Article by Associate Member Lori Raley

The Maryland State Firemen’s Association (MSFA) and Ladies Auxiliary to the MSFA (LAMSFA) held its 123rd annual convention at Ocean City, MD June 20- 26, 2015. The Ridge Volunteer Fire Department was well represented by its delegates, President Francis Raley, Treasurer Johnnie Wathen, Chief Bruce Raley, Deputy Chief Ray Mercure, and Engineer Keith Raley.

Our own Becky Wathen was inducted as the Ladies Auxiliary Chaplain. Several awards were also received by the department. Safety Officer Francis Raley received the Smith N. Stathem, Jr. Memorial Safety Award. George Franklin the Fire Prevention committee received First place in Class I Fire Prevention book – year-round program. But the most significant accomplishment was the induction of Life Member and Past President Leon ‘Dictator’ Cullison into the MSFA Hall Of Fame. Below is Dictator’s nomination package:

(Submitted by Ridge Volunteer Fire Department, Inc.)

Life member and Past President Leon A. Cullison joined the Ridge Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. (RVFD) on April 17, 1950 and he has continued to provide distinguished and outstanding service for more than 64 years to the department, local community, St. Mary’s County, Southern Maryland and the Maryland Fire Service.

Within the RVFD, Past President Cullison has held several line officer positions, but most important was that of Treasurer and President of the department. Past President Cullison held the elected position of Treasurer for eight years from 1962 to 1970. He held the elected position of President for seven years from 1971 to 1978, and continues to hold an elected position on the Board of Directors for a total of 22 years. During his tenure, he guided this organization through the use of his construction contacts expertise and his managerial prowess. He received the department’s “Fireman of the Year” award in 1973.

During the past 64 years, the RVFD has seen many changes in operation. Through his guidance on enhancements and financial operations, the department has grown in fiscal responsibility. As the President, he led the department’s effort to accelerate the mortgage payments on the original firehouse. The mortgage issued in 1972 was repaid in full only seven years later in 1979. Additionally, the department purchased and paid for three fire service vehicles during his tenure as President. He has worked on and chaired many committees in the department such as Carnival, New Firehouse Construction, Apparatus Procurement, Installation and Banquets, and By-laws revision.

Past President Cullison was most helpful in his financial guidance. His method of making any task easy has produced a vibrant group of “can do” workers in the Department.

President Cullison was one of the first members of this department elected to Life Membership in the department. He has been recognized multiple times for his service and dedication to the department, community and state by the St. Mary’s County Commissioners, State Delegate John Bohanan, State Senator Roy Dyson, the Honorable Steny Hoyer from the United States House of Representative as well as multiple United State Senators.

Maryland Volunteer Firemen’s Association and MSFA

Mr. Cullison was one of the department’s first delegates to the Maryland State Firemen’s Association. As a delegate to both the Southern Maryland Volunteer Firemen’s Association (SMVFA) and the Maryland State Firemen’s Association (MSFA) for 30 years, he guided the department in the business of SMVFA and MSFA activities. This included balloting direction on many issues, such as Membership Standards, Apparatus Standards, By-law amendments, and nominations for office along with many other issues for both SMVFA and MSFA. These were issues that impacted the department and benefited the volunteer fire service profession in southern Maryland and statewide. In 1951 he attended his first MSFA convention in Cumberland, Maryland.

Past President Cullison was elected President of the Southern Maryland Volunteer Firemen’s Association in 1972 after serving as 2nd Vice President (1970) and 1st Vice President (1971). He was elected to the Southern Maryland Volunteer Firemen’s Association Hall of Fame in 1987 for distinguished and outstanding service.

He supported and worked on the renovation of the Communication building that was the first building of training facility at the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute, Southern Maryland Regional Training Center, La Plata, MD under the watch eye of the first Regional Coordinator, Ray Simpson. This building that was turned over to Charles County when the current facility was completed as part of the MFRI Regional concept. The new SMRTC continues to be in use today, supporting training for volunteer firefighters and emergency medical technicians in Southern Maryland and statewide.

Helicopter for Southern Maryland

Past President Cullison’s leadership and expertise was never more evident in the fight for a State Police Helicopter for Southern Maryland. His work with Southern Maryland Volunteer Firemen’s Association developed working relationships in the fire service throughout the Southern Maryland area and statewide. He asked and received support from the former State Senator, the Honorable J. Frank Raley. Senator Raley was able to provide connection with legislators within the state and helped immensely to secure a helicopter for Southern Maryland.

General

Our department has had several members who have served as Presidents of regional firemen’s associations and on many committees of SMVFA and MSFA. These members all relied on Past President Cullison as a mentor and guided them in leading these organizations.

Past President Cullison is also an active member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church, participating in the St. Michael’s Church Council, Finance Committee and Building Maintenance Committees. He remains an active responder to fire calls, and is critical to meeting the community’s needs during the work week when many of our working members are unavailable.

The Officers and Members would like to congratulate Dictator and other award recipients with their accomplishments.