On Monday, April 15, at the Walkersville Volunteer Fire Hall, the Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association (FCVFRA) and Ladies Auxiliary held their 31st Annual Volunteer Recognition Ceremony.

FCVFRA President James May stated it takes a lot of work from many people to get the job done. He said thank you for amazing efforts and sacrifices volunteers make on a daily basis. The award winners are very deserving.

Those honored during the 31sh annual ceremony includes:

• Clint Hughes Departmental Fire Prevention Award – Junior Fire Co.
• Everett W. Gaver Department/Church/Community Award – Larry Beard
• Robert Renner Department Service Award – Christina Hurley
• Winona ‘Winnie” Crum Rookie of Year – Anthony Wilson
• Louise Lenhart Auxiliary Encouragement Award – Alexi Main
• Charles H. ‘Mutt’ Deater Jr. Apprentice of the Year Award – Logan Boston
• Cletta Abrecht Auxiliary Woman of the Year – Rita Newman
• Mumma Outstanding Service Award – Penny Stonesifer
• Dr. James Marrone EMS Member of Year – Katherine Dixon
• Firefighter of Year – Bradley Bliven
• Mick Mastrino Instructor/Safety Award – Chase Tracey
• Michael Wilcom Officer of the Year – Daniel More’
• Heart of Volunteer – Anthony Smothers Sr.
• James H. Stavely III Fire Prevention Award – Ashley Nalborczyk
• Bruce Reeder Golden Service Award – Clarence “Chip” E. Jewell, III

Three companies were honored for their training efforts: New Market District Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company (Co. #15), Braddock Heights Volunteer Fire Company (Co. #12) and Independence Hose Company (Co. #1).

Ten volunteers were also inducted into the FCVFRA Hall of Fame. They were John Zimmerman Jr., Linda Northrup, Christopher Kinnaird III, Debora Fox, Ronald Huffer, Larry Wenschhol, Darryl Murphy, Mark Taylor, Glenn Young, Jr. and James Graham.

Congratulations to all the winners! Thank you for your dedication volunteering.