The Southern Maryland Convention weekend kicked off this year on Saturday, April 27th with the 77th Southern Maryland Volunteer Firemen’s Association (SMVFA) Convention. Starting with the Annual Memorial Service honoring those members who passed in 2023. Several RVFD members were remembered. During the Awards Ceremony that followed, Ridge VFD received several awards:

• Father Aloysius Newman Chaplain’s Award - Chaplain David Cullison
• Frank Cotrufo, Jr. Safety Award - Incident Safety Officer Philip “Heavy” Ridgell
• Fire Prevention: Class IV (1st place) - RVFD Fire Prevention Committee
• Fire Prevention: Special Project (1st place) - RVFD Fire Prevention Committee
• Roland B. Duke Memorial Leg Trophy (Best Overall Fire Prevention Entry) - RVFD Fire Prevention Committee
• W. David Gott Memorial Fire Prevention Award - Fire Prevention Officer Scot Best

In addition, Chief Brian Cooper and Past President Timmy Ridgell (posthumously) were inducted into the SMVFA Hall of Fame. RVFD Past President Charlie Bradburn was elected as the SMVFA Treasurer.

On Sunday, April 28th, RVFD members took Rescue Engine 42,Engine 43, Brush 4, UTV 4, and Command 4 to the SMVFA Touch A Truck Muster Event. We brought home trophies for:

• Best Appearing Fire Truck over 25 years old Still in Service (1st place)
• Best Appearing Rescue Engine (1st place)
• Best Appearing ATV/UTV (1st place)
• Company Coming the Longest Distance (1st place)
• Best Appearing Engine 1250 (Gallons or Less) (2nd place)

Congratulations to all of our members on their awards and elections!

We’d like to thank Waldorf Volunteer Fire Department for hosting the 77th Convention and Muster, and congratulations to James W. “JW” King on becoming the new President of the SMVFA!