| Southern Maryland Volunteer Firemen’s Association Muster Celebrates Fire Service History and the People Who Preserve It
Another successful Southern Maryland Volunteer Firemen’s Association Muster is officially in the books, bringing together fire service enthusiasts, apparatus owners, firefighters, and members of the community for a day dedicated to preserving and celebrating the history of the fire service.
This year’s event featured an impressive 51 individual pieces of firefighting history, offering attendees an opportunity to see historic fire apparatus up close, appreciate the craftsmanship of generations past, and watch several of these remarkable machines demonstrate their pumping capabilities.
While the apparatus may be the centerpiece of the Muster, the people behind the scenes are what make this event possible.
Organizing an event of this size requires months of planning, coordination, and a tremendous amount of teamwork. Thanks to the continued support of the Southern Maryland Volunteer Firemen’s Association officers, the Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department and its officers and members, and an exceptionally dedicated Muster Committee, another successful event came together.
The contributions of so many individuals deserve recognition.
From the Ladies Auxiliary and Association officers preparing and serving food to the water supply team developing multiple plans to accommodate apparatus pumping demonstrations, every detail required careful preparation.
Our judges dedicated their time and expertise to ensuring that each participating apparatus received a fair and impartial evaluation. Others worked to coordinate awards that properly recognized the historical significance, preservation, and accomplishments represented by these vehicles.
The event promotion team helped spread the word throughout the fire service community and beyond, giving apparatus owners, enthusiasts, and the general public an opportunity to participate.
Behind the scenes, the logistics team coordinated tents, tables, chairs, and countless other necessities. The staging manager carefully organized arriving apparatus, while the safety team monitored vehicle movements and pedestrian activity to help maintain a safe environment for everyone.
The registration team also played a critical role, checking in each piece of apparatus and assigning identification numbers to ensure accurate tracking throughout the event.
One individual deserves special recognition for her continued commitment to the success of the Muster: Vicki Hance Delehanty.
Year after year, Vicki dedicates considerable time to compiling registrations, organizing apparatus into their respective judging categories, and preparing the information needed to keep the evaluation process organized and efficient. Her attention to detail, coordination, and commitment are essential to the event's success. Her work may not always be visible to attendees, but its impact is felt throughout the entire operation.
The Muster Committee is, without question, one of the most effective, organized, and dedicated groups of individuals I have had the privilege of working alongside. Their willingness to take ownership of responsibilities, assist one another, and find solutions is what allows an event of this magnitude to operate so smoothly.
We are also especially grateful for the generosity of our sponsors, Nelson Emergency Vehicle Lighting and First Due Fire Apparatus Solutions. Their financial support helps offset event expenses and allows us to continue offering the Muster free of charge to participants and spectators alike. Their commitment to this event and the preservation of fire service history is sincerely appreciated.
No recognition of the Muster would be complete without acknowledging Chief Frank Tremel, whose vision and enthusiasm helped establish this event years ago.
Chief Tremel has remained a driving force behind the Muster, sharing his extensive knowledge of historic fire apparatus, mechanical operations, and pumping techniques with anyone willing to learn. His willingness to mentor others, answer questions, and help apparatus owners better understand their equipment has made a lasting impact on countless individuals.
Chief, thank you for your years of leadership, mentorship, and dedication to keeping this important part of our fire service heritage alive.
At its heart, the Muster is about much more than polished fire engines, historic equipment, and pumping demonstrations. It is about preserving the traditions of the fire service, passing knowledge from one generation to the next, and bringing people together through a shared appreciation of our history.
To every apparatus owner who invested the time and effort to bring a piece of firefighting history to this year's event, thank you. To the volunteers, committee members, Association leadership, Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department, sponsors, and everyone who attended, your contributions made this year's Muster another success.
We look forward to seeing everyone again next year as we continue celebrating the equipment, traditions, and people who have shaped the fire service.
Thank you for your continued support of the Southern Maryland Volunteer Firemen’s Association Muster.
It is a privilege to be part of something that preserves our history, strengthens our friendships, and keeps the traditions of the fire service alive for future generations. |
