RVFD brings home awards and honors from the MSFA Convention & Conference
 
By Captain Patrick (Scot) Best
June 17, 2025
 

Ridge VFD brought home several awards and honors from this week's 2025 Maryland State Firefighters Association's (MSFA) 133rd Convention & Conference in Ocean City, Maryland.

On Monday, during the Ladies Auxiliary of the Maryland State Firefighters Association's (LAMSFA) Conference:
- Auxiliary President Debbie Fairfax and Auxiliary Recording Secretary Darlene Wood were inducted into the LAMFSA Hall of Fame.
- Auxiliary Vice President Jessica Snyder received the prestigious LAMSFA Jane Todd Award for “Fire Woman of the Year," recognizing her outstanding involvement in fire prevention.

On Tuesday, during the MSFA Conference:
- Deputy Chief Francis Raley inducted into the MSFA Hall of Fame.
- Health & Safety Officer Phil Cooper received a Certificate of Recognition for his nomination for Administrator of the Year Award.
- Past President Leon "Dictator" Cullison received (posthumously) a Certificate of Recognition for 90 yrs of age and still active with the Fire Service.
- Firefighter Kermit Tillett was recognized as a nominee for the Past President C. Oscar Baker Rookie of the Year Award.
- Past President Philip "Heavy" Ridgell was recognized as the runner up for the Smith N. Stathem, Jr., P.P. Memorial Safety Award
- Firefighters Kermit Tillett, Holton Bickel, and Jonathan Boley were recognized as nominees for the Next Generation Leadership Award
- For Fire Prevention, Ridge VFD won 1st Place in Class (Class IV) for the Year-round Program, 1st Place in Class for Special Projects, and 1st Place Overall for the State.

Congratulations to all!