| During the evening hours of Saturday February 11th, over 300 people packed the Hall at Huntingtown for one of the most emotional banquets of all time; The 39th Annual Installation of Officers/Banquet. Several members were recognized throughout the evening for their service to the department. The Master of Ceremonies was Doug Hill (From ABC 7 News), benediction led by Huntingtown VFD Chaplain Reverend Robert Hahn. Food was provided by Thompson's Seafood Catering. Slideshow presentation was courtesy of member, Josh Miller. The administrative awards were led by President Gene Farrell. The operational awards were led by Chief Jonathan Riffe, A/C Michael Montgomery, D/C Philip Morris and D/C Jessi Borden.
Top Runner of the Year with 1,231 responses was presented to Timothy Bevard. Firefighter of the Year & Edward Morrison Award was presented to Wayne Ward, Jr; EMT of the Year was presented to Sara Jordan. Rookie Firefighter of the Year was presented to TJ Hayden, Rookie EMT of the Year was presented to Timothy Bevard. Chiefs Award was presented to Jessi Borden. Officer of the Year was presented to Assistant Chief Michael Montgomery. A special Chief's Appreciation Award was handed out to Dennis Hook, Jay Mister and Phil Newman.
A special award was presented to Dr Burton Clark (National Fire Academy) for his work in developing the National MAYDAY Program (Huntingtown VFD was the 1st volunteer FD in the country to mandate this for firefighters). 6 special awards were presented to Chief Donald Heinbuch (Baltimore City), Chief Michael Robison (Baltimore County), Chief Jon Starling (Sterling VFD), Chief Bill Corrigan (College Park VFD), Captain Justin Green (Loudoun County) and Chief Billy Goldfelder for their actions in the Investigation of the Soper Road Fire.
A total of 4 Lifesaving Awards were presented during the banquet due to members actions in 2011.
Donald Wallace and Dylan Smith were presented the Medal of Courage for their actions in rescuing Michael Montgomery, JR on the Maryland Avenue Fire.
The Medal of Courage was also presented to Marshall Trigg, TJ Hayden, Ritchie Gibson, Dylan Smith, Austin Williams, Scott Bowen, Josh Buckler, Wayne Ward, RJ Rountree, Ben Jeffery, Hunter Stewart, Donald Wallace, Jimmy Hildwine, Tim Bevard, Sean Fitzgerald, Josh Paiva and Josh Miller for their actions on the Soper Road Fire when 10 firefighters were seriously injured. In addition, The Distinguished Service Medal was awarded to Assistant Chief Montgomery, Deputy Chief Morris, Safety Officer McKenny, Bernie Colllins, Scott Bowen, Mike Gaylor, Jim D'Amico, Paul Robison, Matthew Montgomery and Mike Montgomery Jr.
Thanks to Jessi Borden and the Banquet Committee for another exceptional banquet. Thanks also goes to Company 1 (North Beach) and Company 5 (Dunkirk) for filling-in.
Every picture is courtesy of member, Dennis Hook. To view all photos, please visit his website at: www.dennishook.smugmug.com/ |
