| On January 19th, 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 Dan Raley, prior County Commissioner for many years. He introduced the new officers of the Ladies Auxiliary and the Administrative and Operational officers as well as the Board of Directors of the Fire Department, who were then sworn in to their respective office. Our very own Ladies Auxiliary Member Tara Wood, who is the 2nd Vice President of the Southern Maryland Ladies Auxiliary, did the swearing in of the Auxiliary officers and Southern Maryland VFA President Chuck Shaw did the swearing in of the Fire Department officers. 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 2012. They were Auxiliary Member Mary Burroughs, Auxiliary and Fire Member Cynthia Adams and Past President and Chief William H. Simpson, Sr.
Ladies Auxiliary President Judy Copsey gave out several length of service awards as did Delegate Johnny Wood and County Commissioner Larry Jarboe. President Copsey presented the Elaine Guy Memorial award to member Meghanne Thompson. She then presented President Colonna a check for forty thousand dollars to put towards the new station fund. Fire Chief Raley was presented a check for twenty thousand dollars to put towards purchasing equipment for the new squad on order. She awarded the President's Award for 2012, to all the Auxiliary Members for all of their hard work through out the year.
President Colonna took the podium once the the Ladies had completed their presentations. He made presentations to last years officers and gave out several length of service awards. Delegate Wood and Commissioner Jarboe followed with their proclamations as well. President Colonna then gave out his President's Award. This year there were two recipients. The first one he presented to Treasurer Ferd Reetz. The second one was given to the Ladies Auxiliary.
Fire Chief Raley gave out numerous awards including a Unit Citation given to several members who operated on Rescue Engine 22 at a motor vehicle accident on Three Notch Road on June 30th, 2012. Next he presented a Life Saving award to the crew who responded to a report of a subject not breathing on December 23rd, 2012 that resulted in a life save.
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 Rookie Firefighter of the Year was awarded to Jason Tucker. The Fire Chief's Award was presented to Sergeant Ryan Blizek. The Richard S. "Stormie" Combs Firefighter of the Year Award was awarded to Firefighter/EMT Andrew McHone.
The Department would like to thank the fill-in crews from Cobb Island, Seventh District and Assistant 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. |
