: 1953; President: Mark Flowers, Vice President: Jesa Lewis, Secretary: Teresa Flowers, Treasurer: Rosemary Dean, Chaplain:, Chief: Chuck Davis; Delegates: Richard L. Yinger, Mark Flowers, Teresa Flowers, Jesa Lewis, Rosemary Dean; Alternates: None.
**HUGHESVILLE VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT & RESCUE SQUAD, INC. – 15245 Prince Frederick Road, Hughesville, MD 20637; Charles County; Telephone: 301-274- 4488; Fax: 301-274-9729; Email [email protected]; Website; www.dsport.com/nickh/ hvfd/hvfd.htm Organized: 1946; Chartered: 1946; Joined MSFA: 1946; President: Steve Cook; Vice President: Craig LeValley; Secretary: Donna McPherson; Treasurer: Jimmy Rose; Chief: Mike Carroll. Delegates: Steve Cook, Patty Therres, Beverly Jarboe, Donna McPherson, Craig LaValley. Alternates: Jimmy Rose, Mike Carroll, Ricky Burch, Caryn McMahon, Duane Svites.
**HUNTINGTOWN VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT & RESCUE SQUAD, INC. – PO Box 482, 4030 Old Town Road, Huntingtown, MD 20639; Calvert County; Telephone: 410- 535-3111; Fax: 410-535-4438; Email [email protected]; Website: www. hvfd6.org; Organized: 1972; Chartered: 1972; President: Jason Jones, Vice President: Dale Bowen, Secretary: Shannon Luckett, Treasurer: Eugene Farrell, Jr., Chaplain: , Chief: John Riffe, Delegates: John Raffe, Jason Jones, Dale Bowen, Phil Morris, Jessi Borden; Alternates: Bo McKinney, Michael Clark, Scott Bowen, Mike Montgomery, Crystal Willson.
**HURLOCK VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, INC. – PO Box 178, 300 Charles Street, Hurlock, MD 21643; Dorchester County; Telephone: 410-943-3110: Fax: 410-943-4355; Organized:1924; Chartered: 1936; Joined MSFA: 1925; President: John Stichberry, Vice President: Ralph Thompson, Secretary: Dorothy Stichberry, Treasurer: Ward Higgins, Chaplain:, Chief: Steve Mills; Delegates: Gene Aaron, Bobbie Aaron, Jerry Rhue, Marlon Parker, Ralph Thompson; Alternates: Lauren Thompson.
**HYATTSTOWN VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. - 25801 Frederick Road, Clarksburg, MD 20871; Montgomery County; Telephone: 301-831-8248; Fax: 301-831- 8901; Email: [email protected]; Website: hyattstownvfd.org; Organized:1929; President: Scotty L.Testerman, Sr., Vice President: Douglas Bennett, Secretary: Peggy A. 355 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Webb, Treasurer: Douglas Edwards, Chaplain: Kenneth Day, Chief: Jeff Gross; Delegates: Scotty Testerman, Sr., Jeffrey Gross, Douglas Bennett, LaRue Moxley, Douglas Edwards; Alternates: Kenneth B. Day, Wanda Day, Amanda King, Janice Sadowski, Bonnie Horvath.
**HYATTSVILLE VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. – PO Box 5275, 6200 Belcrest Road, Hyattsville, MD 20782; Prince George’s County; Telephone: 301-927-5770; Fax: 301-699-8947; Email: [email protected]; Website: www.hvfd.com; Organized: 1888; President: Dave Iannone, Vice President: Tommy Falcone, Secretary: Nate Vander Roest, Treasurer: Chris Hebert, Chaplain:, Chief: Dave Hang; Delegates: Dave Iannone, Dave Hang, John Capy, Chris Evans, Matt Leonard; Alternates: Chris Herbert, Nick Werter, Ivan Lawit, Tommy Falcone, Anna Van Vakerbust.
INDEPENDENT FIRE COMPANY #2, INC. – PO Box 1884, 620 Taylor Avenue, Annapolis MD 21401; Anne Arundel County; Telephone: 410-295-5226; Organized: 1838; Chartered: 1838. NO Credentials were submitted for 2012
**INDEPENDENT HOSE CO. #1, INC. - 310 Baughmans Lane, Frederick, MD 21702; Frederick County; Telephone: 301-663-9612; Fax: 301-620-9534; Organized: 1818; Chartered: 1839; Joined MSFA: 1893; President: Martin Fuller, Vice President: Greg Fulmer, Secretary: Terry Foreman, Treasurer: April Ausherman, Chaplain: Tim May, Chief: Rodney Masser; Delegates: Martin Fuller, Clarence Rinehart, Charles Handley, Virginia Rinehart, Walt Cramer; Alternates: Carol Fuller, Shawn Kent, Ryan Fuller, William Horine, Kevin Ausherman.
**INDEPENDENT JUNIOR FIRE ENGINE CO. #3, INC. – PO Box 2185, 100 Eastern Boulevard North, Hagerstown, MD 21742; Washington County; Telephone: 301-733-3335: Fax: 301-733-3335; Organized: 1871; Chartered: 1871; President: Charles Elgin, Vice President: Woody Morris, Secretary: Marsina Taulton, Treasurer: Terry L. Smith, Chaplain: Jane Bond, Chief:,; Delegates: Charles Elgin, Terry Smith, Woodrow Morris, Marsina Taulton, Everett Ingram; Alternates: Donna Delauter-Smith, Brian Elgin, Robert Chaney, Sherry Smith, Aaron McCullough.
**INDIAN HEAD VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT & RESCUE SQUAD, INC. - 4095 Indian Head Highway, Indian Head, MD 20640; Charles County; Telephone: 301-753-9400; Fax: 301-753-6130; Email [email protected]; Organized: 1948; Chartered: 1975; President: Richard Bowie, Vice President: Donnie Chappell, Secretary: Ashliegh Allen, Treasurer: Larry Johnson, Chaplain: Mike O’Neil, Chief: Jeff Williams; Delegates: Richard Bowie, Jeff Williams, Mike O’Neil, Wayne Higdon; Alternates: Nathan Bowie, Ashleigh Allen.
IRONSIDES VOLUNTEER RESCUE SQUAD, INC. – PO Box 158, 6120 Port Tobacco Road, Ironsides, MD 20643; Charles County; Telephone: 301-246-9090; Fax: 301-246- 4228; Organized: 1964; Chartered: 1964. NO Credentials were submitted for 2012
356 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference **JACKSONVILLE VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, INC. - PO Box 344, 3600 Sweet Air Road, Phoenix, MD 21131; Baltimore County; Telephone: 410-887-7780; Fax: 410-666- 3745; Email: [email protected]; Website: www.jvfc.com; Organized: 1953; Chartered: 1953: Joined MSFA: 1953; President: William Shields, Vice President: James S. Watkeys, Secretary: Barbara White, Treasurer: Chucky Persico, Chaplain: Joan Paquet, Chief: Steve Stelmach; Delegates: Curtis Dean Wiggins, Sr., William Shields, James Wakeys, Andrew Larid, Stephen Stelmach; Alternates: John Gribble, Scott Dundas, Oscar Schaprro, Claud Gamble, Joe Tambrino.
**JARRETTSVILE VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, INC. – PO Box 7, 3825 Federal Hill Rd. Jarrettsville, MD 21084; Harford County; Telephone: 410-692-7890; Fax: 410-692- 7896; Organized: 1929; Chartered: 1929; Joined MSFA: 1930; President: Ted Burkhardt, Vice President: John Lassack, Secretary: Denessa Fruhling, Treasurer: Laura Barwick, Chaplain: Terry Murphy, Chief: Rudolf Waltes IV; Delegates: Ben Kurtz, Mitch Vocke, Ernie Tracey, James Blair, Bill Poole; Alternates: None listed.
**JEFFERSON VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, INC. – PO Box 578, 4603A Lander Road, Jefferson, MD 21755; Frederick County; Telephone: 301-473-5160; Fax: 301-473-9789; Email: [email protected]; Organized: 1955; Chartered: 1960; Joined MSFA: 1960; President: David Remsburg, Vice President: Ronald Ahalt, Sr., Secretary: Ashley Corun, Treasurer: Susan Corun, Chaplain: , Chief: John Elden; Delegates: Thomas Lakin, Mike Ambrose, Mark Lakin, William Nichols, Donna Gosbee; Alternates: None Listed.
JESSUP VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. – PO Box 146, 7891 Max Blob’s Park Road, Jessup, MD 20794; Anne Arundel County; Telephone: 410-799-1314; Organized: 1932; Chartered: 1938; Joined MSFA: 1932; NO Credentials were submitted for 2012
**JOPPA MAGNOLIA VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, INC. - 1403 Old Mountain Road South, Joppa, MD 21085; Harford County; Telephone: 410-679-1055; Fax: 410-679-3420; Organized: 1951; Chartered: 1951; President: Robert Russell, Vice President: James Lyons, III, Secretary: Ron Sollod, Treasurer: Gary Skillman, Chaplain: Margaret Bullock, Chief: Ryan Barrow; Delegates: William Lay, Robert Russel, Ed McCarrn, Lew Brown, Ron Solod; Alternates: None listed.
JUNIOR FIRE COMPANY NO.2, INC. - 535 North Market Street, Frederick, MD 21701; Frederick County; Telephone: 301-663-4870; Organized: 1838; Chartered: 1840; Joined MSFA: 1893; NO Credentials were submitted for 2012
**KENNEDYVILLE VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. – PO Box 98, Kennedyville, MD 21645; Kent County; Telephone: 410-348-5340 Fax: 410-348-5150; Email kvfc@dmv. com; Organized: 1955; Chartered: 1955; President: Leter H. Lott, Vice President: Kenneth Miller, Secretary: Patricia Scott, Treasurer: Mark Dixon, Chaplain: Rev. Vonnie Paxton,
357 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Chief: Phillip Lott; Delegates: Danny Quinn, Patti Scott, William Scott, Mark Dixon, Heather Miller; Alternates: None listed.
**KENSINGTON VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. – PO Box 222, 10620 Connecticut Avenue, Kensington, MD 20895; Montgomery County; Telephone: 301- 929-8000; Fax 301-929-8008; Email:[email protected]; Website:kvfd.org; Organized: 1894; Chartered: 1925; President: Ronald E. Dowdy, Jr., Vice President: John Connell IV, Secretary: Lynn M. Tantardini, Treasurer: Robert M. Arnold, Chaplain: F. Tom Claxton, Chief: James Stanton; Delegates: Andrew B White, Ronald E. Dowdy, Jr., Arthur M. Hawkins, John Connell, James P. Stanton; Alternates: A. Michael Kelley, Christopher St. John, Juan M. Bofill, Donald M Phillips, Ronald E. Dowdy, Sr.
KENT ISLAND VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. – PO Box 27, 605 Main Street, Stevensville, MD 21666; Queen Anne’s County; Telephone: 410-643-5454; Fax: 410- 643-5457; Website: kivfd.org; Organized: 1947; Chartered: 1947; NO Credentials were submitted for 2012
**KENT-QUEEN ANNE’S RESCUE SQUAD, INC. – PO Box 126, 140 Morgnec Road, Chestertown, MD 21620; Kent County; Telephone: 410-778-4495; Fax 410-810-0346; Email: [email protected]; Organized: 1961; Chartered: 1961; President: Allan Schauber, Vice President: Mary Grussing, Secretary: Raye Jones, Treasurer: Jim Johnson, Chaplain: Leonard Miller, Chief: Allan Schauber; Delegates: Allan Schauber, Larry Hastings, Kathy Hastings, Travis Nelson, Bill Lobley; Alternates: Alex Dolgos, Mary Grussing, Bob Coleman, Eric Jackson, Kevin Kerr.
**KENTLAND VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. - 7701 Landover Road, Kentland, MD 20785; Prince George’s County; Telephone: 301-773-6032; Fax: 301-773-2410; Email: [email protected]; Website: www.kentland33.com; Organized: 1950; Chartered: 1950; Joined MSFA: 1951; President: Donald Akers, Vice President: John Burns, Secretary: Oleg Pelekhaty, Treasurer: Bret Bestpitch, Chaplain: Jim Neal, Chief: Tony Kellhere; Delegates: Don Akers, Tony Kellerhen, Cardy Mitchell, Kenny Holderness, Tyrome Brodrick; Alternates: Laretta Shaw, Ray McRae, Mark A. Trader, Roger Steger, Jr., Brad Keith.
**KINGSVILLE VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, INC. – PO Box 65, 11601 Bellvue Avenue; Kingsville, MD 21087; Baltimore County; Telephone: 410-887-5773; Fax: 410-592-8557; Organized: 1954; Chartered: 1954; President: Mario Melfa, Vice President: Seth Torbit, Secretary: Rita Sayler, Treasurer: Victoria Clayton, Chaplain: Ronald Cassett, Sr., Chief: Michael Berna; Delegates: Mario Melfa, Seth Torbit, Rita Sayler, Ronald Cassett, Sr., Gary Weer; Alternates: Michael Berna, Jeffrey Weer, John Cooke, Donald Coster III, Dennis Eyre.
358 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference KITZMILLER VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. – PO Box 438, 249 East Main Street, Kitzmiller, MD 21538; Garrett County; Telephone: 301-453-3323; Organized: 1932; Joined MSFA: 1932; President: Sharon Paugh; Vice President: James Browning, Jr.; Secretary: Missi Nesselrodt; Treasurer: Ronald Bray, Jr., Chaplain: Shirley Coleman; Chief: Shawn Nesselrodt; Delegates: Sharon Paugh, Shawn Nesselrodt, Missi Nesselkrodt, Jim Browning, Jr.; Alternates: Shirley Coleman, Kent Burrell, Ronald Bray, Jr.
LAKE SHORE VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, INC. – PO Box 1057, 4498 Mountain Road, Pasadena, MD 21122; Anne Arundel County; Telephone: 410-255-2401; Email: [email protected]; Website: www.lsvfc.org; Organized: 1940; Chartered: 1941. NO Credentials were submitted for 2012
LAKES & STRAITS VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, INC. – 2103 Farm Creek Road, Wingate, MD 21675; Dorchester County; Telephone: 410-397-8154; Organized: 1953; Chartered: 1953; Joined MSFA: 1953. NO Credentials were submitted for 2012
**LANDOVER HILLS VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. – PO Box 2357, 6801 Webster Street, Landover Hills, MD 20784; Prince George’s County; Telephone: 301- 773-2509; Fax: 301-583-1912; Email: [email protected]; Website: Lhvfd.com; Organized: 1945; Chartered: 1945; Joined MSFA:; President: Dawn M. Rowe, Vice President: Vacant, Secretary: Brenda Sarmiento, Treasurer: Nancy L. Roberts, Chaplain: Vacant, Chief: John R. Roberts. Delegates: John R. Roberts, Dawn M. Rowe, John D. Sellers; Alternates: Nancy L. Roberts, Brenda L. Sarmiento.
**LANSDOWNE VOLUNTEER FIRE ASSOCIATION #1, INC. – PO Box 7374, 140 Laverne Avenue, Lansdowne, MD 21227; Baltimore County; Telephone: 410-242-1093; Fax 410- 887-1472; Email: cao360abcvfa.org; Website www.lansdownevfd.com; Organized: 1902; President: Krystal Fabian, Vice President: Dawn Brinkley, Secretary:, Treasurer: William Kern, Chaplain: Kristi Kunkle, Chief: Douglas Brinkley. Delegates: Krystal Fabian, John Miller, William Kern, Douglas Brinkley, Bernard Smith; Alternates: Dawn Brinkley, Derek Bowser.
**LA PLATA VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. – PO Box 728, 911 Washington Ave., LaPlata, MD 20646; Charles County; Telephone: 301-934-9201 Fax: 301-934-4217; Email: [email protected]; Organized: 1929; Chartered: 1929; Joined MSFA:; President: Ronald S. Talley, Vice President: Israel Burch, Secretary: Mary E. Gilroy, Treasurer: Lynn D. Gilroy, Chaplain: Joseph Gardiner, Chief: Matthew E. Gilroy; Delegates: William A. Frazier, Lynn D. Gilroy, Robert Hutchins, Matthew E. Gilroy, Mary E. Gilroy; Alternates: Ronald Talley, Luther Della, Jr., Bruce Bridgett, Joe Gardiner, Garyton Echols.
359 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference **LAUREL VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPATMENT #1, INC. – PO Box 699, 7411 Cherry Lane, Laurel, MD. 20725; Prince George’s County; Telephone: 301-776-3600; Fax: 301-725- 2026; Website: www.laurelvfd.org; Organized: 1902; Chartered: 1902; President: James Collins, Vice President: Robert Grant, Secretary: Rose Maher, Treasurer: Ken Wilson, Chaplain: Warren Litchfield, Chief: Travis Pearcy; Delegates: Joseph R. Robison, James Collins, Victor Whipple, Robert Grant, Dan Greenstein; Alternates: Craig Moe, Brian Moe, Kevin Frost, John Maher, Rosa Maher.
LAUREL VOLUNTEER RESCUE SQUAD, INC. – PO Box 1278, 14910 Bowie Road, Laurel, MD 20725; Prince George’s County; Telephone: 301-604-5055; Fax: 301-725- 0654; Email: [email protected]; Website: laurelrescue.org; Organized: 1952; Chartered: 1952. NO Credential were received for 2012
**LAVALE VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. – 421 National Highway, LaVale, MD 21502; Allegany County; Telephone: 301-777-0871; Organized: 1933; Chartered: 1933; President: W. Roger Tomlinson, Vice President: Edward Kidwell, Secretary: Kimberly C. Reichert, Treasurer: , Chaplain: Earl T. Pryor III, Chief: Ryan N. Reichert; Delegates: William Getson, Earl Ted Pryor III, Christoper Pryor, James F. Cook, Jr.; Alternates: None Listed.
**LAVALE VOLUNTEER RESCUE SQUAD, INC. – PO Box 3343, 977 National Highway, LaVale, MD 21502; Allegany County; Telephone: 301-729-4458; Fax: 301-729-8191; Email: [email protected]; Organized: 1969; Chartered:; President: Kenneth L. May, Vice President: Dianne Shoemaker, Secretary: Kelly Burkey, Treasurer: Jerry Broadwater, Chaplain: Dale Evans, Chief: Adam Miller; Delegates: Chris Pryor, Ted Pryor, Jr., Kim Pryor, Earl T. Pryor, Jr., Walter K. May; Alternates: None Listed.
**LAYTONSVILLE DISTRICT VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. – 21400 Laytonsville Road, Laytonsville, MD 20882; Montgomery County; Telephone: 301-948- 1677; Fax: 301-948-8227; Email: [email protected]; Website: ldvfd.org; Organized: 1952; Chartered: 1952; President: Mathew K. Browles, Vice President: Greg Albrecht, Secretary: Yana Babii, Treasurer: Geoff Burns, Chaplain: James Snyder, Chief: Stanley S. Sutton, Jr.; Delegates: James Snyder, Clark Beall, Greg Albrecht, Stanley S. Sutton, Jr., Mathew K. Bowles; Alternates: Yana Babii, Murphy Richards, Steven Lampkier, Lisa Lessens, Marge Turnbow.
**LEITERSBURG VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, INC. – 21431 Leiter Street, Hagerstown, MD 21742; Washington County; Telephone: 301-733-9155; Fax: 301-733-9352; Website leitersburgfire.com; Organized: 1956; Chartered: 1956; President: Milton A. Bloom III, Vice President: Kent Niedzieski, Secretary: Twylla Grove, Treasurer: Walter Kipe, Chaplain: Robert Blair, Chief: Kirk Mongan; Delegates: Dan Grove, Sr., Milton A. Bloom III, Clinton Stouffer, Joe Ralls, Dan Grove, Jr.; Alternates: Kirk Mongan, David Gaver, Wayne Williams, Bill Hastings, Greg Kelly. 360 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference **LEONARDTOWN VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. – PO Box 50, 22733 Lawrence Avenue, Leonardtown, MD 20650; St. Mary’s County; Telephone: 301-475- 8996; Fax: 301-475-5850; Website: lvfd1.com; Organized: 1928; Chartered: 1930; Joined MSFA: 1929; President: Gary S. Bell, Sr., Vice President: Keith A. Watts, Secretary: J. Kevin Mattingly, Treasurer: John H.B. Gough, Chaplain:, Chief: Thomas A. Mattingly, Jr.; Delegates: Kenneth J. Scully, Thomas Trossbach, Jr., Thomas A. Mattingly, Sr., Carl B. Scully, Robert Trossbach; Alternates: J. Gerald Abell III, Robert P. Abell, Jr., WIlliam M. Watts.
**LEONARDTOWN VOLUNTEER RESCUE SQUAD, INC. – PO Box 299, 22855 Lawrence Avenue, Leonardtown, MD 20650; St. Mary’s County; Telephone: 301-475- 8509; Fax: 301-475-1825; Email: [email protected]; Website: lvrs.org; Organized: 1975; Chartered: 1975; President: Shirley Copado, Vice President: Donna Whites, Recording Secretary: Dave Wright, Treasurer: Lisa Cooksey, Chaplain: Rev. Corey Dyson, Chief: Joe Wilkinson. Delegates: Shirley Copado, Donna Whites, MaryDella Trossbach, Marvin Jones, Dave Wright; Alternates: Kerry Klear, Dean Gass, Jaime Weber, Joe Wilkinson, Amy Smith
**LEVEL VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, INC. – 3633 Level Village Road, Havre De Grace, MD 21078; Harford County: Telephone: 410-734-6880; Fax: 410-734-7207; Email: [email protected]; Organized: 1953; Chartered: 1953; Joined MSFA: 1954; President: Jason Gallion, Vice President: Ronald Thomas, Secretary: Karen E. Lopes, Treasurer: Sharon Worthington, Chaplain: Rev. Lonna Smith, Chief: Jeff Standiford; Delegates: Gene Worthington, C. Dale Burkins, Alan Caudill, George Dorbert, Sr., Russell Gallion, Sr.; Alternates: Ronald Thomas.
**LEWISTOWN DISTRICT VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC.–11101 Hessong Bridge Road, Frederick, MD 21701; Frederick County; Telephone 301-898-9988; Organized: 1970; President: Donald Stull, Sr.; Vice President: Charles Jenkins; Secretary: Karen Stull; Treasurer: Jean Main; Chaplain: . Chief: Mike Stull; Delegates: Warren Main; Alternates: None listed.
**LEXINGTON PARK VOLUNTEER RESCUE SQUAD, INC. – PO Box 339, 21633 Great Mills Road, Lexington Park, MD 20653; St. Mary’s County; Telephone: 301-862-3331; Email: [email protected]; Website: lpvrs.org; Organized: 1953; Chartered: 1953; Joined MSFA: 1986; President: Kenneth Hicks, Vice President: , Secretary: Patricia Davidson, Treasurer: , Chaplain: ; Chief:Shawn Davidson; Delegates:, Timothy Snyder, Doug Walmsky; Alternates: None listed.
**LIBERTY ROAD VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, INC. – 10010 Liberty Road, Randallstown, MD 21133; Baltimore County; Telephone: 410-887-0651; Fax: 410-922- 1223; Website: lrvfc.org; Organized: 1947; Chartered: 1947; President: Krista Remmers,
361 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Vice President: Jack Ross, Secretary: Bernard Habersham, Treasurer: Lee Stern, Chaplain: , Chief: Mark Goldstein; Delegates: Krista Remmers, Bernard Habersham, Mark Goldstein, James Fulton, Karen Meyers; Alternates: Stephen Miller, Eric Remmers, Lee Stern, Gerald Jerome, Jack Ross.
**LIBERTYTOWN VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. – 12027 South Street, Libertytown, MD 21762; Frederick County; Telephone: 301-898-9193; Fax: 301-898-0150; Email: [email protected]; Organized: 1964; Chartered: 1964; President: Michael Naill, Vice President: Todd Lamb, Secretary: Mary Ann Vann, Treasurer: Kathy Stine, Chaplain: Chip Jewell, Chief: Dan More; Delegates: Larry Weish, John Lowman, Marty Fuller, Chip Jewell, Ryan Fuller; Alternates: Carol Fuller, Doug Weish, Mike Naill, Todd Lamb, Kathy Stine.
**LINEBORO VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. – PO Box 242, 2142 Main Street, Lineboro, MD 21088; Carroll County; Telephone: 410-374-2197; Fax: 410-374-9254; Organized: 1915; Chartered: 1919; Joined MSFA: 1915; President: Donald Fair II, Vice President: Nelly Warren, Secretary: Anna Marshall, Treasurer: Bette Sheperd, Chaplain: Lou Heffner, Chief: Shawn Utz; Delegates: Donald Fair II, Wayne Short, Marianne Warehime, Dave Green, John Tawes; Alternates: Tim Warehime.
LINKWOOD-SALEM VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, INC. – PO Box 66, 3905 Ocean Gateway, Linkwood, MD 21835; Dorchester County; Telephone: 410-221-0169; Organized: 1957; Chartered: 1958; Joined MSFA: 1960. NO Credentails were submitted for 2012
**LISBON VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, INC. – PO Box 40, 1330 Woodbine Road, Lisbon, MD 21765; Howard County; Telephone: 410-489-4646; Fax: 410-489-7632; Website: lisbonvfc.org; Organized:1944; Chartered:1946; Joined MSFA: 1945; President: Thomas Esworthy, Vice President: Albert Musgrove, Secretary: Lisa Lawler, Treasurer: Simone Rockstroh, Chaplain: Lisa Bandel, Chief: Carey McIntosh; Delegates: Tom Esworthy, Albert Musgrove, Robert Ectoh, Paul Atwill, Carey McIntosh; Alternates: None Listed
**LLOYDS VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, INC. – PO Box 1499, 1616 Hudson Road, Cambridge, MD 21613; Dorchester County; Telephone: 410-228-6235; Email Rodman@ shorenet.net; Organized: 1958; Chartered: 1958; Joined MSFA: 1960; President: Rick Travers, Jr., Vice President: Ronald Milligan, Secretary: Linda Horsman, Treasurer: Tim McCarter, Chaplain:, Chief: Martin Pepper; Delegates: Linda Horsman, Rick Travers, Jr., Adam Pritchett; Alternates: Tim McCarter, Frank Horsman.
LONG GREEN VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, INC. – 4506 Long Green Road, Long Green, MD 21092; Baltimore County; Telephone: 410-592-8337; Fax: 410-592-5776; Website: lgvfc.com; Organized: 1930; Chartered: 1930. NO Credentials were submitted for 2012 362 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference LONG MEADOW VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY; 19307 Long Meadow Road, Hagerstown, MD 21742, Telephone: 301-797-5504; Fax: 301-797-7585; Email: Jeffdon12@myactv. net. Website: www.longmeadowfire.com; President: Jeffrey Byard, Vice President: John Latimer IV, Secretary: Terry Martin, Treasurer: Jack Latimer. Chaplain: Don Talbert, Chief: Jason Eckstine; Delegates: Joe Kroboth, Sam Murry, Matt O’Donnell; Alternates: Gary Martin, Scott Adams, Adam Hopkins, Ed Gotthardt.
LOWER SOMERSET COUNTY AMBULANCE AND RESCUE SQUAD, INC. – PO Box 406, 26344 Mill Lane, Crisfield, MD 21817; Somerset County; Telephone: 410-968- 2000 Fax: 410-968-9588; Organized:1970; Chartered: 1980; Joined MSFA: 1980. NO Credentials were submitted for 2012
**LUKE VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, INC. – PO Box 236, Westernport, MD 21562; 500 Grant Street, Luke, MD 21540; Allegany County; Telephone 301-359-3311x3240; Fax: 301-359-20486; Email; [email protected]; Organized: 1922; Chartered: 1926; Joined MSFA: 1926; President: Pete Pamepinto, Vice President: Dan Beaver, Secretary: Jim Jenkins, Treasurer: Ron Files, Sr., Chaplain: Philip Whetstone, Chief: Tim Dayton; Delegates: Wayne Rounds, Ron Files, Jim Jenkins, Phil Whetstone, Dan Beaver; Alternates: None.
**LUTHERVILLE VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, INC. – PO Box 232,1609 Bellona Avenue, Lutherville, MD 21094; Baltimore County; Telephone: 410-252-3134; Fax: 410-252-3134; Website: [email protected]; Website: lvfc.com; Organized: 1909; Chatered:1909; President: Michael Huber, Vice President: Robert Schott, Secretary: Barry Brewer, Treasurer: Anthony Manistre; Chaplain:, Chief: Steve Weatherby; Delegates: Jamie Cahn, Jim Doran, F. T. Barranco, MD, James Donovan; Alternates: None.
**MADISON VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, INC. – PO Box 23, 1154 Taylor’s Island Road, Madison, MD 21648; Dorchester County; Telephone: 410-228-8703; Fax: 410-228- 0657; Organized: 1951; Chartered: 1952; President: Samuel M Horseman, Vice President: Ronnie Reynolds, Secretary: Michele Reynolds, Treasurer: Peggy Horseman, Chaplain: Donald Knauer; Chief: Matthew Werner; Delegates: Donald Knauer, Ronnie Reynolds; Alternates: Samuel Horsman, William Stevens, Sr.
**MANCHESTER VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. – PO Box 416, 3209 Main Street, Manchester, MD 21102; Carroll County; Telephone: 410-239-2286; Fax: 410-374- 2596; Organized: 1885; Chartered: 1885; Joined MSFA: 1885; President: Richard Dell, Vice President: Steve Miller, Secretary: Ralph Dull, Treasurer: Corrie Sanders; Chaplain: Terri Lankford; Chief: ; Delegates: Ralph Dull, Malcom Helwig, Mark Avadikian, Richard Dell; Alternates: Gary Eppley, Danny Bloskey.
363 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference MARDELA SPRINGS VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, INC. – PO Box 299, Station Street, Mardela, MD 21837; Wicomico County; Telephone: 410-749-5997; Fax: 410-749-2239; Organized: 1927; Chartered: 1927; Joined MSFA: 1927. NO Credential were submitted for 2012
**MARION VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. – PO Box 143, 28390 Marion Station Road, Marion Station, MD; Somerset County; Telephone 410-623-3791; Organized: 1930; Chartered: 1937; President: Joey Brittingham, Vice President: Ray Somers, Secretary: Gary Powell, Treasurer: Craig Whitecock, Chaplain: Rev. Dave Parke; Chief: Toby Swift; Delegates: Donald L. Howard
MARLBORO VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. – PO Box 195, 14815 Pratt Street, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772; Prince George’s County; Telephone: 301-952-0938 Fax: 301-952-8942; Email: [email protected]; Website: marlborofire.com; Organized:1925; Chartered:1928; Joined MSFA: 1931. NO Credentials were submitted for 2012
**MARYDEL VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, INC. – 110 Fire House Lane, Marydel, MD 20773; Caroline County; Telephone: 302-492-3394; Fax 302-492-0677; Organized: 1940; Chartered: 1940; Joined MSFA: 1940; President: Steve Bernot, Vice President:, Secretary: Linda Bernett, Treasurer: Denise Madden, Chaplain:, Chief: Gary Madden; Delegates: Steve Bernot, Todd Simonger; Alternates: Denise Maddey, Gary Bolden.
**MARYLAND CITY VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT AND RESCUE SQUAD, INC. - 3498 Fort Meade Road, Laurel, MD 20724; Anne Arundel County; Telephone 301-498- 6161; Organized: 1969; Chartered:1970; President: Nello Burian, Sr., Vice President: Kevin Newman, Secretary: Mary L. Swidow/Krista Shepard, Treasurer: Linda Henry, Chaplain:, Chief: Ray Smallwood; Delegates: Nello J. Burian, Sr., Mary Louise Snidow, Kim Larsen, Krista Shepard, Kevin Newman; Alternates: Russ Anson, Greg Croft, Mike Shepard, Lester Baker, Ray Smallwood.
**MARYLAND LINE FIRE PROTECTION ASSOCIATION, INC. – PO Box 70, 21631 York Road, Maryland Line, MD 21105; Baltimore County; Telephone: 410-887-1932 Fax: 410- 343-0906; Website: angelfire.com/md/mlvfc; Organized: 1943; Chartered: 1943; President: Brett Jones, Vice President: Jerry Beck, Secretary: Carolyn Rosier, Treasurer: Jack Carter, Chaplain: Gladys Pearce, Chief: Glen Wilhelm; Delegates: William Schmalzer, Linda Schmalzer, Darlene Jones, Gene Jones, Brett Jones; Alternates: Amanda Jones, Leroy Fourhman.
MAUGANSVILLE GOODWILL VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, INC. – PO Box 716, 13730 Maugansville Road, Maugansville, MD 21767; Washington County; Telephone: 301-739-8515; Fax: 301-739-8516; Email: [email protected]; Website: mgvfc.com. NO Credentials were submitted for 2012
364 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference McCOOLE FIRE AND RESCUE DEPARTMENT, INC. - 24931 Crooks Avenue, McCoole, MD 21562; Allegany County; Telephone: 301-786-4311; Fax: 301-786-7890; Email:admin@ mfrd23.org; Organized: 1938. NO Credentials were submitted for 2012
**MECHANICSVILLE VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. – PO Box 37, 28165 Hills Club Road, Mechanicsville, MD 20659; St. Mary’s County; Telephone: 301-884-4709; Fax 301-884-4139; Email: [email protected]; Website: www.mvfd.com; Organized: 1934; Chartered: 1937, President: J. Paul Colonna, Vice President: Dennis Bellevou; Secretary: Darene Kleinsorgen, Treasurer: Ferdinand Reetz III, Chaplain:; Chief: John B. Railey, Jr.; Delegates: William Wilkerson, J. Paul Colonna, John S. Montgomery, John B. Raley,Jr., WIlliam Simpson; Alternates: Buddy Adams, Jr., James Mattingly, Andrew McWilliams, David Sampson, Larry Greenwell.
MECHANICSVILLE VOLUNTEER RESCUE SQUAD, INC. – PO Box 15, 28120 Old Flora Corner Road, Mechanicsville, MD 20659; St. Mary’s County; Telephone: 301-884-2900; Organized: 1959; Chartered: 1959; Joined MSFA: 1990. NO Credentials submittes for 2012
MIDDLE RIVER VOLUNTEER AMBULANCE RESCUE COMPANY, INC. – PO Box 5021, 2000 Leland Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21220; Baltimore County; Telephone 410-687- 5328; Fax 410-687-6350; Website mrvar.com; Organized: 1948; Chartered: 1948. NO Credentials were submitted for 2012
**MIDDLE RIVER VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, INC. – PO Box 18001, 1100 Wilson Point Road, Baltimore, MD 21220; Baltimore County; Telephone: 410-889-0326; Fax: 410- 687-4507; Email: [email protected]; Website: mrvfc.org; Organized: 1943; Chartered: 1943; Joined MSFA: 1943; President: John E. Dulina, Vice President: Joe Backhays, Secretary: Gregory Skiraunis, Treasurer: James Sollenberger, Chaplain:, Chief: Tim Sinnott; Delegates: John E. Dulina, Joe Backhaus, Beth Stone, Chris Hyzer, Tim Sinnott; Alternates: Greg Skirvanis, Jim Sollen Berger, Ron Brewer, Tom Hul.
**MIDDLEBOROUGH VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, INC. – PO Box 16634, 1913 Middleborough Road, Baltimore, MD 21221; Baltimore County; Telephone: 410-686- 0214; Fax: 410-686-0214; Email: [email protected]; Website: orgsites.com/md/ middleborough/mc; Organized: 1943; Chartered: 1943; President: John Henderson, Vice President: Debbie Peyton, Secretary: Ashley Dranbauer, Treasurer: Robert Smith, Chaplain:, Chief: Scott Taylor; Delegates: Debbie Peyton, Tracy Johnson, Charlie Johnson, Fred Causey; Alternates: None Listed
**MIDDLETOWN VOLUNTER FIRE COMPANY – PO Box 322, 13 South Church Street, Middletown, MD 21769; Frederick County; Telephone: 301-371-6907; Fax: 301-371-8986; Email: [email protected]; Website: middletownvfd.org; Organized: 1895;
365 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Chartered: 1935; President: James Goodman, Vice President: Dominick Losquardo, Secretary: Debrah Loveless, Treasurer: Paul Fink, Chaplain: Dave Coblentz, Chief: Jason Loveless; Delegates: Stefan T. Nalboaczyk, Jr., Janie E. Nalbrcyk, Wayne Smith, Debbie Smith, David Coblentz, Alternates: None.
**MIDLAND VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. – 14823 Broadway Ave., Midland, MD 21542; Allegany County; Telephone: 301-463-2211; Fax: 301-463-6631; Organized: 1900; President: Eugene Thrasher, Vice President: Craig Alexander, Secretary: James Reno, Treasurer: Barbara Knippenburg, Chaplain: Robert Blair, Chief: Donald Swietzer; Delegates: Robert Knippenburg, Barbara Knippenburg, James Dick, Michelle McGowan, James Reno; Alternates: Krystal Booth, Andy Cesnick, Corey Gatian, Maggie Gatian.
**MORNINGSIDE VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. – 6200 Suitland Road, Morningside, MD 20746; Prince George’s County; Telephone: 301-736-4342; Fax: 301- 967-7152; Email: [email protected]; Website: morningsidevfd.com; President: David Hansen, Vice President: Jamie McAllister, Secretary: Lisa McKlveen, Treasurer: Jamie Hansen, Chaplain: Les Hedrick, Chief: Michael White; Delegates: Danid Hansen, Charles Phillips, Les Hedrick, Michael White, Dave Fuller; Alternates: Jamie McAllister, Lisa McKlveen, Michael Poetker, Pat Wise, Janet Pluket.
MOUNT AETNA VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. – 10305 Crystal Falls Drive, Hagerstown, MD 21740; Washington County; Telephone: 301-797-5555; Fax: 301-797- 0078; Email: [email protected]; Organized: 1967; Chartered: 1969. NO Credentials were submitted for 2012
*MOUNT AIRY VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, INC. – 702 North Main Street, Mount Airy, MD 21771; Carroll County; Telephone: 301-829-0100; Fax: 301-829-2353; WebSite: www. mavfc.org; Email: [email protected]; President: Thomas Walters, Vice President: Bruce Walz, Secretary: Janet Woodfield, Treasurer: James Linton, Jr., Chaplain: Dennis Yocum. Chief: Ivan Browning; Delegates: Thomas Walters, Doug Alexander, Ricky Baker, Ivan Browning; Alternates: Sue Hubble, Matt Heard, Scott Baker, Jeff Lowman, Kenny Stull.
MOUNT SAVAGE VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY NO.1, INC. – PO Box 533, 15701 Iron Rail Street, Mount Savage, MD 21545; Allegany County; Telephone: 301-264-3311; Fax: 301-264-3145; Email: [email protected]; Organized: 1896; Chartered: 1896; Joined MSFA: 1925. NO Credentials were submitted for 2012
MOUNT VERNON VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, INC. – 27440 Mt. Vernon Road, Princess Anne, MD 21853; Somerset County; Telephone: 410-651-2100; Organized: 1982; Chartered: 1982; Joined MSFA: 1982; President: Adam Smith, Vice President: Joe Webster, Secretary: Cindi Pietroski, Treasurer: Bryan Barnette, Chaplain: Mike McIntyre, Chief:Bryan Barnette; Delegates: Emmons K. Horner, Brittany Kemp, Kevin Jones, Brian Barnette, Adam Smith. Alternates: John Barnette, Stacy Barnette, James McIntre. 366 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference MYERSVILLE VOLUNTEER FIRE & RESCUE COMPANY, INC. - PO Box 95, 301 Main Street, Myersville, MD 21773; Frederick County; Telephone: 301-293-9817; Fax: 301- 293-9828; Email: [email protected]; Wesite: myersvillevfc.com; Organized: 1925; Chartered: 1925. NO Credentials were submitted for 2012
NANJEMOY VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. – PO Box 4, 4260 Port Tobacco Road, Nanjemoy, MD 20662; Charles County; Telephone: 301-743-2115; Fax: 301- 743-2151; Organized: 1947; Chartered:1949; Joined MSFA: 1950. NO Credential were submitted for 2012
NECK DISTRICT VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, INC. – 954 Cooks Point Road, Cambridge, MD 21613; Dorchester County; Telephone: 410-228-2434; Organized: 1951; Chartered: 1951; Joined MSFA: 1953. NO Credential were submitted for 2012
**NEWARK VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, INC – PO Box 82, Newark, MD. Worcester County; Telephone: 410-632-3980; Fax: 410-632-3980; President: J. C. Barbely; Vice President: Michael Donoway, Sr.; Secretary: James D. Scott; Treasurer: Kathy Westbrook; Chaplain: Sherwood McGrath; Chief: Michael Sirman; Delegates: Tom Herman, Chris Mason, Jack McCready, Chris Seymore, Brandon Age; Alternates: Dickie Day, Mike Donoway, Matthew Donoway, Chint Timmons, Wade Rinel.
**NEW MARKET DISTRICT VOLUNTEER FIRE Department, INC. – PO Box 925, 76 W. Main St., New Market, MD 21774; Frederick County; Telephone: 301-865-5700; Fax: 301-865-8148; Email: [email protected]; Organized: 1954; Chartered: 1955; President: Paul Hackey, Vice President: Thomas Hanagaon, Secretary: Nate Wilson, Treasurer: Robert Skelton, Chaplain: Gary White, Chief: Ben Nalborczyk; Delegates: Jay Betts, Ben Nalborczyk, Kelly Sullivan, Joyce Vincent, Sisty Vincent; Alternates: None Listed.
NEW MIDWAY VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, INC. – PO Box 67, 1209 Woodsboro Pike, New Midway, MD 21775; Frederick County; Telephone: 301-898-0543; Organized: 1926; Chartered: 1926. NO Credentials were submitted for 2012
**NEW WINDSOR FIRE AND HOSE COMPANY #1, INC. – PO Box 247, 209 High Street, New Windsor, MD 21776; Carroll County; Telephone: 410-635-6373; Fax 410-848- 6711; Email: [email protected]; Website: nwfd10.org; Organized: 1948; Chartered: 1948; President: Steven Koontz, Vice President: Dale Lowman, Secretary: Sarah Lowman, Treasurer: Jack Coe, Chaplain: Neal Roop, Chief: Tom Coe; Delegates: Rick Fritz, Tom Coe, Steven Hill, Steve Koontz, Dianne Gunderson. Alternates: None.
NEWARK VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, INC. – PO Box 82, Newark, MD 21841; Worcester County; Telephone: 410-632-3980; Organized: 1929. NO Credentials were submitted for 2012
367 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference NEWBURG VOLUNTEER RESCUE SQUAD, INC. – PO Box 9,12245 Rock Point Road, Newburg, MD 20664; Charles County: Telephone: 301-259-0029; Fax: 301-934-4778; Organized: 1988; Chartered: 1989; Joined MSFA: 1994. NO Credentials were submitted for 2012
**NORRISVILLE VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, INC. – 2134 Harkins Road, Pylesville, MD 21132; Harford County; Telephone: 410-638-3644; Fax: 410-638-3647, Email: info@ nvfc10.org; Organized: 1994; Chartered: 1994; Joined MSFA: 1994; President: Peter T. Sheehan, Vice President: Holly Cason, Secretary: Samantha K. Sheehan, Treasurer: Kris Miller, Chaplain: Melissa McDade, Chief: Stan Gustaitus; Delegates: Brandon Watkins, Kate Watkins, Richard Brooks III; Alternates: None listed.
**NORTH BEACH VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. – PO Box 86, 8536 Bayside Road, North Beach, MD 20714; Calvert County; Telephone: 410-257-6564; Fax: 301-855- 2271; Organized: 1926; Chartered: 1947; President: Robert Allen, Vice President: Robert Haynes, Secretary: Jeffrey Idol, Treasurer: Wayne Gordy, Chaplain: Father David Russell, Chief: Donald Gibson; Delegates: Herbert Dowell, Richard Cress, Robert Haynes, Matt Weber, Donald Gibson; Alternates: Robert Allen, Dave Devere, Jimmy Dickerson, Gary Jenkins.
**NORTH EAST FIRE COMPANY, INC. – PO Box 770, 210 South Mauldin Avenue, North East, MD 21901; Cecil County; Telephone: 410-287-2112; Fax: 410-287-6913; Email: [email protected]; Website: nefc4.com; Organized: 1921; Chartered: 1922; President: Douglas W. Elmer, Sr., Vice President: Howard Flower, Secretary: Andrew Rapczak, Treasurer: Valerie Combs, Chaplain:, Chief: Stephen Piatelli; Delegates: Douyglas W. Elmer, Sr., Howard D. Flower, John Hamilton IV, Paul Huntzberry, Charles Stewart; Alternates: Timothy Slonecker, Vernon Stewart.
**NORTH POINT EDGEMERE VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, INC. – 7500 North Point Road, Baltimore, MD 21219; Baltimore County; Telephone: 410-887-7554; Fax: 410-477- 0944; Organized: 1936 Chartered: 1936; President: Adam Davies, Vice President: Buddy Staigerwald, Secretary: Stacey McElwee, Treasurer: Doug Price, Chaplain: Father Joseph Lizer, Chief: Todd Aupperley; Delegates: Jim Riegel, Sr., Adam Davies, David Davis, Lester Kottraba; Alternates: None.
NORTHERN GARRETT COUNTY RESCUE SQUAD, INC. – PO Box 293, Ravine Street, Grantsville, MD 21536; Garrett County; Telephone: 301-895-5520; Fax: 301-895-4618; Website: ngcrs.org; Organized: 1972; Chartered: 1972. NO Credentials were submitted for 2012
OAKLAND VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. – PO Box 43, 31 South Third Street, Oakland, MD 21550; Garrett County; Telephone: 301-334-3535; Fax: 301-334-2347; Organized: 1894; Chartered: 1894. NO Credentials were submitted for 2012 368 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference **OCEAN CITY VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, INC. – PO Box 27, 1409 Philadelphia Avenue, Ocean City; MD 21843; Worcester County; Telephone: 410-289-4346; Fax: 410-289-8421; Email: [email protected]; Website: www. ocvfc.com; Organized: 1905; Chartered: 1926; President: Clifford Christello, Vice President: Joseph Sexauer, Secretary: John Howard Bunting, Treasurer: Frederick Senger, Chaplain: Scott Hudson, Chief: Robert “Bo” Duke; Delegates: Roger Steger, Sr., Reggie Bell, Charles Bunting, John Guntow, Jr., Larry Lewis; Alternates: J. Paul Adkins, Richard Bagles, Jim Smith, Steve Hales, Tom Parker.
OCEAN PINES VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. – 911 Ocean Parkway, Ocean Pines, MD 21811; Worcester County; Telephone: 410-641-8272; Fax: 410-641-6964. NO Credentials were submitted for 2012
**ODENTON VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, INC. – 1425 Annapolis Road, Odenton, MD 21113; Anne Arundel County; Telephone: 410-674-4444; Fax: 410-672-0758; Email: [email protected]; Website: ovfc28.org; Organized: 1931; Chartered: 1931; Joined MSFA: 1934; President: Jimmie M. Allen, Vice President: Wylie L. Donaldson, Secretary: Sanjay Deshmukh, Treasurer: David Savadeba, Chaplain:, Chief: Ray Hudgson; Delegates: John E. Rose, Wylie L. Donaldson, Harry C. Wagner, Troy Odendhal, Jammie M. Allen; Alternates: Robert L. Rose, Charles D. Rogers, David W. Lewis, Kimberly L. Jenkins, Ray Hudgson.
**OLDTOWN VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. – PO Box 83, 18712 Oldtown Road SE, Oldtown, MD 21555; Allegany County; Telephone: 301-478-5151; Fax: 301-478- 5400; Email: [email protected]; Website: www.fire-ems.net/firedept/view/oldtownmd; President: Matthews Hierstetter; Vice President: Kevin Bender; Secretary: Cindy Crabtree; Treasurer: Dennis Mallery; Chaplain: Rodger Long; Chief: Ken Wolford, Jr. Delegates: Dennis Mallery, Matthew Hierstetter, Kevin Bender, Greg Brown, Kristi Brown; Alternates: Roger Long, Andy Brown, Bob Piper, Melody Siemer, Daniel Siemer.
**ORCHARD BEACH VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. – PO Box 654, 7549 Solley Road, Glen Burnie, MD 21123; Anne Arundel County; Telephone 410-255-1505; Fax 410-437-2948; Email: orchardbeach11@yahoo; Website: orchidbeachvfd.com; Organized: 1930; Chartered: 1930; Joined MSFA: 1932; President: Walter Pice, Vice President: Wayne Snyder, Secretary: Donna Bushong, Treasurer: John Wenzel, Chaplain: John Wenzel, Chief: James Evans; Delegates: Walter Snyder, Wayne Snyder, Donna Bushong, John Wenzel, James Evans; Alternates: Randy Persons, Annette Lotz, Mike Maurer, Heather Rogers, Janet Aro.
ORLEANS VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. – 12210 Orleans Road, NE, Little Orleans, MD 21766; Allegany County; Telephone: 301-478-2229; Fax: 301-478-3699; Email: [email protected]. NO Credentials were submitted for 2012
369 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference **OWINGS MILLS VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, INC. – 10401 Owings Mills Blvd., Owings Mills, MD 21117; Baltimore County; Telephone: 410-363-1933; Fax: 410-887- 1577; Organized: 1921; Chartered: 1921; President: Wayne Trump, Vice President: Marci Catlett, Secretary: Jenny Nilsen, Treasurer: Phil Herbert, Chaplain: , Chief: Ed Schwartz, Jr.; Delegates: Mike Fold, Craig Nelson, Sr., Craig Nelson, Jr. Tyler Joyave; Alternates: None.
**OXFORD FIRE COMPANY, INC. – 300 Oxford Road, Oxford, MD 21654; Talbot County; Telephone: 410-226-5110; Fax: 410-226-5206; Email: [email protected]; Website: www.oxfordfireco.org; Chartered: 1926; President: John Hanes, Vice President: Darren Clem, Secretary: David Baker, Treasurer: Connie Greenhawk, Chaplain: Kevin Cross, Chief: Michael Greenhawk; Delegates: Richard Schmitt, Kelly Greenhawk, John Hanes, Michael Greenhawk, Jr., Ryan Bramble; Alternates: None listed.
OXON HILL VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. – PO Box 84, 6300 Oxon Hill Road, Oxon Hill, MD 20745; Prince George’s County; Telephone: 301-567-6333; Organized: 1929; Chartered: 1930; Joined: MSFA: 1930. NO Credentials were submitted for 2012
PARSONSBURG VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. – PO Box 208, 32960 Old Ocean City Road, Parsonsburg, MD 21849; Wicomico County; Telephone: 410-742-2408; Fax: 443-260-0725. NO Credentials were submitted for 2012
**PIKESVILLE VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, INC. – 40 East Sudbrook Lane, Pikesville, MD 21208; Baltimore County; Telephone: 410-486-9834; Fax: 410-602-8583; Email: [email protected]; Website: pvfc32.org; Organized: 1897; President: Richard Berkowitz, Vice President: Lee Sachs, Secretary: L. Allen Roody, Treasurer: Carl Phelps, Chaplain: Kathleen Resnick & Murray Rodman, Chief: Larry Goldberg; Delegates: Lee N. Sachs, Roger N. Powell, Stuart Carter, John Pelton; Alternates: None listed.
PIONEER HOOK & LADDER COMPANY, INC. – PO Box 2799, 21 West Franklin Street, Hagerstown, MD 21740; Washington County; Telephone: 301-733-3338; Fax: 301-733- 3368. NO Credentials were submitted for 2012
PITTSVILLE VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. – PO Box 387, 7442 Gumboro Road, Pittsville, MD 21850; Wicomico County; Telephone: 410-835-2323; Fax: 410-835- 2424; Email [email protected]; Website pvfd.4t.com; Organized: 1929; Chartered: 1929. NO Credentials were submitted for 2012
**PLEASANT VALLEY COMMUNITY FIRE COMPANY, INC. – 2030 South Pleasant Valley Road, Westminster, MD 21158; Carroll County; Telephone: 410-848-1977; Fax: 410-848-6008; Email: [email protected]; Website: pleasantvalleyfire.org; Organized: 1931; Chartered: 1931; President: Stephen Wantz, Vice President: Michael Stewart,
370 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Secretary: Nancy Wagner, Treasurer: John E. Wagner, Chaplain: Donna Geiman, Chief: Michael Gist; Delegates: Michael Stewart, Richard Smith, John Wagner, Stephen Wantz, Charlie Simpson; Alternates: Jeff Geiman, Gregory Stewart, John Means, Sr.
POCOMOKE CITY VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, INC. – PO Box 116, Pocomoke City, MD 21851; Worcester County; Telephone: 410-957-2310; Organized: 1888; NO Credentials were submitted for 2012
POCOMOKE VOLUNTEER AMBULANCE COMPANY, INC. – PO Box 36, 137 Eighth Street, Pocomoke, MD 21851; Worcester County; Telephone: 410-957-3600; Fax: 410- 957-2221; Website: pocomokeems.org; Organized: 1997; Chartered: 1997; Joined MSFA: 1998; NO Credentials were submitted for 2012
**POTOMAC HEIGHTS VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT & RESCUE SQUAD, INC. – 73 Glymont Road, Indian Head, MD 20640; Charles County; Telephone: 301-743-7700; Fax: 301-743-3787; Organized: 1950; Chartered: 1950; Joined MSFA: 1952; President: Robert E. Collins, Sr., Vice President: C. Dan Carpenter III, Secretary: Lisa Berry, Treasurer: Clarence D. Carpenter, Jr., Chaplain: Charles W. Wills, Chief: Kevin Grinder; Delegates: Robert E. Collins, Sr., C. Dan Carpenter III, Charles W. Wills, Clarence D. Carpenter, Jr., Kevin Grinder; Alternates: Craig Kavlick, Buddy White, Justin Lucas, Jeff Clements, Molly Johnson.
**POTOMAC FIRE COMPANY #2, INC. – PO Box 326, 61 Main Street, Westernport, MD 21562; Allegany County; Telephone: 301-359-3701; Fax: 301-359-3377; Email: co22@ allconet.org; Chartered: 1912; Joined MSFA: 1912; President: William F. Kight, Jr., Vice President: Robert Pattison, Secretary: Steven E. Householder, Treasurer: Judy S. Hamilton, Chaplain: Lonzy Clark, Chief: Timothy F. Dayton; Delegates: Tim Dayton, William Knight, Jr., Judy Hamilton, Darrell Wildesen, Mark Karalewitz. Alternates: None listed.
**POTOMAC VALLEY FIRE COMPANY, INC. – 2202 Dargan School Road, Sharpsburg, MD 21782; Washington County; Telephone: 301-432-2130; Fax: 301-432-7792; Email: [email protected]; Organized: 1966; Chartered: 1967; Joined MSFA: 1975 President: Amber Hewett, Vice President: Vicki Wetzel, Secretary: Jeanne Gray, Treasurer: Terry Rohrer, Chaplain: , Chief: Eric Gray; Delegates: Arnold Martin, Eric Gray, Vicki Wetzel, Jeanne Gray, Roger Otzelberger, Jr.; Alternates: Ronnie Gray, Charles Payne, Amber Hewett, Terry Rohrer, Andy Coblentz.
POWELLVILLE VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, INC. – PO Box 4, 5085 Powellville Road, Powellville, MD 21852; Wicomico County; Telephone: 410-835-8181; Organized: 1962; Chartered: 1962; Joined MSFA: 1963. NO Credentials were received for 2012
**PRESTON VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, INC. – PO Box 44, 3680 Choptank Road, Preston, MD 21655; Caroline County: Telephone: 410-673-7874; Fax: 410-673-1961; 371 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Organized: 1927; President: Andy Garey, Vice President: Jimmy Cheezu, Secretary: Jeff Covey, Treasurer: Chip Verclery, Chaplain:, Chief: Bryan Milligan; Delegates: Donald Cheezum, Jake Garvey; Alternates: None listed.
**PRINCE FREDERICK VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. – PO Box 976, 450 Solomons Island Road, Prince Frederick, MD 20678; Calvert County; Telephone: 410-535- 2207; Fax: 410-414-3655; Email: [email protected]; Website: pfvfd.org; Organized: 1940; President: Patrick F. Hassler, Vice President: Robert W. Helms, Secretary: Linda F. Reamy, Treasurer: Alan Billings, Chaplain: Michael Bowen, Chief: Brian Ficke; Delegates: Dwight Armiger, Brian Ficke, Donald F. Hall, Alan Billings, Michael Bowen; Alternates: Timothy Delehanty, William J. Reamy, Thomas Scott III, Nancy Scott, Mark Carrico.
**PRINCE FREDERICK VOLUNTEER RESCUE SQUAD, INC. – PO Box 346, 755 N. Solomons Island Road, Prince Frederick, MD. 20678; Calvert County; Telephone 410- 535-9836; Fax: 410-535-5750; Email [email protected]; Website pfvrs.com; Organized: 1966; Chartered: 1968; Joined MSFA: 1968; President: Robert Francis, Vice President: Roland “Sonny” Brady, Secretary: Ginger Weasenforth, Treasurer: Tara Billings, Chaplain:; Chief: Perry Ferrier; Delegates: Tommy Tettimer, Cora Stockhausen, Ronnie Estoque, Jenny Estoque; Alternates: None.
PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY VOLUNTEER UNDERWATER RESCUE & RECOVERY TEAM, Inc. – 13600 King Charles Terrace, Ft. Washington, MD 20745; Prince George’s County; Telephone: 301-888-1803; President: Janet Demeritt, Vice President: Doug Gerzalle, Secretary: JoAnne Bomkoski, Treasurer: Jimmy Edelen; Delegates: Janet Demeritt, Doug Gerzalle; J.D. Brooks, Jimmy Edelem; Alternates: None submitted
*PRINCESS ANNE VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, INC. – 11794 Somerset Avenue, Princess Anne, MD 21853; Somerset County; Telephone: 410-651-2144; Fax: 410-651- 2159; Email: [email protected]; Organized: 1914; President: Van Muir, Vice President: Keith Widdowson, Secretary: Jenny Cottman, Treasurer: Robert Murphy, Chaplain:; Chief: Marion “JR” Mister; Delegates: Marion “JR” Mister, Van Muir, Morgan Pusey, Jerry Holbrook, David Donohoe; Alternates: Edward Schaufert, Ronall Redding, Mark Gentry, Joey Haymaker, Lee Kelly.
PROVIDENCE VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, INC. – PO Box 9702, 1416 Providence Road, Towson, MD 21286; Baltimore County; Telephone: 410-887-5774; Fax: 410-828- 0860; Email: [email protected]; Website: pvfc290.org; Organized: 1947; Chartered: 1948; Joined MSFA: 1950; NO Credentials were submitted for 2012
**QUEEN ANNE-HILLSBORO VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, INC. – PO Box 226, 13520 First Street, Queen Anne, MD 21657; Queen Anne’s County; Telephone: 410-364-5612; Fax: 410-364-9888; Website: qahvfc.com; Organized: 1945; Chartered: 1945; President: Danny McNeal, Vice President: Phil Starkey; Secretary: Tom DiFatta, Treasurer: Linda 372 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Chalupa, Chaplain: William Cooper, Sr., Chief: Craig McNeal; Delegates: William Cooper, Sr., Lynn Humpleby; Alternates:None Listed.
QUEENSTOWN VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. – PO Box 118, 7110 Main Street, Queenstown, MD 21658; Queen Anne’s County; Telephone 410-827-8377; Fax: 410-827-8926; Organized: 1934; Chartered: 1934. NO Credentails were submitted.
*RAWLINGS VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. – PO Box 229, 18900 Volunteer Drive, Rawlings, MD 21557; Allegany County; Telephone: 301-729-8229; Emai:l co47@ allconet.org; Organized: 1985; Chartered: 1985; Joined MSFA: 1986; President: R. Garth Nassor, Vice President: Wesley R. Foor, Secretary: Paul Gaetani, Treasurer: Carole McKenzie, Chaplain: Wesley R. Foor; Chief: Kenneth McKenzie; Delegates: Wesley R. Foor, Michael F. McKenzie, Kenneth McKenzie, Ronnie Carr; Alternates: None listed.
**REESE AND COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, INC. - 1745 Baltimore Boulevard, Westminster, MD 21157; Carroll County; Telephone: 410-848-7172; Fax: 401-848-2396; Email: [email protected]; Website: reesevfc.org; Organized: 1948; Chartered: 1948; Joined MSFA: 1949; President: Chad Reese, Vice President: Phil Hild and Matt Stonsbury, Secretary: Teresa Cox, Treasurer: Marion Davidson, Jr., Chaplain: Robert Alexander, Chief: Jerry Dayton; Delegates: Norman Schaefer, Joe Spangler, Sr., Ed Geordt, Randy Panos; Alternates: None Listed
**REISTERSTOWN VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, INC. – 108 Main Street, Reisterstown, MD 21136; Baltimore County; Telephone: 301-833-1370; Fax: 410-833-0258; Website rvfc.org; President: Michele Crumbacker; Vice President: J. P. Snyder; Secretary: Eric Marquess, Treasurer: Brian Quick, Chaplain: Timothy Feaser, Chief: Robert Murray, Sr.; Delegates: Michelle Crumbacker, J. P. Snyder, Craig Coleman, Ted Schultz, John Wright. Alternates: Brian Quick, Robert Holtz, Dorthy Schultz, Robert Murray, Sr.
**RESCUE FIRE COMPANY, INC. – PO Box 776, 8 Washington Street, Cambridge, MD 21613; Dorchester County; Telephone: 410-228-1670; Organized: 1881; Chartered: 1882; President: Juanita Weber, Vice President: Calvin Stack, Secretary: Linda Horsman, Treasurer: Timothy McCarter, Chaplain: Doug Ridley, Chief: Robert Phillips; Delegates: Calvin Stack, Frank Horsman, Don Kinnamon; Alternates: Linda Horsman, Bert Weber.
**RESCUE HOSE COMPANY #1, INC. – 620 Taylor Avenue, Annapolis, MD 21401; Anne Arundel County; Telephone: 410-263-1116; Organized: 1879; Chartered: 1910; Joined MSFA: 1893; President: Charles W. Cadle, Jr., Vice President: Timothy L. Clough, Secretary: Alfred W. Britton, Jr., Treasurer: Denna E. Britton, Chaplain: William Clark, Chief: Charles W. Cadle, Jr.; Delegates: Charles W. Cadle, Jr., Timothy L. Clough, Alfred W. Britton, Jr., William Clark, Denna Britton; Alternates: Charles R. Clark, Leonard A. Clark, Jr.
373 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference **RIDGE VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. – PO Box 520, 13820 Point Lookout Road, Ridge, MD 20680; St. Mary’s County; Telephone: 301-872-5571; Fax: 301-872- 0632; Email: [email protected]; Website: ridgevfd.org; Organized: 1948; Chartered: 1949; Joined MSFA: 1950; President: Timothy A. Ridgell, Vice President: James I. Raley, Secretary: Matthew B. Ridgell, Treasurer: John E. Wathen, Jr., Chaplain: Rev. Monsignor Karl A. Chimiack; Chief: Bruce R. Raley; Delegates: Timothy A. Ridgell, Bruce R. Raley, John E. Wather, Jr., Francis J. Raley; Alternates: Paul R. “Bobby” Balta, Matthew Ridgell, Robert Lee Ownes, George J. Gatton, Jr., Phillip R. Cooper, Jr.
**RIDGE VOLUNTEER RESCUE SQUAD, INC. – PO Box 456, 16515 Three Notch Road, Ridge, MD 20680; St. Mary’s County; Telephone: 301-872-5970; Fax: 301-872-5971; President: Amy Raley, Vice President: Jessica Titus, Secretary: Paula Turner, Treasurer: Christy Bright, Chaplain:; Chief: George Gatton; Delegates: Christy Merrell, Jessica Titus, Paul Sullivan; Alternates:None.
**RIDGELY VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. – PO Box 425, 8 West First Street, Ridgely, MD 21660; Caroline County; Telephone: 410-634-2424; Fax: 410-634-2659; Email; [email protected]; Organized: 1905; Chartered: 1928; President: Lou Hayes, Vice President: George Cohey, Secretary: Tammy Taylor, Treasurer: Bryan Ebling, Chaplain:, Chief: Robert Utz; Delegates: Bryan Ebling, John Hurley, Justin Ebling, Kevin Mottea, Eric Kellner; Alternates: None.
**RITCHIE VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. – 1415 Ritchie Marlboro Road, Capitol Heights, MD 20743; Prince George’s County; Telephone: 301-336-3731; Fax: 301-499-5916; Email: [email protected]; Website: ritchie37.com; Organized: 1964; Chartered: 1966; Joined MSFA: 1970; President: Steve Wilson, Vice President: Steven Bernard, Secretary: Christie McGee, Treasurer: Ralph Downs, Chaplain:, Chief: Chris Wilson; Delegates: Lawrence H. Lee, Chris Wilson, William Cunningham, Sr., Steve Wilson, Steven Bernard; Alternates: None.
**RIVA VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. PO Box 602, 3123 Riva Road, Riva, MD 21140; Anne Arundel County; Telephone: 410-956-2910; Fax: 410-956-2910; Organized: 1940; Chartered: 1940; President: John Fluharty, Vice President: Joel Greenwell, Secretary: David E Carr, Treasurer: Maurice E. Carr, Chaplain:, Chief:, Delegates: Maurice E. Carr, John Fluharty, David E. Carr, Joel Greenwell; Alternates: None.
RIVERDALE VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. – 4714 Queensbury Road, Riverdale, MD 20737; Prince George’s County; Telephone: 301-927-0356; Fax: 301-699- 3204; Email:[email protected]; Web Site: www.riverdalevfd.org. NO Credentials Were submitted for 2012
374 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference **RIVERDALE HEIGHTS VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT & RESCUE SQUAD, INC. – P.O. Box 714, 6101 Roanoke Avenue, Riverdale, MD 20737; Prince George’s County; Telephone: 301-985-4680; Fax 301-699-0477; Email [email protected]; Website: rhvfd.org; Organized: 1925; Chartered: 1925; President: Robert Goninan; Vice President: , Secretary: Treasurer: ; Chaplain: ; Chief: ; Delegates: Robert Gonian; Aldo Zambrano, Kenny Gilroy. Alternate: Sharon Shoemaker.
**RIVIERA BEACH VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, INC. – PO Box 301, 8506 Fort Smallwood Road, Pasadena, MD 21122; Anne Arundel County; Telephone: 410-255-1314; Fax: 410-255-2036; Organized: 1932; Chartered: 1932. NO Credentials were submitted for 2012
**ROCK HALL VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, INC. – PO Box 577, 21500 Rock Hall Avenue, Rock Hall, MD 21661; Kent County; Telephone: 410-639-7888; Fax: 410-639- 2736; Organized: 1927; Chartered: 1927; President :John F. Toulson, Vice President: Paul Brinkley, Secretary: Glenda Dierker, Treasurer: Madelyn Reni, Chaplain:; Chief: Wm.Troy White; Delegates: John Toulson, Louanne Usilton, Frank Kelley, Kevin Nelson, Wm. Troy White; Alternates: Andrea Edwards, Brian Jones.
**ROCKAWAY BEACH VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, INC. PO Box 34034, 2212 Seneca Road, Baltimore, MD 21221; Baltimore County; Telephone: 410-887-0328; Fax: 410-780-1759; Organized: 1946; Chartered: 1947; President: Tammy Medinger, Vice President: John Medinger,Sr., Secretary: Leroy E. Ogle, Treasurer: Frank Spangler, Chaplain:, Chief: Ryan Knapik; Delegates: Tammy Medinger, John Medinger, Sr., Leroy Ogle, Frank Spangler, Ryan Knapik; Alternates: Michael R. Stuart, Jr., Stephen Kerby, Stephen Bromwell, Howard French, Jerome Alchimowicz.
**ROCKVILLE VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. – PO Box 1547, 380 Hungerford Drive, Rockville, MD 20850; Montgomery County; Telephone: 301-424-0310; Fax: 301- 294-4721; Email: [email protected]; Website: www.rvfd.org; Organized: 1921; Chartered: 1921; President: Timothy C. Jones, Vice President: Matt Frank, Secretary: Maile Jacobsen, Treasurer: Danielle Thomas, Chaplain:Father Valentine Keveny, Chief: Scott E. Emmons; Delegates: John T. Ferguson, III, Scott E. Emmons, Tomas Kavanagh, Timothy C. Jones, Christopher Hinde; Alternates: None.
**ROCKY RIDGE VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, INC. – 13516 Motters Station Road, Rocky Ridge, MD 21778; Frederick County; Telephone: 301-271-4991; Fax: 301- 271-4991; Organized: 1949; Chartered: 1949; Joined MSFA: 1952; President: Dale E. Kline, Vice President: Dennis Mathias, Secretary: Melissa Mathias, Treasurer: Bernard Wivell, Chaplain: Rev. James Russell, Chief: Alan Hurley; Delegates: Dale E. Kline, Joey Youngerman, Amber Youngerman, Dennis Mathias; Alternates: Alan Hurley, Jime Rice.
375 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference **ROSEDALE VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY. – P.O. Box 9661, 8037 Philadelphia Road, Rosedale, MD 21237; Baltimore County; Telephone: 410-866-4042; Fax: 410-866-2598; Email: [email protected]; Website: rosedalevfd.com; Organized: 1930; President: Jack Mazza, Vice President: Scott Small, Secretary: Michelle Harding, Treasurer: Chuck McJilton, Chaplain:, Chief: Chuck Leiss; Delegates: Eric Endryas, Eileen Endryas, Jack Mazza, Scott Small, Debbie Potts; Alternates: Brian Stark, Steve Stachowski, Bill Pearson, Patty McGrevy, Jim Pizzini.
**ST. LEONARD VOLUNTEER FIRE & RESCUE CO. 7, INC. – PO Box 101, 200 Calvert Beach Road, St. Leonard, MD 20685; Calvert County; Telephone: 410-586-1713; Fax: 410- 586-3031; Email: [email protected]; Website: slvfd.com; Organized: 1982; Chartered: 1982; President: George Anderson, Vice President: Christopher Sleeper, Secretary: Jessica Jones, Treasurer: Aexander Graham, Chaplain: Rev. John Howanstine, Chief: Jennifer Lankford; Delegates: George Anderson, Jennifer Lankford, D.O. Baker, Joseph Anderson, Danielle Dunn; Alternates: William Lankford, Rev. Howanstine, Brent Lankford, Earnie Earnshaw, Christopher Sleeper.
**ST. MARY’S COUNTY ADVANCED LIFE SUPPORT UNIT, INC. PO Box 2421, 41550 Doctors Crossing Way, Leonardtown, MD 20650; St. Mary’s County; Telephone: 301- 475-3474; Fax: 301-475-4930; Organized: 1983; Chartered: 1983; Joined MSFA: 1994; President: Joe Held, Vice President: Teresa Baran, Secretary: Hattie Norris, Treasurer: Debbie Kenney, Chaplain: George L’Heureux, Chief: Carol Sullivan; Delegates: Deacon George L’Heureux, Joe Held, Teresa Baran, Hattie Norris, Carol Boehm; Alternates:.
ST. MICHAELS FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. – 1001 South Talbot Street, St. Michaels, MD 21663; Talbot County; Telelphone: 410-745-9393; Fax: 410-745-9947; Website: stmichaelsfd.com; Organized: 1926; Chartered: 1926. NO Credentals were submitted for 2012.
**SALISBURY FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. – Headquarters Company, 325 Cypress Street, Salisbury, MD 21801; Wicomico County; Telephone: 410-548-3122; Fax: 410-548-3121; Organized: 1872; President: John Ulrich, Vice President: Walt Townsend, Secretary: Mark Cotter, Treasurer: Kenneth Gaskins, Chaplain: Roger Kondrup; Chief: Rick Hoppes; Delegates: Tim Murrell, Joel McCroy; Alternates.
**SALISBURY FIRE DEPARTMENT STATION #1, INC. , P.O. Box 3215, 1100 Beaglin Park Drive, Salisbury, MD 21801; Wicomico County; Telephone: 410-548-3127; Email: sta#1ezy.net; Website www.salisbury fire.org; Organized: 1986; Chartered: 1986; Joined MSFA: 1986; President: Gerald Beauchamp, Vice President: David Elliott, Secretary: Justin Elliott, Treasurer: Billy Lewis, Chaplain: Roger Kondrup, Chief: Richard Hoppes; Delegates: David Beauchamp, Justin Elliott, Gerald Beauchamp, Billy Lewis, Charles Foskey; Alternates: Eric Foskey, Joel Dixon.
376 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference **SALISBURY VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT STATION 2, INC. – PO Box 3381, 801 Brown Street, Salisbury, MD 21801; Wicomico County; Telephone: 410-548-3125; Organized: 1930; President: William Nutter, Vice President: William Higgins, Secretary: Eric Coffman, Treasurer: Dan Hill, Chaplain: Rev. Condom, Chief: Rick Hoppes; Delegates: Coroy Allensworth, John Demira, Rob Sttogle, Wale Albert, Justin Byrd; Alternates: None.
**SANDY SPRING VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. – PO Box 295, 17921 Brooke Road, Sandy Spring, MD 20860; Montgomery County; Telephone: 301-774- 7400; Fax: 301-774-4821; Email: [email protected]; Website: www.ssvfd.com; Organized: 1924; Chartered: 1925; President: Johnie F. Roth, Jr., Vice President: Jennifer Musgrove, Secretary: Michael Valente, Treasurer: Stephen C. Lamphier, Chaplain: Rory Crawford, Chief: George W. Brown; Delegates: George Brown, Johnie Roth, Jr., Nancy Thornton, Michael Valente, Derek Winikoff; Alternates: Patricia Congdon, John Linder, Bruce Newcomer, Kevin Parker, Michael Thornton.
**SAVAGE VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, INC. – PO Box 905, 8925 Lincoln Street, Savage, MD 20763; Howard County; Telephone: 410-498-5061; Fax: 301-776-0024; Organized: 1937; Chartered: 1937; President: Michael Hitt, Vice President: Kristin Cox, Secretary: Charisa Carkhuff, Treasurer: Alan Conway, Chaplain: Paul Epstein, Chief: Ronald Hunley; Delegates: Ronald Hunley, Michael Hitt, David Hunley, Terry Thompson, Norman Wines; Alternates: Kevin Larkins, Sr., Kevin Larkins, Jr., George Clayton, Jon Day, Michael Wilkerson.
SEAT PLEASANT VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, INC. 10305 - Addison Road, Seat Pleasant, MD. 20743; Prince George’s County; Telephone: 301-336-2331; Email: [email protected]; Website: www.seatpleasantfire.com; Organized: 1915; Chartered: 1915. NO Credentials were submitted for 2012
**SECRETARY VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, INC. – PO Box 56, 115 Myrtle Street, Secretary, MD 21664; Dorchester County; Telephone: 410-943-3545; Fax: 410-943- 0330; Email: [email protected]; WebSite: www.fire-ems.net/view/firedept/ secretary/md; Organized: 1937; Chartered: 1937; Joined: MSFA: 1938; President: Samuel Yockey, Vice President: David Cox, Secretary: Casey Kewan, Treasurer: Mandy Gullion, Chaplain: Stephen Lonek, Chief: David Cox; Delegates: Samuel Yockey, Michael Larrimore, Sr., William Gullion III, Mandy Gullion, Dave Cox; Alternates: Susan Kirwan, Casey Kipwan, Michael Stives, Michael Larrimore, Jr., Chris Snort.
**SECOND DISTRICT VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT & RESCUE SQUAD, INC. – PO Box 1, 45245 Drayden Road, Valley Lee, MD 20692; St. Mary’s County; Telephone: 301-994-0751; Fax: 301-994-2994; Website: sdvfdrs.org; Organized: 1951; Chartered: 1951; Joined MSFA: 1972; President: Arthur Pilkerton, Vice President: Theresa Cullison, Secretary: Cindy Bowes, Treasurer: Lisa Orwig, Chaplain: Deacon George L’Heureux,
377 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Chief: Richard Nelson; Delegates: Robert E. Russell, Gregory Adams, Ray Carter, Joe Scrivener, Jan Scrivener; Alternates: John Caulder, John Guy, Earl Knott, Robert Lynch, Mike Roberts.
**SEVENTH DISTRICT VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. PO Box - 206, 21660 Colton Point Road, Avenue, MD 20609; St. Mary’s County; Telephone: 301-769-3600; Fax: 301-769-3602; Email [email protected]; Website: sdvfd5.com; Organized: 1949; Chartered: 1949; Joined MSFA: 1951; President: John D. Nelson, Vice President: Mike Huseman, Secretary: Louis Anthony Hammett, Treasurer: Robin Morgan, Chaplain: John H. Nelson, Jr., Chief: John A. Nelson; Delegates: John D. Nelson, Michael R. Huseman, Anthony Hammett, George McWilliams III, John A. Nelson; Alternates: Chris Hammett.
**SEVENTH DISTRICT VOLUNTEER RESCUE SQUAD, INC. – PO Box 7, 21530 Colton Point Road, Avenue, MD 20609; St. Mary’s County; Telephone: 301-769-2287; Organized: 1960; Chartered: 1960; Joined MSFA: 1988; President: Donald Phetteplace, Vice President: Mathew Colliflower, Secretary: Hattie Norris, Treasurer: Steve Lawrence, Chaplain: George H. L’Heureux, Chief: Todd Hayden; Delegates: George Kennett, Joan Raley, Jennifer Huntington, Melissa Friess-Bailey, Donald Phetteplace; Alternates: Ronnie Mattingly, Richard Colliflower.
**SHAFT VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. – 19303 Shaft Road, SW, Frostburg, MD 21532; Allegany County; Telelphone: 301-689-1535; Fax: 301-687-0121; Email: [email protected]; Organized: 1938; Chartered: 1938; Joined MSFA: 1941. See - Borden Shaft Volunteer Fire Co. #1
**SHARPSBURG AREA EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES, INC. - 110 ½ West Chapline Street, Sharpsburg, MD 21782; Washington County; Telephone 301-432-5348; Fax 301-432-6456; Email: [email protected]; Website: sharpsburgens.com; Organized: 1968; Chartered: 1968; President: Peggy Myers, Vice President: Shawn McCu, Secretary: Ashley Grimm, Treasurer: Walter Kipe, Chaplain:, Chief: Lester Bussard; Delegates: Ashley Grimm; Alternates: None listed.
**SHARPSBURG VOLUNTER FIRE COMPANY, INC. – PO Box 297, 110 West Chapline Street, Sharpsburg, MD 21782; Washington County; Telephone: 301-432-6321; Fax: 301- 432-5167; Email: [email protected]; Website: sharpsburgfire.com; Organized: 1943; Chartered: 1944; President: Harry E. Gossard, Vice President: Jim Kalbflesh, Secretary: Dolly Jones, Treasurer: Ron Delauney, Chaplain: Delancy Catlett, Chief: Allen James; Delegates: Harry E. Gossard, Allen James, Chris Mullendor, Jay Morgan, Jay Brandenburg; Alternates: Daryl Benner, Henry Jones, Jim Kalbflesh, Ron Delaunfy, Nina Cruz.
378 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference **SHARPTOWN VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. – PO Box 307, 402 Church Street, Sharptown, MD 21861; Wicomico County; Telephone: 410-883-3131; Fax: 410- 883-3043; Organized: 1926; President: William R. White, Vice President: Orville Lester Huss, Secretary: Brenda L. Marvil, Treasurer: Linda Lambrose, Chaplain:, Chief: Howard L. Bowden; Delegates: Ted Fletcher, Tommy Bowden, Ronnie Marvil; Alternates: Howard Bowden, Kyle Bennett, Billy White.
SHOWELL VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. – PO Box 16, 11620 Worcester Highway, Showell, MD 21862; Worcester County; Telephone 410-641-2380; Website: showellvfd.com; Organized: 1945; Chartered: 1945; Joined MSFA:1945. NO Credentials were summited for 2012
**SILVER HILL VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT & RESCUE SQUAD, INC. – 3900 Old Silver Hill Road, Suitland, MD 20746; Prince George’s County; Telephone: 301-423- 7293; Fax 301-423-3280: Email [email protected]; Website: silverhillvfd.com; Organized: 1945; Chartered: 1948; President: Michael J. Alfieri, Vice President: Charles A. Diana, Secretary: , Treasurer: Linda L. Talton, Chaplain:, Chief: William King; Delegates: Michael J. Allferi, William H. King, Steffen Santos, Charles “Joe” Diana, Jeff Kramer; Alternates: Diana Diana, Richard Catterton, Milton Thompson, Ralph Price, Ronnie Talton.
SILVER SPRING VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. 1945 Seminary Road, Silver Spring, MD 20910; Montgomery County; Telephone: 301-587-3400; Fax: 301-588-3548; Email: [email protected]; Organized: 1915; Chartered: 1918. NO Credentials were submitted for 2012
SINGERLY FIRE COMPANY – PO Box 444, 300 Newark Avenue, Elkton, MD 21922; Cecil County; Telephone 410-398-7300; Fax 410-620-0797. See - WILLIAM M. SINGERLY STEAM FIRE ENGINE AND HOOK & LADDER COMPANY NO.1 OF ELKTON CECIL COUNTY, MARYLAND, INC.
SMITHBURG EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES, INC. – PO Box 411, 8 Maple Avenue, Smithsburg, MD 21783; Washington County; Telephone: 301-824-3314: Fax: 301-824- 3670; Email: [email protected] Organized: 1981; Chartered: 1981; Joined MSFA: 1986. NO Credentials were submitted for 2012
SMITHBURG COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, INC. – PO Box 32, 22 North Main Street, Smithsburg, MD 21783; Washington County; Telephone: 301-824-2889; Fax: 301-824-3880; Organized:1932; Web Site: www.smithburgvfc.org; Chartered: 1933. NO Credentials were submitted for 2012
**SNOW HILL VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, INC. – PO Box 83, 4718 Snow Hill Road, Snow Hill, MD 21863; Worcester County; Telephone: 410-632-2110: Fax: 410-632-3911;
379 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Organized: 1897; Chartered: 1897; President: Sonny Larson, Vice President: Billy Layfield, Secretary: Howard Stephens, Treasurer: Glen Phillips, Chaplain: Jim Phillips, Chief: Brian Riley; Delegates: Richard Mills, Bobby Davis, Billy Lafield, Mike Farlow, Eric Mullins; Alternates: Ray Wooten, Randell Mullins, Brian Riley.
SOLOMONS VOLUNTEER RESCUE SQUAD AND FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. – PO Box 189, Solomons, MD 20658; Calvert County; Telephone: 410-326-6657; Fax: 410-586- 2019; Organized: 1954; Chartered: 1954. NO Credentials were submitted for 2012
**SOUTH HAGERSTOWN FIRE COMPANY, INC. – 409 West First Street, Hagerstown, MD 21740; Washington County; Telephone: 301-733-3337; Fax: 301-733-3498; Organized: 1932; Chartered: 1932; President: Jack D. Coffelt; Vice President: Steve Mitchell; Secretary: Todd Chocran; Treasurer: Jerry L. Cummingham; Chaplain: Chief: , Delegates: Jerry Cunningham; Alternates: None Listed.
**SOUTHERN GARRETT COUNTY RESCUE SQUAD, INC - PO Box 378, Oakland, MD 21550; Garrett County, Telephone: 301-334-3000; Fax: 301-334-3000; Organized: 1973; Chartered: 1973; Joined MSFA: 2000; President: Aaron White, Vice President: Linda Holler, Secretary: Karen Royer, Treasurer: Naomi Swartzentruber, Chaplain: , Chief: Johnny Mayne. Delegates: Ricky Harding, Adam Sanders; Alternates: None listed.
SPRING MEADOW VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY INC – 19307 Longmeadow Road, Hagerstown, MD. 21742; Washinton County; Telephone: 301-797-5504; Fax 301-797- 7585; Organized: 1971; Chartered: 1971; Joined MSFA: 1972. NO Credentials were submitted for 2012
STOCKTON VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, INC. – 1501 Snow Hill Road, Stockton, MD 21864; Worcester County; Telephone: 410-632-3030; Fax: 410-632-3075; Email svfd200@ ezy.net; Organized: 1924; NO Credentials were submitted for 2012
**SUDLERSVILLE VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, INC. – PO Box 61, 203 North Church Street, Sudlersville, MD 21668; Queen Anne’s County; Telephone: 410-438-3155; Fax: 410-438-2946; President: Michael Faust, Vice President: Kurt Wise, Secretary: Monic Stant, Treasurer: Sylvia Karbaum, Chaplain:, Chief: Ira Russell; Delegates: James Shelton, Robert Nicholson, Jr., India Huett, Michael Faust, Kurt Wise; Alternates: None Listed.
**SUSQUEHANNA HOSE COMPANY, INC. – PO Box 58, 911 Revolution Street., Havre De Grace, MD 21078; Harford County; Telephone: 410-939-4070; Fax: 410-939- 5648; Organized: 1902; President: Charles Packard, Sr., Vice President: Frank Hawley, Secretary: Gail Reeder, Treasurer: Steven Gamatoria, Chaplain: Frank Roth, Chief: Scott Hurst; Delegates: Scott L. Pentz, Frank Hawley, Bill Reeder, Craig Triplett, Ron Cordwell; Alternates: Frank Roth, Bill Lamana, Gail Reeder, Taylor Miller, Mike Forge.
380 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference **SYKESVILLE - FREEDOM DISTRICT FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. – PO Box 275, 6680 Sykesville Road, Sykesville, MD 21784; Carroll County; Telephone: 410-795-9311; Fax: 410-549-8759; Email: [email protected]; Website: www.sykesvillefire.org; Organized: 1933; Chartered: 1933; Joined MSFA: 1935; President: Kevin Shiloh, Vice President: David Kreimer, Secretary: Paula Bock, Treasurer: Susan Tarrant, Chaplain: Charles Barnhart, Chief: Ed Ruch, Jr.; Delegates: Kevin Shiloh, David Kreimer, Paula Buck, Sue Tarrant, Ed Ruch, Jr.; Alternates: William Wagner, Lynn Gabler, Dennis Beard Gary McGinnis.
**TAKOMA PARK VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. – 7201 Carroll Avenue, Takoma Park, MD 20912; Montgomery County; Telephone: 301-270-8209; Fax: 301-270- 0546; Email: [email protected]; Website: takomaparkfire.org; Organized: 1894; Chartered: 1922; President: Elmer Hamm, Vice President: Richard Willey, Secretary: Stephen Knovik, Treasurer: Bruce Allen, Chaplain: David Hooker, Chief: Thomas Musgrove; Delegates: James E. Jarboe, Robert Jarboe,Thomas Musgrove, Glenn Butts, Richard Willey; Alternates: Bruce Allen, Steve Novik, Tina Willey,Richard Amdrew Willey, Elmer E. Hamm.
**TANEYTOWN VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, INC. – 39 East Baltimore Street, Taneytown, MD 21787; Carroll County; Telephone: 410-756-6253; Fax: 410-751-0510; President: James Haines, Vice President: Donald Shoemaker and Craig Bare, Secretary: Daniel Haines, Treasurer: James Parker, Chaplain: Charles Barnhart, Chief: Craig Austin; Delegates: James Haines, Craig Austin, Charles Barnhart, Keith Phillips, Tom Hogg; Alternates: Fern Haines, Wayne Baker, Bethany Six, Charles Parrish, Steve Aberts.
**TAYLOR’S ISLAND VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, INC. – PO Box 277, 501 Taylors Island Road, Taylor’s Island, MD 21669; Dorchester County; Telephone 410-397-3524; President: Bill Neild, Vice President: John Cotter, Secretary: Patti C. Tieder, Treasurer: Paul Mace, Chaplain: Robert Kirkley, Chief: J.B. Tieder; Delegates: J.B. Tieder, Bill Neild, Paul Mace, Charles Wright, Jr., Joe Cutter; Alternates: Charles Wright, Jr., Jack Samakoer, Rev. Robert Kirkley, Josh Tider, Ed Bacon.
TENTH DISTRICT VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. – PO Box 522, 7035 Poorhouse Road, Marbury, MD 20658; Charles County; Telephone: 301-753-8215; Fax: 301-743-6096; Website: tdvfd8.com; Organized: 1951; Chartered: 1951; Joined MSFA: 1951. NO Credentials were submitted for 2012
THURMONT COMMUNITY AMBULANCE, INC. – 27 North Church Street, Thurmont, MD 21788; Frederick County; Telephone: 301-271-7550; Fax: 301-271-0167; Organized: 1953; Joined MSFA: 1985. NO Credentials were submitted for 2012
381 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference **TILGHMAN ISLAND VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, INC. – PO Box 297, 5978 Tilghman Island Road, Tilghman, MD 21671; Talbot County; Telephone: 410-886-2101; Fax: 410-886- 2677; Email:[email protected]; Organized: 1925 Chartered: 1938; President: Dewayne Stewart, Vice President: Charles Schneider, Secretary: Linda Gottleib, Treasurer: Donny Mautz, Chaplain: Rev. Everett Landon, Chief: Billy Lednum; Delegates: Danny Mautz; Alternates: None Listed
TRAPPE VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, INC. – PO Box 86, 4001 Powell Avenue, Trappe, MD 21673; Talbot County; Telephone: 410-476-3535; Fax: 410-476-3859; Organized: 1935; Chartered: 1935. NO Credentials were submitted for 2012
**TRI-TOWNS AMBULANCE AND RESCUE SERVICE, INC. - 59 Main Street, Westernport, MD 21562; Allegany County; Telephone: 301-359-3067; Fax: 301-359-0479; Email: [email protected]; Website: ttems.org; Organized: 1974; Chartered: 1974; Joined MSFA: 1999; President: Robert Pattison; Vice President: Lynn Sweitzer; Secretary: April Wooldrd; Treasurer: Rhonda Clark; Chaplain: Thomas Morgan; Chief: Eric Mowbray; Delegates: Eric Mowbray, Carey Williams, Robert Pattison, Richard Wildesen, Lonzy Clark; Alternates: Lynn Sweitzer.
TYLERTON VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT & RESCUE SQUAD INC – PO Box 655 (21140 Tuff Street) Tylerton MD 21866, Somerset County; Telephone: 410-425-2420; Fax: 410-425-2420; Organized: 1985; Chartered: 1985. NO Credentials were submitted for 2012
**UNION BRIDGE VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, INC. – PO Box 1050, 8 West Locust Street, Union Bridge, MD 21791; Carroll County; Telephone: 410-775-7422; Fax: 410-857- 8775; Website: www.ubfc8.org; Organized: 1887; Chartered: 1889; Joined MSFA: 1893; President: Thomas M. Garber, Vice President: Fred Green, Secretary: Linda Bostian, Treasurer: Michael Kreimer, Chaplain: Rev. Richard Michael, Chief: Chad P. Green; Delegates: Thomas M. Garber, Chad Green, Brenda Burdette, David Nelson, Jerry Harris; Alternates: Fred Green, Michael Cartwright, George Wentz, Doug Bostian, James Harris.
**UNITED COMMUNITIES VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. – PO Box 939, 9406 Romancoke Road, Stevensville, MD 21666; Queen Anne’s County: Telephone: 410-643-1162; Fax: 410-643-1163; Email: [email protected]; Website: www.ucvfd.org; Organized:1972; Chartered: 1972; President: Kent Whalen, Vice President: Ron Siarnicki, Secretary: Pat Neil, Treasurer: Buck Ferrin, Chaplain:, Chief: Chris Tona and John Bossert; Delegates: Ron Siarnicki, Kent Whalen, Chris Tona, Pat Neil, Pat Dempsey; Alternates: A. J. Papa, Kevin Henderson, Christopher Tona, Jr., Rick Ringenbach, Steven Green.
**UNITED STEAM ENGINE FIRE COMPANY NO.3, INC. – 79 South Market Street, Frederick, MD 21701; Frederick County; Telephone: 301-600-1711; Fax: 301-694-1709; Organized: 1845; Chartered: 1905; Joined MSFA: 1893; President: James Graham, Vice 382 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference President: Robert Hiltner, Secretary: Angie Hummer, Treasurer: James Morgan, Chaplain: Tim May, Chief: Jerry Dorsey; Delegates: James Morgan, Heather Duvall, Keith Duvall, Robin McNeal, Marc McNeal; Alternates: Jeanna Panarealla, Dave Smith.
**UPPER MONTGOMERY COUNTY VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. – 19801 Beallsville Road, Beallsville, MD 20839; Montgomery County; Telephone: 301-972-8888; Fax: 301-407-0453; Email: [email protected]; Website: umcvfd.org; Organized: 1946; Chartered: 1946; President: Ross Meem, Vice President: George T. Hillard, Secretary: Regina Grochowski, Treasurer: Robert Settelmaier, Chaplain: Lynn Lipp, Chief: Mike White; Delegates: Ross Meem, Mike White, Robby Bliss, Bob Settelmaier, Jeff Eck; Alternates: Alexa Brown, Dick Bauer, Teresa Meem.
**URBANA VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT & RESCUE SQUAD, INC. – 3602 Urbana Pike, Frederick, MD 21704; Frederick County; Telephone 301-831-1155 ;Fax 301-662- 7935; Organized: 1973; Chartered: 1973; Joined MSFA: 1974; President: Dennis McGrew, Vice President: Ron Wilt, Secretary: Theresa Darragh, Treasurer: John Main, Chaplain: Sandi Phillips, Chief: James May; Delegates: Marian Norwood; Alternates: None Listed.
VIENNA VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, INC. – PO Box 5, 301 Old Ocean Gateway, Vienna, MD 21869; Dorchester County; Telephone: 410-376-3319; Organized: 1935; Chartered: 1935. NO Credentials were submitted for 2012
**VIGILANT HOSE COMPANY, INC. PO Box 171, 25 West Main Street, Emmitsburg, MD 21727; Frederick County; Telephone: 301-447-2728; Fax: 301-447-1724; Email: HN181@ acl.com; Website: www.vigilanthose.org; Organized: 1884; President: Tim Clarke; Vice President: Art Damuth; Secretary: Steve Valentine; Treasurer: Steve Hollinger; Chaplain: , Chief: A. Franklin Davis; Delegates: Steve Hollinger, John Hollinger, Rob Rosensteel, Jr., Wayne Powell; Alternates: Guy Baker III.
**VIOLETVILLE VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. – 4000 Benson Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21227; Baltimore County; Telephone: 410-887-1470; Fax: 410-242-2907; Email: [email protected]; Website: violetvillevfd34.8m.com; Organized: 1906; Chartered: 1945; President: Samuel Suter III; Vice President: Melvin Rositzky; Secretary: Heather Suter; Treasurer: ; Chief: Steve Pearsail; Delegates: Samuel Suter, Melvin Rositzky, Steven Pearsell, Heather Suter, Bill Swann; Alternates: Gary Purky, Douglas Odensaus.
VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT OF BRANDYWINE, INC. – 14201 Brandywine Road, Brandywine, MD 20613; Prince George’s County; Telephone 301-372-8507. NO Credentials were submitted for 2012
VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY #1 OF CAPITOL HEIGHTS, INC. - 6061 Central Avenue, Capitol Heights, MD 20743; Prince George’s County; Telephone 301-336-2111; 383 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Fax 301-499-2295; Email [email protected]; Website chvfd.org; Organized:1913; Chartered:1914. NO Credentials were submitted for 2012
**VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY #1 OF CHESAPEAKE CITY, INC. – 215 Lock Street, Chesapeake City, MD 21915; Cecil County; Telephone: 410-885-5951; Fax 410-885-3353; Organized: 1911; Chartered: 1911; Joined MSFA: 1925; President: Donald Briscoe, Vice President: Terry Ferguson, Secretary: Paul Wildey, Treasurer: Ed Long, Sr., Chaplain: Robin Sheldon Hahn, Chief: Thomas Morris; Delegates: Donald L. Briscoe, Paul Wildey, Ed Long, Sr., Terry Ferguson Tommy Morris; Alternates: Robyn Sheldon Hahn, Rich Lyttle, Don Burch, Robert Hahn, Ray Stevens, Sr.
**VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY OF ELLERSLIE, INC. – PO Box 237, 14200 Ellerslie Road, Ellerslie, MD 21529; Allegany County: Telephone: 301-777-0959; Organized: 1946; Chartered: 1946; Joined MSFA: 1946; President: Frank B. Clark; Vice President: E. Scott Williams; Secretary: Denoma Stallings; Treasurer: Robert D. Johnson III; Chaplain: Jennifer Christner; Chief: E. Scott Williams; Delegates: David L. Christner, Jennifer Christner, D. Wayne Shriner, E. Scott Williams, D. Mark Williams; Alternates: None Listed.
**VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY OF HALFWAY, MD, INC. – 11114 Lincoln Avenue, Hagerstown, MD 21740; Washington County; Telephone: 301-582-2223; Fax: 301-582- 1075; Website: vfchalfway.org; Organized: 1949; Chartered: 1949; Joined MSFA: 1950; President: Jeff Kimble, Vice President: Curtis Hull, Secretary: Brenda Dattilio, Treasurer: Steve Heefner, Chaplain:, Chief: Nick Dattilio; Delegates: Steve Heefner, Jeffrey Ringer, Ed Ernst, Jamie Drawbaugh; Alternates: Kim Anderson, Tammy Drawbaugh, Tina Adams, Scott Adams.
**VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT OF HYDE PARK, INC. – P.O. Box 16786, 1449 Sussex Road, Baltimore, MD 21221; Baltimore County; Telephone: 410-887-0329; Fax: 410-391-4718; Organized: 1945; Chartered: 1946; Joined MSFA: 1946. NO Credentials were submitted for 2012.
**VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT AND RESCUE SQUAD OF WEST LANHAM HILLS, MD, INC. - 7609 Annapolis Road, Hyattsville, MD 20784; Prince George’s County; 301-577- 0777; Fax 301-731-5163; Website www.wlhvfd.com; Organized: 1945; Chartered: 1945; Joined MSFA: 1945; President: William L. Smith, Jr.; Vice President: Ronnie Solomon; Secretary: Michelle Elden; Treasurer: Amy Solomon; Chaplain: Brendan Burke; Chief: John R. Alter; Delegates: William L. Smith, Jr., John R. Alter, Richard Clemens, Scott Vazgulz, Josh Shewtail; Alternates: C. Alter, Ronnie Solomon, Bobby Johnson, Leslie Love, Jeff Miller.
**WALDORF VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. – 3245 Old Washington Road, Waldorf, MD 20602; Charles County; Telephone: 301-645-3000; Fax: 301-870-0136; Email: [email protected]; Website: waldorfvfd.com; Organized: 1949; Chartered: 384 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference 1949; Joined MSFA: 1950; President: James Buckingham, Vice President: Dave Van Gasbeck, Secretary: Lee Hayes, Jr., Treasurer: Jesse Cox, Chaplain:, Chief: James Hayden; Delegates: Daniel J. Stevens, Bill Cooke, Jerry Hardy, Vernon Mondy, Thomas Edwards; Alternates: J. R. Hayden, Bobbie Stevens, William Olsen, Jim Buckingham.
**WALKERSVILLE VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, INC. – PO Box 425, 79 West Frederick Street, Walkersville, MD 21793; Frederick County; Telephone: 301-898-9397; Fax: 301-898-4032; Website: www.walkersvillevfc.com; Organized: 1939; Chartered: 1940; President: Brian Hildebrand, Vice President: Charles Esterday, Secretary: Brenda Staley, Treasurer: James Graham, Chaplain: Shirley Zimmerman, Chief: Matt Staley; Delegates: David Kline; Alternates: Brian Hildebrand, Matt Staley.
WALKERSVILLE VOLUNTEER RESCUE COMPANY, INC. – PO Box 202, 73 Frederick Street, Walkersville, MD 21793; Frederick County; Telephone: 301-845-8875; Fax: 301- 845-6058; Website www.wrc24.com; Organized: 1977; Chartered: 1977; Joined MSFA: 1978. NO Credentials were submitted for 2012
WATER WITCH FIRE COMPANY, INC. – PO Box 324, 15 North Main Street, Port Deposit, MD 21904; Cecil County; Telephone: 410-378-4223; Fax: 410-378-9343; Email: [email protected]; Website: fire.ems.net/firedept/view/portdeposit/md.com; Organized: 1844. NO Credentials were submitted for 2012.
**WEST ANNAPOLIS VOLUNTEER FIRE AND IMPROVEMENT COMPANY, INC. – 121 Jennifer Road, Annapolis, MD 21401; Anne Arundel County; Telephone: 410-266-8066; Organized: 1911; President: Douglas M. Beall, Vice President: Linderman L. Burkhart, Secretary: Andrew Clemenko, Treasurer: Kenneth Blackwell, Chaplain: James Caufield III, Chief: Robert E. Vice, Jr.; Delegates: Gayle C. Bender, Douglas M. Beall, Wayne Bender, Sharon Owen, Robert Vice, Jr.; Alternates:, James Caulfield III, Debroah Perry, Kenneth Blackwell, Linderman L. Burkhart.
**WEST FRIENDSHIP VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. – 12535 Old Frederick Road, West Friendship, MD 21794; Howard County: Telephone: 410-313-5403; Fax: 410- 442-1664; Organized: 1944; Chartered: 1944; President: Carroll Roles, Vice President: Carl Buell, Secretary: Teresa Beck, Treasurer: Steven Fleming, Chaplain: Jeff Sturgess, Chief: H. Mitchell Day; Delegates: Carroll Roles, Carl Buell, Jim Piersall, Mike Collins, Theresa Thompson; Alternates: Norma Spicer, William Spicer.
**WEST LANHAM HILLS VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT & RESCUE SQUAD, INC – P.O. Box 1348, 7609 Annapolis Road, West Lanham, Maryland 20706, Prince George’s County; Telephone 301-577-0777; Fax: 301-731-5163; Organized: 1945; Joined MSFA: 1945. See Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad of West Lanham Hills.
385 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference **WESTERN ENTERPRISE FIRE COMPANY #4, INC. – 526 Washington Square, Hagerstown, MD 21740; Washington County; Telephone: 301-733-8615; Fax: 301-739- 9124; Email: [email protected]; Organized:1872; President: Michael Kline, Vice President: Mike Dobbins, Secretary: Dennis Huffer, Treasurer: Terry Mose, Chaplain: Richard Bower, Chief: Rick Blair; Delegates: Michael Kline, Mike Dobbins, James Schaffer, Clyde Tressler; Alternates: None Listed.
WEST SIDE VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. - PO Box 85, Bivalve, MD 21814; Wicomico County; Telephone: 410-873-2140; Organized: 1938; Chartered: 1938. NO Credentials were submitted for 2012
**WESTMINSTER FIRE ENGINE AND HOSE COMPANY NO. 1, INC. – PO Box 357, 28 John Street, Westminster, MD 21158; Carroll County; Telephone: 410-848-1800; Fax: 410- 848-3407; Email: [email protected]; Website: westminstervfd.org; Organized: 1823; President: Robert Cumberland, Vice President: Danny Plunkert, Secretary: Matthew Davis, Treasurer: Bob Ruby, Chaplain: Kevin Dayhoff, Chief: James Bangerd III; Delegates: Danny Plunkert, Fred Plunkert, Bob Cumberland, Walt Davis; Alternates: None Listed.
**WHEATON VOLUNTEER RESCUE SQUAD, INC. – PO Box 1577, 11435 Grandview Avenue, Wheaton, MD 20915; Montgomery County; Telephone: 301-949-9673; Fax: 301- 942-0740; Email: [email protected]; Website: wvrs.org; Organized: 1955; Chartered: 1955; President: Thomas Brown, Vice President: Steve Sobolewski, Juan Alfaro, Secretary: Ray Tucker, Treasurer: Nick Hrabak, Chaplain: Rory Crawford, Chief: Allan Platky; Delegates: Robert Lawson, Benn Mull, John Rives, Rhonda Cohen; Alternates: None.
**WHITEFORD VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, INC. – PO Box 222, 1407 Pylesville Road, Whiteford, MD 21160; Harford County: Telephone: 410-452-8875; Fax: 410-638-3630; Email: [email protected]; Website: whitefordfire.com; President: C. Larry Holbrook, Vice President: Dan Lemmon, Secretary: Janet Holbrook, Treasurer: Charles Mohr, Chaplain: Michael Karmann, Chief: John W. Williamson; Delegates: James R. Williams, John R. Williams, David C. “Rusty” Leftwich; Alternates: None.
**WHITE MARSH VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY – P.O. Box 309, 5419 Ebenezer Road, White Marsh, Maryland 21162. Telephone: 410-335-5112; Fax: 410-335-1842; Email: [email protected];Website: wmvf.org; President: Kevin Palmer, Vice President: Al Vaughn, Secretary: Kelly Murrhy, Treasurer: Buddy Chilcoat, Chaplain: , Chief: Rick Blubaugh; Delegate: Kevin Palmer, Al Vaughn, Rick Blubaugh, Jack Amrhein, Ken Hughes; Alternates: Christina Hughes, Denise Kurtyka, Joe Gingell, Elliot Ganson, Stephen Glenn.
WILLARDS VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. – PO Box 38, Main Street, Willards, MD 21874; Wicomico County; Telephone: 410-835-8678; Fax: 410-835-2466; Organized: 1927; Chartered: 1927. NO Credentials were submitted for 2012. 386 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference WILLIAM M. SINGERLY STEAM FIRE ENGINE AND HOOK & LADDER COMPANY NO.1 OF ELKTON CECIL COUNTY, MARYLAND, INC. – PO Box 444, 300 Newark Avenue, Elkton, MD 21922; Cecil County; Telephone 410-398-7300; Fax 410-620-0797; Organized:1892; Joined MSFA: 1896; President: Donald S. Hicks, Vice President: John G. Norman, Secretary: E. Rosemary Culley, Treasurer: Norman E. Marquess, Chaplain: Rev. Hubert Jicha, Chief: William J. McCall; Delegates: William R. Caldwell, William McCall, Kenneth Streets, David Caldwell, Donald Miller; Alternates: None listed.
**WILLIAMSPORT VOLUNTEER FIRE and EMS COMPANY, INC. – 2 Brandy Drive, Williamsport, MD 21795; Washington County; Telephone 301-223-9500; Fax 301-223- 6122; Email: [email protected]; Website: www.williamsportfire.org; Organized: 1929; Chartered: 1929; Joined MSFA: 1929; President: Craig Osborne, Vice President: Timothy Ammons, Secretary: Terry Barnes, Treasurer: John Raidt, Sr., Chaplain: Bob Fraley, Chief: William R. Bal, III; Delegates: Skip Menzies, Jason T. Miller, Will Ball III, Brian Lowman; Alternates: None listed.
**WINFIELD COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. – 1320 West Old Liberty Road, Sykesville, MD 21784; Carroll County: Telephone: 410-795-1333; Fax: 410- 795-1375; Website: www.winfieldvfd.org; President: Scott Legore, Vice President: Debbie Gartrell-Kemp, Secretary: Kim Legore, Treasurer: Jeanne Legore, Chaplain:, Chief: Zach Schneider; Delegates: Dick Baker, Kevin Warner, Zach Warner, Dave Wallace, Matt Paskowski; Alternates: Scott Legore, Debbi-Gartrell-Kemp.
**WISE AVENUE VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, INC. – 214 Wise Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21222; Baltimore County; Telephone: 410-288-0710; Fax: 410-288-6095; Email: co270@ bcvfa.org; Website: www.wavfc.org; Organized: 1942; Chartered: 1972; President: Dale Copeland, Vice President: Wayne Brubach, Secretary: Judy Krouse, Treasurer: Deanna Beam, Chaplain:, Chief: Michael Bruzdzinski, Jr.; Delegates: Robert Francis, Tommy Ludwig; Alternates: Dale Copeland, Wayne Brubach, Michael Bruzdinski, Jr.
WOLFSVILLE VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, INC. – 12464 Wolfsville Road, Myersville, MD 21773; Frederick County; Telephone: 301-293-1453 Fax: 301-293-1343; Email: [email protected]; Organized: 1968; Chartered: 1968; Joined MSFA: 1968. NO Credentials were submitted for 2012.
**WOODLAND BEACH VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. – PO Box 236, 529 Londontown Road, Edgewater, MD 21037; Anne Arundel County; Telelphone: 410-956- 3100; Fax: 410-956-0180; Email: [email protected]; Website: woodlandbeachvfd. net; Organized: 1944; President: Joseph Connell, Vice President: Steven Hildenberg, Secretary: Ashley Wilkens, Treasurer: Margaret Stalsberg, Chaplain: Margaret Stalsberg, Chief: Joseph Howlin; Delegates: Joseph M. Connell, Steven Hilgenberg, Margaret Stalsberg, Joseph M. Connell, Jr.; Alternates: Paul Mills, Roy Faudree, Melissa Gore, Jim Howard, Tim Faudree. 387 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference **WOODLAWN VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, INC. – 2033 Woodlawn Drive, Baltimore, MD 21207; Baltimore County; Telephone: 410-265-8666; Website woodlawnvfc.org; Organized: 1941; President: Trey Gaffney, Vice President: Clifton Macer, Secretary: Barbara Kurg, Treasurer: Al Seicke, Chaplain: , Chief: James Artis; Delegates: William J. Letourneau, Jr., Thomas Richarts, Frank Al Seicke, Barbara Krug, Clifton Macer; Alternates: None listed.
WOODSBORO VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, INC. – P.O. Box 153, 2 South Third Street, Woodsboro, MD 21798; Frederick County; Telephone: 301-898-5100; Fax: 301-898-5368; Email: [email protected]; Organized: 1953; Chartered: 1956; Joined MSFA: 1956. NO Credentials were submitted for 2012.
ASSOCIATE MEMBERS - - -
ANNE ARUNDEL ALARMERS ASSOCIATION, INC. – 115 Glenmont Avenue, Glen Burnie, MD 21061; Anne Arundel County; Telephone: 410-766-4221 Organized: 1958.
ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER’S ASSOCIATION- P.O. Box 881, Millersville MD 21108; Anne Arundel County; Telephone 410-222-8200; Fax 410-987- 2904. Organized 1932; Joined MSFA April 2007. BOX 414 **CENTRAL ALARMERS OF BALTIMORE COUNTY, INC. – 7856 Belair Road, Baltimore MD 21236. Telephone: 410-661-9321. Organized: 1955; Joined MSFA: 2002. Charter: 1955. President: Frank Ward, Vice President: Kirk Soistman, Secretary: Robert Frank, Treasurer: Joann Fales, Chaplain: , Chief:Don Fales; Delegates: Frank Ward, Kirk Soistman, Al Vaughn, Don Fales, Charlie Lewis; Alternates: H. Goulden, C. Vaughn, J. Fales, T. Ward, C. Oliphant.
**CITIZENS VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY – P.O. Box 31, 71 Market Street, York County, Fawn Grove, PA 17321; Telephone: 717-382-4432, Fax 717-382-4454; Website: www. citizensvfc.com; Organized: 1996; President: William Kurtz, Vice President: Kirk Webb, Secretary: Bonny Burns, Treasurer: Suzanne Yowell, Chaplain: Douglas Winward, Chief: Scott Dickson; Delegates: Laura Taylor, Douglas Shanberger, James Williams, Daniel D. Blake, Hannah Lowe; Alternates: Stacey Shanberger, Daniel L. Blake, Thelma Blake.
CITY OF ANNAPOLIS FIRE DEPARTMENT – 1790 Forest Drive, Annapolis, MD 21401.
CITY OF CUMBERLAND FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. – P.O. Box 1702, 20 Bedford Street, Cumberland, MD 21502; Allegany County; Telephone: 301-759-6480; Fax: 301-759- 6494; Email: [email protected]; Website: www.ci.cumberland.md.us; Organized/Chartered: 1906; Joined MSFA: 1999.
388 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference CITY OF SALISBURY FIRE DEPARTMENT - FREDERICK COUNTY DIVISION OF FIRE & RESCUE SERVICES – 5370 Public Safety Place, Frederick, MD 21704, Frederick County; Telephone: 301-600-1536; Fax: 301-600-2592
FREDERICK COUNTY VOLUNTEER FIRE AND RESCUE ASSOCIATION - 340 Montevue Lane, Frederick MD 21702; Frederick County; Telephone: 301-846-2282, Fax: 301-631-3466; Email: [email protected]; Website: www.co.Frederick.md.us/govt/esd/ dfrs; Organized: 1989; Joined MSFA: 2000.
HARFORD COUNTY VOLUNTEER FIRE & EMS ASSOCIATION – 343C Granny Road, Forest Hill Maryland 21050.
HOWARD COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICES – 6751 Columbia Gateway Drive, Suite 400, Columbia, MD 21046, Howard County; Telephone: 410-313-6000; Fax: 410-313-6027; Email: [email protected]; Website:ho.co.md.us.
MARYLAND COUNCIL OF FIRE AND RESCUE ACADEMYS - 25 W. Church Street, Hagerstown, MD 21740.
MARYLAND FIRE & RESCUE INSTUTITE - MFRI, University of Maryland, 4500 Paint Branch Parkway, College Park, MD 20742; Telephone: 1-800-275-6374.
MARYLAND FIRE SERVICES PERSONNEL QUALIFICATION BOARD – Email: egraf@ mfri.org.
MONTGOMERY COUNTY DEARTMENT OF FIRE & RESCUE - 101 Monroe Street, Rockville, MD 20850; Montgomery County; Telephone: 240-777-2400; Fax: 240-777-2443.
MONTGOMERY COUNTY VOLUNTEER FIRE & RESCUE ASSOCIATION 101 Monroe Street, Rockville, MD, 20850; Montgomery County; Telephone: 240-777-2400 Fax 240- 777-2443.
PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY FIRE/EMS DEPARTMENT – 9201 Basil Court, Suite 452, Largo, MD 20785; Prince George’s County; Telephone: 301-883-5204; Fax: 301-883- 5212; Email: [email protected]; Website: pgfd.org.
ST. MARY’S COUNTY EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS – P.O. Box 653, 23090 Leonard Hall Drive, Leonardtown, MD, St. Mary’s County; Telephone: 301-475-8016; Fax: 301-475-4370; Website: www.co.saint-marys.md.us.
389 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference SUSTAINING MEMBERS - - -
PROVIDENT AGENCY P.O. Box 11588, 272 Alpha Drive, Pittsburgh PA 15238; Telephone: 800--447-0360; Fax: 412-963-0415; Email: [email protected]; Website: providentbenefits.com.
VOLUNTEER FIREMEN’S INSURANCE SERVICES - P.O. Box 2726, 183 Leaders Heights Road, York, PA 21030
390 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference
“The Mission of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association is to Serve, Promote, Advocate, and Represent the interest of the Volunteer Fire, Rescue, and Emergency Medical Services of Maryland”
391 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference CHARTER OF THE ASSOCIATION
An Act to Incorporate the Maryland State Firemen’s Association Section 1 - Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Maryland, that J. Roger McSherry, Charles T. Holloway, Edward Israel, Edward S. Eichelberger, Edward Koontz, Benjamin H. Blackison, Frank Spates, Thomas E. McCardell, E. M. Mobley, G. A. Einwachter, William M. Crimmons, Hiram R. Heck, O. D. Golbert and their associates and successors in office, be and they are hereby constituted and made a body corporate and politic, under the name and style of “The Maryland State Firemen’s Association”, and by that name shall have perpetual succession and be capable in law to hold and dispose of property, real and personal, to sue and be sued, complain and defend in any court of law and equity; to have and use a common seal and alter and renew the same at pleasure; to make and adopt a constitution and bylaws for the government of said body corporate and its affairs provided the same shall not conflict with the constitution and laws of this State or the United States; to elect officers and directors and generally to do every other act or thing to carry into effect the provisions of this act, or to promote the objects and designs of the said corporation. Section 2 - And be it enacted, That the object and purpose of this corporation shall be to form a more perfect organization among the volunteer firemen and volunteer ambulance and rescue personnel of Maryland to establish harmony of action, to provide pecuniary support in cases where firemen and volunteer ambulance and rescue personnel who have been injured while in the performance of their duty, to insure prosperity and success, to promote the best interests of the volunteer firemen and volunteer ambulance and rescue personnel of Maryland, to encourage the cultivation of fraternal fellowship, to promote the formation of volunteer fire, ambulance and rescue companies in towns and villages in the State that are now without adequate protection from fires and other emergencies requiring rescue and/or emergency ambulance services, to compile statistics of information concerning the practical working of various systems and the merits of various apparatus in use for the aforementioned purposes and to report on the finds and make recommendations to the Association from time to time. Section 3 - And be it enacted, That the volunteer fire and ambulance and rescue companies of the State of Maryland, comprising the members of this corporation, shall annually in June, elect a President, First and Second Vice Presidents, a Secretary and a Treasurer, one Trustee (to serve for five years) and a Chaplain; and that the President shall annually appoint such number as the Executive Committee; who together with the other officers named, shall have the general management of the affairs of the corporation, as respectively set forth in the Constitution of the Corporation. Section 4 - And be it enacted, That the said corporation hereby formed shall have full power to receive subscriptions, donations, devices and bequests of money, or real or personal property, in trust or otherwise, and to purchase or otherwise acquire, and hold such property, to be applied by it to the objects of its incorporation. Section 5 - And be it enacted, That J. Roger McSherry, Charles T. Holloway,
392 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Edward Israel, Edward E. Eichelberger, Edward Koontz, Benjamin R. Blackison, Frank Spates, Thomas E. McCardell, E. M. Mobley, G. A. Einwachter, O. D. Gilbert, William M. Crimmins and Hiram R. Heck shall be officers and managers of said corporation until the second Thursday in June, eighteen hundred and ninety-four, and shall serve as such until their successors are elected. Section 6 - And be it enacted, That this act shall take effect from the date of its passage.
Approved March 8, 1894.
STATE OF MARYLAND STATE DEPARTMENT OF ASSESSMENTS AND TAXATION 301 WEST PRESTON STREET BALTIMORE 21201
THIS IS TO CERTIFY THAT the within instrument is a true copy of the ARTICLES OF AMENDMENT OF THE MARYLAND STATE FIREMEN’S ASSOCIATION as approved and received for record by the State Department of Assessments and Taxation of Maryland, November 21, 1975 at 8:30 o’clock A.M.
RICHARD H. KELLER CHARTER SPECIALIST, II ARTICLES OF AMENDMENT TO THE CHARTER OF THE MARYLAND STATE FIREMEN’S ASSOCIATION FIRST: That the General Convention of the members of the Corporation, called by its governing body, and duly convened pursuant to the Constitution of the Corporation on June 17, 1975, upon recommendation of the Officers and Directors of the Corporation, the membership has voted to amend the Charter as follows: SECOND: The Resident Agent of the corporation shall be: JAMES C. ROBERTSON, 301 West Preston Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21201. THIRD: The principal of the Corporation shall be located at the Fire Service Extension Building, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland. FOURTH: The Charter is amended by striking out Section 2 and Section 3 of the Charter and inserting in lieu thereof the following: Section 2: And be it enacted, that the object and purpose of this Corporation shall be to form a more perfect organization among the Volunteer Firemen and Volunteer Ambulance and Rescue personnel of the State of Maryland, to establish harmony of action, to provide pecuniary support in cases where firemen and volunteer ambulance and rescue personnel have been injured while in the performance of their duty, to ensure prosperity and success, to promote the best interests of the Volunteer Firemen and Volunteer Ambulance and Rescue personnel of Maryland, to encourage the cultivation of fraternal fellowship, to promote the formation of Volunteer Fire, Ambulance and Rescue Companies in towns and villages in the State that are now without adequate protection 393 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference from fires and other emergencies requiring rescue and/or emergency ambulance service, to compile statistics of information concerning the practical working of various systems and the merits of various apparatus in use for the aforementioned purposes and to report on the findings and make recommendations to the Association from time to time. Section 3: And be it enacted, that the Volunteer Fire and Ambulance and Rescue companies of the state of Maryland composing the members of this Corporation shall annually, in June elect a President, First and Second Vice Presidents, a Secretary and a Treasurer, one Trustee (to serve for five years), and a Chaplain; and that the President shall annually appoint such number of persons as may be provided by the Constitution of the Corporation to act as the Executive Committee; who, together with the other Officers named, shall have the general management of the affairs of the Corporation, as respectively set forth in the Constitution of the Corporation. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, The Maryland State Firemen’s Association has caused these presents to be signed in its name and on its behalf by its President and its Secretary, and to affix its Corporation seal hereunto this 17th day of June, 1975. ATTEST: CHARLES B. BURTON, Secretary
THE MARYLAND STATE FIREMEN’S ASSOCIATION by C. EDWIN TURNER, SR., President (SEAL) (SEAL) STATE OF MARYLAND, TO WIT: I HEREBY CERTIFY that on this 17th day of June, 1975, before me, the subscriber, a Notary Public of the State of Maryland, personally appeared C. EDWIN TURNER, SR., President of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association, a Maryland Corporation, and in the name and on behalf of said corporation, and pursuant to the authorization of its membership, acknowledged the a foregoing Articles of Amendment to be the corporate act of the said Corporation; and at the same time personally appeared CHARLES B. BURTON who made oath in due form of law that he was the Secretary of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association at the time of the general convention wherein the a foregoing Amendments were enacted and that the said Amendments were adopted and that the matters and facts set forth in the a foregoing Articles of Amendment are true to the best of his knowledge, information and belief. AS WITNESS my hand and notarial seal the day and year last above written. (SEAL) Notary Public
Articles of Amendment to the Charter of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association
The Maryland State Firemen’s Association having had notice of proposed Charter Amendments in accordance with the Constitution of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association as recommended by the Officers and Directors, and having had notice having attended the annual Convention of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association, and a quorum of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association having been present, and the 394 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference ballots having been distributed, and the question of the Amendment having been passed as certified by the election judges of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association, this Amendment to the Charter of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association, Witnesseth:
FIRST: That the Resident Agent of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association shall be until his successor is duly appointed, Leonard T. King, 6047, Melbourne Avenue, Deale, Maryland, 20751. SECOND: The principal office of the corporation shall be 6200 Pontiac Street, Berwyn Heights, Maryland 20740. THIRD: Section 3 of the Charter of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association is amended to add to the designated elected officers, the office of Financial Secretary. FOURTH: With the incorporation of the amendments to its Charter hereinbefore made, the Maryland State Firemen’s Association does reaffirm and republish its Charter. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Maryland State Firemen’s Association has caused these presentees to be signed in its name and on its behalf by its President and attested to by its Secretary, this 26 day of August, 1996. TEST: Maryland State Firemen’s Association Leonard T. King, Secretary By: Stephan D. Cox, President STATE OF MARYLAND: COUNTY OF Baltimore: TO WIT: 1996, before me, the subscriber, a Notary Public in and for the Maryland State Firemen’s Association, a Maryland Corporation, and in the name and on behalf of the said corporation and pursuant to the authorization of its membership, and acknowledged the a foregoing Articles of Amendment to be the corporate act of the said corporation; and at the same time personally appeared LEONARD T. KING, who made oath in due form of law that he was the Secretary of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association at the time of the general convention when on June 18, 1996, the a foregoing Amendments were enacted and that following proper notice to its membership, that said Amendments were voted on and adopted, and that the matters set forth in the a foregoing Articles of Amendment are true to the best of his knowledge, information and belief. AS WITNESS my hand and seal this 26 day of August, 1996.
Judith Lapide SEAL Notary Public
395 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Maryland State Firemen’s Association CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Constitution- Article I Name and Membership Article II Annual and Special Conventions and Conferences Article III Representation and Rules Article IV Officers Article V Committees Article VI BenefitsAdministered By the Trustees Article VII Amendments Article VIII Volunteer Company Assistance Fund Board Article IX Foundations, Boards and Agencies
By-Laws- Article A Status and Amendments Article B Conventions and Conferences Article C Associate/Sustaining Membership Article D Standards, Fire Companies/Departments Article E Standards, Ambulance Companies Article F Standards, Rescue Companies ALS (MICU) Article G Standards, Rescue Companies ALS (Chase Vehicles) Article H Standards, Rescue Companies Article I Standards, BLS First Responder Units Article J Minimum Standards for Marine Units Article K Committee Duties Article L Non-Discrimination
Appendix A- MSFA Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
396 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference ***CONSTITUTION***
ARTICLE I- NAME AND MEMBERSHIP
Section 1- The name of the Association shall be “The Maryland State Firemen’s Association”. “MSFA” shall be considered to represent the name of the Association when used, subsequent to this Section, in the Constitution and By-Laws.
Section 2- Regular Membership- Regular members shall be the Volunteer Fire Companies or Departments, Volunteer Ambulance and Rescue Companies whose stations are located in the State of Maryland, having equipment, personnel and facilities which comply with the provisions of this Constitution, and who have paid the initiation fee, yearly dues, and have elected delegates and alternates to attend the Annual Convention and Conference of the Association. Nothing in this Article shall be constructed as affecting the membership status of any volunteer fire company or department, which was a member of the Association on July 1, 1975. The words “Member Companies” as used in following articles of the Constitution and By-Laws shall include “Volunteer Fire Companies or Departments, and Volunteer Ambulance and Rescue Companies”, except in those instances where it is necessary to differentiate.
Each company desiring to hold membership in this Association shall pay an initiation fee of five dollars ($5.00). Each active company shall pay to the Financial Secretary on or before the first session of the Annual Convention and Conference each year the sum of Two hundred dollars ($200.00) as annual dues or in the case of new members, a pro rata amount for the current year (payable with the initiation fee), said sum constituting dues for the current fiscal year. Twenty dollars ($20.00) of the annual dues shall be donated to the MSFA Foundation specially identified for scholarships.
Section 3 - The MSFA is authorized to suspend a membership,
397 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference so issued, at any time it determines that the Member Company is proven to be in violation of or no longer meets the qualifications as prescribed under this Article.
Section 4- Associate Membership- Any fire, rescue or ambulance company which does not otherwise meet the standards for membership in the MSFA; and any organization which provides direct services either in supporting any volunteer fire company, rescue company, or ambulance service, by the provision of collateral services which aid the volunteer fire, ambulance and rescue companies of the State of Maryland in providing their services, shall be entitled to apply and upon approval to become Associate Members of the MSFA. Such application would require review and approval by a majority vote of the Executive Committee for election to Associate Membership. Action of the Executive Committee is subject to reversal by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the membership registered and voting at the next Annual Convention and Conference. In order to qualify as Associate Member, the applicant organization must provide services, which directly benefit career or volunteer fire, ambulance or rescue companies of the State of Maryland, such as providing for services at the scene of an emergency, fund raising for such organizations or other similar purposes. The application shall contain a statement of the purpose of the organization applying for Associate Membership, and that it is effectively a non-profit organization; that it is an organization which does not exist for the profit of any individual member thereof, but for humanitarian purposes.
The annual dues for Associate Membership would be fifty dollars ($50.00). The first year’s dues plus a five-dollar ($5.00) initiation fee must accompany the application. Twenty dollars ($20.00) of the annual dues shall be donated to the MSFA Foundation specially identified for scholarships.
Associate Members once approved as such, are entitled to attend activities of the MSFA. However, Associate Members shall not be 398 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference entitled to a vote with regard to the business of the MSFA.
Section 5- Sustaining Membership- Any organization which desires to provide pecuniary support or otherwise collaterally support any program or purpose of the MSFA, and the existence of which as an entity does not otherwise contain any conflict with respect to the purposes of the MSFA, may apply to the MSFA as a Sustaining Member. The application for such membership would be required to be submitted to the Executive Committee of the MSFA for review and approved by a majority vote of the Executive Committee for election to Sustaining Membership. Action of the Executive Committee is subject to reversal by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the membership registered and voting at the next Annual Convention and Conference.
The application shall identify the applicant with regard to the name of the applicant, whether the applicant is a sole proprietorship, partnership or corporation, the primary business of the applicant, the nature of activities in which the applicant is involved; other than its primary business, the reason for the application, the type of pecuniary or collateral support the applicant proposes to provide to the MSFA, and the nature and constituency of its directors or membership or any other persons having a directorial or managerial interest in the applicant organization. The application will be accompanied by the first year’s annual dues of two hundred and fifty dollars ($250.00), plus a five-dollar ($5.00) initiation fee. Two hundred dollars ($200.00) of the annual dues shall be donated to the MSFA Foundation specially identified for scholarships.
The applicant, upon approval as a Sustaining Member, would be entitled to attend the Annual Convention and Conference of the MSFA and, by invitation, selected meetings of the Executive Committee of the MSFA, but would have neither a right to a seat in the Annual Convention and Conference nor a right to vote with respect to the affairs of the MSFA. The Sustaining Member shall receive the Maryland State Firemen’s Association Trumpet 399 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference magazine, window decal, and an appropriate recognition award as approved by the Executive Committee.
Section 6- The President shall designate a Special Committee to study and report on the application of any person, firm or corporation for either Associate or Sustaining Membership and to, thereafter, report to the Executive Committee its recommendations with respect to the applicant. Such Special Committee would consist of no less than two (2) members of the Executive Committee, two (2) past presidents of the MSFA, the Chairman of the Constitution and By-Laws Committee, the Chairman of the Legislative Committee, and the Chairman of the Standards Committee. In addition, at the discretion of the Executive Committee, up to three (3) additional members-at-large may be appointed to the Special Committee to study and make a recommendation with respect to the application for Associate or Sustaining Membership. This committee shall not exist beyond the recommendation for any subject application.
Section 7- The Executive Committee shall report on the approval of all Associate or Sustaining Memberships at the Annual Convention and Conference. Such report shall be made prior to the preparation and distribution of ballots, thereby providing the right of the delegates registered and voting to call for reversal of action by the Executive Committee with regard to such approval or disapproval of Associate or Sustaining Memberships. This reversal shall require a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the membership registered and voting at the Annual Convention and Conference.
Section 8- The Ladies Auxiliary of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association is a member of the MSFA, without voting privileges and without obligation to pay dues.
Section 9- Member companies of the MSFA and members of those companies shall conduct themselves in a manner, which will be a credit to the MSFA. Any Member Company or members of those companies who are accused of misconduct as defined in the 400 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Constitution and By-laws of the MSFA shall be subject to a hearing by the Executive Committee.
Misconduct shall be defined as acting in such a manner and fashion so as to expose the MSFA or the Maryland Volunteer Emergency Services to negative publicity and ridicule by failing to act to remedy an event of misconduct by a member(s) of its Company.
Upon a Member Company or member(s) of a company violating this provision, the Executive Committee shall direct the MSFA Secretary to notify the company, in writing, of the specifics of the misconduct and request a representative of the company to appear before the Executive Committee at a specific time and place.
The Executive Committee in executive closed session shall conduct a formal hearing on the misconduct and/or Constitution and Bylaws violation. The accused shall be accorded due process during the hearing and shall have the right to be heard. After the formal hearing the Executive Committee may dismiss the charges, suspend membership privileges, fine or expel the member.
ARTICLE II- ANNUAL AND SPECIAL CONVENTIONS AND CONFERENCES
Section 1- The Annual Convention and Conference shall be held annually in June. Business sessions shall be at the call of the President. The President shall develop an Order of Business for the Annual Convention and Conference, to be approved by the Executive Committee at the first Executive Committee Meeting in the new calendar year. The Order of Business shall enumerate the business session planned and provide, at a minimum, for Reports of Officers; Reports of Committees; Nomination of Officers; Voting for Officers and Constitution and By-Laws changes; Unfinished Business; New Business; Good of the Association; and any other Business to come before the Annual Convention and Conference in the Business Sessions. The location of the Annual Convention 401 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference and Conference shall be chosen by a majority of the votes of the Delegates, Alternates, or others qualified, present and voting on the official ballot, at least three (3) years in advance. Each Member Company shall be entitled to cast five (5) votes and the Past Presidents one (1) vote each.
Section 2- Should there, for any cause, be a need to change the place and/or time for the holding of the Annual Convention and Conference, the Executive Committee shall have the power to select the place and the Secretary shall notify the Member Companies of the place chosen, three (3) months prior to the time of the meeting. In case the Annual Convention and Conference is not held for any cause at the time fixed in Section 1, then it shall be held at a subsequent date during the year. The date to be determined by the Executive Committee and notice thereof to be given to the Member Companies by the Secretary.
Section 3- After the holding of the Annual Convention and Conference, the President shall call the delegates to attend Special Conventions and Conferences at times and places named by him, whenever the Executive Committee shall deem Special Conventions and Conferences necessary. Counting from the Centennial, the Association shall schedule a Special Convention and Conference, to be held thereafter, on each 25th year anniversary.
Section 4- All Past Presidents shall be entitled to seats in and participate in the proceedings of the Annual Convention and Conference. (See Article B of these By-Laws).
Section 5- Parliamentary Procedure- Rules contained in the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order shall govern the meetings of the MSFA in all cases in which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with the Constitution and By- Laws and any special rules that the MSFA may adopt.
402 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference ARTICLE III- REPRESENTATION AND RULES
Section 1 - Each active Member Company shall be entitled to the benefits of the Association in full.
Section 2 - Each active Member Company shall be entitled to elect annually five (5) delegates and five (5) alternates to attend the Annual Convention and Conference, who shall be the representatives of their respective organizations for one (1) year and entitled to participate in the proceedings of the Annual and Special Conventions and Conferences during the year for which the dues of the Member Company has been paid in accordance with Article I, Section 2.. No delegate may represent more than one (1) Member Company and no delegate’s name shall appear on more than one (1) Credential List.
Section 3 - Each Member Company electing delegates and alternates to the Annual Convention and Conference shall furnish said delegates and alternates with proper credentials certifying to their election, and signed by the President or Secretary of the organization, which shall be forwarded to the Recording Secretary of the Association on or before the third day of June in each year.
Section 4 - Any Member Company, who is delinquent in paying their dues by the first session of the Annual Convention and Conference, shall automatically be suspended. The Secretary shall notify the Member Company that it has been suspended for failure to pay dues and shall not be permitted to register at the Annual Convention and Conference. If the suspended Member Company does not pay its dues by the Executive Committee meeting, held at least thirty (30) days following the Annual Convention and Conference, the suspended Member Company’s membership will be terminated. The terminated company may reapply for membership, pursuant to Article I, Section 2 of the Constitution, and shall pay all dues, in arrears, with the application.
403 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Section 5 - Membership and Voting- Member shall be defined and qualified as recited in Article I, Section 2 ofthe Constitution.
Qualified new members shall have the right to participate inthe business of the MSFA at Annual and Special Conventions and Conferences as provided in Article III, Sections 2 and 3.
Delegates or Alternates otherwise qualified pursuant to terms of this Constitution shall have the right to vote on all matters properly submitted during Annual and Special Conventions and Conferences.
Past Presidents shall have the right to participate as voting Delegates during the Annual Convention and Conference as provided by Article II, Section 4.
Section 6- Fiscal Year - The Fiscal Year of the MSFA shall be July 1st through June 30th. Following the close of the Fiscal Year, the books of the Financial Secretary and the Treasurer shall be reviewed by the Financial Committee and a financial report conducted by an outside accounting service of their status made to the Executive Committee, prior to the next Annual Convention and Conference.
Section 7- There shall be a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) Manual maintained by the Constitution and By-laws Committee which shall contain administrative and operational procedures approved by the President and the Executive Committee. SOPs shall be developed in accordance with SOP A001 “Preparation and Control of Standard Operating Procedures.”
ARTICLE IV- OFFICERS
Section 1 - All elected officers of this Association shall be from the active membership of the Active Member Companies, in good standing, and shall consist of a President, First Vice-President, Second Vice-President, Recording Secretary, Financial Secretary, 404 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Treasurer, Chief Chaplain, and a Board of five (5) Trustees.
The President, First Vice-President, Second Vice-President, Recording Secretary, and Chief Chaplain shall hold their offices for one (1) year or until their successors are elected. One (1) Trustee shall be elected each year for a term of five (5) years to fill the vacancy in the Board of Trustees occasioned by the expiration of the term of one (1) of the Trustees.
The Financial Secretary and the Treasurer shall hold their offices for a term of two (2) years or until their successors are elected. The Treasurer and the Financial Secretary shall be elected in alternate years, so that their terms of office do not end in the same year. This initial transition to alternating years will result in the Treasurer being elected for a two (2) year term and the Financial Secretary being elected to a one (1) year term at the June 2007 Convention and Conference. The Financial Secretary will then be elected for a full two (2) year term at the June 2008 Convention and Conference.
Section 2 - A majority of the votes of those qualified present and voting shall be required to elect. Each Member Company shall be entitled to five (5) votes. Voting shall be by printed ballot or voting machine.
For any office or place of next Annual Convention and Conference where there is only one (1) nominee, the nominee shall be declared elected or chosen and the office and place shall not be listed on the ballot.
Section 3 - Whenever there are more than two (2) candidates, after each ballot when there shall be a failure to elect, the candidate receiving the lowest number of votes shall be dropped until two (2) remain.
Section 4 - The President shall preside at all conventions and conferences, appoint all committees and in collaboration with 405 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference the Chief Chaplain, the Treasurer, the Financial Secretary, and the Recording Secretary and appoint Chaplains, Assistant Treasurers, Assistant Financial and Recording Secretaries, if required. The President shall sign orders on the Treasurer for payment of money, and countersign all orders issued by the Board of Trustees for the payment of benefits. In making committee appointments, the President shall be guided by the concept of regionalization as provided for in the Constitution, Article VIII (Volunteer Company Assistance Fund Board).
The President shall visit or cause to be visited by the First and/or Second Vice-Presidents as many Active Member Companies and respective bodies of Active Member Companies as possible, the delinquent Member Companies, and the companies or departments that do not belong to this Association.
The President shall be an ex-officio member of all committees. They shall make an annual report to the Association and shall perform all other duties as may be required of them by the Association.
The President, after conferring with the Executive Committee, shall annually meet with the Governor with regard to the State Budget to provide for funding requests for the funds to be administered by the Volunteer Company Assistance Fund Board.
It shall be the duty of the President to invite through the Secretary, the Governor of the State of Maryland to attend the Annual Convention and Conference of the Association. The invitation shall go forward to the Governor at least thirty (30) days prior to the opening of the Annual Convention and Conference, and the President shall provide a period of time on the program to suit the Governor’s pleasure.
Section 5 - It shall be the duty of the First Vice-President in the case of the death, resignation or inability to act of the President to assume the duties of the President. In the event of the death of both the President and the First Vice-President, or if either be unable 406 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference to attend the duties of the President, the Second Vice-President shall assume these duties, if necessary.
Section 6 - In the absence of the President, the First and Second Vice-Presidents from any convention and conference, one of the delegates shall be called to the chair by a vote of the convention and conference.
Section 7 - The Recording Secretary shall keep in an appropriate medium a complete record of all Annual and Special Conventions and Conferences and all meetings of the Executive Committee, and shall publish each year the proceedings book of each Annual Convention and Conference. The Recording Secretary shall receive and answer all communications pertaining to the Association and keep a record thereof. The Recording Secretary shall make an annual report to the Association and also such reports from time to time as the President and Executive Committee may require. The Recording Secretary shall, provide to the meeting of each Annual Convention and Conference, a roll of Member Companies entitled to representation therein, by reason of having complied with the provision of Section 1, Article III, and another roll of Past Presidents, delegates and alternates entitled to a seat in the convention and conference and deliver the rolls together with credentials of the delegates and alternates-elect to the committee on credentials appointed by the convention and conference. The Recording Secretary shall give bond to be approved by the Executive Committee, who shall fix the amount thereof, and it shall be held by the President.
Section 8 - The Financial Secretary shall receive all monies and turn them over to the Treasurer. The Financial Secretary shall keep in an appropriate medium, provided for that purpose, a complete record of all the monies received by the MSFA. The Financial Secretary shall give bond, to be approved by the Executive Committee, who shall fix the amount thereof, and it shall be held by the President. The Financial Secretary shall mail bills to each 407 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Member Company in January of each year. Said bills to contain a notice, prominently displayed, that dues are payable in advance and will be considered in arrears after the first session of the Annual Convention and Conference.
Section 9 - The Treasurer shall receive from the Financial Secretary and safely keep all monies belonging to the MSFA. The Treasurer shall sign all checks for the payment of bills of the MSFA, along with the President, the Financial Secretary, or Committee Chairman on whose budgeted funds the check is being drawn, after the expense has been submitted to the Budget and Revenue Committee and approved by the Executive Committee. The Treasurer shall make a report at the first session of each Annual Convention and Conference, giving an itemized statement of receipts and disbursements, accompanied by the vouchers thereof. The Treasurer shall give bond to be approved by the Executive Committee, who shall fix the amount thereof, and it shall be held by the Financial Secretary.
Section 10 - The Board of Trustees shall have control and management of the money annually appropriated to the MSFA by the State of Maryland, and shall not order the expenditure of any of it for any other purpose than paying of the benefits provided for in Article VI.
The Board shall meet after the adjournment of each Annual Convention and Conference and organize by the election of a Chairman, Vice-Chairman and Secretary from among its number, who shall hold their offices for one (1) year or until their successors are elected. The Board shall also meet prior to the first session of each Annual Convention and Conference and at such other times and places as it may be called together by its Chairman. The Secretary of the Board of Trustees shall receive and mark, tie and keep a record of all claims for benefits and perform all other duties as prescribed by the Constitution and By-Laws. The Board of Trustees shall make a report, in writing, to the MSFA at each Annual Convention and 408 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Conference.
Section 11 - The Chief Chaplain shall have had formal training of the Word of God, shall have served as a Priest, Rabbi, or Minister; and shall be recognized as a clergyman by the religious group of which he is a member; and shall be elected from any of the Member Companies of this Association, and his duties shall be those that the President shall call for him to perform. If because of Ministerial duties or other reasons he requires assistants, he shall submit his request to the President, together with names. The President may appoint a Chaplain or Chaplains, with the approval of the Executive Committee, to serve until the next Annual Convention and Conference. The Chaplains shall have the responsibilities of conducting the Memorial Service at the Annual Convention and Conference, including the compilation of a list of deceased members.
Section 12 - No Officer, Committee Chairman, or Member shall at any time or in any way, by writing or otherwise, take into their hands any matter being handled by an Officer or Committee, without first consulting said Officer or Committee Chairman in charge.
Section 13 - Failure of an Officer to perform his/her duties shall be deemed just and sufficient cause for suspension from office in the MSFA by the Executive Committee.
Section 14 - Travel reimbursement for Officers attending the MSFA Executive Committee shall be in accordance with SOP A003 “Travel Reimbursement”.
Section 15 - The appointed officers of the MSFA shall be from the active membership of their Active Member Companies, in good standing, and shall consist of the Executive Committee Members, Office of the Parliamentarian, and Office of the Attorney. The appointed officers shall hold their office for one (1) year or until their successors are appointed by the President of the MSFA. 409 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference
Section 16 - The immediate Past President, who shall be an ex-officio member and twelve (12) appointed members, shall constitute the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee Members shall be appointed with the provision that no more than one (1) appointed member shall be from any one (1) region represented in the Association.
The Executive Committee shall hold at least three (3) meetings during each year, one (1) within thirty (30) days after their appointments, one (1) at least twenty (20) days before each Convention and Conference, and others at the discretion of the President at such times and places as shall be designated by the President. Other meetings of the Executive Committee may be called by a majority of the Committee.
The Executive Committee shall fix the amount of and approve the bonds of the Recording Secretary, Financial Secretary, Treasurer, Assistant Secretaries and Assistant Treasurers, if applicable; make all contracts for work to be done or supplies to be provided by this Constitution; and approve Committee Chairman out of pocket expenses incurred by them incident to the performance of their duties. The Executive Committee shall approve the budget as submitted by the Budget and Revenue Committee, with the right to alter the budget as submitted, within its discretion, as in the best interest of the MSFA.
Any vacancy occurring in an elective office shall be filled by an individual recommended by the President and approved by the Executive Committee. The officer so selected shall serve until the next Annual Convention and Conference; if the term, for which the vacancy occurred does not expire at that Annual Convention and Conference, the term of the successor elected there shall be for the balance of the vacant term.
The Executive Committee shall have the power to call Special 410 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Conventions and Conferences through the President. The Executive Committee shall make an annual report to the MSFA and shall look after its interest generally. At all of its meetings a majority shall constitute a quorum and a majority of those present shall decide all questions. (The Executive Committee shall only receive or make payment of money or contracts during its period of office.)
The Executive Committee shall take an annual inventory of all equipment, supplies, etc., owned by the Association, listing name of article, value of same and in whose custody said article is maintained. This inventory shall be published in the Annual Proceedings Book. No property belonging to the Association shall be disposed of without the consent of the Executive Committee.
The Executive Committee and the Elected Officers shall manage the affairs of, and the Executive Committee shall transact all business of the MSFA requiring action between the Annual Conventions and Conferences.
The Executive Committee shall review and approve, or disapprove with recommendations, all recommendations for grants, loans, or low interest loans made by the Volunteer Company Assistance Fund Board. The Executive Committee shall confer with the President of the MSFA, with respect to requests for funding to be made for the Volunteer Company Assistance Fund Board, to be presented to the Governor by the President of the MSFA.
The Executive Committee shall review and approve the creation and/or presentation of any new awards based upon the review and recommendations of the Awards Committee.
Section 17 - The Office of the Parliamentarian shall be consultant to and advise the President or other Officers and Committee Chairman on any questions that may arise in interpreting the Constitution and By-Laws. The Parliamentarian shall be present at all meetings during the Annual Convention and Conference to 411 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference assist the presiding officer on questions of parliamentary inquiry and to call attention of the presiding officer to any error in the proceedings that may affect the substantive rights of any member or may otherwise do harm. The Parliamentarian shall speak when requested by the presiding officer.
Section 18 - The Office of the Attorney shall render advice and assistance to the officers and committees on all legal matters involving the MSFA, as requested.
Section 19 - All elected and appointed officers and committee members shall turn over to the Executive Committee, all records, equipment, monies and any other property of the Association, upon completion of their term of office or service on a committee.
Section 20 - Any officer, who requires an assistant, may request, of the President, with the approval of the Executive Committee, to appoint one (1) or more assistants. An assistant officer shall serve until the next Annual Convention and Conference, unless removed earlier by the President with the concurrence of the Executive Committee. The duties of each assistant officer shall be within the scope of the duties of, and as determined by, the elected Officer to whom that assistant assists.
Section 21- MSFA Officers will be reimbursed for expenses occurred in the performance of their duties in accordance with SOP A002 “Expense Reimbursement”.
Section 22 - The MSFA presidential vehicles are provided for the use of the Presidents and Vice-Presidents for official business of the Association as authorized by the Executive Committee. Rules for the operation and maintenance of the President’s vehicles shall be in accordance with SOP A004 “Operation and Maintenance of the President’s Vehicle Fleet”.
412 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference ARTICLE V- COMMITTEES
Section 1 - The Standing Committees of the MSFA shall be:
17 State Circle Committee - At least three (3) members, all to be appointed annually.
Awards Committee - To be appointed annually, and to include as members, the Chairman of all awards committees and a Chairman, not a member of any such committee.
Budget and Revenue Committee - Six (6) members, plus the Treasurer and the Financial Secretary shall constitute the Budget and Revenue Committee, two (2) to be named each year for terms of three (3) years.
Constitution and By-Laws Committee - At least five (5) members, all to be appointed annually.
Convention and Conference Committee- At least five (5) members, all to be appointed annually.
Data Systems Committee - At least six (6) members, two (2) to be appointed each year for a three (3) year term.
Emergency Medical Services Committee - At least nine (9) members; three (3) to be named each year for terms of three (3) years.
Financial Committee - The Committee shall consist of the Office of the Financial Secretary, the Office of the Treasurer, the Budget and Revenue Committee Chairman and a representative of the Executive Committee.
Fire Prevention and Life Safety Committee - At least nine (9) members, three (3) to be named each year for terms of three (3) 413 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference years.
Firefighter of the Year Committee - At least nine (9) members, appointed annually.
Grants Committee - At least five (5) members, all to be appointed annually.
Hall of Fame Committee - At least six (6) members, two (2) to be appointed each year for a three (3) year term.
Historical, Archives, and Volunteer Firefighter’s Room Committee - At least seven (7) members, all to be appointed annually.
Incentive Programs Committee - A Chairman and at least nine (9) members, but not more than twenty-three (23) members, who shall cover the various areas of the state.
Legislative Committee - Chairman and one (1) member from each county represented in the MSFA, all to be appointed annually.
Planning Committee - At least five (5) members, all to be appointed annually.
President’s Vehicle Committee - At least three (3) members, all to be appointed annually.
Public Relations Committee - At least five (5) members all to be appointed annually.
Recruitment and Retention Committee - At least seven (7) members, all to be appointed annually.
Residential Sprinkler Initiative Committee - At least eleven (11) members, all to be appointed annually. 414 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference
Risk Management Committee - At least three (3) members, all to be appointed annually.
Safety Committee - At least five (5) members, terms of two (2) years with three (3) members to be appointed in odd-numbered years and two (2) members appointed in even-numbered years.
Scholarship Committee - At least seven (7) members, three (3) to be appointed every even year for a two (2) year term and four (4) to be appointed in odd years for a two (2) year term.
Sergeant-At-Arms Committee - At least five (5) members, all to be appointed annually.
Standards Committee - At least seven (7) members, terms of two (2) years, with four (4) members to be appointed in odd-numbered years and three (3) members to be appointed in even-numbered years.
Statistical Committee - At least three (3) members, all to be appointed annually.
Training Committee - At least nine (9) members, three (3) to be named each year for terms of three (3) years.
Transportation Committee - At least five (5) members, terms to be for two (2) years, with two (2) members appointed in even years and three (3) members appointed in odd years.
Ways and Means Committee - At least six (6) members, all to be appointed annually.
Section 2 - The Standing Committees shall be appointed annually by the President, within thirty (30) days after the adjournment of the Annual Convention and Conference, with members of Active 415 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Member Companies of the Association.
A subcommittee for a specific purpose may be appointed under any Standing Committee. Such subcommittee shall be appointed by the President, with approval of the Executive Committee. The Chairman of the subcommittee shall be a member of the Standing Committee. Reports from the subcommittee shall be presented through the Chairman of the Standing Committee.
Section 3- Committee members shall meet and transact business, meeting as and when scheduled by the Chairman.
The Committee Chairman shall report the activities of the committee, as directed by the President, to the Executive Committee and to members of the MSFA in convention and conference assembled. The failure of a committee member to perform prescribed duties shall be reported to the President, in writing, by the Committee Chairman. The President may remove and replace the offending committee member, who will be notified, in writing, by the MSFA Secretary. Said offending committee member may request, in writing, a hearing by the Executive Committee at its next scheduled meeting. In that event, the Executive Committee will either support or reverse the President’s action.
Any appointee to a Standing or Special Committee of the MSFA, or to any Government, Regular or Special board, Commission, study group or administrative agency of this State; or any appointee to any committee or commission of another State or political subdivision; or any appointee to any organization shall report on his or her committee’s or commission’s activities to the Executive Committee and to the Member Companies of the MSFA in convention and conference assembled. A list shall be appended to the By-Laws, naming such personnel and the non-MSFA bodies on which they are serving; listing terms of appointment, including date each person’s term ends; describing briefly the purpose of each group; and showing a minimum schedule of reports to the MSFA, the schedule to be set 416 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference by the Executive Committee. Such list shall be updated continuously (without need for the Amendment process) as information becomes available or as Executive Committee reporting requirements change.
Section 4- Except as otherwise provided in the Constitution, the President shall fill any unexpired term vacancy in any committee. In newly established committees with staggered terms, lots shall be drawn to determine length of terms of those initially appointed.
Section 5- Travel reimbursement for Committee Chairman or their designated representative shall be in accordance with SOP A003 “Travel Reimbursement”.
ARTICLE VI- BENEFITS ADMINISTERED BY THE TRUSTEES
Section 1-(Death)- (Annotated Code of Maryland, Article on Public Safety, Section 7-203). For the purpose of requiring that the Board of Trustees of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association pay a certain amount of death benefits to certain persons if a volunteer firefighter or individual serving on a volunteer rescue squad dies under certain circumstances, regardless of the district in which the decedent died or whether the decedent died while acting alone or at the direction of or with a fire company or rescue squad; authorizing under certain circumstances a designated relative of the decedent to collect death benefits; providing for the application of this Act; and generally relating to death benefits and volunteer firefighters and individuals serving on volunteer rescue squads.
(A) In this section, “Board” means the Board of Trustees of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association.
(B) (1) The Board shall pay death benefits under this section if a volunteer firefighter or individual serving on a volunteer rescue squad dies: 417 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference (I) As a direct result of actively participating in fighting a fire or while going to or from a fire; (II) While performing any other duties necessary to the operation or maintenance of the fire company; (III) While actively participating in the ambulance advanced life support, or rescue work of a volunteer fire, ambulance, or rescue company or volunteer advanced life support unit in the State; or (IV) While providing emergency or rescue assistance, whether acting alone or at the direction of or with a fire, ambulance, or rescue company or advanced life support unit.
(2) The Benefits shall be paid from the treasury of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association in an amount the Board determines, but not less than two thousand two hundred dollars ($2,200.00), regardless of: (I) The district in which the decedent died; or (II) Whether the decedent died in: 1. This State 2. One of the following adjacent states- Delaware, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, or Virginia; or 3. The District of Columbia
(3) The benefits shall be paid to: (I) The surviving spouse, or dependent child or children; (II) If no one is eligible under item (I) of this paragraph then dependent parent or parents; (III) If no one is eligible under item (I) or item (II) of this paragraph, the surviving child or children of the decedent in equal shares; (IV) If no one is eligible under item (I), (II), or (III) of this paragraph, the surviving parent or parents; or (V) If no one is eligible under item (I), (II), (III) or (IV) of this paragraph a surviving sister, brother, or grandparent of the decedent in equal shares. 418 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference
(C) If there is a surviving spouse or a dependent child or children, the case shall be laid before the Board, and if the facts are established as provided in the Annotated Code of Maryland, Article on Public Safety, Section 7-203, the surviving spouse and child, or children as the case may be, shall be placed on the “Disabled Firemen’s and Rescue Squadmen’s List”, and the surviving spouse, while remaining unmarried, shall be entitled to receive a benefit from the Maryland State Firemen’s Association in an amount determined by the Board, to be paid out of its treasury at whatever times, in whatever installments and in whatever amount as the Board may decide, until remarriage.
(D) Each of the children of the deceased firefighter(s) or individual(s) serving on a rescue squad shall receive a benefit from the Maryland State Firemen’s Association in an amount determined by the Board and be paid out of its treasury at whatever times, in whatever installments and in whatever amount the Board may decide, until the children each attain the age of eighteen (18) years.
(E) Any child or children of a deceased volunteer fireman, rescue squadsman or ambulance personnel whose death has been caused by an accident resulting from active participation in the performance of his/her duties or while going to or from the scene of any emergency or performing any other duties necessary to the operation or maintenance of the company, after having graduated from an accredited high school, shall have the right and privilege of attending schools of higher education at the expense of the MSFA, which shall be at the discretion of the Board of Trustees of the said MSFA.
(F) This by-law shall be construed retroactively and shall be applied to and interpreted to affect volunteer firefighters and individuals serving on volunteer rescue squads who have died, on or after July 1, 1996, while fighting a fire or performing any official 419 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference task under circumstances that would cause the Board of Trustees of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association to pay death benefits under this by-law.
Section 2-(Disablement)- For the purpose of requiring the Board of Trustees of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association pay a certain benefit to a person who is a volunteer firefighter or individual serving on a volunteer rescue squad who is disabled under certain circumstances, regardless of the district in which the person was disabled while acting alone at the direction of or with a fire company or rescue squad in this State or certain neighboring states; and generally relating to benefits for volunteer firefighters and individuals who serve on volunteer rescue squads.
(A) In this section, “Board” means the Board of Trustees of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association.
(B) A person who is a volunteer firefighter or individual serving on a volunteer rescue squad is eligible to receive a benefit from the Board if:
(1) The person is temporarily or permanently disabled: (I) As a direct result of actively participating in fighting a fire or while going to or while going from a fire; (II) While performing any other duties necessary to the operation or maintenance of the fire company; (III) While actively participating in the ambulance advanced life support, or rescue work of a volunteer fire, ambulance, or rescue company or volunteer advanced life support unit in the State; or (IV) While providing emergency or rescue assistance, whether acting alone or at the direction of or with a fire, ambulance or rescue company or advanced life support unit.
(2) The person is supported by the recommendation 420 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference of the fire company or volunteer rescue squad of which the person is a member.
(C) Benefits under this section shall be paid from the treasury of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association in an amount and in a manner that the Board determines for as long as the beneficiary is disabled.
(D) Benefits under this section shall be paid to a beneficiary regardless of (1) The district in which the beneficiary was disabled; or (2) Whether the beneficiary was disabled in (I) This State (II) One of the following adjacent states- Delaware, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, or Virginia; or (III) The District of Columbia
(E) The secretary of the Board shall place and keep the name of each beneficiary under this section on a “Disabled Firemen’s and Rescue Squadmen’s List”.
(F) Any child or children of permanently disabled volunteer fireman, rescue squadsman, or ambulance personnel whose disability has been caused by an accident resulting from active participation in the performance of his/her duties or while going to or from the scene of any emergency or performing any other duties necessary to the operation or maintenance of the company, after having graduated from an accredited high school, shall have the right and privilege of attending schools of higher education at the expense of the MSFA, which shall be at the discretion of the Board of Trustees of the said MSFA. Section 3- Claims for benefits paid by the Association shall be made in accordance with the following “Rules of Procedures for Obtaining Benefits” as adopted by the Board of Trustees and approved by the Executive Committee. The term widow as used in 421 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference the article shall include widower.
The following rules of procedures shall be in effect in the administration of the provisions of the Annotated Code of Maryland, Article on Public Safety, Section 7-202 and 7-203 as amended. These rules shall be in lieu of all rules heretofore adopted provided that the Trustees of the MSFA may amend or abrogate any rules in order to further the proper administration of the law.
RULE NO. I POSTING INSTRUCTIONS AND NOTICES A copy of these Rules, together with any other notices prepared and sent out by the Trustees for the purpose of giving instructions or conveying information to persons interested in or entitled to benefits under the provisions of the law, shall be kept conspicuously posted in or about the station of every Volunteer Fire Company, Volunteer Ambulance or Rescue Squad in the State of Maryland.
The Trustees shall, annually, provide notification and information on benefits and scholarships available to the recipients of benefits from the Board of Trustees.
RULE NO. II PROCEDURE IN CASE OF DISABILITY OF A QUALIFIED MEMBER
A. DUTY OF INJURED MEMBER Each qualified member must, within ten (10) days after the beginning of his disability, file or cause to be filed with the Chief or Secretary of his Company (or a member acting in either capacity) a properly filled-in signed and notarized copy of the form entitled “CLAIM FOR DISABILITY BENEFITS” (MSFA-BT FORM 2 (2/2007). (Injured Members Report-Section)
B. DUTY OF THE COMPANY The Chief or Secretary of the Company (or a member of the Company 422 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference acting in either capacity) must take the following action: (1) Within ten (10) days after the beginning of the disability of a member of the Company, fill in, execute and place in the mails or otherwise cause to be delivered to the Secretary of the Board of Trustees, “CLAIM FOR DISABILITY BENEFITS” (MSFA-BT FORM 2 (2/2007) section (Fire Company’s Report).
(2) Within ten (10) days after the beginning of the disability have the physician attending the disabled member complete the “CLAIM FOR DISABILITY BENEFITS” (MSFA-BT FORM 2 (2/2007) section (Physician’s Report) and sign and forward same to the Secretary of the Board of Trustees.
(3) Forward to the Secretary of the Board of Trustees the completed form “CLAIM FOR DISABILITY BENEFITS” (MSFA- BT FORM 2 (2/2007) as soon as possible after receipt from disabled member.
(4) Forward to the Secretary of the Board of Trustees the “COMPANY RESOLUTION” (MSFA-BT FORM 1 (1/2000) completed at a regular or special meeting of the company approving the claim. (No payment will be made prior to receipt by the Secretary of the Board of Trustees of a copy of the resolution).
(5) If a disability lasts longer than ten (10) days, including Sundays and Holidays, submit such other information as may be required by the Board of Trustees.
RULE NO. III PROCEDURE IN CASE OF DEATH OF A QUALIFIED MEMBER
A. DUTY OF THE COMPANY The Chief or Secretary of the Company (or a member acting in either capacity) must take the following action: (1) If there is a surviving spouse or children, secure from 423 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference the spouse or the person responsible for the child or children, a filled-in, signed and notarized copy of the form entitled “CLAIM FOR BENEFITS BY ELIGIBLE SURVIVORS OF DECEASED” (MSFA-BT FORM 5 (2/2007) and forward to the Secretary of the Board of Trustees.
(2) Fill in, execute and place in the mails or otherwise cause to be delivered to the Secretary of the Board of Trustees a copy of the “CLAIM FOR DEATH BENEFITS” (MSFA-BT FORM 3 (2/2007) and “COMPANY RESOLUTION” (MSFA-BT FORM 1 (1/2000). This must be filed for every death, even if deceased members leave no spouse or children. (No benefits will be paid by the Board of Trustees prior to receipt.)
(3) Have the physician attending the deceased member complete the “CLAIM FOR DEATH BENEFIT” (MSFA-BT FORM 3 (2/2007) section (Physician’s Report) and signed and forward same to the Secretary of the Board of Trustees.
(4) Forward to the Secretary of the Board of Trustees the “COMPANY RESOLUTION” (MSFA-BT FORM 1 (1/2000) completed at a regular or special meeting of the company approving the claim. (No payment will be made prior to receipt by the Secretary of the Board of Trustees of a copy of the resolution.)
RULE NO. IV PROCEDURE IN THE CASE OF LOSS OF LIMB
A. Following procedures as stated in Rule No. II and
B. Each qualified member must, within ten (10) days after the beginning of his disability, file or cause to be filed with the Chief or Secretary of his Company (or a member acting in either capacity) a properly filled-in, signed and notarized copy of the form entitled “SUPPLEMENTAL CLAIM FOR LOSS OF LIMB” (MSFA-BT FORM 4 (2/2007). 424 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference
Section 4- If at any time there is not a sufficient amount in the hands of the Treasurer to pay a death benefit of five thousand ($5,000.00) dollars to a spouse or minor child or children, the Treasurer shall apply to the appropriate State Government Authority for sufficient additional funds to provide the said sum of five thousand ($5,000.00) dollars.
Section 5- The Board of Trustees shall have the authority to investigate any claim made for benefits under the provisions of the Article and should a majority of the Board of Trustees determine that the claim is not a just one, in spirit as well as in letter, it shall not be paid.
Section 6- The surplus of the Relief Fund, left each year in the hands of the Trustees shall be invested by the Board of Trustees. All moneys not invested shall be deposited in a bank under National or State supervision.
Section 7- Any company or officers of a company endorsing a false claim or misstating the true facts of the accident shall be SUBJECT TO PROSECUTION AT THE TRUSTEES UNDER THE ANNOTATED CODE OF MARYLAND (1957 EDITION AS AMENDED), VOLUME ON CR 8-402, OR OTHER APPROPRIATE SECTIONS THEREOF.
Section 8- The Board of Trustees shall maintain and publish a procedural guide on procedures for applying for benefits under the Annotated Code of Maryland, Federal Public Safety Officer’s Death Benefits Program and under similar Maryland programs.
ARTICLE VII- AMENDMENTS
Section 1- This Constitution may be amended or revised at any Annual Convention and Conference by a vote of two- 425 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference thirds (2/3) of those entitled to vote and present and voting on the amendments, provided the proposed amendment or revision shall have been submitted, in writing, by the Executive Committee or a member company of this Association and forwarded to the Executive Committee at least ninety (90) days prior to the first session of the Annual Convention and Conference. The proposed amendment or revision to be in the hands of the Secretary, at least sixty (60) days prior to the first session of the Annual Convention and Conference.
Section 2- Upon receipt of the amendment by the Executive Committee, in accordance with Section 1, the Recording Secretary shall mail or distribute by an appropriate means at least forty-five (45) days prior to the first session of the Annual Convention and Conference, copies of the proposed amendments to all member companies in order that the amendments may be acted upon by the said member companies before the Annual Convention and Conference.
ARTICLE VIII- VOLUNTEER COMPANY ASSISTANCE FUND BOARD
Section 1- There is herewith established pursuant to the Annotated Code of Maryland, Article 8, Sections 202-209, a Volunteer Company Assistance Fund Board.
Section 2- The Volunteer Company Assistance Fund Board (“Board”) shall be comprised of twelve (12) persons, who shall be appointed by the President as prescribed in this section, from twelve (12) regional districts, which have been determined by virtue of the number of fire companies located in each district and other geographic consideration, and which are constituted as follows: Allegany, Garrett Counties 1 Member Washington, Frederick Counties 1 Member Carroll, Howard Counties 1 Member Harford, Cecil Counties 1 Member Baltimore County 1 Member 426 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Anne Arundel County 1 Member Prince George’s County 1 Member Montgomery County 1 Member Calvert, Charles, St. Mary’s Counties 1 Member Caroline, Kent, Queen Anne’s Counties 1 Member Talbot, Dorchester Counties 1 Member Somerset, Wicomico, Worcester Counties 1 Member Board members shall be appointed annually by the President for the stated terms, within thirty (30) days after the adjournment of the Annual Convention and Conference, with members of Active Member Companies of the Association. A Board member should not be appointed to serve concurrently as an Executive Committee Member. The following credentials should be considered for selection of members to the Board: * Ten (10) or more years of fire organization experience * Operational fire service experience * Administrative fire service experience * Financial background Each member shall serve for a term of three (3) years with four (4) members appointed each year. Of the initial twelve (12) appointments, four (4) members shall be appointed for a term of three (3) years, four (4) members shall be appointed for a term of two (2) years and four (4) members shall be appointed for a term of one (1) year. A Chairman shall be appointed annually by the President.
Section 3- Board members shall meet and transact business, meeting as and when scheduled by the Chairman. A) The Board shall appoint a Vice-Chairman and a Secretary. The Vice-Chairman shall assume the duties of the Chairman in the event that the Chairman is unable to fulfill the term of appointment. The Secretary shall record all proceedings of the Board, maintain all records of the Board and initiate and receive correspondence on behalf of the Board. B) Initially, the Board shall meet and consider, adopt and publish such rules of procedure as is necessary to carry out the functions of the Board as mandated by the aforesaid statute and 427 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference shall thereafter enact or amend such other rules and regulations as it might be necessary to carry out its purpose. The Board, shall in addition to the foregoing, provide for applications for a low interest loan or grant and provide for distribution of such applications. The rules and regulations enacted by the Board shall include but not be limited to, the following provisions: 1) That any volunteer fire, rescue or ambulance company of the State of Maryland be entitled to apply for assistance pursuant to the provisions of the statute, to the Board, irrespective of affiliation of the applicant; 2) Develop loan and grant criteria; 3) Develop loan and grant terms; 4) Develop criteria for the loan and grant application process; 5) Develop criteria for prioritization of loan and grant requests; 6) That the business of the Board be conducted in accordance with accepted parliamentary procedure. C) The Board shall meet as and when necessary to consider or otherwise act upon applications that are pending or as is otherwise necessary to transact the business of the Board. The Board Secretary shall make notification of the meetings to all appropriate parties. D) The applications submitted to the Board shall be complete and shall have attached thereto the following: 1) Applicants audited financial statements for the most recent two (2) years. For applicants that do not have audited financial statements, each application must have attached thereto financial statements in the form requested by the Board for the applicants most recent two (2) year period along with IRS Form 990 for each year presented on the financial statements. 2) A completed Non-Discrimination Certificate. E) The Chairman of the Board shall regularly report on the business of the Board to the Executive Committee of the MSFA. No action with respect to any applicant or application 428 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference recommended by the Board shall be valid unless the Executive Committee of the MSFA approves the same. Initially, all rules and regulations proposed by the Board in reference to its operation, including application forms, shall be approved by the Executive Committee of the MSFA; and thereafter, any amendments to the rules or regulations or changes in any application forms are subject to the herein approval of the Executive Committee of the MSFA. F) The provision of an application form to an applicant, or the approval by the Board and Executive Committee of the MSFA, shall nevertheless be subject to approval of the Board of Public Works of the State of Maryland and available funding, in accordance with statute as currently constituted or as hereafter amended. G) The Board shall recommend annually to the Executive Committee of the MSFA the rate of interest charged on the loans. H) The Board shall not be limited nor otherwise bound with regard to its consideration of an application by any previous action it has taken with respect to any other applicant or application. I) The Board shall receive and disburse funds in accordance with statute as currently constituted or as hereafter amended. J) The Board shall in any event be subject in all of its activities to the provisions of the, herein before, statute as currently constituted or as hereafter amended. K) The Board shall submit an annual report to the Association, which shall be submitted to the Department of Budget and Management and to the Board of Public Works of the State of Maryland by August 30 of each fiscal year.
ARTICLE IX- FOUNDATIONS, BOARDS, AND AGENCIES
Section 1- The MSFA Foundation is a corporate entity related to the Maryland State Firemen’s Association. The Foundation raises funds which provide benefits to the Association. 429 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference The Foundation reports on its activities to the Executive Committee of the Association.
Section 2- The President shall appoint representatives to all government boards and commissions established by Government agencies, wherein the MSFA is requested to send the name of one (1) or more individuals to the appropriate Appointment Secretary, for the Government body making the request.
Section 3- Where a board or commission has been created, wherein one (1) or more members of the voluntary emergency services would be appropriate to serve as members and where no specific request has been made of the MSFA, the following action shall be taken. The President with the concurrence of the Executive Committee shall direct the Secretary to send to the Chief Executive of the Governmental body creating or establishing the board or commission, one (1) or more names of persons to be considered for appointment as appropriate to represent the interest of the Maryland voluntary emergency services.
***BY-LAWS***
ARTICLE A- STATUS AND AMENDMENTS
Section 1- By-Laws shall not be enacted contrary to the form and substance of the MSFA Constitution.
Section 2- Any of the By-Laws may be amended by a vote of two-thirds (2/3) of those entitled to vote and present and voting on the amendment at any Annual or Special Convention and Conference.
430 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference ARTICLE B- CONVENTIONS AND CONFERENCES
Section 1- All those entitled to seats in the Annual Convention and Conference shall be entitled to vote upon every question; but no member shall vote on any question in which they have a direct pecuniary interest. The presiding officer of a convention and conference shall not vote unless there is a tie. (Note: See Articles II and III of the Constitution).
Section 2- If any ten (10) member companies require it; the yeas and nays shall be taken and entered upon the records of the MSFA.
Section 3- Any ten (10) member companies may call for the “previous question” and if it is ordered all debate shall cease and the pending question shall be at once put to the Convention and Conference.
Section 4- The President of the Convention and Conference shall decide all questions of order without debate, subject to an appeal to the Convention and Conference. In case of an appeal the point of order may be debated.
Section 5- Any person called to order shall immediately take his seat until the point of order is decided, when he shall be again entitled to the floor and while speaking shall confine himself to the question and shall not use any personalities or indecorous language.
Section 6- At least one (1) delegate or one (1) alternate from one hundred (100) different Member Companies, in good standing, shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any convention and conference.
Section 7- No Member Company, Association of Member Companies, Auxiliary, individual or any other person(s), shall be allowed to conduct any raffle, benefit, or solicit alms, in any way, on 431 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference the floor of the MSFA Convention and Conference.
Section 8- The order of business at the Annual Convention and Conference will be developed in accordance with Article II, Section 1 of the MSFA Constitution.
ARTICLE C- ASSOCIATE/SUSTAINING MEMBERSHIP
Section 1- Associate/Sustaining Members are entitled to the rights and subject to the limitations specified in Article I of the MSFA Constitution.
Section 2- Associate/Sustaining Members shall not use the logo of the MSFA without special permission of the Executive Committee.
Section 3- Associate/Sustaining Members shall not display FD tags on vehicles owned by them unless they are otherwise qualified, pursuant to the Transportation Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland, Section 13-615.
ARTICLE D- STANDARDS, FIRE COMPANIES/ DEPARTMENTS
Section 1- THE MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANIES OR DEPARTMENTS ARE: A) Active company membership consisting of at least twenty (20) members including at least three (3) active line officers. B) At least three (3) trained active operators to be appointed to drive and operate the pumper. These operators shall be thoroughly familiar with the operation of the pumper and will be under the guidance of the Chief Officer. C) A minimum of ten (10) active members in the company shall have successfully completed at least the Firefighter I 432 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference training, as conducted by the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute or equivalent, and the Hazardous Materials-Operations Level Course. D) The company shall maintain records in which the following information shall be recorded: 1) Date of Fire 2) Time Out 3) Time In 4) Attendance 5) Whether Extinguished by Booster, Chemical or Pumper 6) Size and Amount of Hose Used 7) Lives Lost 8) Firemen Injured It is recommended that the Maryland Fire Information Reporting forms be used. E) That a heated Fire Station of adequate size and construction be provided for the housing of apparatus and equipment. F) The Company must have a suitable means of receiving an alarm of fire and alerting Company membership. G) Continuing active membership of other than Ambulance Companies shall be contingent upon the passage of an inspection made from time to time by Standards Committee. H) All Companies or Departments, other than Ambulance Companies, shall be required to pass an inspection made by the Standards Committee prior to acceptance. I) If personnel are being carried on rear step, no less than two (2) persons are to be so located when apparatus is responding to or returning from an emergency.
Section 2- PUMPER MINIMUM STANDARDS: A) The standards for pumpers will be found in SOP S001 “Pumper Standards”. Section 3- PUMPER-TANKER MINIMUM STANDARDS: A) The standards for pumper tankers will be found in SOP S002 “Tanker Standards”. 433 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Section 3A - TANKER MINIMUM STANDARDS- TANKER WITH PUMP A) The standards for this unit will be found in SOP S002 “Tanker Standards”.
Section 3B - TANKER MINIMUM STANDARDS- TANKER WITHOUT PUMP A) The standards for this unit will be found in SOP S002 “Tanker Standards”.
Section 3C - TANKER EQUIPMENT-SUGGESTED- NOT MANDATORY A) The equipment list will be found in SOP S002 “Tanker Standards”.
Section 4 - LADDER TRUCK MINIMUM STANDARDS A) The standards for this unit will be found in SOP S003 “Ladder Truck Standards”.
ARTICLE E- MINIMUM STANDARDS AMBULANCE COMPANIES MIEMSS VOLUNTEER AMBULANCE INSPECTION PROGRAM
Section 1- The minimum standards herein have been jointly developed by the MSFA and MIEMSS and thus also constitute the standard for the Voluntary Ambulance Inspection Program. Upon successful completion of a voluntary inspection conducted by MIEMSS personnel, Certificate of Excellence decals for the ambulance and a Certificate of Excellence wall plaque for the station will be issued by MIEMSS. Minimum standards for MSFA member fire and rescue companies operating Basic Life Support (BLS) ambulances are: A) Active membership consisting of at least ten (10) members with EMS training, two (2) of whom must be Line Officers with responsibility for the ambulance service. For purposes of membership in the MSFA, these ten (10) members must be trained in accordance with sub-section “E” of this section. 434 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference B) A heated station of adequate size and construction for housing of the apparatus and equipment. C) A suitable means of receiving an alarm and alerting company membership. D) Each ambulance shall have reliable two-way radios for communication with dispatch and medical command and control. Said equipment shall be operated in accordance with applicable FCC Rules and Regulations. Where communications equipment, provided by the State EMS Communications System, is operated, said equipment shall be available for inspection at any reasonable time to MIEMSS or State EMS Communications System contracted maintenance personnel. Said equipment shall also be operated and maintained in accordance with State EMS Communications System guidelines. E) After July 1, 1995, it shall be the standard of every ambulance belonging to a member company of the MSFA, when operated on a mission in or from the State of Maryland, to be staffed by at least two (2) attendants certified in training recognized by the Good Samaritan Act of Maryland, and the Hazardous Materials Operations level course. One (1) of these attendants shall possess current and valid Maryland EMT-B certification (or higher-level certification) issued through MIEMSS. The EMT-B (or higher- level attendant) must care for the patient and ride in the patient compartment during transport. The second attendant, or another person who is not certified in training recognized by the Good Samaritan Act of Maryland, may be the driver. The driver shall be trained as an emergency vehicle operator. F) Each ambulance shall be registered as an emergency vehicle with the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration or by reciprocity with a bordering state. All apparatus shall be in the preventive maintenance inspection program. Records of inspection under this regulation shall be kept at the location where the vehicle is garaged, assigned, or maintained. The vehicle shall be equipped with NFPA Standards for emergency warning lights and emergency audible devices, including back-up alarm and safety devices. G) Each company which submits an application for 435 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference membership in the MSFA and which operates a BLS ambulance shall pass an inspection by the EMS Committee, or its designees, prior to acceptance. This inspection may be in addition to other requirements, if the company also operates fire and rescue apparatus. If the required medical supplies and equipment fail to meet the requirements, the company shall be notified, in writing, and have thirty (30) days to rectify the discrepancies. If the discrepancies have not been rectified, the MSFA membership of the company concerned may be suspended. H) Member companies which have not previously operated an ambulance and undertake to do so shall, pass an inspection by the MSFA EMS Committee, or its designees, prior to initiating such a service. I) It shall be the duty of a member company and its officers to comply with the provisions of these sections and all regulations adopted under the authority of these sections. Notification of suspension for non-compliance shall be made, in writing, by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, delivered to the member company. J) Each ambulance shall be equipped with adequate equipment and supplies to care for patients in the pre-hospital phase as dictated by applicable Maryland guidelines and training. Said equipment shall be in good condition and shall be appropriately marked. All reusable items, especially those that are most often left with the patient at a hospital (boards, MAST, etc.), must be clearly marked. Due to the fact that patients are most often transported to trauma centers outside the immediate response area, the following minimum information is required: Ambulance Number (A31, M7, etc.), Company Name (not just initials), County and State Name, and Permanent Accessible Phone Number Including Area Code. K) The equipment in each ambulance and all records relating to its maintenance and operation as such shall be open for inspection at any reasonable time to a duly authorized representative or designee of the MSFA. Ambulance supplies and equipment are listed in SOP E001 “Ambulance Company Standards”.
436 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference ARTICLE F- MINIMUM STANDARDS, RESCUE COMPANIES ALS (MICU)
Section 1 - Minimum standards for Advanced Life Support (ALS) Companies, performing ALS with a mobile intensive care unit (MICU). A MICU is an ambulance equipped to render ALS and transport the patient to a medical facility. Minimum standards for MSFA member ALS companies operating at the MICU level are: A) Active membership consisting of at least ten (10) members with EMS training, two (2) of whom must be line officers with responsibility for the ambulance service. For purposes of membership in the MSFA, these ten (10) members must be trained in accordance with sub-section (E) of this section. B) A heated station of adequate size and construction for the housing of the apparatus and equipment. C) A suitable means of receiving an alarm and alerting company membership. D) Each unit shall have reliable two-way radios for communication with dispatch and medical command and control. Said equipment shall be operated in accordance with applicable FCC rules and regulations. Where communications equipment is operated that is provided by the State EMS communications system or that interfaces with the State EMS communications systems, said equipment shall be available for inspection at any reasonable time, to MIEMSS or State EMS communications contractual maintenance personnel. Said equipment shall also be operated and maintained in accordance with State EMS communications systems guidelines. E) From and after July 1, 1994, it shall be the standards of every MICU belonging to a member company of the MSFA, when operated on an ALS mission in or from the State of Maryland, to be staffed by at least two (2) attendants certified in training recognized by the Good Samaritan Act of Maryland, and the Hazardous Materials Operations Level course. One (1) of those attendants shall possess current and valid Maryland Cardiac Rescue Technician (CRT) or higher-level certification issued through MIEMSS. The attendant with the higher-level certification shall ride in the patient 437 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference compartment and shall be responsible for patient care during transport. The second attendant or other person, who is not certified in training recognized by the Good Samaritan Act of Maryland, may be the driver. F) Each MICU shall be registered as an emergency vehicle with the MVA, or by reciprocity with a bordering state. G) Each company submitting an application for membership in the MSFA who operates a MICU shall pass an inspection by the EMS Committee or its designees prior to acceptance. This inspection may be in addition to other requirements, if a company also operates fire and rescue apparatus. If the required medical supplies and equipment fail to meet the requirements, the company shall be notified, in writing, and have thirty (30) days to rectify the discrepancies. If the discrepancies have not been rectified, the MSFA membership of the company concerned may be suspended by the MSFA. Notification of suspension for non-compliance shall be made, in writing by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, delivered to the member company. H) It shall be the duty of a member company and its officers to comply with the provisions of these sections and all regulations adopted under the authority of these sections. I) Each MICU shall be equipped with adequate equipment and supplies to care for patients in the pre-hospital phase as dictated by applicable Maryland protocols and training. Said equipment shall be in good condition and appropriately marked. The equipment on each MICU and all records to its operation and maintenance shall be open for inspection at any reasonable time to a duly authorized representative or designee of the MSFA. J) Each MICU shall be equipped with medical supplies and equipment as set forth in SOP E002 “ALS (MICU) Standards”.
ARTICLE G- MINIMUM STANDARDS, RESCUE COMPANIES ALS (CHASE VEHICLES)
Section 1- Minimum standards for Advanced Life Support
438 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference (ALS) companies performing ALS with a chase vehicle (ALS Unit). An ALS Unit is a vehicle equipped to render ALS, transport the ALS provider and equipment to the scene to provide patient care, and accompany the patient to the appropriate medical facility on an ambulance.
Note: This section does not apply to companies operating a chase unit to upgrade an ALS equipped ambulance from basic life support staffed to ALS staffed. A) Active membership consisting of at least ten (10) members with EMS training, two (2) of whom must be line officers with responsibility for the ALS service. For purposes of membership in the MSFA, these ten (10) members must be trained in accordance with sub-section “E” of this section. B) A heated station of adequate size and construction for the housing of the ALS unit and equipment. C) A suitable means of receiving an alarm and alerting company membership. D) Each unit shall have reliable two-way radios for communication with dispatch and medical command. Said equipment shall be operated in accordance with applicable FCC rules and regulations. Where communications equipment is operated that is provided by the State EMS communications system or that interfaces with the State EMS communications system, said equipment shall be available for inspection at any reasonable time, to MIEMSS or State EMS communications contractual maintenance personnel. Said equipment shall also be operated and maintained in accordance with State EMS communications systems guidelines. E) From and after July 1, 1994, each ALS unit belonging to a member company of the MSFA, when operated on an ALS mission in or from the State of Maryland, to be staffed by at least one (1) attendant certified in training recognized by the Good Samaritan Act of Maryland, and the Hazardous Materials - Operations Level Course. That attendant shall possess a current and valid Maryland Cardiac Rescue Technician (CRT) or higher certification issued through MIEMSS. The CRT or higher-level certification shall be 439 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference responsible for patient care. A second attendant, or other person, not certified to the level of CRT (or higher) may be the driver. F) Each ALS Unit shall be registered as an emergency vehicle with the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration, or by reciprocity with a bordering state. G) Each company submitting an application for membership in the MSFA who operates as an ALS unit shall be required to pass an inspection by the EMS Committee or its designees prior to acceptance. If the required medical supplies and equipment fail to meet the requirements, the company shall be notified, in writing, and have thirty (30) days to rectify the discrepancies. If the discrepancies have not been rectified, the MSFA membership of the company concerned may be suspended by the MSFA. Notification of suspension for non-compliance shall be made, in writing by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, delivered to the member company. H) It shall be the duty of a member company and its officers to comply with the provisions of these sections adopted under the authority of these sections. I) Each ALS unit shall be equipped with adequate equipment and supplies to care for patients in the pre-hospital phase as dictated by applicable Maryland protocols and training. Equipment shall be in good condition and shall be appropriately marked. The equipment on each ALS unit and all records relating to its operation and maintenance, shall be available for inspection at any reasonable time to a duly authorized representative of the MSFA. Each ALS unit shall be equipped with medical supplies and equipment as stated in Section 3.2 of SOP E002 “ALS (MICU) Standards”.
ARTICLE H- MINIMUM STANDARDS, RESCUE COMPANIES
Section 1- The minimum standards for volunteer rescue companies are: A) The following rescue equipment shall be carried on a motorized piece of apparatus with a minimum 1/2-ton capacity to 440 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference carry same without being overloaded. The vehicle shall meet D.O.T. specifications and shall not exceed chassis manufacturer’s G.V.W. The vehicle shall be registered as an emergency vehicle and meet all codes of the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration or its successors. All apparatus shall be in the preventive maintenance inspection program. Records of inspection under this regulation shall be kept at the location where the vehicle is garaged, assigned, or maintained. The vehicle shall be equipped with NFPA Standards for emergency warning lights and emergency audible devices, including back-up alarm, and safety devices. All personnel staffing this unit shall have protective clothing available. B) Active company membership consisting of at least ten (10) trained members including two (2) officers; a heated station of adequate size and construction for housing of apparatus and equipment; and a suitable means of receiving an alarm and alerting company members. C) Member companies operating a rescue squad shall maintain on their roster a minimum of ten (10) members who have successfully completed the forty (40) hour basic course in rescue procedures, the intermediate course of Rescue Instruction, or the Rescue Technician course as offered by the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute or equivalent, and the Hazardous Materials- Operations Level Course. D) Equipment standards are found in SOP E003 “Rescue Company Standards”.
ARTICLE I- MINIMUM STANDARD BLS FIRST RESPONDER UNITS
Section 1- The standards for this unit are found in SOP E004 “BLS First Responder Standards”.
ARTICLE J- MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR MARINE UNITS
Section 1- Standards for watercraft are found in SOP E005 441 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference “Watercraft Standards”.
ARTICLE K- COMMITTEE DUTIES
NOTE: For duties of the Executive Committee, refer to MSFA Constitution, Article IV, Section 16.
Section 1 - The 17 State Circle Committee shall be responsible for the operation and maintenance of the building at 17 State Circle, Annapolis, for so long as it is leased to the MSFA, including such duties as formulation of a budget based on maintenance and operating expenses, recommending alterations in conformity with guidelines of the Maryland Historical Society, preservation of the building as a show place for the MSFA, and establishing exhibits of selected MSFA memorabilia.
Section 2 - The Awards Committee shall coordinate functions of the MSFA Committees responsible for the selection and making of awards.
Section 3 - The Budget and Revenue Committee shall establish and maintain procedures to implement the budget, with approval of the Executive Committee. The Committee shall supervise the compilation of the MSFA annual budget and submit same, with recommendations, to the Executive Committee for final approval.
Section 4 - The Constitution and By-laws Committee shall formulate and present proposed changes to the Constitution and By-laws to the Executive Committee, providing the proposals have been submitted, in writing, in accordance with Article VII, Section 1, entitled “Amendments”.
Section 5 - The Convention and Conference Committee shall make arrangements for the Annual Convention and Conference and, as needed, shall coordinate activities with local organizations. 442 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Section 6 - The Data Systems Committee shall establish a mechanism for collecting and recording information on the type and value of each kind of financial support provided or available by counties and municipalities to fire, emergency medical services, and rescue companies in each jurisdiction. All appropriate information on equipment, buildings (including federally and/or state owned structures), membership, alarms, etc., is to be included in the database. Gathering and use of the information is to be coordinated with the Statistical Committee and the Volunteer Company Assistance Fund Board.
Section7 - The Emergency Medical Services Committee shall represent the Ambulance and Rescue Services in the member companies in formulating standards to comply with regulations as deemed necessary under the Emergency Medical Service of Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. The committee shall provide information to and cooperate with the Firemen’s Training Committee in the development of a Ten (10) Year Training Plan, including such training relating to the provision of Emergency Medical Services.
Section 8 - The Financial Committee shall function as a team consisting of the Office of the Financial Secretary, the Office of the Treasurer, the Budget and Revenue Committee Chairman, and a representative of the Executive Committee.
The team will be responsible for the fiscal matters of the Association and shall provide an annual Financial Report conducted by an outside accounting service to the Executive Committee by the Annual Convention and Conference.
Section 9 - The Fire Prevention and Life Safety Committee shall develop and promote a statewide year-round fire prevention program. The program shall be planned and promoted to inform the people of Maryland of all age groups. The program shall be developed and carried forward in cooperation with the 443 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Director of the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute and the State Fire Marshal, who will serve as technical advisors to the Committee. The Committee may enlist the aid of any interested organization, group or individuals at the discretion of the Fire Prevention and Life Safety Committee or at the direction of the Executive Committee. The Committee shall furnish a written report at each meeting of the Executive Committee, and it shall present a complete report of Committee activities during the year to the delegates assembled at the Annual Convention and Conference. The Committee shall maintain liaison between the Governor’s Fire Prevention Conference and the MSFA.
Section 10 - The Firefighter of the Year Committee will be responsible for receipt of the nominations and selection of the recipient of the annual MSFA award. The Committee will solicit nominations for the National Volunteer Fire Council’s award and submit appropriate names to that group.
Section 11 - The Grants Committee shall promote participation in grant programs and provide assistance to Companies/ Departments with grant applications and grant writing.
Section 12 - The Hall of Fame Committee shall be responsible for naming persons to the MSFA Hall of Fame, Marbery F. Gates Service Cup Award, and the Roll of Honor, in recognition of their efforts on behalf of the Fire/EMS/Rescue service.
Section 13 - The Historical, Archives, and Volunteer Firefighter’s Room Committee shall compile historical data relative to fire, emergency medical services and rescue activities in Maryland. This committee shall represent the MSFA in all matters relating to the Volunteer Firefighter’s Room and shall coordinate appropriate MSFA activities including, but not limited to, furnishing and decorating with those activities of the University College, Adult Education Center, University of Maryland. The Committee shall endeavor to locate and acquire items for exhibit in a permanent 444 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference museum and perform such other duties as may be required by the MSFA.
Section 14 - The Incentive Programs Committee will be responsible for monitoring incentive programs, coordinate the collection of information for programs such as LOSAP, Income Tax Modification and other programs that might come about, to provide for volunteer firefighters, rescue, and emergency medical personnel.
Section 15 - The Legislative Committee shall formulate and monitor the passage of such legislation as may be to the interest and benefit of the MSFA. The Chairman of the Committee shall register as the legislative agent for the MSFA and shall direct others that assist him in this endeavor to also register. The Chairman shall keep records and file reports as required by the laws of Maryland and shall assure that any person registered on behalf of the Association also keeps and files records required by law. The Chairman shall report regularly and seek advice from the Officers and the Executive Committee on positions of the MSFA, but shall have the authority to act by lone judgment when time is of the essence, being ever mindful of the goals and aims of the MSFA.
Section 16 - The Planning Committee shall in conjunction with the Presidents and Executive Committee develop short and long range goals and plans of the Association.
Section 17 - The President’s Vehicle Committee is responsible for the acquisition, maintenance, and disposal of Association vehicles and accessories.
Section 18 - The Public Relations Committee shall compile information of interest to fire, emergency medical services, rescue companies and the public, making this information generally known throughout the State, by whatever method that can be used to the best interest of the MSFA. The Committee shall perform such other duties as may be required by the Association and shall 445 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference submit a written report of its activities to the Annual Convention and Conference.
Section 19 - The Recruitment and Retention Committee is responsible for developing and executing programs to assist members with recruiting new members and keeping their existing members.
Section 20 - The Residential Sprinkler Initiative Committee supports and works with local fire service groups in establishing requirements for residential sprinkler systems in new one (1) and two (2) family dwellings and educate various groups on the facts about residential sprinklers.
Section 21 - The Risk Management Committee shall monitor MSFA insurance requirements and recommend adjustments as needed.
Section 22 - The Safety Committee shall promote a statewide safety program among member companies. The program will be planned so as to provide companies with material and literature on safety on the scene of any emergency and driving of equipment to emergencies, drills and parades. The Committee will cooperate with the Training Committee, the Emergency Medical Services Committee, Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute or its successor, and any such agency that promotes safety. The Committee will have published in the bulletin of the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute, its successor, or other such publications, information on accidents as well as precautions to be taken for the best interest and welfare of personnel. The Committee will make a report at each meeting of the Executive Committee and will present a complete report for the year to the delegates at the Annual Convention and Conference.
Section 23 - The Scholarship Committee shall by June 1st in cooperation with scholarship committees of appropriate universities, colleges, academies, or other institutions of higher learning within 446 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Maryland to determine to provide or deny grants or loans to new applicants or continuing students. The Committee shall in proper cases award, to the extent funds are available, such grant or loan to an eligible applicant or student participating in a course related to fire or health services including, but not limited to, fire sciences or emergency medical services.
The Committee may use funds provided through resources of the MSFA Foundation or from other sources. The Committee is authorized to solicit funds for grants or loans from any source it deems proper. The Committee shall from time to time, promulgate rules and regulations relating to its duties, eligibility of applicants or recipients, acceptable sources of funds to be solicited or regulations dealing with liability of a given recipient to repay part of any grant or loan.
Section 24 - The Sergeant-At-Arms Committee shall maintain order at all Executive Committee meetings, the MSFA Convention and Conference, and other meetings as required.
Section 25 - The Standards Committee shall study and keep abreast with fire fighting, emergency medical services and rescue requirements and make recommendations for any changes that would improve the standards of this Association, and to make inspections or perform such other duties as may be required by the Association.
Section 26 - The Statistical Committee shall assist and cooperate in the formation and operation of a uniform statistical reporting system by the State. The Committee shall encourage the use of the uniform statistical reporting system by all member companies of the MSFA and shall obtain and compile other statistical information as may be required by the MSFA.
Section 27 - The Training Committee shall promote programs responsive to the needs of the fire service located within 447 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference the State of Maryland and shall continue the development of a ten (10) year training program which reflects the future needs of the Maryland Fire Service; in addition, the Training Committee shall be the official voice of the MSFA in fire service training matters with the University of Maryland and other vocational or educational organizations of this State. The Committee shall advise and collaborate with the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute in the conduct of courses of instruction for the Maryland Fire Service; and shall encourage and assist in developing regional schools and local and other specialized courses in the State. The Committee shall recommend to the Executive Committee enabling legislation, which will maintain and advance the necessary fire service training plans or programs. The Committee shall submit periodic reports to the Executive Committee and a written report of its activities to the Annual Convention and Conference.
Section 28 - The Transportation Committee shall provide to the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration or its successor, as required, proof by MSFA that applicants for special “FD” license plates are eligible members of a volunteer fire department, or emergency medical services company, or auxiliary thereof. The applicable fees and time periods shall be determined from time to time by the Executive Committee on its own motion or on the request of the Transportation Committee. It shall be responsible for notifying companies and auxiliaries of current procedures for obtaining such plates or validation stickers for them. The Committee should maintain a close working relationship with the M.V.A. concerning any matters that may affect the emergency services organizations of their members. The Committee shall also maintain liaison with the Maryland Toll Facilities Administration to continue the special privileges provided for authorized emergency vehicles.
Section 29 - The Ways and Means Committee shall operate the MSFA’s annual raffle and shall perform such other duties as may be assigned to it.
448 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference ARTICLE L- NON-DISCRIMINATION
Section 1 - This organization prohibits discrimination in membership or other activities on the basis of race, religion, sex, national origin, physical or mental handicap.
The Constitution and By-laws of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association have been revised and updated with the amendments approved at the 120th Annual Convention and Conference held at Ocean City, Maryland, June 16-22, 2012.
Dennis Skinner Chairman Constitution & By-laws Committee
APPENDIX A MSFA Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
SOP A001 “Preparation and Revision of Standard Operating Procedures” SOP A002 “Expense Reimbursement” SOP A003 “Travel Reimbursement” SOP A004 “Operation and Maintenance of the President’s Vehicle Fleet” SOP E001 “Ambulance Company Standards” SOP E002 “ALS (MICU) Standards” SOP E003 “Rescue Company Standards” SOP E004 “BLS First Responder Standards” SOP E005 “Watercraft Standards” SOP S001 “Pumper Standards” SOP S002 “Tanker Standards” SOP S003 “Ladder Truck Standards E OF CONTENTS
449 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference MARYLAND STATE FIREMEN’S ASSOCIATION SCHEDULE OF DEADLINE DATES FOR AWARDS
Deadline Award March 31 Francis L. Brannigan Instructor of the Year Award March 31 Scholarship Awards April 1 Edwin L. Emkey, Sr., Cadet Memorial Award April 15 Zembower Fire Service Training Award April 15 Marbery F. Gates Service Cup Award April 15 Gladhill-Thompson Award April 15 Russell J. Strickland Memorial Award April 15 Hall of Fame April 15 Past President C. Oscar Baker Rookie of the Year Award April 30 Accident and Injury Prevention Award April 30 Fire Prevention April 30 Silver Spring Fire Prevention Trophy April 30 Josiah A. Hunt, M.D., EMS Person of the Year Award May 1 Colburn Trophy May 1 Family Appreciation Program Award May 1 Firefighter of theYear Award May 1 Miss Fire Prevention Contest May 1 Senator William H. Amoss Memorial Legislative Award May 1 Robert H. Shimer Administrator of the Year Award May 1 Smith N. Stathem, Jr., P.P. Memorial Safety Award May 15 Roll of Honor Parade Chief A. Marvin Gibbons Memorial Award Parade Governors Fire Prevention Trophy Check msfa.org (Awards) For details and specifics for each award
450 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference RUSSELL J. STRICKLAND AWARD Purpose of Award: The Maryland Fire Service Personnel Qualifications Board has established an award in honor of Russell J. Strickland. This award is to be presented annually to an individual who has demonstrated professionalism in the field of fire service certification in the same manner that Mr. Strickland performed for the Maryland Fire Service Personnel Qualifications Board.
Mr. Strickland was instrumental in the organization and founding of the Maryland Fire Service Personnel Qualifications Board and has served in many capacities including Treasurer, Chairman of the Accreditation Training Review Agencies Task Force and while holding the position of Assistant Director of the Maryland Fire & Rescue Institute served as a member of that agency’s Accredited Training Review Agency Local Review Board and as their Representative to the Maryland Fire Service Personnel Qualifications Board. Mr. Strickland also served many years as the Maryland Representative to the National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications.
Professional, dedicated, honest and fair were the hallmarks of Mr. Strickland’s daily life and work. His words and deeds were always courteous and respectful. It is in this light that the Maryland Fire Service Personnel Qualifications Board honors Mr. Strickland through this award.
Award Criteria: The Russell J. Strickland Award is presented to a worthy individual who has made significant contributions towards the promotion of certification for fire and emergency services personnel in the State of Maryland in keeping with the high standards of dedication and professionalism exhibited by Russell J. Strickland.
Nomination Process: A call for nominations will be open to all member agencies during the months of January thru February each year and all member agencies are invited to participate. Nominations for the Russell J. Strickland must be submitted to THE RUSSELL J. STRICKLAND AWARD SELECTION COMMITTEE, Maryland Fire Service Personnel Qualifications Board, c/o Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute, University of Maryland, Building 199, College Park, Maryland 20742-6811 by March 1st of each year on the form designed specifically for this award. A one-page narrative shall be attached to the nomination form detailing the nominee’s contributions and up to 3 endorsements for the nominee may be included. The endorsements shall be no more than three pages in length and should thoroughly detail the nominee’s contribution.
451 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference FRANCIS L. BRANNIGAN INSTRUCTOR OF THE YEAR AWARD
Purpose of Award: Recognition of an individual or group contribution to fire, rescue, and emergency medical services training and education.
Award Sponsor: Chesapeake Society of Fire and Rescue Instructors, and the Maryland Chapter of the International Society of Fire and Rescue Instructors.
Award Administered By: Chesapeake Society of Fire and Rescue Instructors
Background: The Francis L. Brannigan Instructor of the Year Award was first established by Professor Francis L. Brannigan in 1977. Professor Brannigan was the first and longtime Professor with the Montgomery College Fire Science Program and a member of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers. This award is presented annually by the Chesapeake Society of Fire and Rescue Instructors in recognition of an individual or group contribution to fire, rescue, and emergency medical services training and education in Maryland.
Award Rules:
1. In order to be considered for the award, the following should be addressed in the nomination: A. The contribution during the previous calendar year with any specific information related to fire, rescue, and EMS training and education. B. The contribution made to fire, rescue, or EMS training and education during the years prior to the previous calendar year. 2. Nominees do not have to be members of the Maryland fire and rescue service or the Chesapeake Society of Fire and Rescue Instructors to be considered. 3. Nominations should be sponsored by a chapter member and submitted in a narrative format with as much specific information as possible to:
Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute Upper Eastern Shore Regional Office Wayne C. Colburn 601 Safety Drive Centreville, MD 21617
4. All nominations must be received no later than March 31st of each year. 5. The award is presented at the Annual Convention and Conference of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association.
452 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Previous Recipients:
1977 Francis L. Brannigan 1989 Herman E. Rhue 2002 Jackie Carey 1977 Warren E. Isman 1990 Milton Zepp 2002 Stephan Cox 1978 Kurt Eisenschmidt 1991 Andrew I Levy 2003 John E.”Sonny” Rose, Jr. 1979 Theodore L. Jarboe 1992 George A. Morgan 2004 John G. “Jack” Hulet 1980 MFRI Staff 1993 Leon M. Fleming 2005 Mike Crawford 1981 Mary Beth Michos 1994 Clarence “Smiley” White 2006 Alan L. Braver 1982 John McNeece 1995 Leonard E. Yox 2007 Earl Powell 1983 Not Awarded 1996 Robert l. Rose 2008 1984 Harry Devlin 1997 W. Newton “Skip” Carey 2009 George Fairfax 1985 W. Newton “Skip” Carey 1998 William Luberman 2010 Jeff Dickey 1986 Judith K. White 1999 Elaine Wedding 2011 Mark Falkanhan 1987 State Fire Marshal’s Staff 2000 Michael Weller 2012 Daniel J. Stevens 1988 Margaret E. SeBour 2001 Mark New
453 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS
Applicants may apply for scholarship assistance in the following areas:
1) Fire Protection Engineering at the University of Maryland.
2) Emergency Health Services at the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC).
3) Current approved curricula are the Management and Paramedic tracks, which lead to a Bachelor’s Degree.
4) Any Maryland Community College, in a curriculum that leads to a Bachelor’s degree in Fire Protection Engineering.
5) Programs at any Community College in Maryland, in Fire Sciences or Emergency Medical Services leading to a Bachelor’s Degree.
6) Any Maryland University, in a curriculum leading to a Bachelor’s Degree in Fire or EMS related fields.
7) Programs at any Community College in Maryland, in Emergency Medical Services leading to an Associates Degree.
8) This scholarship is paid directly to the educational institution for the purpose of tuition and fees. At no time will this scholarship be awarded directly to the student or third party for cash or payment.
The committee has assigned the following priorities to control scholarship grants:
1) Fire Protection Engineering at the University of Maryland. (Juniors in good standing or higher standing, enrolled in a 4-year program, faculty recommendation.)
2) Fire Science at the University of Maryland University College. (UMUC). (Juniors in good standing or higher standing, enrolled in a 4-year program.)
3) Emergency Health Service Majors at the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC). (Juniors in good standing or higher standing or higher, enrolled in a 4-year program, faculty recommendation.)
4) Community College in Fire or EMS related programs leading to a Bachelor’s Degree. 454 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE GUIDELINES FOR APPLICANTS
Application must be submitted by April 15 to be considered for scholarship assistance for the ensuing academic year.
Currently supported students will be required to submit a supplemental application form for consideration for continued support
Applications are available via download from the MSFA Web Site.
Program Requirements:
All applicants must enter full time or part-time status as a student in his/her respective College/University to be eligible for the scholarship.
Verified acceptance by the respective College/University with confirmation of approved program acceptance will be a prerequisite for receipt of a scholarship.
The awarded scholarship will be made available to the finance office of the College/ University specified in the application at the beginning of the academic school year or designated semesters. At no time will the scholarship be awarded as cash funds to the individual recipient.
Unused funds are to be returned by the academic institution at the end of the academic year.
Applicants are required to advise the committee of any other grants or scholarships that have been awarded or for which the applicant is eligible at the time of application.
The respective campus finance office will be asked to review each application for scholarship assistance.
All applicants must be Maryland State High School Graduates or hold a GED. Verification of five years of active volunteer service in a Maryland fire or EMS company/department may be substituted for this requirement.
The applicant for any approved degree program shall be required to submit a letter of recommendation from his/her volunteer Fire/Rescue or EMS Company.
This letter must be signed by the President of the applicant’s member company and accompany the application for scholarship.
455 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Applicants must have completed one year of study at a college/university earning no less than 12 credit hours per semester and have been accepted to participate in an approved degree program.
Currently supported college level students will be required to maintain an acceptable Grade Point Average (GPA) 3.0 to be eligible for scholarship support for the ensuing academic year.
Currently supported college level students who have not maintained an acceptable GPA of 3.0 but have a GPA above 2.5 or greater will be placed on academic probation and required to bring their GPA back to the accepted standard with in one academic year to remain eligible for the scholarship.
New sophomore applicants are required to have a GPA of 3.0 or higher to be eligible for the program.
All students that have been awarded a scholarship are required to submit their transcript with at the completion of each semester while receiving the scholarship.
Failure to present current grades at the completion of each semester to the scholarship committee may result in future funds being with held and ineligibility for future academic years.
Students must maintain full time status and carry no less than 12 credit hours per semester to be eligible for the scholarship.
Students dropping below the required credit hours per semester will forfeit their scholarship and be required to reimburse the Maryland State Firemen’s Association the full amount of the scholarship.
Students changing to a major not supported by the program or dropping out of school may be required to reimburse the Maryland State Firemen’s Association the awarded scholarship or a portion there of.
Applications submitted without all supporting documentation are subject to rejection and will not be reviewed by the selection committee.
It is the responsibility of the applicant not the committee, to ensure that parties entrusted with submitting supporting documentation follow through by the appointed deadlines.
In an effort to conserve funds and to give our younger persons the opportunity for a college experience, committee policy is to deny scholarship support to those applicants currently holding a Bachelor or equivalent degree. 456 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference For more information, please contact: Glenn Dale Fishack, Jr., Chairman Maryland State Firemen’s Association Scholarship Committee 14545 Barkdoll Road Hagerstown, MD 21742 EMAIL: [email protected]
457 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Scholarship Application (Please Type or Use Dark Ink) Page 1 of 3
Name: ______Date of Birth:_____/_____/______Home Address: ______City: ______State:______Zip Code:______Phone Home:______Cell:______Email Address:______
Name of Volunteer Fire/EMS Department/Auxiliary: Address:______City: ______State:______Zip Code:______President of Department: ______Phone #: ______Year Joined: ______Years of Membership: ______
List all Fire or EMS Certifications and Courses, (ATTACH Copies of Cards and Transcript): ______
High School Attended:______Date Graduated:______Address:______City: ______State:______Zip Code:______
If GED, Give date entered, received and location: ______
458 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference
Scholastic & Athletic Honors Receive in College: ______
*****ATTACH DOCUMENTATION*****
List School & Community Activities, Teams or Clubs in which you are a Member or Participated in High School. (Include any Office Held): ______
*****ATTACH A COPY of TRANSCRIPT with APPLICATION*****
Name of Educational Institution that you are attending: ______Address:______City: ______State:______Zip Code:______Major: ______Name of Faculty Advisor: ______Phone:______Status: FULL TIME / PART TIME Credits per Semester: ______Credits completed towards Major: ______GPA:______
Please circle Level for academic year that you are seeking scholarship: Sophomore / Junior / Senior
*****ATTACH A COPY of TRANSCRIPT with APPLICATION*****
459 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Maryland State Firemen’s Association Scholarship Application Page 2 of 3
Scholastic & Athletic Honors Receive in College: ______
*****ATTACH DOCUMENTATION*****
List School & Community Activities, Teams or Clubs in which you are a member or participated in college. (Include any Office Held): ______
List any other financial assistance opportunities for which you have applied or will be receiving: ______
List any other financial assistance that you have been awarded: ______
List scholarships or awards previously received: ______
Employer: ______Address:______City: ______State:______Zip Code:______Supervisor: ______Phone #: ______Full Time/ Part Time Hours per week: ______
Do you plan to continue to work while in school: YES / NO Full Time/ Part Time
On a separate sheet of paper to be submitted with the application please answer the following questions in typed essay format approximately 250 to 500 words.
1. Why are you applying for financial assistance? 2. What inspired you to pursue this course of study? 3. What are you career goals and objectives upon completion of this degree?
460 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Maryland State Firemen’s Association Scholarship Application Page 3 of 3
Before submitting this application, be sure the following items are enclosed: 1. Application 2. High School Transcript 3. College Transcript 4. Letter from President of Fire Department/Auxiliary 5. Copies of Awards and Certifications 6. Essay
Applications submitted without all supporting documentation are subject to rejection and will not be reviewed by the selection committee. It is the responsibility of the applicant not the committee, to ensure that parties entrusted with submitting supporting documentation follow through by the appointed deadlines.
I hereby declare that all of the above information is complete and correct to the best of my ability.
Signature: ______Date:_____/______/______
Please return the completed application with all accompanying documentation to the chairman, at the address indicated below, no later than April 15th to be considered for scholarship assistance for the ensuing academic year. Currently supported students will be required to submit a supplemental application form for consideration for continued support.
CHAIRMAN: Glenn Dale Fishack, Jr. Maryland State Firemen’s Association Scholarship Committee 14545 Barkdoll Road Hagerstown, MD 21742 EMAIL: [email protected]
461 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Scholarship Renewal Application (Please Type or Use Dark Ink) Page 1 of 3 Name: ______Date of Birth:_____/_____/______Home Address: ______City: ______State:______Zip Code:______Phone #’s: Home:______Cell:______Email:______Name of Volunteer Fire/EMS Department/Auxiliary: ______Address:______City: ______State:______Zip Code:______President of Department: ______Phone #: ______Year Joined: ______Years of Membership: ______
Name of Educational Institution that you are attending: ______
Address:______City: ______State:______Zip Code:______Major: ______Name of Faculty Advisor: ______Phone:______Status: FULL TIME / PART TIME Credits per Semester: ______Credits Completed towards Major: ______GPA:______
Please circle Level for academic year that you are seeking scholarship: Sophomore / Junior / Senior
*****ATTACH A COPY of TRANSCRIPT with APPLICATION***** 462 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Maryland State Firemen’s Association Scholarship Renewal Application
Page 2 of 3
Scholastic & Athletic Honors Receive in College: ______
*****ATTACH DOCUMENTATION*****
List School & Community Activities, Teams or Clubs in which you are a Member or Participated in college. (Include any Office Held): ______
List any other financial assistance opportunities for which you have applied or will be receiving: ______
List any other financial assistance that you have been awarded: ______
List scholarships or awards previously received: ______
Employer: ______Address:______City: ______State:______Zip Code:______Supervisor: ______Phone #: ______Full Time/ Part Time Hours per week: ______463 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Maryland State Firemen’s Association Scholarship Renewal Application
Page 3 of 3
Do you plan to continue to work while in school: YES / NO Full Time/ Part Time?
Before submitting this application be sure the following items are enclosed:
Application Letter from President of Fire Department/ Auxiliary
College Transcript Copies of Awards and Certifications
Applications submitted without all supporting documentation are subject to rejection and will not be reviewed by the selection committee. It is the responsibility of the applicant not the committee, to ensure that parties entrusted with submitting supporting documentation follow through by the appointed deadlines.
I hereby declare that all of the above information is complete and correct to the best of my ability.
Signature: ______Date:______/______/______
Please return the completed application with all accompanying documentation to the chairman, at the address indicated below, no later than April 15th to be considered for scholarship assistance for the ensuing academic year. Currently supported students will be required to submit a supplemental application form for consideration for continued support.
CHAIRMAN: Glenn Dale Fishack, Jr. Maryland State Firemen’s Association Scholarship Committee 14545 Barkdoll Road Hagerstown, MD 21742 EMAIL: [email protected]
464 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference PAST PRESIDENT C. OSCAR BAKER ROOKIE OF THE YEAR AWARD
Purpose of Award: Recognition of the Outstand Rookie Firefighter/EMS Provider
Award Sponsor: Mount Airy Volunteer Fire Company or Carroll County
Award Administered By: Mount Airy Volunteer Fire Company and the elected officers of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association
Background: The Past President C. Oscar Baker Rookie of the Year Award was established by the Mount Airy Volunteer Fire Company and accepted by the Maryland State Firemen’s Association (MSFA) Executive Committee in 2002. The award was established to honor Past President C. Oscar Baker for his sixty (60) years of active service to the citizens of Mount Airy and the surrounding communities, Carroll County and the State of Maryland. Past President Baker has served as President of the Mount Airy Volunteer Fire Company, President of the Carroll County Volunteer Firemen’s Association and President of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association (1978-79). Past President Baker retired as Fire Chief of the National Bureau of Standards and then served as the Volunteer Coordinator for Carroll County for several years. He was a field instructor for the Fire Service Extension and later the Maryland Fire/Rescue Institute for several decades. Past President Baker has served as Chair of several committees of the MSFA, including: the Training Committee, Hall of Fame and the Centennial Committee. The Mount Airy Volunteer Fire Company saw it fitting to honor someone who is beginning their emergency service career with an award to encourage them to reach the high level of service and dedication to our citizens we all serve that Past President C. Oscar Baker exemplifies. The award is to be presented annually during the annual convention and conference of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association.
Award Rules: 1. Nominee must be from a member company or department of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association. 2. Any active member of a member company or department of the MSFA may submit the name of a nominee for the award. 3. Junior/Cadet members of a member company or department are NOT eligible for this award. Time spent as a Junior/Cadet member does not count towards the 24 months of service. 4. Nominee must be an active Senior Member of the sponsoring company or department, and at least 17 years of age at the time of award application. 5. Nominee must have at least 6 months, but less than 24 months of active membership with the sponsoring company or department, calculated from the April 15th application due date. 465 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference 6. A nominee that transfers from one company or department to another is not eligible for the award unless their total time of membership is less than 24 months combined. 7. Nominations in the form of a resume must be submitted on an individual basis only and on official company or department letterhead or stationary. 8. Nominations must be submitted to, and received by the MSFA Secretary no later than April 15th of each year. Late entries will NOT be considered. 9. All of the elected officers of the MSFA will judge nominees. 10. The mailing address for entries is:
Doyle E. Cox, Secretary Maryland State Firemen’s Association 29132 Superior Circle Easton, MD 21601
Award Details:
Upon selection of the winner of the award, the President or Chief of the Mount Airy Volunteer Fire Company shall be notified no later than May 15th of the selection. This will allow preparation of the personal trophy and the recording of the individual’s name on the master trophy.
The master trophy will have the date of the award; name and fire company of the recipient engraved thereon and will, for one year from date of presentation until the next MSFA Annual Convention and Conference, remain in the responsible custody of the honored individual’s company. The personal trophy also suitably endorsed will be presented to the individual to covet and keep forever. The selected award winner will also receive the C. Oscar Baker Rookie of the Year Medal and Ribbon Bar, which was approved by the MSFA Executive Committee in 2002. The ribbon is blue/red and the gold medal is inscribed as Oscar Baker Rookie of the Year, with the year and the MSFA Seal in the center.
Previous Recipients:
Year Name Company County
2002 Chris McDonald Maryland City Anne Arundel 2003 Matthew Rose Odenton Anne Arundel 2004 Derek R. Dods Mt. Airy Carroll 2005 Rachel Goucher Middletown Frederick 2006 Jeffery A. Martin Potomac Valley Washington 2007 Jennifer Chafin Branchville Prince George’s 2008 Michael Offutt Woodsboro Frederick 466 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Year Name Company County 2009 Charles Cadden Arbutus Baltimore 2010 Tyler Olson Ferndale Anne Arundel 2011 Brandy C. Guy Seventh District VFD St. Mary’s 2012 Nicholas Haspert Winfield Community Carroll
467 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference EDWIN L. EMKEY, SR. CADET AWARD
Purpose of Award: Recognition of the Outstanding Company Cadet Program
Award Sponsor: Maryland State Firemen’s Association Past President Roger N. Powell
Award Administered By: Maryland State Firemen’s Association
Background: The Edwin L. Emkey, Sr. Cadet Memorial Award was established by President Roger N. Powell and underwritten by American Claims Service and accepted by the Maryland State Firemen’s Association (MSFA) Executive Committee at the November 2011 meeting. The award was established to recognize Edwin L. Emkey, Sr. for his outstanding service in promoting Cadet Programs. The outstanding Cadet Program must be sponsored by a fire, rescue, and or EMS department, company or squad. The program should be based on the teaching of safety and basic skills required for firefighting or Emergency Medical Service.
The nomination may be submitted by a committee within the department, company and/or squad, as long as it is verified by the president and/ or chief. The award will be presented each year at the annual convention and conference of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association. The winning department, company or squad will be awarded a master trophy, which will be held for one year and relinquished at the following convention and conference, at which time, the past-year recipient will receive a plaque for permanent possession. The trophy will have the award date and name of the company engraved thereon and will, for one year from date of presentation until the next MSFA annual convention and conference, remain in the responsible custody of the honored fire, rescue, and/or EMS department, company or squad. The winning department, company or squad will also receive a Five Hundred Dollar ($500) prize, which will be utilized to assist with providing funding for the cadet program.
Award Rules:
1. The department/company must be a member in good standing of the MSFA
2. To be eligible for the nomination, cadet program must: a. Have a minimum of seven cadets between the ages of 9 and 15 b. Program must have been established no less than 5 years prior to nomination c. Must hold monthly or bi-monthly meetings, drills, training events, community service programs and be involved in other department or company activities
468 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference 3. The nomination must be submitted in a resume form letter on department/ company letterhead, indicating when the Cadet Program was established, and number of members, activities over the previous year, including all community activities, training and fund raising.
4. Any book entered, including scrapbooks, photo albums, or loose-leaf binders, cannot exceed 12 x 15.5 inches. The thickness of the book is not limited. The book entered will only be used as backup information to the resume.
5. Slide presentations, DVD’s, slide/tape presentations and video tape presentations will not be accepted.
6. Photographs and newspaper clippings must be dated and the sources indicated.
7. Entries must be in the hands of the Selection Committee by April 1st
8. All materials submitted should reflect activities of the previous calendar year (Jan. through Dec.)
9. Judges shall be the elected officers of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association and the decision of the judges shall be final.
10. Any evidence of material from previous years will automatically disqualify the entry.
11. Send or deliver all entries to the Secretary of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association.
Previous Recipients:
Year Cadet Company/Department County
2012 English Consul Cadets Baltimore
469 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference COLBURN TROPHY AWARD
Purpose of Award: Outstanding Act of Heroism
Award Sponsor: Princess Ann Volunteer Fire Company
Award Administered By: Board of Trustees
Background: At the 40th Annual Convention in Frostburg in June, 1932, the Colburn Silver Cup was presented to the Association by retiring President George W. Colburn, Jr. The award is to be awarded in line of succession from year to year to a firefighter in our organization for some outstanding act of heroism or from some act for the good of the Association. Qualifications and awards to be made by the Board of Trustees who shall act as judges. This cup is to be presented at the Annual Convention and Conference of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association with appropriated ceremonies.
At the 66th Annual Convention in Ocean City in June 1958, due to the lack of space for more recipients’ names, the original Colburn Silver Cup was retired and presented to the Princess Anne Volunteer Fire Company to be placed in their fire station in honor of Dr. Colburn. Since the retirement of the original cup, the Princess Anne Volunteer Fire Company has agreed to supply a replacement for the Colburn Cup each year with this difference; that it will be retained by the recipient for keeps. Your department surely must have a member who would be eligible to have his/her name submitted to the Board of Trustees to be considered for this high award.
The recipient will receive the Colburn Medal and Ribbon Bar, which was approved by the Executive Committee in 2002. The ribbon is solid red and the gold medal, with red, white and blue enamel paint is inscribed as the “Medal of Heroism”, with the MSFA Seal in the center.
Award Rules: Nomination submitted for consideration must follow the following requirements: 1. Must be on fire, rescue, or ambulance department stationary giving detailed summary of his/her outstanding actions or reason to be considered. 2. Must be received by the Board of Trustees prior to May 1st of each year. 3. Must be mailed or delivered to:
Gene Worthington, P.P. MSFA Board of Trustees Secretary 3663 Old Level Road Havre de Grace, Maryland 21078
470 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Previous Recipients: Year Name Company County 1933 Reuben R. Palmer Kensington Montgomery 1934 Wilbur R. Dulin West Annapolis Anne Arundel 1935 Not Awarded 1936 Captain Austin Leithiser Susquehanna Hose Harford 1937 Marion E. Rose Northeast Cecil 1938 Not Awarded 1939 John A. Hornberger, Sr. Water Witch Cecil 1940 Bernard P. Odum Takoma Park Montgomery 1941 William A. Kral Bel Air Harford 1942 Not Awarded 1943 Not Awarded 1944 Not Awarded 1945 Captain George C. Arnold Glen Echo Montgomery 1946 Vernon Listman Earleigh Heights Anne Arundel 1947 Not Awarded 1948 Walter Jackson Hancock Washington 1949 Not Awarded 1950 Not Awarded 1951 Charles A. Pastrana Independent Anne Arundel 1952 Spencer J. H. Brown, Sr., PP Sandy Springs Montgomery 1953 Amos C. Bear Goodwill Washington 1954 Edward S. Hall, Jr. Herald Harbor Anne Arundel 1955 Carl W. Pollette, Jr. Hebron Wicomico 1956 William MacWilliam North Beach Calvert 1957 Alferd E. Johnson, Jr. Rockville Montgomery 1958 Chief Clinton Ditz Crisfield Somerset 1959 Robert Hook Cabin John Park Montgomery 1960 Sam Villani Ocean City Worcester 1961 Victor L. Talbert Boulevard Heights Prince George’s 1962 Colin C. Colgan Tuxedo Cheverly Prince George’s 1963 Ivan Reynolds Perryville Cecil 1963 Roland Rapacelli Perryville Cecil 1964 Not Awarded 1965 James Ewing Forestville Prince George’s 1966 Deputy Chief Baron E. DeKalb Takoma Park Montgomery 1967 Kenneth Frock Pleasant Valley Carroll 1968 Chief Lee Webster Deal Island-Chance Somerset 1969 William F. Padgett West Lanham Hills Prince George’s 1970 Captain George Duke Leonardtown St. Mary’s 1971 Robert Ridgeway Beltsville Prince George’s
471 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Year Name Company County 1971 Charles Hall Beltsville Prince George’s 1972 W. Frederick Coursey Church Hill Queen Anne’s 1973 John A. Jarboe Takoma Park Montgomery 1974 Deputy Chief Bruce B. Bell District Heights Prince George’s 1975 Balmes N. Hildalgo Rockville Montgomery 1976 David Schultz Bowie Prince George’s 1976 David Ploor Bowie Prince George’s 1977 Jack E. Montgomery, Jr. Accokeek Prince George’s 1978 Laurel Volunteer Fire Co. Laurel Prince George’s 1979 Timothy Thorne Upper Montgomery Montgomery 1980 Lt. James Kenneth Frank, Jr. Kensington Montgomery 1981 Sgt. Timothy DeRuyscher College Park Prince George’s 1982 Thomas J. Campbell Kensington Montgomery 1983 Lt. David C. Jones Wheaton Montgomery 1984 Sgt. Thomas C. Brown Wheaton Montgomery 1985 Maggie Cooley Upper Montgomery Montgomery 1986 Lt. Michael J. LaVelle Rockville Montgomery 1987 Captain Richard Corcoran Bay District St. Mary’s 1987 George Frye Bay District St. Mary’s 1988 Robert D. Cowan Deale Anne Arundel 1989 George W. Brown, Jr. Sandy Spring Montgomery 1990 Charles Raines Odenton Anne Arundel 1990 Michael Frazer Odenton Anne Arundel 1990 Michael Willie Odenton Anne Arundel 1991 Helen A. Kulle Forestville Prince George’s 1991 Kurt Talbert Forestville Prince George’s 1992 W. Newton “Skip” Carey Ocean Pines Worcester 1993 Jonas Rudzki Cabin John Park Montgomery 1994 Lt. Richard Weber Wheaton Montgomery 1995 William Merrill Princess Anne Somerset 1996 Todd Baldwin Odenton Anne Arundel 1997 Captain Eric Strongburg Cabin John Park Montgomery 1998 Captain John Frank Joppa Magnolia Harford 1998 Fred Labelle Joppa Magnolia Harford 1999 Not Awarded 2000 Chief Charles E. Jester Church Hill Queen Anne’s 2001 Not awarded 2002 John Ferguson IV Rockville Montgomery 2002 John Berry Rockville Montgomery 2003 Clay Stamp Ocean City Worcester 2003 Lt. Robert “Bo” Duke Ocean City Worcester 2004 Philip S. Stevens Waldorf Charles 472 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Year Name Company County 2005 David Yankey New Market District Frederick 2006 H. Edward “Eddie” Woods Glenn Dale Prince George’s 2006 Michael Moore Glenn Dale Prince George’s 2007 Brian Thrasher Huntingtown Calvert 2007 Michael Nasti Huntingtown Calvert 2008 Adam St. John Wheaton Montgomery 2009 John Klaron Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad Montgomery 2009 Curtis Warfield Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad Montgomery 2010 Donald F. Ford Deal Island-Chance Somerset 2010 Johnie R. Walters Deal Island-Chance Somerset 2010 Ryan Evans Deal Island Chance Somerset 2011 Asst. Chief Kris Keene Princess Anne Somerset 2012 Brent Harne Middletown Frederick
473 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference FIREFIGHTER OF THE YEAR AWARD
Purpose of Award: Outstanding Citizenship and Exemplary Job Achievement
Award Sponsor: Maryland State Firemen’s Association
Award Administered By: Maryland State Firemen’s Association Firefighter of the Year Committee
Background: The Maryland State Firemen’s Association (MSFA) established the Firefighter of the Year Award in 1978, to be presented at the Annual Convention and Conference each year from nominations received from the member departments or individuals. Qualified nominations will be judged by the Firefighter of the Year Committee appointed by the President of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association.
The committee solicits your support in this fine program and asks that you select someone in your department or from a member department of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association for the award.
Award Rules: The rules and guidelines for the Firefighter of the Year Program are as follows: 1. Nominee must be from a member department of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association. 2. Any active member of a department of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association may submit the name of a nominee for the award. 3. Nominations must be submitted on an individual basis only on official letterhead or department stationary with the official MSFA Firefighter of the Year Nomination Form attached. Form must be signed with title of person submitting the nomination. A photograph of the nominee shall be submitted with the form. 4. Nomination must be submitted to the Chairman of the Firefighter of the Year Committee no later than May 1st of each year. Any late entries will not be considered. The mailing address for the entries is:
David “Rusty” Leftwich Chairman, MSFA Firefighter of the Year Committee 2121 Harkins Road Pylesville, MD 21132
5. Guidelines for selection of nominee: A. Outstanding citizenship, i.e., activities by a firefighter to better his/her department and community at large, etc. B. Exemplary job achievement, i.e., lecturing at school on fire safety, 474 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference setting up a program of fire inspections, fund raising, etc. C. This award will be for calendar year only.
NOTE: This award will not be judged on acts of heroism. All heroism nominations should be directed to the Colburn Trophy Award.
6. Awarding of the Firefighter of the Year Plaque and Certificates: A. Award to be made at the MSFA Annual Convention and Conference. B. Winner to receive large plaque annually C. Winner receives the Firefighter of the Year Medal and Ribbon Bar, which was approved by the Executive Committee in 2002. The ribbon is red and white and the gold medal is inscribed as Firefighter of the Year, with the MSFA Seal in the center. D. Awarding of plaque and medal to be made by the President of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association. E. Certificates will be presented or mailed to all nominees. F. Recipients name will be placed on a large plaque in the Volunteer Firefighter’s Room, Adult Education Center, University of Maryland, College Park. Plaque donated by the Laytonsville District Volunteer Fire Department of Montgomery County in memory of Chief Spencer J. H. Brown, Sr., Past President of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association.
Previous Recipients: Year Name Company County 1978 Herman E. Rhue Hurlock Dorchester 1979 Richard A. Ayers Community FC, Rising Sun Cecil 1980 James J. Snyder, Jr. Laytonsville Montgomery 1981 Eugene L. Worthington Level Harford 1981 Joseph G. Burris Church Hill Queen Anne’s 1982 Tony Sterling Salisbury Wicomico 1983 Thomas Y. Miller Level Harford 1984 Harry A. Pafel, Jr. Fallston Harford 1985 Ted F. Jackson Church Hill Queen Anne’s 1986 Diane May Luke Allegany 1987 Rhonda J. Thomas Level Harford 1988 David C. “Rusty” Leftwich Delta-Cardiff Harford 1989 William J. Dousa, Jr. Joppa-Magnolia Harford 1990 L. Jason Baer Goodwill Washington 1991 Francis T. Mowbray, Jr. Barton Hose Allegany 1992 Michael E. Tarquini Level Harford 1993 James E. Jarboe Takoma Park Montgomery 475 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference 1994 Steven W. Leatherman Middleton Frederick 1995 Barbara A. Knippenburg Midland Allegany 1996 James “Deacon” Dick Midland Allegany 1997 Francis D. Jester Church Hill Queen Anne’s 1998 Joseph Wayne Hardesty Prince Frederick VFD Calvert 1999 Joseph Wayne Hardesty Prince Frederick VFD Calvert 2000 Joseph Della-Camera Prince Frederick VFD Calvert 2001 Jim Lyons Joppa-Magnolia Harford 2002 Jeff Williams Indian Head Charles 2003 James E. McClelland Capital Heights Prince George’s 2004 Daniel J. Stevens Waldorf Charles 2005 William Hill, Jr. Hollywood VFD St. Mary’s 2006 Aimee Cenate Mechanicsville VFD St. Mary’s 2007 Derrick E. Lloyd Joppa Magnolia Harford 2008 Christopher Scully Hollywood VFD St. Mary’s 2009 Jeff Thompson Chestertown Kent 2010 Jason Sharpe Prince Frederick VFD Calvert 2011 Michael Sullivan Hollywood VFD St. Mary’s
476 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference MARBERY F. GATES SERVICE CUP AWARD
Purpose of Award: Recognition of Fifty (50) Years of Continuous and Faithful Service
Award Sponsor: Rockville Volunteer Fire Department
Award Administered By: Maryland State Firemen’s Association Hall of Fame Committee
Background: This award was established by the Rockville Volunteer Fire Department and accepted by the Maryland State Firemen’s Association (MSFA) Executive Committee in 1981 to honor over sixty (60) years of active service performed by charter member, Mr. Marbery F. Gates of Rockville, Montgomery County, Maryland. The initial and first award was presented to Mr. Marbery F. Gates on June 15, 1981, at the 86th Annual Convention of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association. Mr. Gates served on the MSFA Board of Trustees from 1969 through 1989.
Award Rules:
1. The Marbery F. Gates Service Cup is to be awarded to an individual selected by the MSFA as deserving of this honor; such individual is to have at least, but not less than 50 years of continuous and faithful service to organizations within the Association. Individuals nominated must be living prior to the cutoff date of April 15th of the year to be presented. 2. The Master Cup will have the award date, name and fire company of the recipient carved thereon and will, for one year from date of presentation until the next MSFA Annual Convention, remain in the responsible custody of the honored individual’s fire company. The Personal Cup also suitably endorsed, will be presented to the individual to covet and keep forever. 3. The individual selected by the Committee will receive the Marbery F. Gates Medal and Ribbon Bar, which was approved by the Executive Committee is 2002. The ribbon is gold with four stripes of purple and the gold medal is inscribed as Marbery F. Gates Award. 4. Each individual nominated will receive a plaque the first year nominated and any sequential years a certificate recognizing them for their Continuous and Faithful Service. Each individual will also receive a Governors Citation. 5. The Committee will receive nominations until April 15th. The President of the Rockville Volunteer Fire Department will be notified no later than May 20th of the individual selected, to allow preparation of the individual trophy and the recording of the individual’s name on the Master Cup. 6. Nominations in the form of a resume shall be submitted No Later Than April 15th of Each Year to:
477 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference C. Dan Carpente, III Chairman MSFA Hall of Fame Committee 1106 Cornwall Drive La Plata, MD 20646
Previous Recipients:
Year Name Company County 1981 Marbery F. Gates Rockville Montgomery 1982 Chief Leslie B. Thompson, P.P. Damascus Montgomery 1983 G. Mitchell Boulden, P.P. Singerly Cecil 1984 Frank Middleton Pittsville Wicomico 1985 Chief Byron H. Miller Gaithersburg- Washington Grove Montgomery 1986 William G. Holley Leonardtown St. Mary’s 1987 B. Harrison Shipley, Jr., P.P. Ellicott City Howard 1988 John R. Williams Delta-Cardiff Harford 1989 Chief Ralph N. Small, Jr., P.P. Boulevard Heights Prince George’s 1990 John W. Smith, P.P. West Annapolis Anne Arundel 1991 Henry Harrison Purdy Easton Talbot 1992 Chief Smith N. Stathem, P.P. Pikesville Baltimore 1993 C. Oscar Baker, P.P. Mt. Airy Carroll 1994 William “Barney” Miller Barton Allegany 1995 Chief Charles B. Burton, P.P. Landover Hills Prince George’s 1996 Chief Millard Purcell Bel Air Harford 1997 David E. Kirk, P.P. Bowling Green Allegany 1998 Bernard D. “Buck” Gladhill Damascus Montgomery 1999 Chief Gerald A. Glaubitz, P.P. Morningside Prince George’s 2000 Albert D. “Mickey” Harris, Jr. Glen Echo Montgomery 2001 William F. Cooke Waldorf Charles 2002 John W. Means, Sr. Pleasant Valley Carroll 2003 Joseph R. Robison, P.P. Laurel Prince George’s 2004 William H. Smith, Jr. Luke Allegany 2005 Daniel B. Smith, Sr. Aberdeen Harford 2006 J. Donald Mooney Lansdowne Baltimore 2007 John W. Berryman, Sr. Pikesville Baltimore 2008 Leonard T. King, Sr., P.P. Damascus Montgomery 2009 Wylie L. Donaldson, Jr. Odenton Anne Arundel 2010 Thomas P. Collins Beltsville VFD Prince George’s 2011 John O. Gatton, Sr. Hollywood VFD St. Mary’s 2012 George A. “Fred” Cross, Jr., P.P. Chestnut Ridge Baltimore
478 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference CHIEF A. MARVIN GIBBONS MEMORIAL AWARD
Purpose of Award: Best Appearing Company in Convention Parade
Award Sponsor: Hillandale Volunteer Fire Department, Incorporated – Montgomery County
Background: In memory of Chief A. Marvin Gibbons, Past President of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association (MSFA) and a man whose impact on the fire service was felt nationwide, the Hillandale Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. (Montgomery County, Maryland) with the foreknowledge and endorsement of the MSFA Executive Committee and the Gibbons Family, shall sponsor the annual A. Marvin Gibbons Memorial Award for the best appearing company in the MSFA Convention Parade.
Starting with the 1992 MSFA Convention, a trophy will be awarded by the parade judges at the regular award ceremony following the parade and will be presented to the best appearing company for their edification and personal safekeeping until the following MSFA Annual Convention. At that time, during the opening ceremony, the trophy will be formally surrendered to the Convention Chairman, who will then present a permanent award to the surrendering company. The trophy will then remain on display until it is re-awarded.
The perpetual trophy and permanent award will be provided by the Hillandale Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. (Montgomery County) in memory of our brother, Chief A. Marvin Gibbons, who served with the profound distinction for the forty-two years in many capabilities, including President and Fire Chief.
Because Marvin was the driving force behind the annual MSFA Convention Parade and because he personally choreographed the opening ceremony of our convention it was universally felt that this award, having an impact upon both the annual parade and opening ceremony, would be a fitting tribute and memorial to this great man.
The award shall be presented to the company which, in the opinion of the parade judges, presents the best overall appearance considering such factors as: number of and composition of units, number of personnel in uniform, decorum, demeanor, and esprit de corps.
SECTION 1 – ANNOUNCEMENT - The following announcement was submitted to the MSFA for inclusion in the Awards Information Manual: Name of Award: Chief A. Marvin Gibbons Memorial Award. Purpose of Award: Best Appearing Company/Department in Line of Parade, Annual MSFA Convention Parade. Award Sponsor: Hillandale Volunteer Fire Department, Inc., (Montgomery County). Award Judged By: MSFA Annual Convention Parade Judges. 479 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference SECTION 2 – CHIEF A. MARVIN GIBBONS Arthur Marvin Gibbons was born on April 14, 1927 in Washington, D.C. For over forty-two years, Chief Gibbons made significant and lasting contributions to the fire service of his community, Montgomery County, the State, and the Nation.
In his community, Marvin joined the Hillandale Volunteer Fire Department in 1948 and served as Fire Chief for sixteen years and as President for four terms. In 1961, he was named Montgomery County “Fireman of the Year”.
At the county level, Marvin worked enthusiastically for “Bill 1” which established a seven member Executive Committee of the Montgomery County Fire Board. This committee developed policy for the fire and rescue services of Montgomery County. Chief Gibbons served as chairman or vice-chairman of the Fire Board for fourteen years. During his tenure, he spearheaded the movement to establish the county’s Length of Service Awards Program (LOSAP). This program was the first of its type to recognize the service of volunteer fire and rescue personnel and has spread throughout our nation.
Also while Chairman of the Fire Board, Marvin helped to established the Heart Mobil which was the forerunner to the current Paramedic Program. In addition, he was personally involved with the building of the Public Safety Training Academy. Chief Gibbons hired the first Training Officer, the late Warren Isman and hired the first Director of the Department of Fire and Rescue Services, Chief David B. Gratz. Both of these individuals went on to become known internationally in the fire service community.
When Chief Gibbons recognized that Montgomery County lacked adequate mutual aid agreements, he attacked the problem. He used his common sense and uncommon persuasive abilities to forge the mutual aid agreements that now exist among all metropolitan area jurisdictions.
Upon retiring from the Fire Board, Chief Gibbons was elected Chairman Emeritus. Chief Gibbons also served as President of the Montgomery County Fire/Rescue Association.
At the state level, Chief Gibbons, for many years, worked tirelessly for the MSFA Convention, organizing the parade, choreographing the opening ceremonies, and serving as both Vice Chairman and Chairman of the Convention Committee. In 1977 Marvin was elected President of the MSFA. Following his tenure as President, Chief Gibbons continued his work with the Association on numerous committees. In 1981, Chief Gibbons was elected to the “Hall of Fame.” His efforts just prior to his death were more national in scope. Chief Gibbons was instrumental in establishing a National Fallen Firefighter’s Memorial erected at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland. This memorial, and the annual ceremony which recognizes those individuals who have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving their fellow citizens, was truly one of Marvin’s proudest achievements. In 1990, Chief Gibbons was 480 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference honored with an award for outstanding service from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for his work in overseeing the design and construction of the Memorial.
Chief Gibbons held honorary memberships in the following organizations: Burtonsville Volunteer Fire Department, Montgomery County; Chillum-Adelphi Volunteer Fire Department, Prince George’s County; Damascus Volunteer Fire Department, Montgomery County; Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company, Worcester County; Sandy Spring Volunteer Fire Department, Montgomery County; Upper Montgomery Volunteer Fire Department, Montgomery County; Wheaton Volunteer rescue Squad, Montgomery County.
Chief Gibbons was a life member of the International Association of Fire Chiefs and a charter member of Heroes, Inc.
On May 16, 1993, the Fire and Rescue Service Wing of the Montgomery County Public Service Training Academy was dedicated in memory of Chief A. Marvin Gibbons.
Marvin Gibbons was raised in Washington, D.C., graduating from Anacostia High School. He served in the Navy aboard the U.S.S. Eldorado for 23 months in the Pacific during World War II. Chief Gibbons married May Ann Campbell. They raised two sons, Michael C. and A. Marvin III. Marvin’s grandchildren include: Lauren A., Michael C. II, Kelly L., and Marvin IV.
Chief A. Marvin Gibbons passed away on December 13, 1990 at his home in Lighthouse Point, Florida.
Marvin was admired for his accomplishments, love for his wit, and respected for his decency. He saw the good in every person. A friend of both the mighty and the meek. Marvin nonetheless possessed uncommon humility.
Those of us who knew Marvin personally will never forget his happy demeanor, caring personality, and high values. Those who did not have that special privilege will still have his remarkable legacy of good works.
Marvin Gibbons will always be a beacon of honor and genuine hero to the Hillandale Volunteer Fire Department.
SECTION 3 – THE MEMORIAL AWARD
1.1 INTRODUCTION - The Chief A. Marvin Gibbons Memorial Award consists of four major components: the pedestal, the felt field, the granite base, and the speaking trumpet. In addition, the award also includes a support for the trumpet and a dust cover. Each of the major components represents a specific aspect of the life of A. Marvin Gibbons. 481 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference 1.2 PEDESTAL - The pedestal forms the foundation of the A. Marvin Gibbons Memorial Award. Just as Marvin Gibbons was in life, this pedestal is robust, solid, and distinguished looking. The pedestal: Made of solid mahogany, is octagonal in shape and measures forty inches high and approximately twenty-five inches across. The pedestal rests on a one inch base plate. In the top surface of the pedestal is a circular felt field. This felt field is red, Marvin’s favorite color. The felt field measures approximately eighteen inches in diameter. Upon this surface rests the granite base.
1.3 GRANITE BASE - The base of the Chief A. Marvin Gibbons Memorial Award is made from Elberton dark blue-gray granite. The stone measures twelve and five- eighths inches long, eight inches wide, and two inches high, has a smooth bottom, polished top and rough sides with rounded corners. This granite resembles the gravestone of Chief A. Marvin Gibbons.
1.4 SPEAKING TRUMPET - The Speaking Trumpet is an exact duplicate of the antique speaking trumpet presented to Chief Gibbons by the Hillandale Volunteer Fire Department upon his election to President of the MSFA. The Speaking Trumpet was cast in bronze from a mold made from the original trumpet. The bronze trumpet was then polished and chrome plated. Chief Gibbons instituted the use of chrome to accent equipment and apparatus in order to build pride within the Department. The red, white and blue braid and tassels are a ceremonial halyard representing the patriotism of Chief Gibbons.
SECTION 4 - ADMINISTRATION
1.1 SET-UP AND RELOCATION - The Chief A. Marvin Gibbons Memorial Award should be displayed is a dry, level location. Care should be taken to protect the pedestal base molding from damage. After an appropriate location has been decided, determine where the front of the Award will face. Place the pedestal in position and rotate until the “pointed” portion of the dust cover groove is facing away from the front. Place the granite base in the center of the felt field with the name plate toward the front. Align the rear side of the base with the “pointed” portion of the dust cover groove. Place the plastic trumpet holder (plastic rod) in such a fashion that the ends point toward the front. Place the Trumpet on the plastic holder so as to tilt the trumpet toward the back. The Trumpet should rest on the holder. Adjust the location (front to back) to space the Trumpet evenly over the granite base. Lift the dust cover over the Trumpet and place in groove with “seam” of dust cover at the “pointed” portion of the groove. Check the alignment of the Trumpet by standing at the front; the dust cover seam should be invisible behind and in line with the Trumpet.
482 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference 1.2 MAINTENANCE AND CARE - The Chief A. Marvin Gibbons Memorial Award has been designed with minimum care required. The pedestal requires only occasional dusting. Prior to returning the Award to the next MSFA Convention, the pedestal should be waxed with a good grade furniture wax. The dust cover should maintain the granite base and Speaking Trumpet relatively dust free. Prior to returning the Award to the next convention, simply dust the trumpet with a soft cloth. The granite base may be wiped with a damp cloth. The dust cover should be cleaned with the plastic cleaner provided.
1.3 INSURANCE - The Hillandale Volunteer Fire Department initially carried insurance on the Chief A. Marvin Gibbons Award. The insurance is now provided under the MSFA insurance coverage. In the event of damage or theft, please contact Secretary and/or Convention Chairman.
The Hillandale Volunteer Fire Department gratefully acknowledges the cooperation and support of the following individuals and organizations during the design and production of this award: Abe Lincoln Flags, Banners & Gifts, Vienna, Virginia; Acme Plating Company, Inc., Baltimore, Maryland; Clements Industries, Inc., Ashton, Maryland; Continental, Inc., Rockville, Maryland; Day Memorials, Beltsville, Maryland; John J. Habert, Ellicott City, Maryland; New Arts Foundry, Baltimore, Maryland; Precision Plastics, Beltsville, Maryland; William Thrift III, Bowie, Maryland; Wood Creations, Dunkirk, Maryland.
The A. Marvin Gibbons Memorial Committee, Hillandale Volunteer Fire Department; Chief Richard P. Clime, Chief Bruce A. Emmel, C. Townesend Jones, Maureen G. Saval, Joseph A. Weisgerber, George W. Willie.
Previous Recipients:
1992 Easton Volunteer Fire Department Talbot County 1993 Easton Volunteer Fire Department Talbot County 1994 Easton Volunteer Fire Department Talbot County 1995 Easton Volunteer Fire Department Talbot County 1996 Chestertown Volunteer Fire Company Kent County 1997 Easton Volunteer Fire Department Talbot County 1998 Chestertown Volunteer Fire Company Kent County 1999 Chestertown Volunteer Fire Company Kent County 2000 Chestertown Volunteer Fire Company Kent County 2001 Chestertown Volunteer Fire Company Kent County 2002 Easton Volunteer Fire Department Talbot County 2003 Galena Volunteer Fire Company Kent County 2004 Crumpton Volunteer Fire Department Queen Anne’s County 2005 Galena Volunteer Fire Company Kent County 2006 Easton Volunteer Fire Department Talbot County 483 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference 2007 Easton Volunteer Fire Company Talbot County 2008 Easton Volunteer Fire Company Talbot County 2009 Chestertown Volunteer Fire Company Kent County 2010 Easton Volunteer Fire Department Talbot County 2011 Easton Volunteer Fire Department Talbot County 2012 Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department St. Mary’s
484 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference GLADHILL – THOMPSON TROPHY
Purpose of Award: Outstanding contribution to the Maryland State Firemen’s Association
Award Sponsor: Mr. Bernard D. “Buck” Gladhill, & the Damascus Volunteer Fire Department
Award Administered By: Maryland State Firemen’s Association Elected Officers
Background: This award was originally established by Mr. Bernard D. “Buck” Gladhill and accepted by the Maryland State Firemen’s Association (MSFA) Executive Committee in 1974. Mr. Gladhill saw the need to honor an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the future welfare of the MSFA and would be known as the Gladhill Trophy. The award will be considered the highest Maryland State Firemen’s Association award that can be conferred on an individual. It will be awarded on a highly selective basis to an individual who, in the opinion of the judges, has made an outstanding contribution to the future welfare of members of the MSFA or who has distinguished himself or herself by exceptionally meritorious service of major significance to the MSFA or the Fire Service of the United States. In 1984, the award was changed to the Gladhill-Thompson Trophy in recognition of both Mr. Gladhill and Chief Thompson.
Award Rules:
1. Eligibility - - - A. The following are eligible: 1. Members of the “Official Family” (i.e., members of the Executive Committee, the Standing Committees, Special Committees, etc.). 2. Bona fide members of member fire companies or; 3. Members of part-paid or paid fire departments, within the state, or; 4. Former members of an organized Fire Department within the state. B. The following are not eligible: 1. The judges 2. Any candidate that received compensation for the performance of the act or acts considered for the award 2. Criteria - - - A. The Candidate accomplished assigned (or assumed) duties in such a manner as have been clearly exceptional among all who have performed like or similar duties in a superior manner and/or; B. The candidate developed and improved methods and procedures, or produced an innovation or invention which accomplished extraordinary results for the MSFA or the U.S. Fire Service; or C. The candidate may have exhibited great courage and voluntary risk of personal safety or personal possessions in the face of danger, over
485 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference and beyond the call of duty, in performing an act or acts which resulted in direct benefit to the MSFA and/or its members (which this award is given for a “heroic” act it shall be given to the candidate if no other award (cash or otherwise) has been granted previously in connection with the same act); or D. The candidate may have rendered outstanding service related to his/ her activities for the Maryland State Firemen’s Association comparable with the above and relating to the following: 1. Activities which improved the image of the Association or which gained favorable benefits or meritorious recognition for the Association or its members, or; 2. Contributed to/or developed a valuable program for the benefit of the future of the Association and its members. 3. Time Period - - - Although it is realized that to be fully effective an award should be timely, it is not necessary that the service or performance be rendered within the year of the award. 4. Preparation of Award Certification - - - Factual information will be prepared as separate correspondence in the form of a proposal for each candidate. It shall list the candidates’ accomplishments in accordance with the above criteria (Section 2). 5. Submission of Nominations - - - A. The name or names of prospective recipients shall be submitted to: Doyle E. Cox, Secretary 29132 Superior Circle Easton, Maryland 21601 before April 15th of each year or at least 30 days before the Annual Convention B. If no candidates are submitted to the judges, the judges shall select a qualified candidate. 6. The Judges - - - A. The judges shall be the elected officers of the MSFA. B. A simple majority of the judges present and voting shall be necessary for a decision. 7. The Award will be presented to the recipient annually at the Annual Convention and Conference and to be inscribed with his/her name. He/she will be presented with a miniature trophy for his/her possession at the following Annual Convention and Conference. After the trophy has been filled with the names of the recipients, the award will be retired to the Volunteer Firefighter’s Room, Adult Education Center, University of Maryland, College Park. 8. The recipient will also receive the Gladhill-Thompson Medal and Ribbon Bar, which was approved by the Executive Committee in 2002. The ribbon is red/ green and the gold medal is inscribed as Gladhill-Thompson Award and the year, with the MSFA Seal in the center. 486 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Previous Recipients: Year Name Company County 1974 Chief Leslie B. Thompson, P.P. Damascus Montgomery 1975 Chief Ralph N. Small, P.P. Boulevard Heights Prince George’s 1976 Robert J. Smith, P.P. West Lanham Hills Prince George’s 1977 Chief Lewis C. Grabille Gaithersburg- Washington Grove Montgomery 1978 Chief Joseph R. Robison, P.P. Laurel Prince George’s 1979 Edgar M. Snyder Manchester Carroll 1980 Roy L. Wood, P.P. Beltsville Prince George’s 1981 Chief A. Marvin Gibbons, P.P. Hillandale Montgomery 1982 Chief Gerald A. Glaubitz, P.P. Morningside Prince George’s 1983 William A. Hawkins Jessup Anne Arundel Award known as the “Gladhill Trophy” prior to 1984 1984 Eugene L. “Gene” Worthington, P.P. Level Harford 1985 Chief Charles W. Riley, P.P. Abingdon Harford 1986 Bernard D. “Buck” Gladhill Damascus Montgomery 1987 Chief William J. Fleshman, P.P. Beltsville Prince George’s 1988 William E. Denver Elkton Cecil 1989 Chief J. Donald Mooney Lansdowne Baltimore 1990 Anne Hawkins Jessup Anne Arundel 1991 David E. Kirk, P.P. Bowling Green Allegany 1992 Chief Leonard T. King, P.P. Damascus Montgomery 1993 Chief John W. Smith, P.P. West Annapolis Anne Arundel 1994 Chief Charles B. Burton, P.P. Landover Hills Prince George’s 1995 Charles W. Wills Potomac Heights Charles 1996 John Shuhart Barton Allegany 1997 Robert W. Jacobs, P.P. Citizens Truck Frederick 1998 Chief Thomas A. Mattingly, Sr., P.P. Leonardtown St. Mary’s 1999 Lee N. Sachs, P.P. Pikesville Baltimore 2000 Chief Ronald J. Siarnicki Prince George’s County 2001 Richard L. Yinger, P.P. Citizens Truck Frederick 2002 C. Oscar Baker, P.P. Mt. Airy Carroll 2003 Roger N. Powell, P.P. Pikesville Baltimore 2004 Robert W. Saville Bowling Green Allegany 2005 Wylie L. Donaldson Odenton Anne Arundel 2006 Margaret King Maryland State Firemen’s Association 2007 Doyle E. Cox, P.P. Prince Frederick Calvert 2008 Louis J. Jonske, Sr. Joppa Magnolia Harford 2009 C. Daniel Davis, Jr., P.P. Hollywood VFD St. Mary’s 2010 Benjamin W. Kurtz Jarrettsville Harford 2011 Philip M. Hurlock, P.P. Church Hill Queen Anne’s 2012 W. Mitchell “Mitch” Vocke Jarrettsville Harford 487 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference HALL OF FAME AWARD
Purpose of Award: Recognition of Distinguished Service to the Maryland State Firemen’s Association or an Individual Department or County Fire or Rescue Service
Award Sponsor: Maryland State Firemen’s Association
Award Administered By: Maryland State Firemen’s Association Hall of Fame Committee
Background: The Hall of Fame Award was established by the Maryland State Firemen’s Association (MSFA) Executive Committee in 1979 as a result of a recommendation from Past President Eugene J. C. Raney to recognize the distinguished service of individuals. The first emphasis; to be service to the MSFA and then service to the individual’s department and local jurisdiction. Through the year 1985 the Hall of Fame Committee was authorized to select up to twenty (20) inductees into the Hall of Fame, and hence the selection shall be limited to ten (10) inductees, either living or deceased. The award shall be made at the Annual Convention. Distinguished service to the MSFA is the primary consideration, with service to the member’s company and county to be considered also.
Award Rules:
1. During the year 1981 thru 1985, there were twenty (20) individuals selected each year, either living or deceased.
2. Beginning in the year 1986, induction into the Hall of Fame will be limited to ten (10) individuals who are members of a volunteer fire, rescue or EMS department/company, either living or deceased, and up to three (3) individuals who are not members of a volunteer fire, rescue, or EMS department/company, either living or deceased.
3. Names of individuals for nomination to the Hall of Fame may be submitted by:
a. The nominee’s home fire, rescue or EMS department/company, or b. Any individual in good standing with a fire, rescue or EMS department/ company, or c. A member department/company in good standing with the MSFA, or d. An individual member (s) of the Hall of Fame Committee
4. Nominees must have a minimum of ten (10) years of service to be eligible for consideration.
488 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference 5. Nomination to the Hall of Fame should be based upon distinguished service to the MSFA. Distinguished service to the nominee’s individual department/ company or County may be considered.
6. All nominations must be received, in writing, by the Chairman of the Hall of Fame Committee, by April 15th of each year to be considered. Until selected, a letter of nomination for an individual must be submitted each year, nomination letters will not be carried over from year to year. All nomination letters must be signed.
7. Selection of nominees to the MSFA Hall of Fame will be made annually by the members of the Hall of Fame Committee.
8. All individuals selected to the MSFA Hall of Fame will receive two (2) certificates, (one for the individual and one for their station,) apocket card, a lapel pin, shoulder patch, decal and a hat. Each inductee will also receive the Hall of Fame Medal and Ribbon Bar, which was approved by the Executive Committee in 2002. The ribbon is red/white/blue and the gold medal is inscribed as “Hall of Fame” and the year, with the MSFA Seal in the center. Induction and presentations will take place at the Annual Convention and Conference.
9. The names of individuals selected to the Hall of Fame shall be published in the Annual Proceedings Book of the MSFA along with the year the selection was made.
10. A permanent plaque may be installed in the Volunteer Firefighter’s Room, Adult Education Center, University of Maryland, College Park, and the MFRI Regional Training Center. These plaques will list the individuals that have been inducted, along with the year the selection was made. The plaques at the Regional Training Centers will list only inductees from the geographical area.
11. Submission of nominations shall be mailed to:
C. Dan Carpenter III Chairman 1106 Cornwall Dr. La Plata, MD 20646 301-609-8651
489 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Previous Recipients: Name Company County 1979 Eugene J. C. Raney, P.P. Kensington Montgomery Gov. J. Millard Tawes, P.P. Crisfield Somerset G. Mitchell Boulden, P.P. Singerly Cecil John W. Smith, P.P. West Annapolis Anne Arundel Ted C. Gardner, P.P. Riverdale Heights Prince George’s Philip H. Beard, P.P. Walkersville Frederick James N. Jarman, P.P. Ocean City Worcester Robert L. Smith Frederick Frederick William A. Wilson Midland Allegany Walter Bennett Sykesville Carroll Spencer J. H. Brown, Sr., P.P. Sandy Spring Montgomery Vincent A. Simmel Cottage City Prince George’s Joseph H. Kelly, P.P. Benedict Charles Showell T. Culver Hebron Wicomico Dr. James P. Swing Cambridge Dorchester Noah Joffee Bowie Prince George’s John Meech Avalon Shores Anne Arundel George R. Lindsay Hagerstown Washington Cromwell C. Zembower, P.P. LaVale Allegany B. Harrison Shipley, Sr., P.P. Ellicott City Howard Thomas G. Basil Annapolis Anne Arundel Jesse A. Fisher Annapolis Anne Arundel B. H. Ford Crisfield Somerset Phil Ryan Mount Rainier Prince George’s A. J. Fairal Laurel Prince George’s John O. Cockey Glyndon Baltimore John S. Pritchard Grantsville Garrett Curtis C. Larrimore Easton Talbot Roy L. Morgan Annapolis Anne Arundel Floyd B. Heimer Branchville Prince George’s Felix Foote Lonaconing Allegany Rev. James W. Minter Hereford Baltimore F. L. Hiser Bel Air Harford Theodore W. Veneman Riverdale Prince George’s
1980 Herman Dilg Hillandale Montgomery Frank Middleton Pittsville Wicomico W. Bartgis Storm, P.P. Frederick Frederick
490 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Heney A. Marschalk Takoma Park Montgomery Ralph N. Small, Jr., P.P. Boulevard Heights Prince George’s Joseph R. Robison, P.P. Laurel Prince George’s Pierce M. Damewood Beltsville Prince George’s Marbery F. Gates Rockville Montgomery Irving W. Johnson Takoma Park Montgomery Charles S. Sewell Abingdon Harford
1981 Ermon O. Dill Earleigh Heights Anne Arundel J. Francis Fatkins Clarysville Allegany David E. Kirk, P.P. Bowling Green Allegany Roland B. Duke, P.P. Leonardtown St. Mary’s John F. McNulty, P.P. Linthicum Anne Arundel Leslie B. Thompson, P.P. Damascus/Chestertown Montgomery/Kent Hon. Louis L. Goldstein Prince Frederick Calvert A. Marvin Gibbons, P.P. Hillandale Montgomery William A. Chenoweth Pikesville Baltimore William W. Fox Landover Hills Prince George’s Robert C. Byrus University of Maryland - MFRI Richard J. Mooney Lansdowne Baltimore George W. McCullough Lansdowne Baltimore Edward M. Dunn, Sr. Powhatan Beach Anne Arundel Lewis C. Graybill Gaithersburg- Washington Grove Montgomery George W. Colburn, Jr., P.P. Princess Anne Somerset Clair Loughmiller Morningside Prince George’s Charles B. Burton, P.P. Landover Hills Prince George’s William M. Moore, P.P. Frederick Frederick John A. Hornberger Water Witch Cecil
1982 Charles W. Havens Westminster Carroll Charles N. Ringer, P.P. Hagerstown Washington Joseph Shuhart, Sr. Barton Allegany John J. Barth Cambridge Dorchester Severn H. Cooper Mardela Springs Wicomico Charles Mumma Rocky Ridge Frederick John F. Stevens, Jr. Annapolis Anne Arundel Chester S. McCarthy La Plata Charles Paul F. J. Lepore Savage Howard Edgar M. Snyder Hampstead Carroll Gerald A. Glaubitz, P.P. Morningside Prince George’s 491 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Howard A. Kellar, P.P. Pikesville Baltimore J. Edward McClain III Delmar Wicomico William L. Williams Salisbury Wicomico John H. O’Lexey Jessup Anne Arundel Joseph C. Stuckey Corrigansville Allegany Robert E. Wood Glen Echo Montgomery Charles Edwin Turner, Sr., P.P. Centreville Queen Anne’s Bernard D. “Buck” Gladhill Damascus Montgomery C. Robert Entwisle Forestville Prince George’s
1983 Harry C. Walters Corrigansville Allegany Lawrence D. Beardmore Morningside Prince George’s D. Edgar Hurlock, Jr. Church Hill Queen Anne’s Kyle I. Lenahan Elkridge Howard Sterling M. Frock Pleasant Valley Carroll John K. Williams Funkstown Washington George E. Mayer, Sr. Easton Talbot Gilbert Perdue, Sr. Snow Hill Worcester John W. Dell Burtonsville Montgomery Maurice E. Gray Union Bridge Carroll Byrd J. Raby Potomac Heights Charles Byron H. Miller Gaithersburg- Washington Grove Montgomery James Meredith Marshall Cambridge Dorchester Chester William Shimer Westernport Allegany Herman B. Hare, P.P. Hampstead Carroll William E. Denver Singerly Cecil David E. Black, Sr. Manchester Carroll Joseph Worthington Level Harford Robert N. Dempsey, P.P. Kennedyville Kent Fred A. Grier, Jr. Salisbury Wicomico
1984 John Ward Means, Sr. Pleasant Valley Carroll Smith N. Stathem, Jr., P.P. Pikesville Baltimore David S. Dwyer Bethesda-Chevy Chase Montgomery William H. Berry Rockville Montgomery James K. Nicholson Church Hill Queen Anne’s Albert G. Parlett Linthicum Anne Arundel Frank L. Leizear Cabin John Park Montgomery Daniel Bennett Smith, Sr. Aberdeen Harford William J. Fleshman, P.P. Beltsville Prince George’s 492 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Thomas P. Collins Beltsville Prince George’s Jesse L. Kimble Barton Allegany Russell Denbow Level Harford Roy L. Wood, P.P. Beltsville Prince George’s C. Oscar Baker, P.P. Mt. Airy Carroll Peter Paul Lochary, P.P. Bel Air Harford J. Donald Mooney Lansdowne Baltimore Norris J. Beard Laurel Prince George’s Samuel Ahmuty, Sr. Odenton Anne Arundel Garyton Colvard Echols, Jr. La Plata Charles Edgar S. Freeman, III Earleigh Heights Anne Arundel
1985 Charles W. Riley, P.P. Abington Harford Harry J. Devlin Midland Allegany W. Newton Carey, Jr. Salisbury Wicomico Joseph A. Weisgerber Hillandale Montgomery William T. Dorsey West Friendship Howard Lindsay L. Browning Mt. Airy Carroll Arthur Lowman Mr. Airy Carroll Bill R. Bliss Upper Montgomery Montgomery James J. Snyder, Jr. Laytonsville Montgomery Robert E. Mumma Rocky Ridge Frederick Scott Lambert Smith Pleasant Valley Carroll Melvin F. Schwearing Independent Hose Frederick Catherine Small West Annapolis Anne Arundel Donald E. Stitely Guardian Hose Frederick Orville J. Morgan Federalsburg Caroline William F. Cooke Waldorf Charles Clyde Kreitzer Manchester Carroll
Stanley H. Patterson Cockeysville Baltimore Herbert L. Corbin Westminster Carroll Calvin W. Growden Bedford Road Allegany
1986 William G. Holley Leonardtown St. Mary’s Charles W. Wills Potomac Heights Charles Robert J. Smith, P.P. West Annapolis Anne Arundel Thomas L. Tharp, P.P. Odenton Anne Arundel Ralph E. Dull Manchester Carroll Herman Rhue Hurlock Dorchester James E. Lamberson Barton Allegany 493 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Edward E. Raynor Riviera Beach Anne Arundel Joseph Harrison Cordova Talbot Robert H. Everhart Rockville Montgomery
1987 William A. Hawkins Jessup Anne Arundel Don Dunnington Bethesda-Chevy Chase Montgomery Henry H. Purdy Easton Talbot Malden B. Miller, Sr. Manchester Carroll Clarence D. Carpenter, Jr., P.P. Potomac Heights Charles L. Willys Wilson Bedford Road Allegany B. Harrison Shipley, Jr., P.P. Ellicott City Howard Robert W. Saville Bowling Green Allegany William Barney Miller Barton Allegany T. Neville Cunningham Aberdeen Harford
1988 H. E. “Sonny” Cannon Brunswick Frederick Francis E. “Dutch” Philpot Shaft Allegany Charles R. Stallings, P.P. Pikesville Baltimore Dennis Skinner Avalon Shore Anne Arundel Robert Renner New Midway Frederick Elmer E. Dunn, Sr., P.P. Powhatan Beach Anne Arundel Carroll J. Parrish Woodlawn Baltimore William H. Smith, Jr. Luke Allegany George Comp, Jr. Deer Park Garrett Leonard T. King, Sr., P.P. Damascus Montgomery
1989 Aaron Winters Shaft Allegany Edwin F. Preston, P.P. Arbutus Baltimore Clarence D. Carpenter III Potomac Heights Charles Russell Sears West Annapolis Anne Arundel Thomas L. Reynolds, P.P. Queen Anne’s-Hillsboro Queen Anne’s Roger N. Powell, P.P. Pikesville Baltimore Robert N. Stevenson Midland Allegany Richard H. Carter, P.P. Glen Burnie Anne Arundel Luther A. Della, Jr. La Plata Charles John W. Hoglund MFRI – University of Maryland
1990 Robert H. Shimer, P.P. Westernport Allegany Anne Hawkins Jessup Anne Arundel 494 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Robert E. Collins Potomac Heights Charles John O. Gatton, Sr. Hollywood St. Mary’s Donald J. Ware Baltimore Pike Allegany Amos E. Joiner, Sr. Goodwill-Centreville Queen Anne’s C. Danny Davis, Jr., P.P. Hollywood St. Mary’s Rocco J. Gabriele Rosedale Baltimore Dr. R. Adams Cowley MIEMSS/Shock Trauma Center – University of MD Herchel C. Armour Charlestown Cecil
1991 Richard H. Carter, P.P. Glen Burnie Anne Arundel Robert P. Cumberland, Jr., P.P. Westminster Carroll George Blanco Midland Allegany Calvin S. Stack, Jr. Rescue, Cambridge Dorchester Robert P. King Joppa-Magnolia Harford Philip M. Hurlock, P.P. Church Hill Queen Anne’s Francis D. Jester Church Hill Queen Anne’s John Shuhart Barton Allegany Thomas A. Mattingly, Sr., P.P. Leonardtown St. Mary’s Bruce Zembower Beltsville Prince George’s
1992 Martin G. Kurtz, Sr. Jarrettsville Harford Ronald Poole Clear Spring Washington Leslie M. Dulin Kennedyville Kent S. Richard Powell Galena Kent Dennis H. Bonner Bowman’s Addition Allegany William B. Lay, Sr. Joppa-Magnolia Harford W. Carroll Craig, Jr. Level Harford James “Jim” Marrow Sandy Spring Montgomery Howard Springer, P.P. Havre De Grace Harford Eugene Curfman Union Bridge Carroll
1993 Lawrence R. Woltz College Park Prince George’s Melvin Delbert Zang Deale Anne Arundel Donald F. Knauer Rescue, Cambridge Dorchester Vernon D. Horsmon, Sr. Prince Frederick Calvert Eugene L. Worthington, P.P. Level Harford Gordon M. Touhey Cabin John Park Montgomery Spencer J. H. Brown, Jr. Sandy Spring Montgomery Ronald E. Watkins Damascus Montgomery Rodney H. Duvall Damascus Montgomery 495 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference William W. Olsen Waldorf Charles
1994 Noah W. Callis, Jr. Hollywood St. Mary’s Paul M. Stackhouse Rockville Montgomery Edwin C. Sokel, Jr. Joppa-Magnolia Harford Michael W. Robinson Earleigh Heights Anne Arundel Carl B. Edelin, Jr., P.P. Kensington Montgomery Kenneth T. King Damascus Montgomery John R. Williams Delta-Cardiff Harford William C. Benjamin, Jr. Aberdeen Harford Joan Robison Laurel RS Prince George’s Bernard J. Smith, P.P. Lansdowne Baltimore
1995 Paul M. Fabiszak Hereford EMS Baltimore Wilbur O. Marshall North Beach Calvert John E. “Jack” Snoddy Greenbelt Prince George’s Paul H. Sterling, Jr., P.P. Wheaton Montgomery Raymond Adkins, P.P. Berlin Worcester Charles E. “Chip” Jewell Libertytown Frederick Horace Wright Woodsboro Frederick James Lee Deskins Accokeek Prince George’s Jack V. Reckner, P.P. Earleigh Heights Anne Arundel Albert D. “Mickey” Harris Glen Echo Montgomery
1996 Joseph B. Carroll Seventh District St. Mary’s John Crisman College Park Prince George’s Hartwood H. Cornell Woodsboro Frederick John T. Ferguson Rockville Montgomery John O. Gatton, Jr. Hollywood St. Mary’s William R. Huttenloch Forestville Prince George’s Charles J. Mattingly III, P.P. Hollywood St. Mary’s Roger A. Steger, Sr., P.P. Ocean City Worcester Richard B. Thomas, Jr. Sandy Spring Montgomery Richard L. Yinger, P.P. Citizens Truck Frederick
1997 George Anderson St. Leonard Calvert Elwood H. Banister Cockeysville Baltimore Richard K. Brooks III Norrisville Harford George A. “Fred” Cross, Jr., P.P. Chestnut Ridge Baltimore 496 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Vernon M. Pessell Braddock Heights Frederick James E. Cross Marlboro Prince George’s R. Keith Fairfax Bay District St. Mary’s Ronald B. Graf Riviera Beach Anne Arundel Hon. Roland E. “Fish” Powell Ocean City Worcester James Benny Shelton Sudlersville Queen Anne’s
1998 James T. Ferguson, Jr. St. Michaels Talbot Patti Gordy Caroline County ALS Caroline George W. Hardy Denton Caroline David C. “Rusty” Leftwich Norrisville Harford James B. Lions III Joppa-Magnolia Harford John M. Murphy MIEMSS – University of Maryland Paul B. Lewis, Jr. Citizens Truck Frederick Lee N. Sachs, P.P. Pikesville Baltimore Ronald J. Siarnicki Prince George’s County Stephen D. Cox, P.P. Bel Air Harford
1999 John T. Baker Takoma Park Montgomery Wylie L. Donaldson, Jr. Odenton Anne Arundel Wayne F. Fretterd Denton Caroline Ronald B. Grabenstein District 16 Allegany Louis J. Jonske Joppa-Magnolia Harford John C. Korman Hampstead Carroll David L. Kyle Flintstone Allegany William R. Massey, Jr. Indian Head Charles Harry W. Stone, Jr. Deep Creek Garrett Charles R. Wisner Independent Hose Frederick
2000 John F. Bender Aberdeen Harford Mark A. Bilger Hampstead Carroll Richard S. “Stormie” Combs Mechanicsville St. Mary’s Steven T. Edwards MFRI – University of Maryland Lester A. Downes, Jr. Goodwill-Centreville Queen Anne’s Robert E. Halley Hacks Point Cecil Robert E. Knippenburg, P.P. Midland Allegany David W. Lewis, P.P. Riviera Beach Anne Arundel J. Barry Monroe Arbutus Baltimore Charles E. Turner, Jr. Goodwill-Centreville Queen Anne’s 497 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference 2001 John Berryman, Sr. Pikesville Baltimore William “Bill” Boyd Liberty Road Baltimore Delegate Norman Conway Salisbury Wicomico Lewis Espey Abingdon Harford Mary Ann Gibbons Hillandale Montgomery Dr. Robert J. Wilson Gaithersburg- Washington Grove Montgomery Donald L. Howard Marion Somerset Mayor James N. Mathias, Jr. Ocean City Worcester James T. Riegel, Sr. North Point-Edgemere Baltimore Terry E. Thompson, P.P. Savage Howard Sam Vallandingham Ridge St. Mary’s
2002 William E. Radisch Chillum-Adelphi Prince George’s G. Austin Smith Oxford Talbot Frederick Robert “Bob” Seibel II Cape St. Claire Anne Arundel Clinton B. Duke Leonardtown St. Mary’s Richard K. Wengert, Sr. Glen Burnie Anne Arundel Thomas F. Altman Clear Spring Washington Joseph A. Cooper Bay District St. Mary’s Raymond Allen Ryan, Jr. Community Fire Co. of Perryville Cecil R. Dale Lowman Mt. Airy Carroll Douglas C. Alexander Mt. Airy Carroll Louise Dell Burtonsville VFD Auxiliary Col. David M. Mitchell Maryland State Police James C. Robertson State Fire Marshal
2003 Timothy F. Dayton Potomac Allegany John Thomas “Jack” Gosnell Jacksonville Baltimore Steven V. Hales Ocean City Worcester William “Bill” Hawkins Capital Heights Prince George’s Wayne T. Higdon Indian Head Charles Benjamin W. Kurtz Jarrettsville Harford Daniel J. Stevens Waldorf Charles J. Alan Thomas Joppa-Magnolia Harford J West Thomas Goodwill Queen Anne’s Calvin “Pete” Walbert Cresaptown Allegany William E. Barnard State Fire Marshal Robert R. Bass, MD MIEMSS Donald Lewis Maryland State Police 498 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference 2004 Doyle E. Cox, P.P. Prince Frederick VFD Calvert Edwin L. Emkey, Sr. English Consul Baltimore George J. Gatton, Jr. Ridge VFD St. Mary’s Hobart B. Howell, Jr. Fallston Harford James E. Jarboe Takoma Park Montgomery Barbara A. Knippenburg Midland Allegany Rev. Aloysius T. Newman Charles County MICU Charles Raymond F. Stevens, Sr. Chesapeake City Cecil Frank J. Underwood Branchville Prince George’s Joan W. Williams Hollywood VRS St. Mary’s Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. Governor John M. McCruden Baltimore County Fire Department John H. Spearman R. Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center
2005 Delma “Dutch” Birgfeld Kensington Montgomery Louis A. D’Camera Odenton Anne Arundel John J. Denver Singerly Cecil Rev. J. Harvey Dixon Salisbury Wicomico J. Franklin Hawley Susquehanna Hose Harford Steven J. Kesner Cresaptown Allegany Richard L. Smith Oxford Talbot Richard W. Stem, Sr. Glyndon Baltimore Paul H. Thorn Forestville Prince George’s Edwin F. Thurston Forestville Prince George’s Maureen T. Brooks Department of Natural Resource - State of MD James Brown MIEMSS - University of Maryland
2006 William A. “Butch” Frazier La Plata Charles W. Mitchell Vocke Jarrettsville Harford Judith White Guardian Hose Frederick Stephen T. Cropper Ocean City Worcester Donald “Doc” Moltrup Hyattsville Prince George’s Carlos Alfaro, Sr. Takoma Park Montgomery Thomas L. Flint II Landover Hills Prince George’s H. Edward “Eddie” Woods Glenn Dale Prince George’s Arundel Anne Arundel Laura A. Woods Glenn Dale Prince George’s Arundel Anne Arundel Paul R. “Bobby” Balta, Jr., P.P. Ridge St. Mary’s
499 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Dr. John L. Bryan Department of Fire Protection Eng., U of MD Margaret King Maryland State Firemen’s Association
2007 Judy A. Lau Laurel Prince George’s Rev. Harry Hetz Beltsville Prince George’s Robert W. Jacobs, P.P. Citizens Truck Frederick John C. Spiker, Sr. Lake Shore Anne Arundel Richard Baker, Jr. Mt. Airy Carroll Jacqueline Olson Odenton Anne Arundel Susan T. Schell Norrisville Harford William Hildebrand Chestertown Kent Marcine D. Goodloe Kensington Montgomery Andrew B. White Kensington Montgomery Brenda Fosler Johnson R. Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center W. Faron Taylor Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office John R. Frazier Baltimore City Fire Department
2008 William Reinecke Fallston Harford Charles Abrecht Junior Fire Co. No.2 Frederick Hugh D. Owens Glenn Dale Fire Association Prince George’s James M. “Jimbo” Magruder, Sr. Gaithersburg- Washington Grove Montgomery John W. “Jack” Gouty Jessup Anne Arundel Earl “Dick” Baker, Sr. Winfield and Community Carroll Robert D. Jarboe Takoma Park Montgomery Fred L. Plunkert Westminster Carroll Kenneth E. Bush Easton Talbot Austin D. Amos Community Fire Co. of Perryville Cecil James L. Radcliffe R. Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center John W. Ashworth University of Maryland Medical System Patricia Gainer MIEMSS
2009 Robert W. Ryan College Park Prince George’s Donald L. Briscoe Chesapeake City Cecil Anna M. Jonske Joppa-Magnolia Harford John E. “Sunny” Rose, Jr. Odenton Anne Arundel Linda A. Dousa Abingdon Harford William G. “Willie” Wilkerson Mechanicsville VFD St. Mary’s Charles H. “Chuck” Austin Orchard Beach Anne Arundel Gayle P. Moreland Deale Anne Arundel 500 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference George W. Brown, Jr. Sandy Spring Montgomery David McQuay Tilghman Island Talbot Major Andrew “A.J.” McAndrew Maryland State Police Captain Daniel Cornwell Maryland State Police
2010 Shirley Copado Leonardtown VRS St. Mary’s Nancy L. Cox Norrisville Harford William J. “Bill” Dousa Abingdon Harford Emmons Horner Mt. Vernon Somerset Walter David Irvin Clear Spring VFD Washington John F. Long, Jr. Ferndale Anne Arundel Johnie Roth Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Montgomery Herman “Buddy” Schweers Susquehanna Hose Co. Harford Earl “Tim” Warehime Lineboro Carroll Marianne Warehime Lineboro Carroll Patricia Cross Maryland State Firemen’s Association Flow Collins Maryland State Firemen’s Association Elaine Huttenloch Maryland State Firemen’s Association
2011 Richard A. Snader Arbutus Baltimore Stephen J. Wisner Citizens Truck Company Frederick Chris Hyzer Middle River VFC Baltimore Daniel “Skip” Mahan Community Fire Co. of Perryville Cecil Barbara L. Steiner Church Creek Dorchester Stuart “Stu” Carter Pikesville Baltimore David Keller III Citizens Truck Company Frederick Phillip L. “Pee Wee” Dyott Easton Talbot Thomas Nevin, Jr. Glen Burnie Anne Arundel Luther E. “Jay” Grimes Williamsport Washington Dennie Mattingly Maryland State Firemen’s Association Rose Davis Maryland State Firemen’s Association Sandra L. “Sandy” Jacobs Maryland State Firemen’s Association
2012 Barry Johnson Laurel VRS Prince George’s Thomas Diem Cordova Talbot Donald F. Hall Prince Frederick VFD Calvert William D. “Buddy” White Potomac Heights Charles Patricia A. Bowser Friendsville Garrett Teresa Ann Crisman Greenbelt Prince George’s Edward T. Clopper Funkstown Washington 501 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Dan M. Tabler Goodwill Queen Anne’s Alfred William “Butch” Britton, Jr. Rescue Anne Arundel Dennis E. Beard Sykesville Freedom District Carroll Mark Gibbons Major, Maryland State Police Christine “Chris” Yinger Maryland State Firemen’s Association Susan Taylor Maryland State Firemen’s Association
502 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference JOSIAH A. HUNT EMS PERSON OF THE YEAR AWARD
Purpose of Award: Recognition of the Outstanding EMS individual of the year
Award Sponsor: Maryland State Firemen’s Association
Award Administered By: Maryland State Firemen’s Association Emergency Medical Services Committee and the Convention and Conference Committee
Background: The Josiah A. Hunt, M.D., (EMS Person of the Year) Award was established in 1991 and accepted by the Executive Committee. Doctor Hunt was a local physician in Harford County who was very instrumental in the establishment of ambulance service in that area. He often would leave his practice to ride on the local ambulance providing quality emergency medical service to the communities of Harford County. The original award was donated by the Delta-Cardiff Volunteer Fire Company of Harford County to honor Dr. Josiah A. Hunt.
The award was established to recognize outstanding individual accomplishments by an EMT/A, or above. The award is considered to be the highest award conferred upon an individual within the Maryland Emergency Medical Services community.
Award Rules:
1. The nominee must be from a member company of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association. 2. The nominee must be submitted by an active member company of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association (MSFA). 3. The nominee must be submitted on an individual basis only and the nomination must be on official letterhead or company stationary and signed by at least two (2) officers of the company. 4. Only one nominee may be submitted from any one member company. 5. Nominations and letters of resume must be submitted to the Chair of the MSFA Emergency Medical Services Committee, No Later Than April 30th . 6. The nominee must be a Maryland certified EMT/A or above. 7. The nominee must have a minimum of fire (5) years service to the Maryland Emergency Medical Service Community. 8. Recipient of the award will receive the EMS Person of the Year Medal and Ribbon Bar, which was approved by the Executive Committee in 2002. The ribbon is blue and white and the gold medal is inscribed as “Josiah Hunt EMS Person of the Year”, with the MSFA Seal in the center.
503 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference 9. Submit nominations to: William Dousa Chairman, MSFA EMS Committee 600 Rivershore Court Edgewood, MD 21040
Previous Recipients:
Year Name Company County 1991 Josiah A. Hunt, MD Delta-Cardiff Harford 1992 Sharon Eskins Calvert ALS Calvert 1993 Leon Hayes Waldorf Charles 1993 Charles W. Wills Potomac Heights Charles 1994 Barbara Knippenburg Midland Allegany 1995 Dr. Frank Baranco Lutherville Baltimore 1995 Richard K. Brooks Norrisville Harford 1996 Paul Fabiszak Hereford EMS Baltimore 1997 Lee Sachs Pikesville Baltimore 1998 Rose M. Murphy Eldorado-Brookview Dorchester 1999 Margaret E. Wedding Ironsides RS Charles 2000 Joan Williams Hollywood RS St. Mary’s 2001 Steve Kesner Cresaptown Allegany 2002 Linda A. Dousa Abingdon Harford 2003 Jackie Carey Ocean Pines Worcester 2004 Vernon C. Monday Waldorf Charles 2005 William Deer Indian Head Charles 2006 Susan Hubble Mt. Airy Carroll 2007 Bernice Arnold Seventh District VRS St. Mary’s 2008 William Dousa Abingdon Harford 2009 Mary H. Grussing Kent Rescue Squad Kent and Queen Anne’s 2010 Amy Smith Leonardtown VRS St. Mary’s 2011 Richard Farrington Delta-Cardiff Harford 2012 Donald Thomas Darlington Harford
504 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference FIRE PREVENTION AWARDS
Purpose of Award: Recognition of Department Prevention Efforts
Award Sponsor: Maryland State Firemen’s Association, Volunteer Firemen’s Insurance Services, and Individuals
Award Administered By: Maryland State Firemen’s Association Fire Prevention Committee and Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office
Background: The Maryland State Firemen’s Association (MSFA) sponsors an annual contest to recognize fire, rescue, and EMS departments; efforts in promoting fire prevention in their communities. Contest awards are provided for companies who participate in a year-round fire prevention program as well as departments who participate in special projects, such as an open house or other fire prevention activities. An additional category recognizes departments who have shown an outstanding overall contribution to fire prevention and fire safety education activities. Starting in 1977, a seventh class in both Year Round Projects, and Single Projects was added. This will be for County Fire Prevention Committees to enter.
A project may be submitted by an organization within the department as long as it is verified by the president or chief. The awards are presented each year at the annual convention and conference for the following categories:
Year-Round Program or More Than One Project - - - (Classified by population of first due area) Class I 0 – 1,500 Class II 1,501 – 2,500 Class III 2,501 – 5,000 Class IV 5,001 – 10,000 Class V 10,001 or more, volunteer personnel Class VI 10,001 or more, career personnel Class VII County Fire Prevention Committees
Single Project Programs - - - (Classified by Population of first due area) Class I 0 – 1,500 Class II 1,501 – 2,500 Class III 2,501 – 5,000 Class IV 5,001 – 10,000 Class V 10,001 or more, volunteer personnel Class VI 10,001 or more, career personnel Class VII County Fire Prevention Committee 505 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Overall Activities - - - 1st Place - $200. 6th Place - $50. 2nd Place - $100. 7th Place - $50. 3rd Place - $75. 8th Place - $50. 4th Place - $75. 9th Place - $50. 5th Place - $50. 10th Place - $50. (Award monies must be spent by the winning department/organization in the area of fire prevention)
Award Rules:
1. The department/company must be a member in good standing of the MSFA. 2. A cover letter on department letterhead is required to accompany all entries. 3. Any book entered, including scrapbooks, photo albums, or loose-leaf binders, cannot exceed 12 x 15.5 inches. The thickness of the book is not limited. 3. Slide presentations, slide/tape presentations and video tape presentations are acceptable. 4. Photographs and newspaper clippings must be dated and the sources indicated. 5. Entries must be in the hands of the State Fire Marshal’s Office byApril 30th and must be marked with the proper entry classification (Area and Class). 6. All materials submitted should reflect activities of the previous calendar year (Jan. through Dec.) 7. Judges shall be appointed by the State Fire Marshal’s Office and the decision of the judges shall be final. 8. Any evidence of material from previous years will automatically disqualify the entry. 9. Any department/company entering any contest must have a representative at the MSFA Annual Convention and Conference. 10. Auxiliaries and Junior Companies may submit entries for their department as long as the president or chief forwards a cover letter as verification. 11. Send or deliver all entries to:
MSFA Fire Prevention Contest State Fire Marshal’s Office 1201 Reisterstown Road Pikesville, MD 21208
506 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference MISS MSFA FIRE PREVENTION CONTEST
Purpose of Award: To select a spokesperson for the Maryland State Firemen’s Association Fire Prevention
Award Sponsor: Maryland State Firemen’s Association Fire Prevention Committee
Award Administered By: Maryland State Firemen’s Association Fire Prevention Committee with Out-of-State Judges
Background: The Maryland State Firemen’s Association (MSFA) sponsors an annual Miss Fire Prevention Contest at the Annual Convention and Conference. The individual selected will represent the MSFA at fire prevention, public education, and other activities throughout the State of Maryland, acting as a spokesperson for the fire prevention and fire safety activities.
Award Rules:
1. Contestant must be single, never married, have no children or be pregnant.
2. Must be between 16 thru 24 years of age. Contestants under the age of 18 must have a parental/guardian consent form signed and must be chaperoned to all events by a parent/guardian, representative of her County Association or Fire Company.
3. If seeking college or advanced education, the contestant must reside within a reasonable distance of the state and in the event that her schooling interferes with her ability to attend events and functions, her sash, crown, and other properties will be turned over to her runner-up.
4. One contestant per county, Harford-Cecil Firemen’s Association and the Maryland Fire Chief’s Miss Fire Prevention. If your county does not have a Miss Fire Prevention Contest, a decision will be endorsed at your county level as to who will represent your county. A letter of endorsement from the county association must accompany your application.
5. MSFA Miss Fire Prevention is allowed to hold this position for one year. Once you hold this position, you will not be able to compete for this position again. A previous MSFA Miss Fire Prevention 1st Runner-up is allowed to run again.
6. A panel of judges in the preliminaries will interview contestants. These judges will officiate the stage portion of the contest. 507 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference 7. Judges are not associated with the Maryland State Firemen’s Association, Ladies Auxiliary, or members of Maryland Companies or Departments.
8. Preliminary judging will be held on the morning of the contest. The contest will be held during the MSFA Annual Convention and Conference in Ocean City. Information regarding the date and time of the contest will be provided as it is finalized.
9. Preliminary judging will be calculated in the same point system as stage judging, with a total of 100 points. Contestant’s preliminary judging consists of the following: a. Fire prevention questions selected from list included in the packet. b. Presentation on a fire prevention related subject (limited to 5 minutes). c. Interview questions by judges. 10. Stage judging will be calculated in a point system, with a total of 100 points. a. Fire Prevention knowledge 0-50 points b. Speaking ability and poise 0-40 points c. General appearance 0-10 points
11. Applications must be received by May 1. If your county contest occurs after this deadline, then the current Miss Fire Prevention is eligible. All applications must be sent to contest chairperson by certified mail, return receipt requested. APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED ANY OTHER WAY. Any applications that are received other than certified mail, returned receipt requested will be deemed ineligible and will be returned to the contestant.
12. This is not a talent or beauty contest.
13. The contestants selected at MSFA Miss Fire Prevention and First Runner-up are required to attend the following activities: • Convention activities on day and times designated (a tentative schedule is enclosed). • Awards ceremonies; various events and times • Selecting winners of the $10,000.00 Raffle
14. The newly elected MSFA Miss Fire Prevention and First Runner-up must vacate any previously state or county titles unless the term of the title will be completed within two months of her reign. In the event her county is unable to obtain a representative, the MSFA Miss Fire Prevention may continue her County role for a two-month period.
508 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference 15. Miss MSFA Fire Prevention and the First Runner-up will take an oath of office immediately after they are crowned.
16. If MSFA Miss Fire Prevention is unable to attend any functions, it is her responsibility to contact the MSFA First Runner-up to fulfill her commitment.
17. A monthly activity report must be submitted by the last day of each month to the Miss Fire Prevention Committee Chairperson.
18. A quarterly written report (summary of events and input) must be submitted to the Fire Prevention Committee Chairperson at the quarterly fire prevention meeting. 10 copies of this report must be brought to each executive committee meeting.
19. The annual written report (summary of year’s events) must be submitted by May 1 for printing for the MSFA Convention Book. This report must be submitted to the Fire Prevention Committee Chairperson, the Miss Fire Prevention Chairperson.
20. A packet of information will be given to the MSFA Miss Fire Prevention and her First Runner-up: • Name, Address, and phone list of the following: 1. MSFA President 2. MSFA 1st Vice President 3. MSFA 2nd Vice President 4. LAMSFA President 5. Executive Committee Chairperson 6. Fire Prevention Committee’s and Chairperson 7. Transportation (ADC Books) will be passed down each year • Itinerary of Mid Atlantic Fire Prevention Conference, parades, banquets, carnivals, etc. • Upcoming seminars: subjects and expenses • Proceeding book
21. THE MSFA CONTEST RULES EFFECTIVE FOR THE YEAR 2012
509 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference MSFA Miss Fire Prevention Application Name
Date of Birth
Address
Phone ( ) Email
County
Escort
Parents
Present School/College/Job
Hobbies or activities you participate in ______
Date chosen as Miss Fire Prevention
The winner of the contest MUST attend the convention events as outlined in the contest rules and as listed in the agenda which will be given to all contestants. You must also give full support to the MSFA and LAMSFA during your reign by attending State and County functions when requested, to the best of your ability. If you win and you hold another State or County title and the term of those titles exceeds two months, you agree to give up those titles upon becoming MSFA Miss Fire Prevention. If chosen, I agree to all of the above. Signature: All applications must be returned by May 1st unless your county president has made previous arrangements. Mail applications to:
Amanda Soper MSFA Miss Fire Prevention Contest P.O. Box 1743 Frederick, Maryland 21702
510 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Parental/Guardian Consent Form MSFA Miss Fire Prevention
The MSFA Miss Fire Prevention will give her full support to all State, County and local functions by attending and participating to the best of her ability as the representative of the MSFA. She will be chaperoned to all events by a representative of her county association or fire company. I agree to all of the above.
Signature
Date of Birth
Parent/Guardian Signature
Date
Contestants under the age of 18 years must submit consent form with application. NO EXCEPTIONS
Previous Recipients:
1980 Terri Judge 1997 Rachael Testerman 1981 Kimberly Ann Kessler 1998 Jessica A. White 1982 Melanie Susan Webster 1999 Anne Marie Histon 1983 Cheryl Reese 2000 Rachael Lyons 1984 Carolyn Boone 2001 Heidi Johnson 1985 Alice Kozier 2002 Katie Ritter 1986 Verna Fleming 2003 Sarah Blackowicz 1987 Tammy Conners 2004 Michelle Gallion 1988 Terri Gartner 2005 Kristi Gartrell-Kemp 1989 Jennifer I. Laird 2006 Erin Drumheller 1990 Bonnie Rae Crispin 2007 Brittany Myers 1991 Nicole Bordogan 2008 Colleen Frances 1992 Jennifer Harman 2009 Erin Drumheller 1993 Susan Truslow 2010 Elyssa Cool 1994 Jennifer Weedon 2011 Jennifer Barciz 1995 Melissa Ann Turner 2012 Stacey Jaret 1996 Heather Langley
511 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference SENATOR WILLIAM H. AMOSS MEMORIAL LEGISLATIVE AWARD
By: Maryland State Firemen’s Association Legislative Committee
Background: The Senator William H. Amoss Memorial Legislative Award was created to honor an individual who served over 20 years actively representing the Maryland fire, rescue and emergency medical services, throughout the State, in a legislative capacity both in the House of Delegates and the State Senate. In 1998, the Maryland General Assembly recognized Senator Amoss’ dedication to the Maryland fire, rescue and emergency medical services by renaming Senate Bill 508, Purpose of Award: Recognition of an individual’s contributions and determination in promoting the betterment of Maryland fire, rescue and emergency medical services through successful legislation and the legislative process.
Award Sponsor: Harford-Cecil Volunteer Firemen’s Association
Award Administered the “Senator William H. Amoss Fund.” Introduced in 1985 by Senator Amoss, the 508 Bill was created to financially assist the Maryland fire, rescue and emergency medical services department on an annual basis. This award was presented by the Harford-Cecil Volunteer Firemen’s Association and accepted by the Executive Committee in 1999.
Award Qualifications: In order for a candidate to be considered for this award, he/ she must meet at least (1) one of the following criteria: 1. Be a duly elected legislative official representing a Maryland municipality, a Maryland county, the State of Maryland or the Federal Government. 2. Be a member of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association (MSFA) Legislative Committee 3. Be a member of a county emergency services association’s legislative committee that is recognized by the MSFA. 4. Be a member of a regional emergency services association’s legislative committee that is recognized by the MSFA. 5. Be a state citizen who is not a member of a fire/EMS/rescue department or company.
Award Rules: 1. All nominations must be submitted by a representative of an active member company or department, in good standing of the MSFA. 2. All nominations must be in written form, on an individual basis, and submitted on company or department letterhead or stationary. A photograph of the nominee shall also be submitted. 512 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference 3. All nominations must include the following: a. A letter of recommendation/resume b. Accomplishments of the nominee 4. All nominations must be received by May 1st of each year. 5. The judges shall be the MSFA Legislative Committee 6. All nominations are to be submitted to:
Chairman MSFA Legislative Committee 17 State Circle Annapolis, Maryland 21401-1904
Previous Recipients:
1999 Senator William H. Amoss – Harford County 2000 Delegate Norman Conway – Wicomico County 2000 Charles W. Riley, P.P. 2001 Senator Thomas M. Middleton – Charles County 2002 Delegate John F. Wood – St. Mary’s County 2003 Bernard J. Smith, P.P. 2004 Delegate Richard B. Weldon, Jr. – Frederick County 2005 C. Daniel Davis, Jr., P.P. Pat Gainer – Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services System James Brown – Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services System 2006 Delegate Norman Conway – Wicomico County 2007 Delegate James Malone – Baltimore County 2008 Delegate Norman Conway – Wicomico County 2009 Senator Barry Glassman – Harford County Senator James DeGrange – Anne Arundel County 2010 Delegate Norman Conway - Wicomico County 2011 Senator Roy Dyson - St. Mary’s County 2012 William E. Barnard - State Fire Marshal Senator Roy Dyson - St. Mary’s County Delegate James Malone - Baltimore County C. Daniel Davis, Jr., P.P. Richard L. Yinger, P.P.
513 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference ROBERT H. SHIMER ADMINISTRATIVE PERSON OF THE YEAR AWARD
Purpose of Award: Recognition of the Outstanding Fire, Rescue or EMS Administrative Person
Award Sponsor: Shimer Family
Award Administered By: Robert H. Shimer Administrative Person of the Year Award Committee
Background: The Robert H. Shimer Administrator of the Year award was established by the Shimer family and accepted by the Maryland State Firemen’s Association (MSFA) Executive Committee on February 22, 2004. The award was established to honor Robert H. Shimer, for the years of dedicated service he gave the Volunteer Fire, Rescue and EMS Service as a President and a Trustee of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association. President of the Allegan-Garrett Counties Fire and Rescue Association, President of the Allegany County Fire-Rescue Board and President of the Potomac Fire Company. Mr. Shimer was also an active member of the State Fire Prevention Commission, Maryland Fire-Rescue Education Training Commission, the Governor’s Emergency Management Advisory Council and the Emergency Numbers Service Board. This award has been established in honor of Mr. Shimer for his many years of dedicated service to the community of Westernport, Allegany County and the State of Maryland.
Award Rules: 1. The nominee must be a volunteer from a member company that is in good standing with the Maryland State Firemen’s Association. 2. Names of individuals for nomination for the Robert H. Shimer Administrator of the Year Award may be submitted by: A. The nominee’s home fire, rescue, or EMS department/company on official letterhead, or B. Any individual in good standing with a fire, rescue, or EMS department/ company, or C Any member company in good standing with the MSFA, on official letterhead, or D. An individual member of this committee or a Past President of the MSFA. 3. The nominee must have not less than ten (10) years of service with his/her department or company. 4. The nomination must be submitted for an individual’s effort only and, therefore, submission of the nomination is to recognize the one individual and not a group, department or company. 5. The nomination must be submitted in the form of a resume/bio, including 514 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference information on his/her department or company activities, administrative positions held within the company or department, county, regional or state association. Information should also be included on job achievement, establishment of programs, fund raising, community activities, and the reason the nominee should be selected. 6. Time Period - Although it is realized that to be fully effective, an award should be timely, it is not necessary that the service or performance be rendered within the year of the award, however an accumulation of the previous five years of accomplishments may be added. 7. The nomination must be mailed and received by the Shimer Award Committee no later than May 1st at the following address:
Robert W. Jacobs, Chairman Shimer Award Committee 410 East Ninth Street Frederick, MD 21701
8. The Award will be presented at the MSFA Annual Convention and Conference. Upon selection of the winner of the award, the Shimer family shall be notified no later than May 20th of said selection. This will allow preparation of the award that will be given.
Previous Recipients:
Year Name Company County
2005 Leonard T. King, Sr., P.P. Damascus Montgomery 2006 Daniel J. Stevens Waldorf Charles 2007 Ronald J. Siarnicki United Community Queen Anne’s 2008 Philip M. Hurlock, P.P. Church Hill Queen Anne’s 2009 Gayle P. Moreland Deale Anne Arundel 2010 Louis J. Jonske, Sr. Joppa-Magnolia Harford 2011 Eugene L. “Gene” Worthington, P.P. Level Harford 2012 Benjamin W. Kurtz Jarrettsville Harford
515 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference SILVER SPRING TROPHY
Purpose of Award: Recognition of fire prevention efforts by an individual
Award Sponsor: Silver Spring Volunteer Fire Department, Inc.
Award Administered By: Maryland State Firemen’s Association Fire Prevention Committee and Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office
Background: The Silver Spring Trophy was established in 1981 by the Silver Spring Volunteer Fire Department and accepted by the Executive Committee. This award is presented each year at the Maryland State Firemen’s Association (MSFA) Annual Convention and Conference to an individual who does the most in fire prevention for his/ her community. The award is for an individual effort and, therefore, submission on the entry must be for one individual rather than a group or department effort. The intent of the award is to recognize fire prevention activities which the individual performs within his/her community. The trophy is held by the individual for one year and then passed on. The winner will receive an individual plaque for permanent possession. The individual will also receive the Silver Spring Medal and Ribbon Bar, which was approved by the Executive Committee in 2002. The ribbon is silver/blue and the silver medal is inscribed as Silver Spring Fire Prevention and the year, with the MSFA Seal in the center.
Award Rules:
1. The recipient must be a volunteer firefighter 2. The individual must be nominated by his/her fire department. 3. The fire prevention work shall have been done by the firefighter acting in the capacity of a volunteer. 4. The nomination must be in the form of a resume indicating complete detailed information on the work done by the nominee. Photographs and newspaper clippings must be dated and the sources noted. 5. The nomination and related information must be in the hand of the State Fire Marshal’s Office on later than April 30th. 6. Nominees are subject to investigation by the judges. 7. Dates of the fire prevention activities should cover the previous calendar year (January – December). 8. Judges shall be appointed by the State Fire Marshal’s Office in accordance with the MSFA Fire Prevention Committee’s procedures. 9. The decision of the judges shall be final. 10. Nominations must include the nominee’s name, title, fire department name, and other pertinent information. 11. Nominations shall be submitted to: MSFA Annual Fire Prevention Contest, State Fire Marshal’s Office. 516 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Previous Recipients: Year Name Company County 1957 Vincent Napoli Gaithersburg- Washington Grove Montgomery 1958 Edgar Young La Vale Allegany 1959 Alvin R. Adkins Delmar Wicomico 1960 J. Clinton Duke Leonardtown St. Mary’s 1961 J. Clinton Duke Leonardtown St. Mary’s 1962 John Mowatt, Jr. Bladensburg Prince George’s 1963 J. Clinton Duke Leonardtown St. Mary’s 1964 Charles Forwood Bowley’s Quarters Baltimore 1965 Robert A. Smith West Lanham Hills Prince George’s 1966 Joseph G. Wenrich Greenbelt Prince George’s 1967 Orville G. Faulkner, Jr. Lansdowne Baltimore 1968 Thomas A. Mattingly, Sr. Leonardtown St. Mary’s 1969 Thomas A. Mattingly, Sr. Leonardtown St. Mary’s 1970 Thomas A. Mattingly, Sr. Leonardtown St. Mary’s 1971 Thomas A. Mattingly, Sr. Leonardtown St. Mary’s 1972 Paul W. Piker North Point-Edgemere Baltimore 1973 Paul W. Piker North Point-Edgemere Baltimore 1974 Ralph E. Dull Manchester Carroll 1975 Burton A. Clark Laurel Prince George’s 1976 Roger Mattingly Leonardtown St. Mary’s 1977 Raymond Alan Ryan, Jr. Perryville Cecil 1978 Garrett Zour Providence Baltimore 1979 Edward T. Clopper Funkstown Washington 1980 Frank P. March English Consul Baltimore 1981 Robert Twilly Delmar Wicomico 1982 Not Awarded 1983 Not Awarded 1984 C. Daniel Davis Hollywood St. Mary’s 1985 Faye Reider Perryville Cecil 1986 Judith White Guardian Hose Frederick 1987 Donald C. Brightwell Mt. Airy Carroll 1988 Thomas A. Mattingly, Jr. Leonardtown St. Mary’s 1989 Thomas A. Mattingly, Jr. Leonardtown St. Mary’s 1990 Charlotte A. Mandrages Baden Prince George’s 1991 Cindy Tarouini Level Harford 1992 Brian Boyd Indian Head Charles 1993 Rhonda Polk Level Harford 1994 Brian Boyd Indian Head Charles 1995 Eugene Mellon Mt. Airy Carroll 1996 Denice Hansen Bay District St. Mary’s 517 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Year Name Company County 1997 Joseph Wayne Hardesty Prince Frederick Calvert 1998 Joseph Wayne Hardesty Prince Frederick Calvert 1999 Bridget Timberman Gamber Carroll 2000 Jeffery Williams Indian Head Charles 2001 Harold Younger Mechanicsville St. Mary’s 2002 James E. Jarboe Takoma Park Montgomery 2003 Diane May Luke Allegany 2004 Debbie Gatrell-Kemp Winfield Community Carroll 2005 Jeffrey Williams Indian Head Charles 2006 Jeffrey Williams Indian Head Charles 2007 Lauren Johnson Bay District St. Mary’s 2008 Christine Flanagan Sykesville-Freedom District Carroll 2009 Jeffrey Williams Indian Head Charles 2010 Melissa Gould Bay District St. Mary’s 2011 Debbie Gartrell Winfield Community Carroll
518 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference SMITH N. STATHEM, JR., P.P. MEMORIAL SAFETY AWARD
Purpose of Award: Recognition of an individual’s contributions toward firefighter/EMS safety.
Award Sponsor: The family of Smith N. Stathem, Jr. “Smitty” as he was affectionately known was a Past President of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association (MSFA), Past President of the Baltimore County Volunteer Firemen’s Association, and Past Chief of the Pikesville Volunteer Fire Company.
Award Administered By: MSFA Safety Committee
Background: The Smith N. Stathem, Jr. Memorial Safety Award was established in 1998 by the MSFA Safety Committee and the family of Past President Stathem. The award was accepted by the Executive Committee in 1997. This award is to be presented each year at the MSFA Annual Convention and Conference to an individual who does the most to promote firefighter/EMS safety within his/her department/company and or the State. The award is for an individual effort. The intent of the award is to promote safety within the member department and to encourage the safety officer program. The trophy is held for one year and relinquished at the following MSFA Annual Convention and Conference. At that time, the past-year recipient will receive an individual plaque for permanent possession. The winner of this award will also receive the Smith N. Stathem, Jr. Safety Award Medal and Ribbon Bar, which was approved by the Executive Committee in 2002. The ribbon is green/white/green and the gold medal is inscribed as Smith N. Stathem, Jr., Safety Award and the year, with the MSFA Seal in the center.
Award Rules:
1. The nominee must be a member of an organization that is a member of the MSFA. 2. The submission must be on the official MSFA Nomination Form and include the name and contact information of the person recommending the nominee in the space provided. The Company Chief or President must sign the “endorsed by” line of the form. 3. The nomination must include complete detailed information on the efforts performed by the individual during the previous calendar year. Supporting exhibits and documentation must be submitted in detail. 4. The nomination package must be submitted to the MSFA Safety Committee on later than May 1st. 5. Judges appointed by the Safety Committee, shall be comprised of non-affiliated representatives from the safety industry. 519 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference 6. All nominations are subject to investigation by the Safety Committee and Judges. 7. A Safety Committee member can nominate any member of MSFA. 8. MSFA Safety Committee members are not eligible to be nominated for the award. 9. Submit your nominations to Chairperson of the MSFA Safety Committee.
Previous Recipients:
Year Name Company County
1999 Joseph Zienda Bay District St. Mary’s 2000 John P. Caulder Bay District St. Mary’s 2001 Philip R. Cooper Ridge St. Mary’s 2002 Wayne T. Higdon Indian Head Charles 2003 William Van Arsdale, Jr. Fallston Harford 2004 John T. Durrer Waldorf Charles 2005 George Ghiess Fallston Harford 2006 Thomas L. Flint II Landover Hills Prince George’s 2007 Charles Pembleton Waldorf Charles 2008 Mark A. Gorham Susquehanna Hose Harford 2009 Mark Buhl Bay District St. Mary’s 2010 Daniel J. Stevens Waldorf Charles 2011 Douglas C. Alexander Mt. Airy Carroll 2012 Timothy Holt Fallston Harford
520 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference ZEMBOWER FIRE SERVICE TRAINING AWARD
Purpose of Award: Recognition of a Department’s Participation in Formal Training
Award Sponsor: Mr. & Mrs. Bruce Zembower in Memory of Mr. & Mrs. Cromwell Zembower
Award Administered By: Maryland State Firemen’s Association Training Committee
Background: The Zembower Fire Service Training Award was established in 1976 by Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Zembower in memory of his late parents, Mr. and Mrs. Cromwell Zembower of LaVale and accepted by the Executive Committee. Cromwell Zembower was a Past President of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association (MSFA) and a member of the Training Committee for many years. The Zembower Fire Service Training Award is based on the average number of formal training hours per active member for fire and rescue training completed in the fiscal year prior to the award. The original award was based solely on the formal training offered by MFRI, however, in 1995 the award will be based on formal training offered by other recognized agencies.
The award consists of a trophy which is presented to the winning department at the MSFA Annual Convention and Conference. The department is permitted to display the trophy until the next convention. The trophy is then returned for presentation to the next recipient. The department surrendering the trophy is then presented with a plaque for permanent display. First and second runner-up awards are also presented. The first runner-up award is sponsored by the Daniel J. and Bobbi Stevens in honor of former Bay District VFD Treasurer Bob Stevens. The second runner-up award is sponsored by the Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Company in honor of former Chief Herman Dill.
Award Rules:
1. This award is to the department which has the highest average number of formal training hours per active member. Formal training include: • All coursed and seminars sponsored by MFRI • Formalized courses sponsored by local training academies which are members of the Maryland Council of Fire and Rescue Academies • Courses seminars sponsored by MIEMSS • Courses sponsored by the National Fire Academy, and • Refresher training classes in the following areas:
In order for the training to be considered, it must be validated by a pocket card or certificate and verifiable by the organization providing the training. The training year will be from July 1st through June 30th of the year prior to presentation of 521 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference the award. 2. The number of active members in your department as reported on the Statistical Report provided to the MSFA Statistical Committee for the most recent fiscal year will be used to compute the average number of training hours per active member. The Statistical Report submitted by each member company should reflect the actual number of members responding to calls and taking training. Accurate and up to date training records can prove to be an asset in legal decisions and ISO rating. If you did not submit a report to the Statistical Committee, this information cannot be verified and your application will not be considered.
3. To be considered for this award, complete the attached application and submit it to the following address no later than April 15th to:
MSFA Training Committee c/o Maryland Fire Rescue Institute University of Maryland College Park, Maryland 20742
APPLICATION FOR ZEMBOWER FIRE SERVICE TRAINING AWARD IN MEMORY OF MR. & MRS. CROMWELL ZEMBOWER TRAINING YEAR JULY 1, THROUGH JUNE 30,
Department Name: ______Mailing Address: ______City ______County ______Zip Code ______On an attached sheet, list all courses and seminars sponsored by MFRI, formalized courses sponsored by local training academies which are members of the Maryland Council of Fire and Rescue Academies, courses and seminars sponsored by MIEMSS, and courses sponsored by the National Fire Academy which your department has participated in during the training year noted above. Enter all information as requested and be as accurate as possible to ensure eligibility. Formula for Computing Points 1. Multiply number of hours for each course or seminar by the number of students successfully completing that course or seminar to determine the number of student hours for that course or seminar. The training information will be based on information provided by the sponsoring organization. 2. Total the student hours for all courses and seminars. 3. Divide the total number of student hours (in #2 above) by the number of active members in the department from current Statistical Report. 4. The result is your training hours per active member. 5. Enter training hours per active member: Layout for Course List to Quality for the Zembower Fire Service Training Award – Enter all information in columns using the following format: 522 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Full Name of Student; Social Security Number; Location/Host Co.; Ending Date; Class Title; Course Hours; and Total Student Hours . Total Number of Active Members from MSFA Statistical Report . Number of course hours for MFRI courses . The hours should be similar for courses sponsored by local academies.
Emergency Medical Technician – Basic 131 Emergency Medical Technician - Re-fresher 24 EMT I 540 EMT I to P Bridge 442 Emergency Medical Services Officer I 48 Emergency Medical Services Officer II 42 First Responder Basic 45 Paramedic Refresher 40 First Responder Refresher 15 Aerial Apparatus Operators 30 Aerial Apparatus Operator (Combined TCO & AAO) 24 Arson Investigation for Officers 6 Fire Command I 27 Fire Officer I 63 Fire Officer II 45 Fire Officer III 60 Fire Officer IV 60 Incident Safety Officer 16 FD Safety Officer 30 Officer Continuing Education Classes 3 Firefighter I 108 Firefighter II 60 Fireground Operations I 24 Fireground Operations II 24 Leadership & Supervision 18 Protective Envelope & Foam 9 Pumps 30 Special Fires 24 Sprinkler & Standpipe 6 Truck Company Operations 30 Emergency Vehicle Driver In Service 12 Emergency Vehicle Operator Course 30 Rescue Technician 66 Rescue Specialist I 45 Rescue Refresher 27 Rescue Tech Rope Rescue 50 Trench Rescue 30 523 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Confined Space Rescue 30 Instructor Training I 30 Instructor Training II 36 Hazardous Materials Operations 24 Hazardous Materials Technician 51 WMD 6 Swift Water Rescue Tech 30 Boat Operations 8 Strategy & Tactics 45 NIMS 100 3 NIMS 300 24 NIMS 400 16 NIMS 700 3 NIMS 800 3 ACLS 8 PALS 16 PTLS 16
Refresher Classes - (annually)
SCBA 1.5 Hazardous Materials 1.5 Blood Borne/Airborne Pathogens 1.5 CPR/AED 1.5 Trench Rescue 1.5 Confined Space Rescue 1.5
One day seminars are considered 6 hours and two day seminars are considered 12 hours. Seminars may include Executive Development Seminars, Chief Officers Seminar, Hazardous Materials Training, Confined Space, Rescue Weekends, Water Supply Drills, etc. CPR training and other classes offered in stations must be documented with the number of hours of all students. Documentation could include AHA or ARC pocket cards, or a signed letter from a certified instructor. All courses will be reviewed by the Training Committee for verification and acceptance of the appropriateness of the training for award consideration. The following list of National Fire Academy courses in not an exhaustive list, but are those that are routinely offered and are 12 hours each: IRHMIBC, IRHMICI, MCTO: Decision Making, MCTO: Preparation, MCTO: Tactics, Incident Safety Officer, Health & Safety Officer, Conducting Basic Fire Prevention Inspections, and Basic Life Support-Hazardous Materials.
524 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Previous Recipients: YEAR DEPARTMENT COUNTY 1976 Huntingtown VFD Calvert 1977 Huntingtown VFD Calvert 1978 Prince Frederick VFD Calvert 1979 Deer Park VFD Garrett 1980 Bay District VFD St. Mary’s 1981 Bay District VFD St. Mary’s 1982 Potomac Heights VFD Charles 1983 Leonardtown VFD St. Mary’s 1984 Community Fire Company of Millington Kent 1985 Bay District VFD St. Mary’s 1986 Bedford Road VFD Allegany 1987 Church Hill VFC Queen Anne’s 1988 Bay District VFD St. Mary’s 1989 Glen Burnie VFD Anne Arundel 1990 St. Leonard VFD Calvert 1991 St. Leonard VFD Calvert 1992 St. Leonard VFD Calvert 1993 Church Hill VFC Queen Anne’s 1994 Lineboro VFD Carroll 1995 Blue Ridge Summit VFD Pennsylvania 1996 Lineboro VFD Carroll 1997 Savage VFC Howard 1998 Fifth District – Clarksville VFD Howard 1999 Fifth District – Clarksville VFD Howard 2000 St. Leonard VFD Calvert 2001 Bay District VFD St. Mary’s 2002 Rockville VFD Montgomery 2003 Indian Head VFD Charles 2004 Urbana VFC Frederick 2005 St. Leonard VFD Calvert 2006 St. Leonard VFD Calvert 2007 Walkersville VRS Frederick 2008 St. Leonard VFD Calvert 2009 St. Leonard VFD Calvert 2010 St. Leonard VFD Calvert 2011 Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad Montgomery 2012 St. Leonard VFD Calvert
525 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference MARYLAND STATE FIREMEN’S ASSOCIATION FAMILY APPRECIATION PROGRAM AWARD
Purpose of Award: To recognize families of Volunteer Fire/EMS members whose families must sacrifice time with the member for the good of the community.
Award Sponsor: Maryland State Firemen’s Association Recruitment and Retention Committee
Award Administered By: Volunteer Recruitment and Retention Committee
Award Rules:
1. Open to any volunteer member of the Maryland fire/EMS service who has a family (spouse, child, children) 2. Member MUST be active in their capacity as a member. 3. Candidates will be nominated by their company, with the form signed by the chief, president, or other officer using official nomination form. 4. The committee will divide the State into various regions using the MFRI regions as models. 5. A sub-committee of the MSFA – Volunteer Recruitment and Retention Committee will select the winners based on the nomination form content and the following factors: a. Number of entries versus numbers of packages available b. Evaluation of nominations by regions c. Each region will have a proportionate number of awards 6. A lottery may be used to determine the final winners if more qualified applicants exist than awards available. 7. Nominations must be received by May 1st. 8. Awards will be presented at the MSFA Annual Convention and Conference 9. Awards will be redeemed in accordance with the vendors’ conditions. 10. Members of the Volunteer Recruitment and Retention Committee, Executive Committee and MSFA Presidents are excluded from the program.
Family Appreciation Program Award Nomination Form
Nominee must: • Exhibit consistent positive effort toward training, response, and administrative duties • Exhibit consistent positive effort to attend meetings, help with fund raising, and work on committees • Exhibit overall effort to support the team concept (NOTE: Not 526 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference necessarily the team leader, but an active member of the team) • Active member for at least one year • Narrative of 250 words or less: Typed or printed. This award is NOT based on a single act of heroism, but rather the consistent community volunteer effort in the fire/rescue service • No attachments
Name of nominee: Address: Telephone: (Day) (Evening) County Department or Squad Name and Title of Nominator:
Address of Nominator: Telephone: (Day) (Evening)
Mail 3 copies of this page + 3 copies of narrative to:
Joseph Chornock, Chairman MSFA Recruitment and Retention Committee 20001 Crystal Rock Dr. Germantown, MD 20874
All nominations must be received by May 1st
2012 Recipient: Charles M. Kelso III Laurel VFD Prince George’s
527 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference GOVERNOR’S FIRE PREVENTION TROPHY
Purpose of Award: Recognition of the best fire prevention entry in the line of parade at the Maryland State Firemen’s Association Annual Convention Parade
Award Sponsor: Maryland State Firemen’s Association Convention Committee and Fire Prevention Committee
Award Administered By: Maryland State Firemen’s Association Convention Committee, Fire Prevention Committee and the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office
Background: The Governor’s Fire Prevention Trophy is awarded each year at the Maryland State Firemen’s Association (MSFA) Annual Convention and Conference for the best fire prevention float, demonstration, or entry in the line of parade. The award is in the form of a large permanent trophy. Awards are also awarded for second through fifth places.
Award Rules:
1. Clowns and commercial participants in the parade will not be eligible for this award. 2. Any individual, group, unity, float, etc., are eligible as long as they are in the line of parade and have been pre-judged. 3. Judging will be done by the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office. 4. Entries will be prejudged prior to the parade as a pre-announced location. 5. The decision of the judges will be final. 6. Judging will be on the following point system: A. Theme and originality – (0 – 25 points) – Within a fire prevention subject area such as Fire Prevention Week, Home Inspections, Halloween, Christmas, Fire Safety, Spring Cleaning, Sparky, Smokey, Sweepy, Smoke Detectors, Etc. B. Uniqueness in presentation – (0 – 25 points) – Construction aspects such as neatness, stability, occupant safety, and fire-safe materials. C. Overall appearance – (0 – 25 points) D. Conduct of participants – (0 – 25 points) – General conduct of, and how well participants carryout the theme of the entry. 7. Size, cost, and elaborateness are not a criteria.
528 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference PARADE RULES ALL Participants in the Maryland State Firemen’s Association’s Convention Parade Parade Monitors will be monitoring the entire parade route. They are authorized to remove any company or unit that is not behaving in a proper manner. Listed below are examples of some of the conduct that WILL NOT BE TOLERATED! 1. Public drinking 2. Pulling of hose or other equipment from apparatus 3. Blowing of sirens or air horns 4. Backing of apparatus 5. Throwing of any type material from apparatus 6. Discharging of water or other agents from apparatus 7. Drilling in front of the reviewing stands that does not maintain forward progress 8. Stopping or not maintaining forward progress in line of parade other than for safety purposes 9. Majorette groups stopping to perform during the parade route 10. Personnel on apparatus in an unsafe position or over crowded positions 11. Excessive non uniform personnel on apparatus 12. Individuals reviewing the parade, jumping into the line of parade march of a unit or interfering with bands, queens, majorette groups, etc. 13. Operation of any vehicle in an unsafe or reckless manner 14. If seatbelts or other safety devices are provided they must be worn in their proper manner 15. All “Jake Brakes” or like equipment will be turned off during the entire parade route.
Let’s ALL try to cooperate by abiding by the above rules so that we may ALL have a good time, make a positive impression on the public we serve, and have a parade we can ALL be proud of - - NOT one to be ashamed of because of the performance of a few!
FREE FOOD WILL BE PROVIDED, TO THOSE WHO PARTICIPATED IN THE PARADE PRIOR TO THE PRESENTATION OF AWARDS.
THANKS FOR YOUR PARTICIPATION AND COOPERATION, FROM YOUR CONVENTION COMMITTEE Parade line-up will be first come – first in line, unless your jurisdiction comes in as a group after forming together before the Route 50 Bridge. 529 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention
TROPHIES AND AWARDS LIST
Maryland Company Making Best Appearance Chief Marvin Gibbons Memorial Award Hollywood VFD
Maryland Company Making Second Best Appearance Easton VFD
Presidents Award Singerly
Ocean City
Company Coming Longest Distance Liberty Fire Company
Schuykill Haven, PA
Company Coming Second Longest Distance Second District VFD & RS
Best Appearing Fire Department Marching Unit (10 or more personnel) Easton VFD
Second Best Appearing Fire Department Marching Unit Liberty Fire Company Schuykill Haven, PA
Third Best Appearing Fire Department Marching Unit Hollywood VFD
530 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Company with Most Uniformed Emergency Services Personnel Hollywood VFD
Fire Engines – 1500 GPM and Over Making Best Appearance Grasonville VFD
Second Best Appearance Second District VFD & RS
Third Best Appearance Rising Sun
Honorable Mention - Hollywood VFD Honorable Mention - Germontown VFD Honorable Mention - Perryville VFC Honorable Mention - Delta-Cardiff VFC Honorable Mention - Kent Island VFD Honorable Mention - Easton VFD Honorable Mention - Elkridge VFD
Fire Engines – 1250 GPM Making Best Appearance Trappe VFC
Second Best Appearance Arcadia VFC
Third Best Appearance Jarrettsville VFD
Honorable Mention - Delmar VFD Honorable Mention - Cordova VFA Honorable Mention - Showell VFD Honorable Mention - English Consul VFA Honorable Mention - Hacks Point VFC Honorable Mention - Church Hill VFC Honorable Mention - Marion VFC 531 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Fire Engines – 1000 GPM and Under Making Best Appearance Nanjemoy VFD
Second Best Appearance Chestnut Ridge VFC
Third Best Appearance Deal Island-Chance VFC
Honorable Mention - Glenn Dale VFA Honorable Mention - Fruitland VFC Honorable Mention - Cordova VFA
Rescue Pumper Making Best Appearance Hacks Point VFC
Second Best Appearance Easton VFC
Third Best Appearance Crumpton VFC
Pumper Tanker Making Best Appearance (1500 gallon capacity tank and over) Second District VFD & RS
Second Best Appearance Bay District VFD
Third Best Appearance Perryville VFC Tanker Making Best Appearance - (1500 gallon capacity tank and over) Mt. Airy VFC
532 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Second Best Appearance Easton VFD
Third Best Appearance Rising Sun VFC
Brush Unit - Making Best Appearing Church Hill VFC
Second Best Appearance Parsonsburg VFC
Third Best Appearance Arcadia VFC
Honorable Mention - Orchard Beach VFC Honorable Mention - Berlin VFC Honorable Mention - Water Witch VFC
Aerial Truck Making Best Appearance Rising Sun VFC
Second Best Appearance Bowers, DE
Third Best Appearance Whiteford VFC
Elevated Platform Making Best Appearance Easton VFD
Second Best Appearance Church Hill VFC
533 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Third Best Appearance Kentland VFD
Squad Truck Making Best Appearance Hollywood VFD
Second Best Appearance Bethesda-Chevy Chase RS
Third Best Appearance North Point-Edgemere VFD
Ambulance Making Best Appearance Trapp VFD
Second Best Appearance Rising Sun VFC
Third Best Appearance Water Witch VFC
Honorable Mention - Arcadia VFC Honorable Mention - Easton VFD Honorable Mention - Kent Island VFD Honorable Mention - Federalsburg VFC Honorable Mention - Millsville
Emergency Services Special Unit Making Best Appearance (Canteen, Forestry, Hazmat, Jeep, Gator, Etc.) MD Dept. of Environment
Second Best Appearance Delmar
534 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Third Best Appearance Cecil County Communications
Honorable Mention - Rising Sun VFC Honorable Mention - Singerely VFD Honorable Mention - Chestnut Ridge VFC Honorable Mention - Hollywood VFD Honorable Mention - Arcadia VFC
Best Appearing Company from Delaware Dagsboro Fire Co.
Second Best Appearing Delmar VFC
Best Appearing Company from Pennsylvania Delta-Cardiff VFC
Second Best Appearing Liberty Fire Co., Schuykill Haven, PA
Best Appearing Company from Virginia Greater Springfield VFD
Best Appearing Company from New Jersey Mt. Hope, NJ
Antique Emergency Apparatus Making Best Appearance (Over 25 Years Old In Service) Pocomoke City VFC
Second Best Appearance Easton VFD
535 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Third Best Appearance Fruitland VFC
Honorable Mention - Riveria Beach VFC Honorable Mention - Deal Island-Chance VFC
Antique Emergency Apparatus Making Best Appearance (25 years or older not in service) Greensboro VFC
Second Best Appearing Berlin VFC
Third Appearing Hollywood VFD
Honorable Mention - Easton VFD Honorable Mention - Rising Sun VFC
Antique Automobile Making Best Appearance (25 years or older) Ridge VRS
Second Best Appearing Bethesda-Chevy Chase RS
Best Appearing Maryland Fire Auxiliary In Uniform Hollywood VFD
Second Best Appearing Singerly VFD
Auxiliary In Uniform Coming The Longest Distance Hollywood VFD
536 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Fire Service Color Guard Making Best Appearance Hollywood VFD
Second Best Appearing Harford County VFA
Third Best Appearing Easton VFD
Honorable Mention - Cordova VFA
Non Fire Service Color Guard Making Best Appearance Westminster Band
Second Best Appearing Boonsboro Silver Starletter
Fire Prevention Entry Making Best Appearance Governor’s Award Hollywood VFD
Fire Prevention Entry Making Second Best Appearance Cordova VFA
Fire Prevention Entry Making Third Best Appearance Cecil County Firemen’s Assoc.
Miss Fire Prevention Making Best Appearance Ashley Chraniger St. Michaels VFC
Second Best Appearing Stacey Jaret Miss MSFA
537 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Third Best Appearing Cassidy Winchester Ridgely VFD
Fourth Best Appearing Erin Foster Cordova VFA
Honorable Mention - Stephanie Gallion, Harford-Cecil Honorable Mention - Soveig Petersen, Germantown
Junior Miss Fire Prevention Making Best Appearance Madeline Moore Rising Sun
Second Best Appearing Cheyene Collette Goldsboro VFC
Third Best Appearing Krysta Brocken Chesapeake City
Fourth Best Appearing Cari McHenry Montgomery County Assoc.
Honorable Mention - Allison Burchette, MSFA NE Region Honorable Mention - Morgan Blank, Allegany-Garrett Counties Assoc.
Little Miss Fire Prevention Making Best Appearance Myka Motovidlak St. Michaels VFC
538 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Second Best Appearing Ashlyn Plato Cecilton VFC
Third Best Appearing Grace Aceto, MD Fire Chief’s
Fourth Best Appearing Camryn Willoughby Trap VFC
Honorable Mention - Ashlyn Christopher, Cordova VFA Honorable Mention - Abigail Younkins, Montgomery County Assoc.
Junior Fire Chief Making Best Appearance Colton Miller Kennedyville VFD
Second Best Appearing Dustin Wilkins Cabin John Park VFD
Third Best Appearing Gus Clark Greensboro VFC
Fourth Best Appearing Luke Sheldon Cecil County
Honorable Mention - Colton Wilkiar, Cabin John Park VFD Honorable Mention – E. J. Alton, Ridgely VFD
539 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Best Appearing Junior or Cadet Company Elkridge Junior Firefighters
Second Place English Consul VFA
Marching Band Making Best Appearance - ($500) Westminster Community Band
Marching Band Making Second Best Appearing - ($250) Fire Brigade Pipe Band
Third Best Appearing - ($200) None
Best Drum and Bugle Corp None
Best Musical Group Leading Majorettes None
Majorettes Making Best Appearance Boonsboro Silver Starlettes
Second Best Appearing None
Third Best Appearing None
Fourth Best Appearing None
Pom Pom Squad Making Best Appearance None
540 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Second Best Appearing None
Comic Entry Making Best Appearance Arcadia VFD Clown
Mascot Making Best Appearance The Water Witch
Second Best Appearance None
Hard Luck Award Bethesda-Chevy Chase RS
Judges Awards Red Knights Fruitland Chief’s Car Hollywood Truck 7 Arcadia VFD Marching Unit Singerly VFD Color Guard Snow Hill VFD Ambulance Baltimore City T-29 Privately Owned Mt. Hope, NJ Bay District VFD
541 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference MARYLAND STATE FIREMEN’S ASSOCIATION 2012-120th ANNUAL CONVENTION AND CONFERENCE BALLOT-2012 PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS ______NOTE: Each Department is entitled to up to five (5) votes. Each Past President is entitled to one (1) vote.
INSTRUCTIONS- Using the pencil provided fill in the space between the brackets for each vote you wish to cast, FOR or AGAINST, for each proposal or candidate. Each paper ballot will count as one (1) vote.
FOR [ ] AGAINST [ ]
MSFA Ballot Amendments 2012 New wording is indicated by underlining Wording to be deleted is indicated by [Brackets].
Question 1: Changes when a Member Company can be removed from membership for non-payment of annual dues.
Constitution, Article I, Section 2, Paragraph 2: Each company desiring to hold membership in this Association shall pay an initiation fee of Five dollars ($5.00). Each active company shall pay to the Financial Secretary on or before the first [of April] session of the Annual Convention and Conference each year the sum of Two hundred dollars ($200.00) as annual dues or in the case of new members, a pro rata amount for the current year (payable with the initiation fee), said sum constituting dues for the current fiscal year. Twenty dollars ($20.00) of the annual dues shall be donated to the MSFA Foundation specifically identified for scholarships. 542 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Constitution, Article III, Section 4: Any Member Company, who is delinquent in paying their dues by [April 1st] the first session of the Annual Convention and Conference shall automatically be suspended. The [Financial] Secretary shall notify the Member Company that it has been suspended for failure to pay dues and shall not be permitted to register at the Annual Convention and Conference. [If the Member Company does not pay dues, after the notice, within sixty (60) days, the Member Company will not be permitted to register at the Annual Convention and Conference. If the Member Company does not pay dues before the close of the Annual Convention and Conference, the suspended company’s membership will be terminated.] If the suspended Member Company does not pay its dues by the Executive Committee meeting, held at least thirty (30) days following the Convention and Conference, the suspended Member Company’s membership will be terminated. The terminated company may reapply for membership, pursuant to Article I, Section 2 of the Constitution, and shall pay all dues, in arrears, with the application.
Question 2 changes the number of Standing Committees.
Constitution, Article V, Section 1, add the following Committees to the list of Standing Committees: Grants Committee- At least five (5) members, all to be appointed annually. President’s Vehicle Committee- At least three (3) members, all to be appointed annually. Recruitment and Retention Committee- At least seven (7) members, all to be appointed annually. Residential Sprinkler Initiative Committee- At least eleven (11) members, all to be appointed annually. Risk Management Committee- At least three (3) members, all to be appointed annually. Sergeant-At-Arms Committee- At least five (5) members, all to be appointed annually, Constitution, Article V, Section 1, delete the following Committee: [Special Activities Committee- At least nine (9) members all to be appointed annually.] By-laws, Article K, add the following sections: Section 25- The Grants Committee shall promote participation in grant programs and provide assistance to Companies/Departments with grant applications and grant writing. 543 Maryland State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Convention and Conference Section 26- The President’s Vehicle Committee is responsible for the acquisition, maintenance, and disposal of Association vehicles and accessories. Section 27- The Recruitment and Retention Committee is responsible for developing and executing programs to assist members with recruiting new members and keeping their existing members. Section 28- The Residential Sprinkler Initiative Committee supports and works with local fire service groups in establishing requirements for residential sprinkler systems in new one (1) and two (2) family dwellings and educate various groups on the facts about residential sprinklers. Section 29- The Risk Management Committee shall monitor MSFA insurance requirements and recommend adjustments as needed. Section 30- The Sergeant-At-Arms Committee shall maintain order at all Executive Committee meetings, the MSFA Convention and Conference, and other meetings as required. Delete the following section in the Bylaws, Article K: [Section 18- The Special Activities Committee shall devise and manage fund- raising activities, primarily to assist with financing the Annual Convention and conferences.] Note: This committee is being moved to a sub-committee of the Convention and Conference Committee.
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