| During the evening hours of Saturday February 4th, over 300 people packed the Banquet Hall at the Huntingtown VFD for the 33rd Annual Banquet/Installation of Officers. This particular banquet was emotional for several reasons. This past year, the Huntingtown VFD lost 3 of its own members (Mr Donald Turner, EMT Natala Lowery, and Mrs Virginia Sheckells). However, on Halloween night, two members from Company 6 (Sgt M Nasti and Lt B Thrasher) rescued a lady trapped in a house fire. Once outside of the house, CPR was initiated and the patient was revived. Saturday evening, Mr. and Mrs. Philbin sat at the head table and were in attendance for the special presentation. All members from Huntingtown that were on-scene of the incident received a lifesaving award. The incident story can be viewed at http://hvfd6.org/index.cfm?fs=news.newsView&News_ID=303.
In addition, Sgt Nasti and Lt Thrasher received the Medal of Valor for their actions on Halloween night. The medals were pinned on by Mr. and Mrs. Philbin. This special award was presented by Captain Larry Patin.
Two other lifesaving awards were presented that evening to the Volunteers. The Master of Ceremonies was "Elmo" Grierson. Food was provided by Thompson's Seafood Catering. Music and Entertainment by Deputy Keith Hicks, Slideshow presentation was from F/F Rick Grierson. The administrative awards were led by 2006 President Bill Schrom with assistance from Vice President Paul Robinson. Mr. John "Santa" Brady became an honorary member. The operational awards were led by 2007 Chief Jonathan Riffe with assistance from Assistant Chief Caroll Spriggs and Deputy Chief Ricky Hayes. Firefighter of the Year was presented to Larry Kerns; EMT of the Year was presented to Ryan Muholland. Rookie Firefighter of the Year was presented to Erik Morgan, Rookie EMT of the Year was presented to Sierra Stewart. Chief's Awards were presented to Beth Donohue and Meg Dorsey. 3 Chief's Awards were presented to Chief Riffe, Chief Hayes, and Chief Spriggs. A special plaque was presented to Chief Ozzie Osbourn for his three dedicated years of service. Officer of the Year was also presented to Chief Ozzie Osbourn.
In attendance were Senator Bernie Fowler, Doug Hill (ABC 7), County Commissioners Wilson Parran, Susan Shaw, Linda Kelley, and Barbara Stinnett, along with several other VIP's. Thanks to Michelle Smith and the Banquet Committee for another exceptional banquet. Thanks also goes to Company 5 (Dunkirk) for filling-in. |
