2015 SMVFA Convention |
By Firefighter/EMT Andrew Spalding | |
May 14, 2015 | |
On Saturday May 2nd and Sunday May 3rd, the SMVFA made it's way to the Newburg area for the 68th Annual Convention! On Saturday May 2nd, the Memorial Service was held at the Cobb Island Vol. Fire Department and EMS. It was a beautiful service honoring those volunteer men and women who have fallen during the past year from Charles County, St. Mary's County and Calvert County. We were honored to have many guests to include many Past Presidents of the Association, Stacy Faust with the Sudlersville VFD, Pastor James Royster, Charles County Sheriff Troy Berry, Jairus Coates, Rita Dent, and Trish Lane. Memories were created from this service that the families and friends of those lost will cherish for years to come. Following the service, the annual awards banquet/meeting and installation of officers was held at the Newburg Vol. Rescue Squad and Fire Department. This also was a very nice event with many guests in attendance. The meal was prepared by Hardesty Haven Catering, with dessert prepared by Crumb Snatchers Cupcakes through the catering company. With Saturday's events coming to a close, members raced to get the final touches complete for Sunday. On Sunday May 3rd, the Newburg area saw it's first parade in many years. The Firemen's parade started at Piccowaxen Middle School and Higdon Elementary School and proceeded Northwest on Route 257 until it passed the department, where units then proceeded to the Charles County Fairgrounds for the contests and awards. The parade was a huge success, bringing around 240 entries! The weather was beautiful, we were joined by an awesome crowd of spectators, and it was just about as perfect as a parade could be wished for. Food was prepared and served by the Newburg VRSFD Auxiliary, Kona Ice served up cold refreshing ice treats and great fun was had by all. Special thanks to Chris Thompson, Assistant Chief of Communications and member of the Marbury Vol. Fire Dept and EMS for announcing the parade. Also, special thanks to Ronnie Evans of the Cobb Island Vol. Fire Dept and EMS for the use of the PA system for both days. After the parade was complete, everyone gathered at the Charles County Fairgrounds for the contests, while the judges met and enjoyed lunch provided by Hardesty Haven Catering. For the most part, the contests went smoothly and were enjoyed by all who participated and those who watched from the stands. The games were: Fastest Dressed Obstacle Course, Tug Of War, Bucket Brigade, EMS Contest and Battle of the Bucket. The entire weekend also featured a carnival at the fairgrounds, as well as a few local vendors. HUGE thanks to our sponsors: Lawrence Abell and Associates, SMECO, Community Bank of the Chesapeake, Greater Waldorf Jaycees, Southern Maryland Insurance (Ken Wyvill), and Charles Regional Medical Center. Also, a very special thanks to the NRG Power Plant for sponsoring the trophies! The winners for the Parade are as follows: Best Appearing Company Overall: Leonardtown VFD Best Appearing Engine 1500 GPM and Under: Bay District E-32 Best Appearing Engine 1250 GPM and Over: Nanjemoy E-42 Best Appearing Aerial Device: Leonardtown VFD Best Appearing Squad: Bel Alton VFD Best Appearing Tanker: 7th District VFD Best Appearing Pumper/Tanker: 2nd District VFD Best Appearing Rescue Engine: Solomons VFD Best Appearing Brush: Nanjemoy VFD Best Appearing ATV/UTV: Mechanicsville VFD Best Appearing Command Unit/Utility: Prince Frederick VFD Best Appearing Special Unit (Specialty teams, etc.): Charles County Mobile Intensive Care Unit Best Appearing Ambulance (Light Duty): Dentsville EMS Best Appearing Ambulance (Medium/Heady Duty): Solomons VRS Best Appearing Fire Boat, 250 GPM: 7th District VFD Best Appearing Rescue Boat: Mechanicsville VFD Best Appearing Fire Truck (25+ years old, In Service): Leonardtown VFD Best Appearing Antique Vehicle (20+ years, Non-Fire Dept): Earl Gardiner Company Coming Longest Distance: North Beach VFD Company with Most Uniformed Personnel: Leonardtown VFD Best Appearing Fire Prevention Float: Mechanicsville VFD Best Appearing Fire Prevention Queen: Elizabeth Wockenfuss - Mechanicsville VFD Best Appearing Little Miss Fire Prevention Queen: Lacie Lawman - Cobb Island VFD Best Appearing Honor Guard: Mechanicsville VFD Best Appearing Marching Unit - Fire Dept: Leonardtown VFD Best Appearing Marching Unit - Cadets: Hollywood VFD Best Appearing Ladies Auxiliary: Hollywood VFD Best Appearing Junior Fire Chief: Paul Degraves - Mechanicsville VFD Best Appearing Mascot: Ridge VFD - Sparky Best Appearing Commercial Unit: Adams Funeral Home - Clydesdale horses and carriage Judges Award: Charles County Rescue Squad - Wagon 51 |
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