The Southern Maryland Convention weekend kicked off this year on Saturday, April 26th with the 78th Southern Maryland Volunteer Firemen’s Association (SMVFA) Convention. At the SMVFA Installation of Officers, RVFD Past President Charlie Bradburn was installed as the SMVFA Treasurer. During the Awards Ceremony, we received several awards:

• 50 Years of Service: Jimmy Cooper, Francis Raley, Philip "Heavy" Ridgell, Robbie Wood
• SMVFA Hall of Fame: Ron Hafner
• Fire Prevention: Class IV (1st place)
• Fire Prevention: Special Project (3rd place)
• W. David Gott Memorial Fire Prevention Award (Scot Best)

On Sunday, April 27th, RVFD members took Command 4, Command 4A, Tanker 4, Engine 41, Engine 43, Brush 4, Jeep 4, Marine Support Unit (MSU) 4, Boat 4, UTV 4, Utility 4, Utility 4A, and a Fire Prevention Trailer with Sparky The Fire Dog and our mascot, Ember the Dalmation, to the SMVFA Parade in Leonardtown. We brought home trophies for:

• Best Appearing Engine 1250 gpm or less (Engine 41)
• Best Appearing Tanker (Tanker 4)
• Best Appearing Mascot (Ember the Dalmation)
• 2nd Best Appearing ATV/UTV (UTV 4)
• 2nd Best Appearing Company in the Association

During the annual Firefighter Games, we entered and finished 2nd overall in the Battle of the Bucket.

Congratulations to all of our members on their awards and appointments!

We’d like to thank Leonardtown Volunteer Fire Department for hosting the 78th Convention and Parade, and congratulations to Tommy Mattingly, Jr. on becoming the new President of the SMVFA!