(7/1) The Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association (VFRA) honored five local emergency responders, recognized for their services to their communities at the association’s annual awards ceremony.
Three emergency responders from the Rocky Ridge Volunteer Fire Company and two from the Graceham Volunteer Fire Company were recognized during the ceremony, with the awards ranging from Firefighter of the Year to inductees into the VFRA’s Hall of Fame.
Rocky Ridge firefighter Ethan McClure was named Firefighter of the Year and was presented with the prestigious VFRA award due to his having "enthusiastically" completed training programs including Gear Up, HAZMAT, and Firefighter 1.
"He was excited to participate in calls for fires, traffic accidents and any other emergencies," the VFRA stated, adding, "The older firefighters appreciate Ethan’s help on the fire scene."
McClure also participated in fundraising events and work details. "He can be counted on to lend a helping hand no matter where he is needed," the county stated.
Rocky Ridge firefighter and administrator Craig Hovermale was presented with VFRA’s Mumma Outstanding Service Award. In addition to his "dedicated service," his skills as an electrician saved the company money by repairing and maintaining the buildings and equipment, the VFRA reported.
Captain Amanda Kate Lott, of the Graceham Volunteer Fire Company, was the recipient of the Dr. James Marrone EMS Member of the Year.
The VFRA noted that Captain Lott guided the EMTs and first responders of her company through the protocol changes required by COVID 19," adding that she also initiated new procedures, so that ambulance supplies were current, and that equipment was maintained in good working order.
In 2020, under Lott's guidance, another mobile response unit met state standards so that it could be certified as a Basic Life Support unit. The captain was also the top EMS responder for her company with 98 calls.
Graceham Volunteer Fire Company also took third place among all the county fire companies for fire/rescue departmental training.
Regarding Graceham’s honors, Chief Louis Powell, Jr., stated, in reference to Captain Lott, "I’m very appreciative to everything she does and proud to have her as my captain." As to the company’s training recognition, the chief said that he was proud of the company to have been recognized for training which occurred during restraints generated by COVID-19.
In addition to the above-noted awards, Rocky Ridge firefighter Jim Rice was inducted into the VFRA Hall of Fame, as was Graceham Powell, Jr.
Powell told the News-Journal, "I’m very honored to have been inducted into the Hall of Fame. It is very humbling." The newspaper has been unable to reach Rice for his comments on having been inducted.
Nominations for being inducted into the Hall of Fame are based upon distinguished service (active service in the form of leadership or creative participation that significantly impact and/or advances the fire and rescue service) … within Frederick County for a period of at least fifteen years, according to Joyce W. Shry, VFRA volunteer recruiter.
Nominations for the VFRA Hall of Fame may be received from the nominee's fire or rescue department, the VFRA, or from an individual. Up to ten individuals may be elected to the Hall of Fame, with a maximum of two deceased members being selected in any given year.
