| 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 Company In Association: Mechanicsville VFD
2nd Best Appearing Company In Association: Hollywood VFD
3rd Best Appearing Company In Association: Ridge VFD
Best Appearing Company Out of Association: Accokeek VFD
Justin Mangum Award: Charles County Mobile Intensive Care Unit
Best Appearing Engine 1500 GPM and Under: Bay District E-32
2nd Best Appearing Engine 1500 GPM and Under: Bel Alton VFD E-101
Best Appearing Engine 1250 GPM and Over: Nanjemoy E-42
2nd Best Appearing Engine 1250 GPM and Over: Hollywood E-72
Best Appearing Aerial Device: Leonardtown VFD
2nd Best Appearing Aerial Device: Accokeek VFD
Best Appearing Squad: Bel Alton VFD
2nd Best Appearing Squad: St. Leonard VFD
Best Appearing Tanker: 7th District VFD
2nd Best Appearing Tanker: Benedict VFD
Best Appearing Pumper/Tanker: 2nd District VFD
2nd Best Appearing Pumper/Tanker: Ridge VFD
Best Appearing Rescue Engine: Solomons VFD
2nd Best Appearing Rescue Engine: Cobb Island VFD
Best Appearing Brush: Nanjemoy VFD
2nd Best Appearing Brush: Mechanicsville VFD
Best Appearing ATV/UTV: Mechanicsville VFD
2nd Best Appearing ATV/UTV: Maryland DNR
Best Appearing Command Unit/Utility: Prince Frederick VFD
2nd Best Appearing Command Unit/Utility: Solomons VFD
Best Appearing Special Unit (Specialty teams, etc.): Charles County Mobile Intensive Care Unit
2nd Best Appearing Special Unit: La Plata VFD - Collapse Unit
Best Appearing Ambulance (Light Duty): Dentsville EMS
2nd Best Appearing Ambulance (Light Duty): Cobb Island EMS
Best Appearing Ambulance (Medium/Heady Duty): Solomons VRS
2nd Best Appearing Ambulance (Medium/Heavy Duty): Prince Frederick VRS
Best Appearing Fire Boat, 250 GPM: 7th District VFD
Best Appearing Rescue Boat: Mechanicsville VFD
2nd Best Appearing Rescue Boat: Cobb Island VFD
3rd Best Appearing Rescue Boat: Leonardtown VFD
Best Appearing Fire Truck (25+ years old, In Service): Leonardtown VFD
Best Appearing Fire Truck (25+ years old, Out of Service): La Plata VFD
Best Appearing Antique Vehicle (20+ years, Non-Fire Dept): Earl Gardiner
2nd Best Appearing Antique Vehicle (20+ years, Non-Fire Dept): Charles Evans
Company Coming Longest Distance: North Beach VFD
Company with Most Uniformed Personnel: Leonardtown VFD
Best Appearing Fire Prevention Float: Mechanicsville VFD
2nd Best Appearing Fire Prevention Float: Leonardtown VFD
Best Appearing Fire Prevention Queen: Elizabeth Wockenfuss - Mechanicsville VFD
2nd Best Appearing Fire Prevention Queen: Carly Rodgers - Cobb Island VFD
Best Appearing Little Miss Fire Prevention Queen: Lacie Lawman - Cobb Island VFD
2nd Best Appearing Little Miss Fire Prevention Queen: Hannah Baggarly - La Plata VFD
Best Appearing Honor Guard: Mechanicsville VFD
Best Appearing Marching Unit - Fire Dept: Leonardtown VFD
2nd Best Appearing Marching Unit - Fire Dept: Hollywood VFD
Best Appearing Marching Unit - Cadets: Hollywood VFD
2nd Best Appearing Marching Unit - Cadets: Marlboro VFD
Best Appearing Ladies Auxiliary: Hollywood VFD
2nd Best Appearing Ladies Auxiliary: Leonardtown VFD
Best Appearing Junior Fire Chief: Paul Degraves - Mechanicsville VFD
2nd Best Appearing Junior Fire Chief: Caleb Gilroy - La Plata VFD
Best Appearing Mascot: Ridge VFD - Sparky
Best Appearing Commercial Unit: Adams Funeral Home - Clydesdale horses and carriage
2nd Best Appearing Commercial Unit: T&T Sweeping
Judges Award: Charles County Rescue Squad - Wagon 51
Judges Award: Newburg Service Center
Judges Award: Suddlersville VFD
Judges Award: Leonardtown VFD Hose Cart
Judges Award: Jairus Coates (National Anthem)
Judges Award: David Hillard - Retired Truck 26 Hillside |
