On February 9, at the regular business meeting of Company 4, awards were presented to Life Member Joe Titus for his forty years of service with the Ridge Volunteer Fire Department. President John "Peanut" Gatton presented Joe with his forty year award, a shadow box and proclamations and certificates from U.S. Senator Ben Cardin and the St. Mary's County Commissioners. Joe was hospitalized the night of our installation banquet and unable to accept his awards at that time. Joe also got a good look at the new apparatus, Brush 4 and Engine 44. His appearance at out meeting was indeed a real shot in the arm to the entire membership including the auxiliary.
