On April 28, 2024, the Southern Maryland Volunteer Firemen's Association convened for our annual memorial service and installation of officers, marking a significant moment of continuity and renewal in our organization's legacy.

Heartfelt congratulations are extended to the newly elected officers who have assumed pivotal roles within the association:

President: JW King
1st Vice President: Tom Mattingly Jr.
2nd Vice President: John Pardoe
Secretary: Darby Byrd
Treasurer: Joseph "Charlie" Bradburn
Chaplain: George Kennett

Amidst this occasion, we paid homage to the exemplary service and dedication exemplified by our esteemed colleagues, inducting them into the Southern Maryland Volunteer Firemen's Association Hall of Fame. The 2024 Hall of Fame inductees are as follows:

Paul McCormick - Bryans Road VFD&RS
Francis Kilinski Jr. - Cobb Island VFD&RS
Antwan Thomas - Hughesville VFD&RS
Craig Kavlick - Potomac Heights VFD& RS
Joseph Ford - Solomons VRSFD
Donald Johnson - Hollywood VFD
Brian Cooper - Ridge VFD
Timothy Ridgell * - Ridge VFD
Carol Boehm - Second District VFD&RS
Stephen Gibson Sr. - Seventh District VFD
Brice Trossbach ** - Leonardtown VFD
(* Posthumously, ** Special Inductee)

The ceremony also served as a platform to acknowledge outstanding achievements in various categories:

Fire Prevention Awards:
Overall Winner: Ridge (Duke Award)
Class II: Benedict (1st)
Class III: Newburg (1st), Potomac Heights (2nd)
Class IV: Ridge (1st), Second District (2nd)
Class V: Bay District (1st), Mechanicsville (2nd), Solomons (3rd)
Fire Prevention Special Project: Ridge (1st), Bay District (2nd), Mechanicsville (3rd)
Father Aloysius Newnan Chaplain’s Award: David Cullison (RVFD)
Frank R. Cotrufo Jr. Memorial Safety Leadership Award: Philip Ridgell (RVFD)
W. David Gott Memorial Fire Prevention Leadership Award: Scot Best (RVFD)
Unit Citations:
Horse & Buggy accident in Loveville: SMCALS, LVFD, MVFD
Water Rescue: Solomons VFDRS
Chaplain Emeritus: Chaplain Joe Gardiner
Honor Guard acknowledgment: Chuck Pembleton for exemplary service
Recognition of 55 years of MFRI instruction: R. Keith Fairfax
President's Award: Chaplain Joe Gardiner

This gathering not only honors the past achievements but also fortifies our commitment to excellence and service in the Southern Maryland community.