| On Saturday, January 26, 2008, Ridge VFD's celebrated 60 years of service to the First District with their annual installation of officers . The Master of Ceremonies was St. Mary's County Commissioner Dan Raley. Following the opening remarks, the Administrative, Line and Auxiliary Officers were sworn in by Joanie Williams, President of the Southern Maryland Volunteer Fireman's Association. Following the swearing in, dinner was served prepared by Rita B.'s Catering. The awards program followed with DJ Brown pumping up the sounds to end the night.
2008 Administrative Officers:
President - John "Peanut Gatton"
Vice President - James Raley
Secretary - Phil Cooper
Assistant Secretary - Tom Trossbach
Treasurer - Johnny Wathen
Fire Chief - Francis Raley
Board of Directors-
Heavy Ridgell
Ray Mercure
Tom Fairfax, Sr.
John "Peanut" Gatton, Jr.
Joe Raley
Timothy Ridgell
Johnny Morrison
Francis Raley
James Raley
Phil Cooper
Johnny Wathen
2008 Line Officers:
Fire Chief - Francis Raley
Assistant Fire Chief - Bruce Raley
Deputy Fire Chief - Eddie Raley
Captain - Ray Mercure
Captain - Allen Raley
Lieutenant - Darius Hawkins
Lieutenant - Justin Raley
Chief Engineer - Brian Cooper
Engineer - Bradley Cooper
Engineer - Tom Fairfax, Sr.
Engineer - Ron Hafner
Engineer - John Keister
Engineer - Keith Raley
Engineer - Tony Ridgell
Engineer - Robbie Wood
Safety Officer - Phil Cooper
Safety Officer - Danny Gatton
Training Officer - Eddie Raley
2008 Auxiliary Officers:
President- Dawn Gatton
Vice President- Darlene Wood
Recording Secretary- Becky Wathen
Treasurer- Freda Franklin
Congratulations to the following award recipients:
President's Award - James Raley
Chief's Award - George Franklin
Fireman of the Year - George Franklin
Tony Ridgell
Rookie Fireman of the Year- JW Wathen
Engineer of the Year- Brian Cooper
Top Responders -
1st - Thomas Fairfax Sr.
2nd- Keith Raley
3rd- Kevin Lorence
4th- Francis Raley
5th- Eddie Raley
6th- Bruce Raley
Josh Wise
7th- George Franklin
Ron Hafner
8th- John Keister
9th- Bradley Cooper
Justin Raley
10th- Peanut Gatton
John Morrison
Length of Service:
5 Yrs - Scot Best, Thomas Burandt, George Franklin, Jeff Gerek, Joe W. Raley, John Ridgell, Matt Ridgell, and Josh Wise
10 Yrs - Steve Bradburn, Bradley Cooper, Ray Mercure, David Monsees and Aggie Owens
15 Yrs - Ron Hafner
25 Yrs - Howard Fenhagen, Bruce Raley and Mike Ridgell (All presented with Life Member)
30 Yrs - Bobby Balta, Eddie Cooper, and Peanut Gatton
35 Yrs - Keith Raley
40 Yrs - George Gatton and Emerick Norris
55 Yrs - James Raley
Auxiliary Member of the Year - Debbie Fairfax
Auxiliary Presidents Award- Glema Balta
The Officers and Members of Ridge VFD would like to thank the members of Bay District VFD for covering our area during the installation. |
