| On Saturday and Sunday, April 25 and 26, 2026, the Southern Maryland Volunteer Firemen’s Association (SMVFA) proudly held its 79th Annual Convention, including the election of officers, parade, and awards ceremony. This year’s event was hosted by the Solomons Volunteer Rescue Squad and Fire Department (SVRSFD), marking a special occasion as one of their own—a Past Fire Chief and Past President—was installed as President of the SMVFA.
The weekend brought together fire and EMS personnel, families, and community members from across the region to celebrate service, dedication, and excellence within the volunteer fire service.
2026–2027 SMVFA Officers
The following officers were elected to lead the Association in the upcoming year:
President: John Pardoe – Solomons VRSFD
1st Vice President: Edward Godwin – Newburg VRSFD
2nd Vice President: Joseph “Charlie” Bradburn – Ridge VFD
Secretary: Darby Byrd – Dentsville EMS. Fire and Auxiliary
Treasurer: Donald Gibson – Dunkirk VFD & RS
Chaplain: George Kennett – Seventh District VRS
Fire Prevention Awards
Recognizing outstanding efforts in public education and fire prevention:
Class II
1st Place: Cobb Island
2nd Place: Benedict
Class III
1st Place: Newburg
2nd Place: Potomac Heights
3rd Place: Hughesville
Class IV
1st Place: Second District
2nd Place: Ridge
Class V
1st Place: Bay District
2nd Place: Mechanicsville
3rd Place: Leonardtown Rescue
Overall Duke Award: Bay District
Individual & Special Recognition Awards
Frank Cutrufo Award: Darius Hawkins – Ridge
Gott Award: Kermit Tillett – Ridge
Citizen Life Saving Award: Nikolas Weber
Unit Citation Awards
Prince Frederick
Kaden Boggs
Roger Reardon
Cody Davenport
Carter Canchola
Mickey Delehantey
Solomons
Thomas Yowell
Freddy Holtzburger
Devin Denton
Austin Cooper
Skylur Nero
Paul Lacey
Brian Platz
Kytalin Johnson
Jason Bretz
Brian Bowen
Life Saving Awards
Second District
Francis Bean
Redtop Henderson
Mike Stroud
Andrew Jones
Ben Windsor
Joe Slade
Paul McNeel
Marvin Jones
Darrick Henderson
Ridge
Bradley Cooper
Parade Awards
The annual parade highlighted the pride and professionalism of participating departments, with awards presented across numerous categories:
Kids Awards
Morgan King – Dentsville EMS, Fire & Auxiliary
Cheyenne Collentis – Ridge VFD
Kyleigh Weems – St. Leonard VFD
Gage Weems – St. Leonard VFD
Baylee Hill – Seventh District VFD
Corinne Crisman – Hollywood VFD
Jason Bean – Seventh District VFD
Firematic Competitions
5-Person Standing Hookup (2.5”): Seventh District VFD
Firefighter Challenge: Prince Frederick VFD (Team 2)
Bucket Brigade: St. Leonard VFD
Tug of War: Prince Frederick VFD
Battle of the Buckets: Seventh District VFD
EMS Competition: Prince Frederick VFD
Judges Awards
Leonardtown VFD (Antique Hose Cart)
Smokey the Bear – Maryland Forest Service
Maryland Forest Service Dozer #3
Scott Seftou / Waldorf E31
New Market VFD
Centerville VFD
Waynesboro VFD
Special Awards
Company Traveling the Farthest Distance: Ridge VFD
Company with the Most Uniformed Personnel: Indian Head VFD
Best Appearing Commercial Unit: Scott Enterprises Construction LLC
Best Appearing Mascot: Ember – Ridge VFD
Best Appearing Junior Fire Chief: Jason Bean – Seventh District VFD
2nd Best Appearing Junior Fire Chief: Andrew Crisman – Hollywood VFD
Best Appearing Auxiliary: Seventh District VFD
Best Appearing Honor Guard: Leonardtown VFD
Ambassador & Prevention
Best Appearing Little Fire Ambassador Queen: Kayleigh Jackson – Cobb Island VFD & EMS
2nd Place: Callie Copsey & Cassie Copsey – Seventh District VFD
Best Appearing Fire Prevention Entry: Seventh District VFD
2nd Place: Ridge VFD
Apparatus Awards
Best Antique (Out of Service): Engine 201 – Prince Frederick VFD
Best Antique (In Service): Jeep 1 – Leonardtown VFD
Best Rapid Responder: MSU-7 – Ridge VFD
2nd Place: MSU-7 – Potomac Heights VFD
Best Ambulance: A149 – Newburg VRSFD
2nd Place: A18 – North Beach VFD
Best Special Unit: MCU/Rehab 7 – St. Leonard VFD
2nd Place: MSU5 – Seventh District VFD
Best Command Unit: Command 4 – Ridge VFD
2nd Place: Car 2 – Hughesville VFD
Best ATV/UTV: BUTV2 – Hughesville VFD
2nd Place: UTV1 – North Beach VFD
Best Brush Unit: B7 – St. Leonard VFD
2nd Place: E64 – Cobb Island VFD & EMS
Best Rescue Engine: RE42 – Ridge VFD
2nd Place: S6 – Second District VFD & RS
Best Pumper Tanker: ET2 – Hughesville VFD
2nd Place: E74 – Hollywood VFD
Best Tanker: T2 – Hughesville VFD
2nd Place: T4 – Ridge VFD
Best Squad: S2 – Prince Frederick VFD
2nd Place: SQ8 – Tenth District VFD
Best Engine with Aerial Device: T2 – Prince Frederick VFD
2nd Place: T1 – Leonardtown VFD
Best Engine (1250 GPM or More): E22 – Mechanicsville VFD
2nd Place: E12 – La Plata VFD
Best Engine (1500 GPM or More): E72 – St. Leonard VFD
2nd Place: E71 – Hollywood VFD
Best Fire/Rescue Boat: Boat 6 – Second District VFD & RS
2nd Place: Fire Boat 7 – Potomac Heights VFD
Company Awards
Best Appearing Company (Out of Association, 2+ Pieces): Laurel Rescue
Best Appearing Company (In Association, 3+ Pieces): Hollywood VFD
2nd Place: Seventh District VFD
Best Overall Company (3+ Pieces): Ridge VFD
2026 Hall of Fame Inductees
As detailed in the official program:
Charles County
Joe O’Neill – Benedict
Thomas Dean – Hughesville
Patty Therres – Hughesville
Robert (Doug) Hutchins – La Plata
Calvert County
Ron Nahas – Huntingtown
Renee Crampton – Solomons
St. Mary’s County
Eva Jones – ALS
Matthew Ridgell – Ridge VFD
Christy Ridgell – Ridge VRS
Brian Evans – Ridge VRS
Jennifer Huntington (Posthumously) – Seventh District
50 Years of Service Awards
Honoring five decades of dedicated service:
Charles County
William “Bill” Henderson – Benedict VFD & RS
Kathy Kilinski – Cobb Island VFD & EMS
Beverly Jarboe – Hughesville VFD & EMS
Tony W. Rose, Sr. – Hughesville VFD & EMS
Theodore R. Davis – Ironsides RS
John Durrer – Waldorf VFD
Calvert County
Randy Smith – Dunkirk VFD
St. Mary’s County
Francis Bean – Second District VFD & RS
Samuel Ray Carter – Second District VFD & RS
Catherine Koegel Caulder – Second District VFD & RS
Charles L. Henderson, Sr. – Second District VFD & RS
John “Speedy” Nelson – Seventh District VFD
The SMVFA Convention continues to serve as a meaningful tradition, honoring the commitment, bravery, and professionalism of volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel across Southern Maryland. Events like this not only recognize outstanding achievements but also strengthen the bond between departments and the communities they serve.
Residents are reminded to support their local volunteer fire and EMS departments and to ensure their homes are equipped with working smoke alarms and practiced escape plans. Never leave cooking unattended and test smoke alarms monthly to help keep your family safe. |
May 11, 2026
