Installation of Officers and Awards Banquet

On January 21st, the Department held its annual Installation of Officers and Awards Banquet.

The installation of officers was first on the agenda. This year our Master of Ceremonies for the evening was Eddie Stillwell, retired District Chief of the Naval District of Washington. He introduced the new officers of the Ladies Auxiliary and the Administrative and Operational officers as well as the Board of Directors who were then sworn in to their respective office. This was followed by a delicious meal prepared by Rita B's Catering.

This year we paid tribute to three members who answered their last alarm in 2011. They were Bobby Cooper, Ray Williams and Gene Copsey.

Outgoing Ladies Auxiliary President, Molly Colonna, presented the Department with a check for $26,000 to cover the cost of the social hall renovation and the purchase of a custom dining table to be put in the lounge area. Along with this, the ladies also purchased and outfitted a 2011 John Deere 625i Gator that can be used as a brush vehicle and for removing sick/injured patients from areas not accessible by a regular vehicle. She also presented the Elaine Guy Memorial award to member Lori Greathouse. She awarded the President's Award for 2011, to incoming President Judy Copsey.

Fire Chief Raley gave out numerous awards including a Unit Citation given to several members who operated on Squad 2 and Engnie 23 at the mass casualty incident involving an occupied school bus in November of 2011. Jeff Thompson, from the St. County Board of Education Transportation Department was on hand to award these members with a plaque that will be hung in the station.

Awards for the top ten runners from Station 2, along with the top five runners from Station 22 were given along with the top ten drivers between both stations. The Junior Firefighter of the Year was awarded to Firefighter jason Tucker. A first for the Department was awarded for 2011 and that was a Rookie of the Year. This was given to Firefighter/EMT Joey Kidwell, who also accumulated the most training hours during 2011. We had two members receive the The Richard S. "Stormie" Combs Firefighter of the Year Award. This award was given to Firefighter/First Responder Brian Copsey and Firefighter/First Responder Kenny Dickerson.

The President's Award was awarded to John Montgomery. The Chief's Award was presented to Brian Copsey.

Delegate John Wood, Commisioners Russell, Morgan, Morris and Jones presented proclamations and certificates to several members for their service to the Department.

The Department would like to thank the fill-in crews from Cobb Island, Seventh District and Past Chief Sam Terry of the Union Fire Company and Captain Dan Brooks of the Twin Valley Fire Company who provided coverage for the first due so our members could have a night off.

For additional photos:

http://www.rcdphotography.com/Fire-Rescue/Events/MVFD-Co-2-Banquet-12112/21257588_BqkQ3G#!i=1692352819&k=NRvNbcM