| On April 27 and 28, 2025, the Southern Maryland Volunteer Firemen’s Association (SMVFA) gathered in solemn remembrance and spirited celebration during its annual convention and memorial service. Hosted by the Leonardtown Volunteer Fire Department, this year’s convention held special significance as Past President and Past Chief Tom Mattingly Jr. was installed as the incoming President of the Association.
The event honored the memory of all members who passed in 2024 and celebrated the achievements, dedication, and heroism of volunteers across Charles, Calvert, and St. Mary’s Counties. The installation ceremony and awards program recognized individuals and departments for exemplary service, lifesaving efforts, and enduring commitment to public safety.
2025 SMVFA Awards and Honors
50 Years of Service Awards
Charles County
Donald Smith – Benedict VFD & RS
Mike Roberts – Hughesville VFD & RS
Wayne Higdon – Indian Head VFD & RS
St. Mary’s County
Donald Johnson – Hollywood VFD
John Montgomery – Mechanicsville VFD
James Cooper – Ridge VFD
Francis Raley – Ridge VFD
Philip Ridgell – Ridge VFD
Robert Wood – Ridge VFD
(No recipients were listed from Calvert County this year.)
Hall of Fame Inductees
Charles County
Donald Smith – Benedict VFD & RS
Joseph Gronau – Bryans Road VFD & RS
Kenny Staley – Cobb Island VFD & RS
Calvert County
Richard Weems, Sr. – St. Leonard VFD & RS
St. Mary’s County
Lauren Johnson – Bay District VFD
Charles Miedzinski – Hollywood VFD
Ronald Hafner – Ridge VFD
Paula Turner – Ridge VRS
Matt Bowes – Second District VFD & RS
Donald Phetteplace – Seventh District VRS
Convention Awards
Fire Prevention
Class II
1st Place: Cobb Island VFD & RS
Class III
1st Place: Potomac Heights VFD & RS
2nd Place: Newburg VFD & RS
Class IV
1st Place: Ridge VFD
2nd Place: Second District VFD & RS
Class V
1st Place (Tie): Mechanicsville VFD / Ridge VFD
2nd Place: Bay District VFD
3rd Place: Waldorf VFD
Special Projects
1st Place: Bay District VFD
2nd Place: Mechanicsville VFD
3rd Place: Ridge VFD
4th Place: Newburg VFD & RS
Overall Awards
Roland B. Duke Award: Cobb Island VFD & RS
W. David Gott Award: Scot Best, RVFD
Laverne Stewart Memorial Award: Shannon Wince, LVRS
Life Save Recognition
Bay District VFD
Matthew Duncan
Jacob Clark
Peter Marshall
Carl Peters
Unit Citations
Leonardtown VRS
Melanie Thompson
Taybor Grimes
Mechanicsville VFD
Mark Trowbridge
Ryan Raley
TJ Faunce
Keith Hemming
Bill Hemming
Delontaye Herbert
Landon Johnson
Called Thompson
Hughesville VFD
Trevor Simpson
Todd Connick
Chris Cole
Rick Feist
Hollywood VFD
Bill Rector
Anthony Gardiner
Alan Nelson
Patrick Nelson
Hollywood VRS
James Nelson
Crystal Nelson
2025 Memorial Service – Honoring the Fallen
The following members were remembered for their dedicated service to the fire and EMS community:
Calvert County
William L. Agambar, Jr.
Daniel O. Baker
Betty Cawthorne
Fred W. Hotzberger
Mark D. Leser
Rafael J. Nieves
William Pickerall, Sr.
William C. Schooley
David A. Trott
Robert C. Weaver
Charles County
Edward R. Colona
Janis M. DePuy
Robert L. Dofflemyer
Dawn-Moree Dugan
Barbara G. Dunn
Judith T. Frazier
John Gallagher Jr.
Jeffrey S. Garner
David “Tony” Hayden
Cory A. Porter
Judy Rye
St. Mary’s County
Blaine Caldwell
John A. Candela
Lew W. Chavis
Richard W. Cullison
Joseph L. Dean, Jr.
Nancy Duryea
Harry C. Finch, Jr.
Charles B. Gatton
Joseph L. Greer, Jr.
Mary C. Hammett
Elizabeth M. Holley
Joseph “Bubby” Knott
Debra J. Meeks
Mary A. Norris
Thomas R. Norris
Patricia A. Russell
Sandra L. Sullivan
Elizabeth L. Thomas
Maralyn B. Thompson
This convention stood as a powerful reminder of the sacrifice, commitment, and resilience of our volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel. The Southern Maryland Volunteer Firemen’s Association extends its deepest gratitude to all honorees, their families, and the departments they serve. |
