The weekend of May 1st, the annual Southern Maryland Volunteer Fireman's Association held their annual convention and parade. This year, it was held at the Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department in honor of Willie Wilkerson, who's the incoming president for the SMVFA.

This past week, a few members worked tirelessly to clean apparatus and make sure it was in tip-top shape in preparation for the parade held on Sunday, May 2nd. About 1000, the Fightin' Four left Ridge and made the trip to Mechanicsville. Upon arrival, final touch up and detail was done to the apparatus in attendance. Despite the muggy conditions, a color guard was put together to march in the parade. It was definitely an added touch to the companies attendance in the parade. After the parade was completed, three members headed to the rear of Station 2 to compete in the battle of the buckets. Despite winning in the first round, the Fightin' Four fell to the eventual winners, the Hughesville Volunteer Fire Department. After all competitions were completed, everyone headed to the Carnival Lot area to receive awards. In all, the Fightin' Four bought back five trophies to the first district. They included:

Best appearing brush truck
Second best appearing fire prevention float
Second best engine 1250 gpm and over (Engine 43)
Second best engine 1500 gpm and over (Engine 44)
Third best appearing company overall

A special thank you is extended to those who helped clean up the apparatus and those who came to the parade. An extended congratulations is handed to our brothers and sisters from the north, Bay District VFD for placing best appearing in the association and the Hollywood VFD for placing best appearing company overall. Way to keep it in the county!