The Southern Maryland Convention weekend kicked off this year on Friday, April 28th with the Annual Installation of Officers Banquet of the Ladies Auxiliary to the Southern Maryland Volunteer Firemen’s Association (LA-SMVFA) in Indian Head, MD. During the Installation, two of our own Auxiliary Members were sworn into LA-SMVFA offices. Becky Wathen is the new Treasurer and Darlene Wood is the new Chaplain. Darlene also won the LA-SMVFA Mary Jane Scully Fire Prevention Award! Darlene has done an outstanding job working with the RVFD Fire Prevention Committee and helping the RVFD Auxiliary with fire prevention events. Lastly, Firefighter RJ Dodge was awarded a $500 scholastic scholarship from the LA-SMVFA for the 2023-2024 academic year.

The 76th Southern Maryland Volunteer Firemen’s Association (SMVFA) Convention kicked off on Saturday, April 29th with the Annual Memorial Service honoring those who passed in 2022. Several RVFD members were remembered. During the Awards Ceremony that followed, Ridge VFD received several awards. Incident Safety Officer Philip “Heavy” Ridgell won the Frank Cotrufo, Jr. Safety Award; The Fire Prevention Committee won 1st Place in Fire Prevention: Class IV and received the Roland B. Duke Memorial Leg Trophy for overall Best Fire Prevention Entry; and Fire Prevention Officer Scot Best was awarded the W. David Gott Memorial Fire Prevention Award. RVFD Past Chief Keith Raley was recognized for 50 years of Service and Life Member Eddie Raley was inducted into the SMVFA Hall of Fame. During the Business Meeting, RVFD Past President Charlie Bradburn was elected as the new SMVFA Treasurer.

On Sunday, April 30th, we took Engine 41 and Tanker 4 to the SMVFA Parade. Despite the rainy weather, Ridge VFD represented! We brought home a trophy for 2nd Best Appearing Engine 1250 (Gallons or More)!

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

We’d like to thank Prince Frederick Volunteer Fire Department for hosting the 76th Convention and Parade, and a huge congratulations to PFVFD President Patrick “Pat” Hassler on becoming the new President of the SMVFA!