It was a festive night and our department members were all dressed in their class A uniforms with their dates or wives looking beautiful on their arms. As we move into our 75th year of our department the President and Fire Chief have some big plans for the occasion and the installation was just the beginning. It started out with the opening pledge of allegiance by all then our Chaplain Keith Fairfax lead us all in prayer. President Johnson then welcomed everyone including all the guests from other departments and the community. We were honored to have all the county commissioners join us along with the sheriff and delegate Deb Rey. We always have some of our very old friends join us also and this year we were excited to have two of our early members from the 40's and 50's Howard Britton and Joe Royston along with their lovely wives Kitten and Virginia and we were so thrilled to have them.
Now the hall was full and we like to think that it is to break bread with our members but we also know that Ms. Rita "B" prepares the food and boy did she put on the feed for us. No one went away hungry that is for sure and if they did it was their own fault. So after a Delicious meal it was time to get down to business of installing our officers for the coming year and for a very important moment and that was to recognize one of our members for reaching that magic goal of 50 years with our department.
The man of the hour was our own Melvin Tennyson who has served the department in many different positions with being our special account treasurer for 31 years longer than anyone else. Melvin has worked that position for all those years in addition to running his own fire extinguisher business and running his large farm in St. Mary's City. In addition Melvin has provided smoke alarms for Christmas in April along with providing them to anyone in need and even going out and installing them. Never one to ask for any special praise he is one of those who just work in the background getting things done. He now joins the few other 50 year members of our department and can hold his head high cause he has paid his dues.
After Melvin was given his proper kudo's by the government officials it was time to install the officers for the upcoming year and to do the honors was the President of the Southern Maryland Fireman's Association Dale Bowen. As each officer's name was called they reported to the front of the Robert Braddock Hall. After all the officers were sworn it it was time for our chaplain Mr. Fairfax to lead us in the benediction. Once that was done it was time to really party. Now my photographer Bruce Theden took a ton of pictures and I hate to leave anyone out so here goes.
Line Officers
Fire Chief - Robert Wahrenbrock Ass't Chief - Daniel Burroughs Deputy Chief 3 - Brian Ticson Deputy Chief 9 - Kyle Adams Captain 3 - Daniel Martin Captain 9 - Dave Martoni Lieut 3 - Jermaine Sewell Lieut. 9 - Nick Martoni Sgt.3A - Anthony King Sgt. 3B - Zack Werkheiser Sgt. 9A - Nick Harrison Sgt. 9B - Matt Callaway Sgt. 9C - Daniel Culbert Chief Safety Officer - Richard Sullivan Safety 3A - Wayne Johnson, Sr. Safety 3B - Kyle Woodburn Safety 9 - Shawn Downs Public Information Officer - Doug Medley Water Supply Officer - Keith Fairfax Health Officer - Joe Zienda Training Officer - Daniel Burroughs Fire Administrative Training Officer - Rick Redmond
Administrative Officers
Wayne Johnson – President Richard Sullivan - 1st Vice President Doug Medley - 2nd Vice President Tom Eno – Secretary Andy Waikart – Treasurer Joseph Gould - Board Member at Large Doug Sprouse - Special Account Treasurer Zack Werkheiser - Board Member at Large Doug Sprouse - Special Account Treasurer Joe Zienda – Liason Robert Wahrenbrock- Fire Chief |