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Big Time In The Old Town Tonight
By Public Information Officer Douglas Medley
November 13, 2013
Well it’s been a while since I was on here but things have been kind of slow in the old man side of the department. Plenty of runs but nothing to write home about if you know what I mean. I did have the opportunity to attend the annual installation of officers of the department so thought I would put together a few words with some pictures of the gala. Now I will try to put names with pictures but don’t count on it for all of them. You try and figure them out for yourself.
I will say that it was a very enjoyable night of wine, women, song and of course food served by Ms. Rita “B” and her crew. As usual when she is bringing the food it was delish. Everyone had plenty to eat and drink and after dinner was finished it was time to proceed with the awards and swearing in of the new officers.
The master of ceremonies for the night was former County Commissioner Dan Raley who did a great job of keeping everyone entertained and is almost as good as me. LOL Our officers were sworn in by President of the Maryland State Fireman’s Association Jackie Olson along with President of the Southern Maryland Association Shirley Capado and First Vice President Darby Byrd. We do appreciate these fine people for preforming this very important function.
There were all kinds of big wheels in attendance like the Sheriff Tim Cameron, County Commissioners Cindy Jones, Todd Morgan and head commissioner Jackie Russell. Our favorite State Senator Roy Dyson was also present. There were also many Fire Chiefs and Presidents from the other departments in the county. After presentations it was time to get down and do some serious dancing. I do enjoy watching the young people as they say they are dancing. Looks like they are stomping out a fire or something.
Before I forget the Invocation was given by the honorable Joseph Gardiner, Chaplain of the Southern Maryland Firemen’s Association and a beautiful benediction by our own chaplain Keith Fairfax.
A final big kudos to our Hall Manager Bob Braddock who was the chairman of the installation committee.
Now for some pictures so hope you enjoy them as much as we enjoyed being in them.
Also a big thank you to NAS Patuxent River (Career), Ridge and Hollywood along with 2nd District for covering our stations during the party. Hope you caught a few runs.
The video shown at the banquet is shown below
Believe it or not this was my cake. You could eat all of it and I did.
A few the happy people at the party.
Some of my special friends from Ridge and Valley Lee.
It was a nice crowd in the hall.
Ann and John Logalbo. John is a Life Member.
Danny Raley getting the show on the road.
Board Members being sworn in.
Line and Staff being sworn in. Almost to many for the shot.
Our Associate Officers Kim Corcoran and Lauren Johnson.
County Commissioners giving me my walking papers.
I finally got my grandfather clock from all the guys and gals.
I was allowed to talk for a few short minutes.
David Dean and Kyle Barnaby receiving the firefighters of the year award from Southern Maryland NewsNet.
President Wayne Johnson getting ready for the awards part of the program.
Length of Service Awards.
Our lost mechanic Jimmy Barnes and his wife Linda. Come back soon big guy we miss you.
Les Hansen receiving his 60 years of service award from outgoing Fire Chief Shawn Downs.
Outstanding award for fire prevention to Lt. Peter Marshall from President Wayne Johnson and Past Fire Chief Shawn Downs.
Board members were awarded a beautiful clock from the President Wayne Johnson.
President's award given to me and Sully from the President Wayne Johnson.
Top runners from station 3, Keith Bussler, Kyle Hayden, Danny Burroughs, and Steve Vaness.
Top runners from station 9 Dillon Gatton, Matt Duncan, Kyle Barnaby and Arran Young.
Out going Fire Chief Shawn Downs with a few parting remarks. Great Job Chief and best of luck to you in the future.
Richard Sullivan received the firefighter of the year award from the department.
New Fire Chief Robert Wahrenbrock with remarks.
Chaplain of Department Keith Fairfax.
The half century club. Joe Cooper, Les Hansen, Me, and Keith Fairfax. Only 50 year members in the department.
Having the pleasure of meeting Stonewall's wife. A new member at station 9 who has made a hit with all of us. Great Sparky.
My girl Waverley with two special friends Barry Bingman and J. P. Caulder.
Two special people in my fire service career John and Leone Gatton from Hollywood. John and I took a basic's class under Charlie Donaldson in 1960.
These are some old time firefighters from the past. Hope I get all the names. David Carroll, Rick Corcoran, Rusty Tarelton, Keith Fairfax, Les Hansen, Anthony Thomas, Barry Bingman, David Gray, Tommy Blazer, Greg Jones, J.P. Caulder
A final dance with the wife. She is the short one.
President Wayne Johnson and Outgoing Fire Chief Shawn Downs presenting a fire department award to our Webmaster and Life Member Jason Adams. Jason comes up to see us all the way from North Carolina and you can see what kind of job he does with our website.