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Published by www.EPlusPromotes.com www.TheCatoctinBanner.com The Catoctin Banner Newspaper March 2018 Page 17
Rocky Ridge Volunteer Fire Company Holds Annual Banquet

Grace Eyler

Photos by Grace Eyler
On the evening of January 25, three of his members were promoted
2018, Rocky Ridge Volunteer Fire into RRVFC last year, he’s still proud
Company (RRVFC) opened its of all of his kids accomplishments
doors and warmly welcomed their - including Breezy Combs who was
volunteers and friends “home” for elected “Frederick County Fire
their annual banquet. The room was Prevention Queen.”
filled with over 200 familiar faces, The President’s Award was
ready to celebrate achievements presented to Chief Alan Hurley. Dale
and share stories from the past year. reminisced, “This young man asked
The aroma of a homemade dinner me at a bingo one night - “What is it
from GT’s Catering filled the room. that I have to do to become chief?”
After everyone had finished dessert, He presented Alan with the award,
President Dale Kline opened, “This concluding “... as you can see, this
marks sixty-eight years of our service was many years ago...” in reference
to our community of Rocky Ridge... 2018 Rocky Ridge Volunteer Fire Company Officers to Chief Hurley who has been in the
We are very proud to say we are position for many years.
one of five volunteer fire companies Linda Northrup and Bonny
in Frederick County.” He stressed Hurley presented the Robert Albaugh.
the importance of the volunteers, Volunteer of the Year award to Nancy
not only within the fire company Baker. Nancy was recognized for her
itself, but the local churches in dedication to the company, currently
the proximity of the town that all serving as the Auxiliary’s Assistant
come together during carnival time Chaplin, and has donated 335 hours
to make the event so prosperous. this year. The Outstanding Junior
“Without that outside help in a small award was presented to Wayne Lewis.
community, we could not have done He joined the company in 2015 and
what we have done in sixty-eight has donated 135 hours of time during
years.” 2017. The Charles Mumma Firefighter
The RRVFC relies heavily on award was presented to Matt Moser,
funds made from the carnival a member for twenty-five years, and a
in August. Other fundraisers top responder for most of them.
held throughout the year include Linda Northrup presents the Robert Albaugh President Dale Kline presents the President’s The evening concluded with the
butcherings in November and Volunteer of the Year Award to Nancy Baker. Award to Chief Alan Hurley. induction of the new officers for
February; and fantastic breakfasts, 2018: President; Dale Kline; Vice
hosted by the Auxiliary; as well as forty-four of it!” The crowd chuckled pin was given to Kevin Albaugh. A 40 President, Denny Mathias; Secretary;
Ridgefest; gun raffles; Santa Detail; and clapped for light-hearted Betty year pin to Chief Alan Hurley and 45 Paulette Mathias; Asst. Secretary,
and various bingos. “The ones who Ann, who has been such a vital part of year pin for Bernard “Bun” Wivell. Christina Hurley; Treasurer, Bun
make sure everyone’s happy is our the RRVFC for most of its years. After After the 5-year pins, Chief Alan Wivell; Asst. Treasurer, Bonny Hurley;
great, great, Ladies Auxiliary...” said giving many thanks and credit to the Hurley came forward to present the Chaplin, Rev. James Russell; Chief,
Kline, as he gave praise to the hard- rest of the auxiliary and President Dale “Chief’s Award”. Chief Hurley called Alan Hurley; 1st Asst. Chief, Luke
working women of the RRVFC. Kline, she then handed him a check for out to his line officers to join him up Humerick; 2nd Asst. Chief, Kevin
Ladies Auxiliary President Betty $15,000 to help with expenses for the on this evening’s “Front Line”. Top Albaugh; Captain, Jim Rice; Induction
Ann Mumma stood with Dale at the fire company. ten responders included Matt Moser was provided by Bob Jacobs, past
podium, “We are just so fortunate Kathy Afzali [State Delegate] took (169 calls), Chief Alan Hurley (141 President of Frederick County Fire
that we have so many who are so a ride from Annapolis to present calls), Christina Hurley (126 calls) Association.
willing to help us,” she said. She RRVFC with a citation from the Kevin Albaugh (110 calls) Bonny As volunteers shook hands
joked about the President’s earlier Bureau of General Assembly in Hurley (107 calls), Larry Humerick and gave hugs goodbye, all knew
comments, bantering back, “Sixty- recognition of their continued work Jr. (97 calls) Wesley Burrier (61 calls) they’d be back soon, in one way or
eight years! Wheew! I’ve been here to protect their community, and John Reese (50 calls) Leon Stover Jr. another, to show their support and
for fifty of it, in this position for other surrounding communities, for ( 47 calls) and Craig Hovermale (44 volunteer during the upcoming year’s
over sixty years. Also in attendance, calls). fundraisers and social events.
County Executive Jan Gardner, “Company 30, we have a deep
County Councilmen Kirby Delauter appreciation for you for standing
and Billy Shrieve. Another familiar by during our carnival and other
face, Chip Jewell, recently-retired times we need you...” said Alan
Director of Volunteer Fire Services. Hurley who recognized Thurmont
Preceding the citation, President Community Ambulance Company
Kline recognized his operational and for their partnership throughout the
administrative officers. Company 11 years. Other companies that were
filled in. recognized included Vigilant Hose and
Denny and Paulette Mathias Independent Hose for their work with
awarded the following recipients 5 RRVFC.
year pins; 10 year pins were presented Luke Humerick, leader of the
to Amber Youngerman, Westly Junior Fire Company took the
Burrier, Emily Grant; 15 year pins opportunity to congratulate this year’s
-Tammy Smith; 20 year pins - Rev. young volunteers. “I had a great
James Russell, Melissa Mathias, and group of kids this year. They’re all
Eric Martin. 25 year pin - Matthew hardworking and ready to help with
Moser and Nelson Smith. One 35 year any task we have.” Even though