At the Maryland State Firemen’s Convention held in Ocean City June 16-19, 2013, Montgomery County volunteers scored big in important leadership positions and as award recipients.

Johnie Roth, Jr., past president and past chief of the Sandy Spring Volunteer Fire Department and a life member of the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad was elected as Second Vice President of the MSFA. Traditionally, the Second Vice President moves up to the First Vice President position the following year and then to President.

This year, the MSFA elected its first female president, Jackie Olson from the Ferndale Volunteer Fire Company in Glen Burnie, MD.

Carol Hayden, from the Kensington Volunteer Fire Department was elected as President of the Ladies Auxiliary to the MSFA.

Danielle Crane, also from the Kensington Volunteer Fire Department was elected as the MSFA Miss Fire Prevention Queen.

Michael A. Simmons from the Glen Echo Fire Department was inducted into the MSFA Hall of Fame.

The Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad was First Runner Up for the Zembower Fire Service Training Award. 232  members provided an average of 57.87  student hours in training with a total of 13,425 training hours.

At the MSFA Parade:

Bryan Pilpel, son of Rockville Volunteer Fire Department members Ken and Joy Pilpel, received Honorable Mention as a Junior Fire Chief Making Best Appearance.

Kensington VFD’s Canteen 705 received an Honorable Mention for an Emergency Services Special Unit Making Best Appearance (Canteen, Forestry, Hazmat, Jeep, Gator, etc.)

Congratulations to all.