(4/20) On Monday, April 15, at the Walkersville Volunteer Fire Hall, the Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association and Ladies Auxiliary held their 26th Annual Volunteer Recognition Ceremony. It was at this ceremony that local fire company units, Thurmont’s Guardian Hose Company, Emmitsburg’s Vigilant Hose Company and Thurmont Medic 30 and MSP Trooper 3, were recognized and honored for their heroic endeavors last year, by receiving the Outstanding Unit Award.

The Outstanding Unit Award was presented in recognition for extraordinary bravery, teamwork or special service provided during an emergency response. A unit can be personnel from a single department or individuals from several departments, agencies or teams who worked together on a single incident.

On June 16, 2018 crews were dispatched to a vehicle accident with rollover on Sabillasville Road. Prior to dispatch, a civilian drove to the fire station to advise members that he was taking photos of the railroad bridges when he noticed a SUV flipped upside down in the creek but wasn’t sure if anyone was inside the vehicle. Thurmont’s Rescue Squad 10 responded with Mike Double, Lt. Brian Donovan, Jared Snyder and Brad Weddle, while Engine 101 responded with, Terry Frushour, Mike Beard and Brandon Boyle. Fire Police Robert Black and Medic 30, Sarah Willis also responded to the accident.

With help from Emmitsburg’s Squad 6, who responded with Assistant Chief Joshua Brotherton, Cliff Shriner, Ingrid Hazbon, Shawn Wetzel and Nicole Burriss, all attending squads were able to save a victim rescued from a vehicle accident that ended up being a high angle rescue. Personnel had to wade through waist high vegetation, then down to a ravine, over a raised railroad track to get to the edge of Owens Creek, which was the actual accident location. Once onsite, a large SUV was found upside down and facing the opposite direction of its original travel.

What made the situation worse was the vehicle had catapulted in the air from driving across the raised railroad bed and dropped over the concrete river bank falling approximately twenty feet. This was delicate work due to the elevated water level and fast water current. Multiple personnel used a stokes basket, ropes and various apparatus to obtain the patient. The patient was then wrapped and secured prior to moving to land. A brief trauma assessment was conducted by EMS personnel along with Medic 30. The patient was taken by ambulance to a nearby school and transferred to the awaiting MSP helicopter - Trooper 3 - for transport to a trauma hospital.

It was determined later that the patient was identified and found to be a local woman who was reported missing a day prior to the accident. It was believed that the woman had been in the water for close to 24 hours prior to rescue. Thanks to the entire response team, the patient, luckily, recovered from her injuries.

Other awards presented that evening went to outstanding individuals from our local fire companies of Rocky Ridge, Graceham and the Vigilant Hose Company.

Rocky Ridge’s Ethan McClure received the Winnie Crum Rookie of the Year Award for his dedication to his community. McClure helps at various fundraising and non-fundraising activities in the Rocky Ridge community. He volunteers his time with the fire department’s bingo, semi-annual butchering, meat raffle events, and carnival. He is also seen often in the station, helping where needed, whether it be cleaning, organizing or helping with demonstrations. McClure was described as the definition of what a volunteer should be, always helping when and where he can.

Matthew Moser, another volunteer with Rocky Ridge Fire Company, received the Dr. James Marrone EMS of the Year award. Moser joined the department in 1992, and has been one of the top ten responders for the department since 1995. Last year alone he assisted on 70% of the calls run by the company either as an EMT or a firefighter. In addition to his service as one of the top ten responders for the department, Moser is also an active volunteer for many of the department’s fundraisers, including the semi-annual butchering, carnival, gun raffles and car shows.

The last recipient from Rocky Ridge was Kevin Albaugh, who received the Hall of Fame award. Joining the department in 1982, Albaugh has served in various positions including Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain and 2nd Assistant Chief. He is also in charge of the company’s "I Am Responding" system and has been active in many committees throughout his time with the department. Albaugh has also been an instrumental driving force behind the organization of the company’s monthly drills.

Graceham Fire Department’s volunteer firefighter, first responder and driver,

Brian Boller also received the Hall of Fame award. Boller has been with the department for 38 years, serving as President, Vice President, Assistant Treasurer, Treasurer and Board of Director. His dedication and leadership has helped make the department financially stable and debt free. He has also been instrumental in training new drivers and has mentored younger members of the department.

Four members of Emmitsburg’s Vigilant Hose Company received awards during the Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association and Ladies Auxiliary. Both Clifton Shriner and late Terry Myers received the Hall of Fame award. Shriner is described as an individual always looking for ways to better himself and those around him and is always looking for ways to lend a helping hand. He has served as Lieutenant, Assistant Chief, and Chief, and has spent considerable time training new members and working on equipment and apparatus. Late department member, Myers, was an active member from 1966 up until his passing in 1999. He served as Secretary, Treasurer, Vice President and Director, was a driver for over 25 years and served on several new apparatus committees.

Vigilant Hose Company’s Karyn Myers received the Mick Mastrino Instructor/Safety Award for her dedicated work "behind the scenes." She joined the department in 1996, became an EMT in 1998, and began teaching EMS and CPR classes soon after. She now takes care of all of the department’s CPR and related training, maintains the County physical records for the department and performs annual HIPPA trainings.

Lastly, John Hollinger received the Bruce Reeder Sr. "Golden" Service Award. Hollinger has been a member of the department for over 70 years, serving in various positions and committees. He has served on every new apparatus planning committee since he joined the company and helped assemble the Boy Scout Explorers program, which was started to foster an early learning environment in fire suppression for youth.

We thank all those who take time to volunteer in our local fire departments, for without their tireless work, dedication and heroism, many lives would be lost.