In researching facts related to some fire and rescue banquet reporting recently, it almost escaped our notice that several of our community’s fire and rescue volunteers received recognition by the 2018 Frederick County Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association. Some awards have been reported in The Catoctin Banner by their department but many missed our coverage. Please take a moment to congratulate the following for their dedication and service to our community.

Robert E. Albaugh of the Rocky Ridge Volunteer Fire Company received the Charles H. “Mutt” Deater Apprentice of the Year Award; David Zentz of the Vigilant Hose Company earned the Firefighter of the Year Award; the Graceham Volunteer Fire Company received a Fire/Rescue Departmental Training Award; Elyssa Cool of Vigilant Hose Company received the James H. Stavely Fire Prevention Award; James Click of Vigilant Hose Company received the Michael Wilcom Officer of the Year Award; Joshua Brotherton of the Vigilant Hose Company received the Millard M. “Mick” Mastrino Instructoe/Safety Award; Allen “Frank” Davis of the Vigilant Hose Company received the Mumma Outstanding Service Award; the Thurmont Community Ambulance Service, Inc. received the Outstanding Unit Award;

Bonny Hurley of the Rocky Ridge Volunteer Fire Company, Michael Stull of the Lewistown District Volunteer Fire Company, Paulette Mathias of the Rocky Ridge Volunteer Fire Company, and Austin E. Umbel of the Vigilant Hose Company were each inducted into the Frederick County Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association’s Hall of Fame.

Congratulations to each of these dedicated public servants!