On January 5, 2002, the Vigilant
Hose Company held its 118th
Anniversary Banquet at which time
new officers were installed and
company members were recognized for
their service. The evening was a
multimedia event with a visual
program of reflections on the
company over the past year.
Tim Clarke, president of the
company for the past four years,
said in opening remarks that he was
extremely proud of the
organization’s achievements this
past year in regard to the tip jar
tax issue. In May 2001 the United
States District Court ruled in the
fire company’s favor and the
Internal Revenue Service dropped
their appeal in September. Currently
waiting for a check in the amount of
$37,000 plus interest, Clarke said,
"I’ve been assured that the
check is in the mail." Thanking
the entire membership for their
support in this effort, Clarke
singled out Bill Sanders and Bruce
Reeder for their efforts. He also
thanked Frederick County
Commissioner John "Lennie"
Thompson for supporting them in
pursuing the IRS.
Much of the atmosphere and tone
for the evening was centered on the
events of September 11, 2001.
President Clarke reflected on the
community’s support of their
"Fill the Helmet" campaign
which began as an effort to raise
$10,000 to support families of FDNY.
Because of the community’s
generosity VHC raised $25,000 and
was able to present a $12,500 check
to two "adopted" families
of firefighters lost in the WTC
collapse. Clarke showing his
emotions said, "I will never
forget the two days in New York and
cannot put into words the emotions I
experienced. I was never so proud of
all of you when Chief Frank Davis
and I presented your money to those
two families. Know that all of you
have truly made a difference in
their lives." Clarke said he
has a new perspective on life and on
the ability for this country to
sustain itself in a crisis.
Briefly addressing those present
Mayor Carr said, "I would just
like the Vigilant Hose Company to
know how much the town of
Emmitsburg, and the surrounding
people who depend on you, really
appreciate what you do." The
company responded to 469 calls last
year with an average of 14 personnel
per call. One hundred fourteen of
those calls were for medical
assists; 84 were for structure
responses, and 63 were for auto
accidents. Representing the Maryland
State Fireman’s association Harry
Hetz thanked VHC for being a member
and supporter of the organization
since the late teens and early
1920’s. He recognized the company
for giving approximately 6000 hours
of personnel time over the past
year. Equating that to the $70.00
per hour mechanic fee to service his
car, he thanked the company for
contributing $420,000 worth of man
hours to the community.
The company was honored by guest
R. David Paulison, newly installed
U.S. Fire Administrator. Having been
in Washington only a few short
months and in Emmitsburg a couple of
times a week, he recognized the town
"as having one stop light, one
police officer, one grocery store,
seven churches, and one h.... of a
good fire department." He said,
"This is my kind of town."
Having 31 years in fire service,
Paulson chose to be sworn into his
new position at a fire station to
remind him where he came from.
Addressing the men and women of VHC
he said, "I’m here to give
you the tools to do your job,
that’s my sole purpose."
Referring to the events of September
11, he said, "Our job is not
done. Our United States fire service
is the backbone of homeland
defense." Paulison took the
opportunity to further unity and
cameraderie among the members
saying, "We have to be
diligent. We have to make sure we
know what we’re doing. We have to
have the tools to do our job."
In closing, Paulison said, "You
guys are great. You do an
outstanding job. You volunteer your
time for your community; there is no
greater service than you can
give."
The evening awards ceremony
commenced by honoring individuals
for their service the past year.
The top responder for 2001 was
Randy Myers, followed by Larry
Glass, Chad Umbel, John Glass, Vince
Boyle, Chris Stahley, Carl White,
Scott Maly, Gabe Baker, Doug Wivell,
and Patrick "Fish"
Fischer.
The top fire police responder was
Sam Cool, followed by Steve Orndorff
and Mike Boyle.
The top ten length-of-service
award winners, based on total
activities, were Carl Angleberger
(with 168 points), Randy Myers
(116), Cliff Shriner (109), Jim
Click (101), John Hollinger (98),
Scott Maly (89), Wayne Powell (88),
Gabe Baker (86), Carl White (83),
and Chris Stahley (77).
Years of service awards were
presented to Paul Krietz, Glenn
Swain, and Jason West for five
years; Frank Rauschenberg- ten
years; John Glass, Bob Rosensteel,
Jr., and Dave Vaughn- 15 years; Hugh
Boyle and Steve Hollinger- 20 years;
Herb Click, Jr. - 25 years (Herb
also received a life membership to
the company); Larry Glass- 30 years;
Mike Orndorff, Roland Sanders, and
Bill Weidner, Jr.- 35 years; Patrick
Boyle- 40 years; John Hollinger- 55
years; and Tom Hoke- 60 years.
A Meritorious Service Award was
presented to Patrick Fischer, Glenn
Swain, Ronald Topper, and Jim Rice
for their efforts during a late
night water rescue last July when an
automobile left Route 15 and was
submerged in the pond at Mt. St.
Mary’s.
The In-Station Training Award,
which is presented to the individual
who completes the most hours of
in-house training, department drills
and recertification, was presented
to Jim Click and Glenn Swain.
The Chief’s Award was presented
to Patrick Fischer. Chad Umbel
received both the Formal Training
Award and the President’s Award.
The Member of the Year Award was
presented to Robert A. Rosensteel,
Jr.
An unexpected honor came to the
Dispatch when publishers Bo and Jean
Cadle were presented with honorary
memberships for their interest in
the welfare of VHC and the
community. Honorary membership was
also presented to Jim Rice and Dr.
Denis Onieal, Superintendent of the
National Fire Academy.
The World Ambassador Award was
awarded to John S. Hollinger, Guy
"Mac" McGlaughlin, and
Sterling "Hub" White for
their continued efforts in
maintaining VHC merchandise for sale
at the firehouse.
A 9-11 Leadership Award was
established and presented to Chief
Frank Davis for his leadership
during the 9-11 crisis. Chief Davis
maintained liaison with the FEMA
Operations Center at the National
Emergency Training Center to keep
abreast of regional and national
activities.
Also commended were Assistant
Chief Robert A. Rosensteel, Jr.,
Lieutenant Carl Angleberger, and
Karyn Mayers who helped in providing
logistical support and maintaining
an operations center throughout this
emergency.
Inducted into the Hall of Fame,
which is the Company’s highest
award category, were Guy A. Baker,
Jr. and Thomas L. Topper (deceased
member). A memorial service was held
during the ceremony for deceased
member George Danner.
The banquet meal was provided by
One More Tavern and the evening
concluded with dancing provided by
Denny & Elaine’s Classic
Entertainment & DJ Service.