The dedication and commitment of Calvert County's volunteer emergency responders was celebrated on Friday, April 11th, as the Calvert County Volunteer Fire-Rescue-EMS Association held its annual Awards Dinner. Hosted with distinction by the Prince Frederick Volunteer Rescue Squad (Co. 4), the event brought together members from across the county to recognize outstanding achievements and service over the past year.

A highlight of the evening was the recognition of the next generation of responders from the Career Technology Academy (CTA) Fire Sciences program. The entire CTA class received commendation for their diligence and hard work. Special congratulations go to the following students who earned top honors:
• Senior of the Year: Bailey Wells (Prince Frederick Volunteer Fire Department - Co. 2)
• Senior Academic Award: Sophia Hale (Huntingtown Volunteer Fire Department - Co. 6)
• Junior of the Year: Austin Cooper (Solomons Volunteer Rescue Squad and Fire Department - Co. 3)
• Junior Academic Award: McKenna Boteler (North Beach Volunteer Fire Department - Co. 1)

Further showcasing the talent within the youth programs, three students from North Beach Volunteer Fire Department (Co. 1) were recognized for their accomplishments with the SkillsUSA Achievement Award: Oliver Fox, Matthew Kaiser, and Ryan King.

The evening continued with the presentation of several prestigious awards honoring veteran members for their exceptional contributions:
• Larry Cox Award (Volunteer of the Year): Bill Ellison (Huntingtown Volunteer Fire Department - Co. 6)
• Dowell-Showalter Award (EMS Person of the Year): Leigh Ann Langley (St. Leonard Volunteer Fire Department - Co. 7)
• President’s Award (Administrator of the Year): Terry Anderson (Solomons Volunteer Rescue Squad and Fire Department - Co. 3)

A significant moment of the ceremony was the induction of five esteemed individuals into the Calvert County Volunteer Fire-Rescue-EMS Association Hall of Fame, acknowledging their profound and lasting impact on emergency services in Calvert County:
• Mike Elliott (Prince Frederick Volunteer Fire Department - Co. 2)
• Joseph C. Rawlings (Prince Frederick Volunteer Rescue Squad - Co. 4)
• Marquis Smith (Prince Frederick Volunteer Rescue Squad - Co. 4)
• Michael Hardesty (Huntingtown Volunteer Fire Department - Co. 6)
• Lori Lodge (Co. 12)

This annual awards dinner highlights the vital role volunteers play in ensuring the safety and well-being of Calvert County residents. Their countless hours of training, response, and community service are invaluable.

Congratulations to all the award recipients and Hall of Fame inductees for their well-deserved recognition. A special thank you to the members of the Prince Frederick Volunteer Rescue Squad for graciously hosting this important event celebrating Calvert County's dedicated volunteers.