News

Volunteers Recognized at Maryland Fire and Rescue Services Awards Ceremony

Paige Jones

04/21/2015

April 21—The Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association honored roughly 30 volunteer firefighters, first responders and auxiliary members at the annual awards ceremony held Monday.

Eric Smothers, president of the Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association, thanked award recipients and all volunteers for their sacrificed time and efforts, noting that their acts do not go unnoticed.

"We are truly blessed with men and women that continue to participate and give up time away from families to provide service to the citizens of Frederick County," Smothers told the large crowd gathered at the Walkersville Volunteer Fire Co.

Nearly every seat in the fire hall was filled as family, friends and fellow volunteers showed support for the roughly 20 people and five companies recognized.

Michael Donaldson, a 17-year-old junior at Middletown High School, was named Winona "Winnie" Crum Rookie of the Year for his commitment and service to the Middletown Volunteer Fire Co.

"For a 17-year-old, (Donaldson) shows maturity beyond his years, especially when on calls," said Matt Staley, chief of the Walkersville Volunteer Fire Co. "He is adamantly focused ... and gets the job done."

Donaldson said he was "truly grateful" to receive the award, noting he became involved to follow in the footsteps of other family members who were volunteer firefighters and resided outside Frederick County. The teen plans to attend the University of Maryland to study fire engineering upon high school graduation.

A school teacher and volunteer emergency medical technician, Christine Hurley received the Dr. James Marrone EMS Member of the Year Award. In addition to maintaining and ordering inventory, Hurley mentored members attending EMT or EMR classes.

"I'm on the nomination committee, so I knew I was nominated," she said. "But I was surprised to win ... there are other deserving members of Frederick County."

Sheriff Chuck Jenkins was one of 10 people inducted into the Hall of Fame on Monday. Jenkins is a lifetime member at the Lewistown Volunteer Fire Co., where he served since 1983.

"I was totally surprised. ... (I'm) not worthy of the award, but I'm grateful," Jenkins said, holding his award with an arm wrapped in a blue cast.

The Jefferson Volunteer Fire Co. received the Outstanding Unit Award for skills and professionalism in handling a three-vehicle crash that left two dead and four injured on March 8, 2014.

The driver of an SUV lost control of the car while traveling eastbound on U.S. 340 and struck two cars traveling in the opposite direction, The Frederick News-Post previously reported.

The striking vehicle's driver and the driver of another car were pronounced dead at the scene. Two adults and a 13-year-old girl were flown to a shock trauma center and an 8-year-old boy was taken to Frederick Memorial Hospital shortly after the crash.

Others who received recognition for their efforts included Richard Keyser Sr. of the Middletown Volunteer Fire Co. as Firefighter of the Year, for excelling in all categories of fire service.