7 Years & Counting....History Has Repeated Itself....Huntingtown VFD Member Going NATIONAL

This past Saturday April 5, 2014 Huntingtown VFD member, Gabriel Robinson participated in a state-wide firefighting competition in Anne Arundel County. Gabriel has been a junior member of the department for the past year and is currently a student in the Calvert County High School cadet program. Students in this curriculum leave school early every day their junior or senior year (whichever year they are in the program) and take the pertinent training they will need in the fire service (FFI, FFII, EMT-B, Rescue-Tech, Haz-Mat Ops, NIMS, Engine Company Ops, Bldg Construction, etc.).

Months ago, it became evident that in the entire Southern MD region (Calvert, Charles, St. Mary's), Gabriel was well above average compared to the majority of the other students. He competed in the Tri-County Southern MD competition in March and scored 2nd place. With that, he was invited to attend a state-wide competition this past Saturday in Anne Arundel County held by "Skills USA." This organization serves students attempting to make a career in their education.

Saturday, at the state competition, Gabriel competed against several other firefighters. They were tested on time it took don their gear and SCBA, ladder deployment, replace a burst hoseline, ropes and knots, and finally an intensive written test. The student with the overall highest score wins first place. Late Saturday evening, Gabriel received word he won 1st place.

Because of this, Gabriel is now going to the National Competition held in Kansas City, Missouri in June and will compete against firefighters from across the nation.

In 2013, member Matthew Montgomery competed in the state competition and scored 1st place. In 2012, member Haley Morgal competed in the Tri-County competition. In 2010, members Matt Fisher, Hunter Stewart & Mike Gaylor were selected and competed in the state competition. Matt Fisher won first place and went on to the National competition in Kanas City, finishing in 10th place. In 2009, member, Ben Jeffrey finished in 1st place and his twin brother, Mike Jeffrey finished in 3rd place in the state competition. In 2008, member Josh Buckler was selected to the competition. In 2007, members, Ty Lester & Rick Grierson competed in the Tri-County competition, state competition, and national competition in Kansas City, Missouri. Huntingtown VFD takes pride in the development, education and future of our young members.

Congratulations to Gabriel!!!

For previous stories regarding our members competing in the Skills USA competition, visit:

1) http://www.hvfd6.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=362

2) http://www.hvfd6.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=421

3) http://www.hvfd6.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=709

4) http://www.hvfd6.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=837

5) http://www.hvfd6.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=867

6) http://www.hvfd6.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=1033

7) http://www.hvfd6.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=1146

8) http://www.hvfd6.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=1161

For more information on the Skills USA competition: http://www.skillsusa.org/events/nlsc.shtml