On January 28, 2017 the 69th Annual Installation of Officers Banquet was held at the Ridge Volunteer Fire Department Fire Hall. To start off the evening, the administrative, operational and auxiliary officers were sworn in by our own SMVFA Representatives Johnny Wathen and Darlene Wood. afterwards, Johnny and Darlene were installed by Barbra Sue Nelson, SMFVA.
2017 Administrative Officers:
President – Charlie Bradburn Vice President – Ron Hafner Secretary – Carley Dodge Assistant Secretary – Eddie Raley Treasurer – Johnny Wathen Fire Chief – Ray Mercure
Board of Directors-
Charlie Bradburn Tom Trossbach Francis Raley Dickie Wood Ron Hafner Johnny Wathen Carley Dodge Bruce Raley Robert Simmons George Franklin
2017 Line Officers:
Fire Chief – Ray Mercure Assistant Chief – Eddie Raley Deputy Chief – Darius Hawkins Captain – Charlie Langley Captain – Danny Gatton Lieutenant – Robert Simmons Lieutenant – JC Trossbach Lieutenant - Jordan Andrews Sergeant - Brent Jackson Safety Officer – Phil Cooper Safety Officer – Francis Raley Safety Officer - Tom Trossbach Chief Engineer – Peanut Gatton Honorary Chaplain – Msgr. Carl Chimiak Engineer – Bradley Cooper Engineer – John Morrison Engineer – Heavy Ridgell Engineer – Ron Hafner Engineer – Keith Raley Engineer – Tony Ridgell Engineer – Robbie Wood Engineer – Charlie Bradburn Engineer - John Keister Engineer - Brian Cooper
2017 Auxiliary Officers
President – Dawn Gatton Vice President – Debbie Fairfax Recording Secretary – Darlene Wood Corresponding Secretary - Aggie Owens Treasurer – Margie Cooper
After the swearing in, dinner prepared by Rita B's Catering was served. Following dinner, Past Chief, Joe Cooper led us into a memorial ceremony to honor the deceased members of the department. The following deceased members were added to the memorial located in front of our station this year – Marsha Evans, Jean Lengle, Melvin Forrest, Thomas Ronald Wilkinson, and Harry Butch Wright, Jr. . Family members were escorted to place flowers in remembrance.
The awards program followed, under the helm of Master of Ceremonies, Former St. Mary's County Commissioner Dan Raley.
Congratulations to the following award recipients:
President's Award – James Raley
Chief's Award – Members of the Department & Auxiliary
Fireman of the year – Robert Simmons
Rookie of the year – Tyler Mercure
Chief Engineer's Award – John Morrison
Joe Titus Fire Prevention Award – Mary Wise
Auxiliary Member of the year – Peggy Vallandingham
Auxiliary Outstanding Service Award - Richard Fritz
Auxiliary President Dawn Gatton presented the department with a check totaling $20,000 to be used for the parking lot asphalt overlay project. The Auxiliary also purchased the department two large coolers to replace the old coolers.
The following were presented with Life Save Awards for their outstanding service, preservation of life and dedication to the community:
Ray Mercure JC Trossbach Ron Hafner Karen Raley Tyler Mercure Robert Simmons Jannet Keister Carley Dodge Darius Hawkins Robbie Wood Charlie Langley Lori Raley Steve Gatton Quinton Ridgell Danny Gatton John Keister Phil Cooper Heavy Ridgell Timmy Ridgell Bonnie Ridgell
2016 Top 10 Emergency Responders:
1. Keith Raley 143 Calls 2. Kevin Lorence 139 Calls 3. Francis Raley 134 Calls 4. Tyler Mercure 130 Calls 5. Ray Mercure 119 Calls 6. Danny Gatton 100 Calls 7. Robbie Wood 96 Calls 8. Ron Hafner 95 Calls 9. Jannet Keister 90 Calls 10. John Morrison 86 Calls
Length of Service Awards:
5 Years – Will Kenny and Karen Raley
10 Years – Mike Peacher
20 Years - Allen Raley
25 Years - Mike Keister
30 Years – Kevin Lorence
45 Years – Eddie Cooper
Auxiliary Years of Service
5 Years - Laura Cook
10 Years - Debbie Fairfax and Tracy Owens
15 Years - Freda Franklin
25 Year (Life Member) - Aggie Owens
30 Year - Darlene Wood
45 Years - Jacqie Cooper, Millie Cullison, and Peggy Valandingham
Carnival Chairman Mike Ridgell presented several years of service awards to citizens of the community for their years of commitment to the Ridge Carnival.
A dance followed with music by DJ Carter.
The Officers and members of the Ridge VFD also would like to thank the members of Bay District VFD for covering our area during the installation.
Also, a special thanks to Mary Franklin for the pictures. |