On April 30th and May 1st the Southern Maryland Volunteer Firemen's Association Convention was hosted by the Ridge Volunteer Fire Department in honor of incoming President Johhny Wathen.

On Saturday, the convention started with the memorial service to honor those members who answered their last alarm for the previous year. The department lost seven members last year. Buddy Adams, Ben Burroughs, Jr., Kenny Burroughs, John H. Parlett, Bobby Wenk, Eddie Wood and Harold Younger were all honored during the memorial service.

Following the memorial, the convention meeting commenced. The Ridge ladies auxiliary provided a delicious meal. The meeting resumed after dinner with the awards ceremony. The department did well this year, winning two third place awards for our fire prevention program. One in the Class V division and one for our annual childrens Christmas party, which was awarded in the special projects division.

Members Joe Guyther, Jackie Guy, Harold Anderson and Andy MacWilliams were recognized for having fifty years or more of service.
This years Hall of Fame inductees included Past Chief John Raley.

On Sunday, the parade was held with the department being awarded three trophies including a judges award, an award for Car 2 and 2nd Best Appearing 1250GPM pumper.

Congratulations to those departments and members who received awards this year and congratulations to the incoming officers.

**Some Pictures courtesy of the Baynet and Tony Codespote**