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.