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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

Vigilant Hose Company Holds Its Annual Banquet

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Grace Eyler

On January 7, 2017, Mother Seton School’s gym in Emmitsburg was the setting for Vigilant Hose Company’s 133rd annual banquet. While members and family members found their seating, GT’s Catering prepared a fresh meal to serve the crowd.

The invocation was given by Fr. Kreig from St. Joeseph’s Parish in Emmitsburg. Past president, Tim Clarke welcomed other fire company representatives, their neighbors from the Emmitsburg Volunteer Ambulance Company, County Executive Jan Gardner, County Councilmen, Kirby DeLauter and Bud Otis, and other special guests. The three county representatives joined together to give their thanks to Vigilant. Emmitsburg Mayor Don Briggs stood up to praise Vigilant for their service in Emmitsburg. Mayor Briggs also recognized other members of the company, commissioners, recently-retired town manager, Dave Haller, and other Emmitsburg Town staff who attended the banquet.

Chip Jewell, Director of Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Services, led the formal installation of Company 6’s 2017 officers. This year, Vigilant’s officers consisted of President, Frank Davis; Vice President, Dave Wilt; Treasurer, Steven Hollinger; Assistant Treasurer, William Boyd, Jr.; Secretary, Steven Valentine; Assistant Secretary, Thomas Vaughn; Board of Directors, Hugh Boyle, Elyssa Cool, Randy Myers, Douglas Orner, David Stonesifer and Carl White. Operational Officers include Chief, Chad Umbel; Deputy Chief, James Click; Assistant Chief, Chris Stahley; Captain, Joshua Brotherton; Lieutenants, Alex McKinna, Derek Rosensteel and Douglas Yingling. Fire Police include Captain Lynn Orndorff; 1st Lieutenant, Stephen Orndorff; and 2nd Lieutenant, Samuel Cool. Auxiliary Officers for 2017 include President, Tina Ryder; Vice President, Sharel Boyle; Secretary, Joyce Glass; Financial Secretary, Mandy Ryder; and Historians, Jennifer Boyd and Katie Davis.

Following the installation of new officers, a moment of silence was taken to remember the ones lost over the year during their Memoriam. In 2016, Vigilant lost five valued members including Charles ‘Shorty” Hartigan, Sterling Orndorff, Larry “ReRun” Ridenour, Carroll “Gene” Newcomer, and William “Billy” Wilson.  Tim Clarke fondly recalled special memories of each individual while recognizing the family members in attendance.

After recognizing those who passed, the company presented the video “The Fallen and the Brave,” a video developed by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, and produced by Dave Carroll in Emmitsburg. Many of Vigilant’s volunteers were a part of the production.

Members applauded the moving presentation, Tim Clarke lightened the mood with some humor about the Christmas season. He called upon President Davis to recognize the Auxiliary for all that they do for Company 6. “Without them, we wouldn’t be what we are. That is in every way. They are there during major fires, fundraising, and most importantly their financial support that is a major part of our budget… we don’t say thank you enough,” said President Davis. Auxiliary President, Tina Ryder, stood to recognize the accomplishments of her team and present Vigilant with a check for $45,000.

In 2016, Vigilant tended to 461 fire calls in Emmitsburg and the surrounding areas, with an average of eleven volunteers attending each call. The average time of response from the time of dispatch to being on the scene was a mere six minutes and fifty-eight seconds. The total fire loss this year was $93,500. The busiest days were tied between Wednesdays and Saturdays with 72 calls on each day and Monday earning third busiest with a total of 71 during 2016. Company 6 was busy with fundraisers, including the new “Six of Hearts Drawing,” an idea brainstormed by President Davis, being very successful so far.

Service awards were presented to volunteers who have consistently served the company — with the oldest members serving the Company for 75 years. Five-year awards were presented to Eugene Fauble, Patrick Reaver, Derek Rosensteel, Greg Sterner III, Shawn Wetzel and Douglas Yingling. Other awards for service included, Charles Stuart (10 Years), Christopher Ryder (15 Years). and Paul Kreitz (20 Years). Frank Rauschenburg celebrated 25 years, receiving “Life Membership.” Other Life Members included John Glass (30 Years); Steve Hollinger and Hugh Boyle (35 Years); Herb Click, Jr. (40 Years); Larry Glass (45 Years); Michael Orndorff and Roland Sanders (50 Years); Patrick Boyle (65 Years); John Hollinger (70 Years); and Tom Hoke, who was honored with 75 years of service.

The President’s LOSAP awards were presented to Dave Wilt (67 Points), Elyssa Cool (73 Points), Steve Hollinger (79 Points), Brandon Burris (82 Points), Thomas Vaughn (87 Points) Jim Click (88 Points), Matt Boyd (98 Points), Bill Boyd (119 Points), and Doug Yingling (124 Points). Joshua Brotherton received top recognition with a total of 148 points accumulated through the year. Randy Myers received the “President’s Award” from Frank Davis for his time given to the company during 2016.

Chief Umbel recognized Top Ten Responders: Tom Ward (121 calls), Chuck Stuart (123 calls), Brandon Burris (125 calls), Alex McKenna (129 calls) Hugh Boyle (131 calls), Derek Rosensteel (145 calls), Dave Zentz (178 calls), Matt Boyd (182 calls), Frank Davis (209 calls), and Top Responder, Cliff Shriner (224 calls).

Chief Umbel also recognized Vigilant’s top Fire Police Responders including Tom Vaughn (43 calls), Sam Cool (60 calls), and Steve Orndorff (79 calls).

The Outstanding Service Award was presented to former Emmitsburg Town Manager, Dave Haller. Tim Clarke explained, “This individual went above and beyond to make sure that the fire company had the town’s backing and shared the town’s resources to the fullest,” he explained that without Haller’s assistance and expertise during his seventeen years of tenure with the town, projects like the demolition and rebuilding of the company’s administrative and volunteer facilities, “…would have been delayed and gone over budget.”

Honorary memberships were presented to Jim Hobbs, Jr., Dave Hobbs, Andy Hobbs, and Steve Hobbs for the continued support they’ve provided to Vigilant not only financially, but with needed materials including the refrigerated truck used each year for Spring Fling.

The Training Award was presented to Jeffery Redding who retained 140 hours throughout the past year.

One of the most honorary awards given at the annual banquet is the “Hall of Fame Award.” Former President Clarke said, “Every year, a member is recognized for their lasting contributions to our fire department, community and region.” The nominees are voted on by the other Hall of Fame members who have already been inducted in previous years. This year’s recipient was Carl White who has been a member since September 14, 1982. He has served many roles, working both in operations and administrative. To this day, Carl is still an active responder and EMT, and a certified CPR instructor who trains members of the company and members of the community.

Before members enjoyed entertainment from the band, First Class, the evening closed with Tim Clarke commenting on proposed considerations by Frederick County Officials regarding a Fire Tax, “I can’t stress this strongly enough. Implementing a fire tax will seriously curtail our fundraising events. History has shown no matter how often we educate our citizens, that a Fire tax is really an EMS tax.” He explained that people believe that since they are already paying a fire tax, they deem it unnecessary to make an additional contribution to the fire company when there are other non-profit organizations who are competing for the same dollar. “I firmly believe and support the current project initiated by Chief Owens to move our fire and rescue fleet into a program that charges our company monthly or yearly lease fees and incorporates a replacement formula that helps the entire county fleet remain functional.”

Frank Davis inducted Carl White into Vigilant’s “Hall of Fame” on January 7, 2017.

Tina Ryder, Auxiliary president presented Frank Davis with a check for $45,000 from the year of fundraising, during the Vigilant Hose Company’s Banquet.