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The 135th Anniversary Banquet of the Vigilant Hose Company

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Deb Abraham Spalding

The 135th Annual Banquet of the Vigilant Hose Company (VHC) was held on Saturday, January 5, 2019, at the Vigilant Hose Company Activities Building on Creamery Road in Emmitsburg.

Former Company president and current member, Tim Clarke, acted as master of ceremonies and delivered an enjoyable and comical presentation.

Frederick County Executive Jan Gardner was a special guest during the banquet. She thanked the VHC for “…the outstanding service you provide to the citizens of Emmitsburg and the surrounding area. You do a great job. You are a model company, and I hope that you will continue to lead the way in the county with the exemplary merger [of the Emmitsburg Ambulance and Vigilant Hose Companies].”

Emmitsburg Town Commissioner Glenn Blanchard represented the Town of Emmitsburg saying, “Thanks for everything the Vigilant Hose Company does… when I’m laying in bed at three o’clock in the morning and hear the alarm go off, I think to myself, I’m laying warmly in my bed while you go fight the fire, help with the car accidents, and take care of everything else you do to keep our community safe. Thanks from myself, the town council, the mayor, and everyone else.”

Pastor Heath presented the prayer during the Memorial Service, held for four individuals who passed in 2018 and who belonged to the VHC: Ronnie Long, John Maly, Thomas White, and Linda D. Miller.

Ronnie Long passed February 14, 2018. He was a carpenter by trade and was instrumental in several constructions, including the remodeling of the station’s kitchen, installing its first walk-in refrigerator, and overseeing the construction of the VHC’s permanent building at the Frederick Fair, which enabled the company to earn several hundreds of thousands of dollars and was a major fundraising event for years. Ronnie and his father were awarded the major renovation to the fire station in 1994, during which he went above and beyond to make sure the project was completed on time for the arrival of Tower 6.

John J. Maly passed away June 5, 2018. He was a social member of VHC, but a life member of the Independent Hose Company in Frederick. He was instrumental in the creation of the Frederick County Fire Museum and served on its board of directors.

Thomas W. White passed away August 3, 2018. He was a life member of VHC and served in many various positions. He was inducted to the VHC Hall of Fame in 1998 and was a past president of the Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association.

Linda D. Miller passed away September 17, 2018. She was a member of the former Emmitsburg Ambulance Company and joined the Vigilant Hose Company when the two companies merged. She could often be seen volunteering during Bingos on Wednesdays and Fridays.

During the banquet, Tina Ryder, outgoing president of the VHC Auxiliary, presented a check to the department in the amount of $55,000. She said, “There are many factors that have contributed to our success this year. We have had numerous new fundraisers in addition to our tried-and-true events. The teamwork and commitment that is displayed to pull off these events is incredible. Also, the activities building has allowed our events to thrive.”

Mary Lou Little, representing the Bingo Committee, indicated that the proceeds from an extra 50/50 allowed them to give $2,000 to the Emmitsburg Food Bank, $1,000 to the Seton Center Outreach, $1,000 to the Emmitsburg Lions Club Christmas Food Baskets, $1,000 to Emmitsburg Heritage Day Fire Works, $1,500 to Mother Seton School Scholarships, and $1,000 to Fire Prevention Committee for those in need of smoke detectors in the community.

During the banquet, the 2018 Officers of the company were installed. Tim Clarke said, “It is a pleasure to recognize those individuals elected or appointed by their peers who will lead the Vigilant Hose Company and its auxiliary in the year 2019.” The installation of officers was conducted by Frederick County Volunteer Service Directror, Kevin Fox.

The 2019 Officers include: (Administrative Officers) President, Frank Davis; Vice President, David Stonesifer; Treasurer, Steven M. Hollinger; Assistant Treasurer, William Boyd, Jr.; Secretary, Thomas Ward; Assistant Secretary, Eric Stackhouse; Board of Directors, Pam Bolin, Tim Clarke, Vance Click, Mary Lou Little, Scott Maly, Randy Myers, Douglas Orner, Carl White, and Dave Zentz; (Line Officers) Chief, Chad Umbel; Deputy Chief, James Click; Assistant Chief, Joshua Brotherton; Captain, Alex McKenna; (Fire Police Officers) Captain, Tom Vaughn; 1st Lieutenant, Stephen Orndorff; 2nd Lieutenant, Samuel Cool. (Auxiliary Officers) President, Patty Kuykendall; Vice President, Sharel Boyle; Treasurer, Jo Ann Boyd; Secretary, Joyce Glass; Financial Secretary, Mandy Ryder; Co-Historians, Jennifer Boyd, and Katie Davis.

Length of Service Awards were presented: 5 Years—Jarrett Boyle, Brandon Burris, and Victoria Long; 10 Years—Elyssa Cool, Jean Javor, Jennifer Stahley, Penny Stonesifer, and James Wormley; 15 Years—   Vance Click and Donna Miller; 20 Years—Scott Maly and Randy Myers; 25 Years—Doug Wivell and Dave Wilt (with 25 years, you get Life Membership); 30 Years—Tim Clarke and Steve Valentine; 35 Years—Gabe Baker, Karl Kuykendall, and Vince Boyle; 50 Years—Sam Cool; 55 Years—Austin Umbel.

Top 10 Fire Responders: Tenth Top Responder—Randy Myers; Ninth Top Responder—Vance Click; Eighth Top Responder—Tim McKenna; Seventh Top Responder—Alex McKenna; Sixth Top Responder—Josh Brotherton; Fifth Top Responder—Jim Click; Fourth Top Responder—Matt LeGare; Third Top Responder—Dave Zentz; Second Top Responder—Frank Davis; Top Responder for 2018—Cliff Shriner.

Top 10 EMS Responders: Tenth Top Responder—Patrick O’Hanlon; Ninth Top Responder—Dave Zentz; Eighth Top Responder—Elyssa Cool; Seventh Top Responder—Alex McKenna; Sixth Top Responder—Tim McKenna; Fifth Top Responder—Tom Ward; Fourth Top Responder—Cliff Shriner; Third Top Responder—Ingrid Hazbon; Second Top Responder—Josh Brotherton; Top Responder for 2018—Frank Davis.

Top Fire Police Responders: Third Top Responder—Tom Vaughn; Second Top Responder—Sam Cool; Top Responder for 2018—Steve Orndorff.

The 2018 Training Award was presented to Patrick O’Hanlon, who had the most in-house training and training conducted outside of VHC.

Cliff Shriner was awarded the David Copenhaver Driver of the Year Award for 2018.

Pam Ellison was awarded the President’s Award for 2018. As the VHC merged, Pam worked non-stop creating and updating personnel files, transferring membership, educating membership on the ins-and-outs of county programs, and made sure no one was left behind in understanding the LOSAP Program.

Alex McKenna was awarded the Chief’s Award for 2018. Alex was instrumental in preplanning major target hazards within the Emmitsburg Community and building effective partnerships with key individuals in the community. No matter what assignment, you can be assured that Alex got it done. He’s been an outstanding role model for new members while they acclimate to the operations of the company.

Mary Lou Little was awarded the Member of the Year Award for 2018. Tim Clark explained, “Eighteen months ago, Mary Lou identified a problem in the Emmitsburg Community with the delivery of emergency services. She came forward with a solution and brought with her an amazing group of individuals who were willing to give up their identity, as well as their assets, to become part of the VHC. Without a glitch, the two organizations became one, and now emergency services in the Emmitsburg area are stronger than ever.” With both organizations merged and working together, Tim continued, “We gained good business-driven individuals who put their skills together to manage a multi-million dollar corporation. Fundraising profits grew close to 25 percent since the consolidation, and she introduced us to a little game called Bingo. Through her organization, administrative, and managerial skills, and her desire to put the citizens of Emmitsburg first…” she was deserving of this award.

The highest award to be presented at the annual banquet is the Hall of Fame Award. This year, the VHC inducted William D. Boyd, Jr. and Betty Ann Baker into the Hall of Fame, as well as Brooke Damuth (posthumously).

William D. (Bill) Boyd, Jr.  has served many roles since his joining the company in 1990. He’s received many awards and served many positions for the VHC, including gaining life membership in 2015. He took his membership seriously as assistant secretary, secretary, vice-president, director, and, currently, as administrative officer. He’s very active in events, especially the Spring Fling. He also continues as an active firefighter and fire truck driver.

Betty Ann Baker has given countless hours and many years of dedicated service since joining the company in 1988. A valuable asset to the auxiliary, she has a strong family lineage who have also served the VHC; she serves as a strong matriarch within the entire VHC family.

Brooke Damuth (deceased) was born in 1932 and joined the VHC in 1949 at age seventeen. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. One of his favorite things to do each year was to work the VHC booth at the Great Frederick Fair. He passed in 2002.

VHC Treasurer Steve Hollinger was roasted and awarded a plaque for his recent retirement after twenty-seven years with the United States Postal Service in Emmitsburg.

The banquet concluded with a video of the VHC year-in-review. GT’s catered the banquet and the band First Class provided entertainment.

2019 VHC Administrative Officers

Auxiliary Officers

Line Officers

VHC’s 2018 Hall of Fame recipients were Betty Ann Baker (pictured left) and Bill Boyd, Jr. (pictured right) with VHC President Frank Davis.

Top EMS Responders

Top Fire Responders

Length of Service Award Recipients

Department Spotlight

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by Theresa Dardanell

Frederick County Fire & Rescue Museum

I’ve visited the Frederick County Fire and Rescue Museum twice this year because once was just not enough. There is so much to discover, not only about the equipment, apparatus, and artifacts, but more importantly, about the people who have dedicated their lives to protecting the residents of Frederick County.

Frederick County Fire and Rescue Museum President James Deater and Secretary Joy Deater gave me a tour of the museum, which is located in Emmitsburg at 300B South Seton Avenue, in a building that was previously occupied by the Emmitsburg Ambulance Company. Their knowledge of history is impressive and their enthusiasm is apparent.

The history of all twenty-six fire companies in Frederick County is on display. Some of the equipment is on loan to the museum. One example is the 1893 Hand-Drawn Hose Reel, a name which accurately describes its function. The fire hose was wrapped around the reel, which was pulled by hand by firefighters.  The separate pumper carrying water was also pulled by hand to the fire.  A 1939 Pumper, on loan from the United Steam Fire Engine Company No. 3, is also on display along with several other pumpers and hose reels.

Many of the artifacts have been donated for permanent display by firefighter families, fire and rescue companies, as well as the Frederick County Fire and Rescue Association and Maryland State Firemen’s Association. There are uniforms, helmets, firefighting gear, and equipment. One room holds early radio communications equipment and pictures. Hanging on a wall is a life net that was used to catch people who jumped from buildings to escape fires.  Display cabinets contain newspaper clippings, photographs, and other historical objects. The Frederick County Fallen Firefighters and Rescue Personnel Memorial Wall, sponsored by Stauffer Funeral Homes PA, is a tribute to the twenty-three firefighters who died in the line of duty in Frederick County.

The building is also home to the National Fire Heritage Center, an organization committed to preserving the history of the American Fire Protection Services.  The Heritage Center houses a collection of books, documents, and other historical items. Together with the museum, they are currently hosting the traveling exhibit of the National Smokejumper Association.  On display is a fully outfitted smokejumper mannequin, along with firefighting tools and information panels. Later this summer, a new display will take its place.

The museum is open Saturdays and Sundays, from 12:00-4:00 p.m., April through October. However, tours are available by appointment at any time. Individuals and groups are always welcome. To arrange a special tour for a group, contact Jim Deater at 301-639-1290 or by e-mail at jdeater@comcast.net. Put the museum on your list of places to visit this summer.

Jim and Joy Deater are shown seated in front of the 1893 Hand Drawn Hose Reel, which is on loan from the Independent Hose Company #1. In the background is the Frederick County Fallen Firefighters and Rescue Personnel Memorial Wall.

Emmitsburg High School Alumni Association Holds its 92nd Annual Banquet

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The Emmitsburg High School (EHS) Alumni Association held its 92nd annual banquet on Saturday, October 15, 2016, at the Emmitsburg Ambulance Company event facility. A social hour was held at 5:00 p.m., followed by dinner. One hundred eighty-nine graduates and attendees were part of the celebration.

The program began with musical selections from Timeless Harmony Barbershop Quartet. Alumni President Jim Martin presided over the business meeting with assistance from Vice President Bill Wivell. Secretaries, Phyllis Kelly and Connie Fisher, shared the minutes from last year’s banquet. Treasurer Sam Valentine presented the treasurer’s report.

Phyllis Kelley introduced the 2016 scholarship winners. This year’s scholarship recipients included Megan Millison, daughter of Sheri Wetzel and Phillip Millison, who attends Salisbury University and is pursuing a Master’s Degree in social work to help trauma patients; Maya Swiderski, daughter of Deborah Wivell and William Swiderski, who attends the University of Pennsylvania and is pursuing her degree to become a veterinarian; Kayla Umbel, daughter of Chad and Sandy Umbel, attends Virginia Tech in their dairy science program; Marah Williams, daughter of Richard and Joan Williams, attends Towson University to become an audiologist; and Taylor E. Shank, daughter of Duane and Anita Shank, who attends Clemson University and is pursuing a degree in architecture.

Maura Williams was in attendance at the banquet and expressed her appreciation; Joyce Bruchey read an excerpt from Maura’s application for the scholarship, “Although my family has been in Emmitsburg for many, many years, none of my relatives ever attended Emmitsburg High School. My great-grandparents were illiterate. My grandmother had only an eighth grade education… Grandma was barred from attending Emmitsburg High School because she was black. (Maura’s grandmother, Kathleen Williams, was 102 when she passed away in June of this year.) Her hard work has given me the opportunity to pursue a doctorate. My grandma taught me determination and kindness, and that complaining is worthless and forgiveness is important.” Joyce Bruchey said, “What better words. I’m glad she was one of our winners.” Maura thanked the audience for her scholarship award.

Richard Williams, Maura’s father, thanked the organization for the good that they do. Even though they didn’t attend the high school, it was still a vital part of the community. He said, “We hated to see the school close. It was a community where bigger is not always better. It’s nice for the small communities to stay together. We were sorry to see the school go.”

Taylor Shank’s mother, Anita, thanked the organization for the scholarship award, expressing that Taylor is very appreciative of the opportunity it helps provide.

Alumni members who donated money to the scholarship fund were thanked, then gift baskets provided by Catoctin Mountain Orchard were presented to Elwood Motter, Class of 1934, as the oldest attendee, and to Mike Humerick, the alumni who travelled the farthest, from Alaska.  The classes with largest attendance were the Class of 1953 and the Class of 1968, each with eighteen. Richard and Connie Masser from Scenic View Orchards presented apples to winning classes to keep them healthy until the next year’s banquet. Joyce Bruchey, EHSAA historian, shared the names of deceased alumni and attendees and spoke of the importance of appreciating each day and the blessing of good health. She also reminded the audience that time flies but each is the pilot of the journey.

Honored classes were the classes of 1941, 1946, 1951, 1956, 1961, 1966 and 1971. Students who attended Emmitsburg Elementary and went on the Catoctin High have been invited in recent years. The class of 1972 was recognized. Souvenir booklets related to each specific year were given to members of each honored class. Joyce Bruchey  introduced the honorees with personal high school tidbits. She explained that the EHS History book, along with a supplement, were still available.

Vice president, Bill Wivell, presented Joyce Bruchey a plaque and gift certificate in honor of her work on EHS history and her service to the organization. Rev. Bill Simpson closed the program with a prayer and all sang, “God Bless America.” Honor class group photos were then taken.

Brotherhood Ride Starts in Emmitsburg

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brotherhood-rideSeptember 11, 2015, was an appropriate day to start the Brotherhood Ride because of the anniversary of 9/11. The Brotherhood Ride was a six-day bicycle ride that began in Emmitsburg at the National Fallen Fire Fighters Memorial and ended in Boston, Massachusetts, on September 16.

The ride was dedicated to twenty-seven Emergency First Responders from Pennsylvania to Massachusetts who died in the line of duty in 2014 while protecting their communities. This year’s Brotherhood team was made up of thirty-five riders and fifteen support members, who rode over 500 miles, pedaling an average of 70-90 miles a day.

For this cause, sponsors donate in the name of the various riders—per mile amount or static amount.

The Emmitsburg Ambulance Company was the riders’ host for the overnight leading up to their departure. The ride’s coordinator, Jeff Morse, spoke to the riders shortly before they left. He thanked everyone for believing in the ride, indicating that when the group has an overnight stop, “People like Mary Lou Little say, ‘How many nights, how many meals, how many people?’ and their answer is never no.”

EVAC president, Mary Lou Little said, “We are just honored to have you. We hope you had a comfortable stay. We hope you got enough to eat. Our doors are open to you anytime.”

Jeff presented the Ambulance Company with a plaque signed by the riders. Jeff also mentioned that the employees at Jet Blue sponsored their flights out of Boston the night before. He thanked them as well.

Mary Lou indicated that the EVAC hosts bingo nights, during which an extra 50/50 game is held. The company’s half of the 50/50 is donated back to the community, the fire museum, the food bank, the Lions Club, the Seton Center Outreach, and others.

“It’s our way of giving back to our community for all the support they give us,” Little said. She presented the Brotherhood Ride with a $500 donation out of that fund.

For more information about the Brotherhood Ride, visit www.brotherhoodride.com.

brotherhood ride donation-1

Emmitsburg Volunteer Ambulance Company President Mary Lou Little presented Jeff Morse, with the Brotherhood Ride, with a check for $500.