The Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. held their annual Installation of Officer’s Banquet on Saturday, January 20, 2018. This was the first banquet held in the new station. President John S. “Monkey” Montgomery kicked off the evening by welcoming guests and dedicating the banquet to the previous year’s deceased members: Michael Pilkerton, Sr., James F. Mattingly, III, Chuck Misamore and Billy Guy. Former County Commissioner Dan Raley was the master of ceremony. The officers were installed by 2nd Vice President to the Southern Maryland Volunteer Firemen’s Association Phillip “Heavy” Ridgell. The 2018 Administrative Officers are: President, John S. Montgomery; 1st Vice President, Dennis Bellevou; 2nd Vice President Jackson Miller (not present); Treasurer, Tommy Kidwell; Secretary, Darene Kleinsorgen, Assistant Secretary/Treasurer, Karen Montgomery; Financial Secretary, Frank Kleinsorgen; Fire Prevention, Terri Palmer. The 2018 Operational Officers are: Chief, Mark Trowbridge; Chief 2A, Scott Bellevou; Chief 2B, Keith Hemming; Chief Engineer, James Barnes, Sr.; 1st Engineer, James Barnes, Jr.; Training Captain, Mark Pullium; Squad Captain, Perry Bryant; Engine Captain, Robert Barnes; Squad Lieutenant, Stephen Truesdell; Engine Lieutenant, Ryan Raley; Sergeant, Daniel Busl; Sergeant, Reid Colomo; Safety Officer, Bret Krabbe; Water Supply Officer, Joe Guyther.

The entire membership was recognized by the President with the “President’s Award” for their hard work. The award acknowledged the efforts of everyone who helped with the move back into the building which was a very huge task. Special Service Awards were given by the President to the Ladies Auxiliary, Mark Trowbridge, Tyler Raley, Dennis Bellevou, Jackson Miller, Tommy Kidwell, Jimmy Burroughs and Karen Montgomery.

Length of Service Awards were given to the following fire department members: Tyler Burroughs – 5 years, Mark Pullium -- 10 years, Frank Kleinsorgen – 15 years, Dennis Hooker – 20 years, Scott Bellevou – 20 years, B.K. Abell – 30 years, Larry Greenwell – 35 years, Charlie Evans – 35 years, Willie Wilkerson – 45 years and Henry Fowler – 50 years.

Fire Chief Mark Trowbridge welcomed everyone and gave a run-down of the company’s stats that included the 872 calls the department ran for 2017. Chief Trowbridge presented the following awards: Firefighter of the Year – Daniel Busl, Junior Firefighter of the Year – Joseph “Jake” Senatore, Chief’s Awards: Tyler Raley, Kenny Lloyd and Joyce Lloyd.

He then announced the Top Ten Responders: Daniel Busl, Mark Trowbridge, Justin Raley, Robert Barnes, Andrew McHone, Keith Hemming, Dennis Bellevou, Joseph Senatore, Scott Bellevou and Stephen Truesdell. The Top Five Drivers: Andrew McHone, Kenny Dickerson, Jeremy Hemming, Mike Roache and Dennis Bellevou
Auxiliary President Molly Colonna presented the President and Chief with a check in the amount of $17,000.00. The Auxiliary had recently also purchased tables for the social hall that amounted to $4,500. Therefore, the total gift to the department was $21,500. Auxiliary President Colonna presented Paul Colonna and Karen Montgomery with the Auxiliary President’s Award. She thanked the fire department members who helped the Auxiliary the past year and she presented the following Auxiliary members with their Length of Service Awards: Lorraine Ferguson 5 years, Lori Greathouse – 10 years, Karen Gibson – 15 years, Amy Copsey – 20 years, Donna Wockenfuss – 30 years, Ida Abell – 30 years, Peggy Guy – 60 years.

The meal was prepared by Rita B Catering and music was provided by CM Entertainment. The Commissioners and Delegates presented their proclamations/commendations, etc., the Optimist Club and Lions Club presented the department with checks and everyone had a great time. The President and Chief thanked everyone for a great 2017 and all are looking forward to an even better 2018.