Chris Patterson
Emmitsburg's Vigilant Hose Fire
Company celebrated its 121st
anniversary Saturday with a banquet
recognizing the many men and women
who volunteer their time to protect
the community. Numerous awards were
presented during the dinner event
held at Mother Seton School.
The Chief's Award, selected by
Chief Robert Rosensteel Jr., was
presented to Ann Messner and Karyn
Myers.
Fire company Public Information
Officer Wayne Powell said the two
women took the lead in supporting
the chief. Messner and Myers worked
for five months to plan for delivery
of primary emergency medical
services and to identify career
staffing needs.
They also developed the company's
written EMS protocols, delivered
training for all personnel, and
implemented Standard Operating
Procedures for infection control,
among other important initiatives.
The Member of the Year award went
to Vance Click, who was rated top in
his participation in classes,
administrative duties, operational
responses and formal training.
Powell said Click is always willing
to help and is great for company
morale.
President Frank Rauschenberg
selected Steven M. Hollinger for the
annual President's award for many
reasons. Hollinger comes from a fire
service family. He has made
significant contributions to the
company's financial management, its
relationship with county and state
governmental agencies, corporate
requirements and audits. He also
acted as the liaison to local
lenders, worked on billing, services
issues, record keeping, and was the
"best role model" for members
learning operations and
administrative duties, Powell said.
A significant honor at every
annual banquet is the naming of
members to be inducted into the Hall
of Fame, the company's highest
award. This year two members were
inducted. Hollinger was inducted for
his many years of "extraordinary
service," Powell said.
Edward Hoke Rowe was inducted
posthumously. He was named president
of the company in 1884 and was
considered a community-minded person
who was instrumental in getting the
company started.
