Award Information

Nominee must be a member in good standing with their LFRD, and said LFRD must be a must be an active member of the MCVFRA

Nomination must be in writing, submitted with two copies on department letterhead. The individual completing the nomination is to include all of their contact information as part of submission

Nominations may be made by any member of an LFRD that is active in the MCVFRA, or by a member of the MCVFRA awards committee.

All nominations must be submitted to the MCVFRA President.

-Friday is the deadline and to be submitted to the President

The person who submits the nomination will be automatically assumed as point of contact (unless otherwise noted) to ensure that receiving member is available with guests to receive award at the annual MCVFRA convention.

MCVFRA Awards:

Hall of Fame

Listed below are the rules and regulations regarding the criteria for nomination for the Associations’ Hall of Fame:

  1. The nominee must be a member in good standing, with a minimum of three years of service in a Local Fire Rescue department of the Montgomery County Volunteer Fire Rescue Association.
  2. A distinguished citizen such as an elected or appointed public official or any other citizen, who has contributed in an outstanding manner to the fire rescue service of our county, sponsored or assisted in a program for the benefit of volunteer fire/rescue/ems and/or personnel may be eligible for the Hall of Fame.
  3. A member of a Montgomery County LFRD, the member department or members of the Award Committee may present nominations.  All nominations are to be in writing.
  4. Nominations shall be made on the stationary of the fire department or rescue squad of the individual or Corporation submitting the same.
  5. Nominee must have contributed in an outstanding manner for the betterment of their LFRD, the volunteer service as a whole and have provided distinguished service to the MCVFRA.
  6. Nominations for induction into the Hall of Fame are to be presented at the appropriate Annual MCVFRA convention.

The winner will receive a plaque for their home, a Hall of Fame pin, as well as a certificate for the individual’s department/squad.

Marcine D. Goodloe MCVFRA President’s Award

The MCVFRA’s President’s Award recognizes exemplary service, distinguished performance, and outstanding leadership within and to an LFRD, MCFRS, MCVFRA, or to the fire/rescue and EMS service in general. This person reflects the values, integrity, and dedication of the volunteer fire/rescue service and tradition.

Chief George T. Hillard Firefighter/Rescuer of the Year

Approved in 2001, this award is given in honor of Upper Montgomery County VFD Chief George T. Hillard. Chief Hillard served as a volunteer with honor and dedication for 50 years, 39 of which were as Chief of the department. Chief Hillard continues to serve the UMCVFD even after stepping down as Chief. Chief Hillard’s contributions and leadership to the citizens and Montgomery County Fire Rescue Service is an inspiration for all. To be eligible for the award, the following criteria must have been met:

  1. Nominee must be a volunteer member of an LFRD that is active in the Montgomery County Volunteer Fire-Rescue Association (MCVFRA).
  2. Nominee must have a minimum of four (4) years of service to an LFRD that is active in the MCVFRA.
  3. Nominee must be Firefighter/Rescuer II rank or greater.
  4. Nominee in the past year must be shown to have contributed as a Firefighter/Rescuer beyond the minimum requirements. Such contributions include, but are not limited to, heroic acts, fundraising efforts, development/institution of programs, community business outreach, recruitment activities, or participation in committees.

Winner will receive a plaque honoring their service and their department will receive a certificate marking the occasion. Additionally, their name will be added to a plaque honoring Chief Hillard award recipients on display at the Public Safety Training Academy.

James S. Nicewarner Memorial Award

This award is given in memory of James S. Nicewarner for is work in the Montgomery County Emergency Medical Services Program. Mr. Nicewarner, as a member of the Silver Spring Fire Department, was very active in the EMS program until his death while serving in the line of duty. To be eligible for the award, the following criteria must have been met:

  1. Nominee must be currently certified as CRT/Paramedic within the member’s LFRD.
  2. The nominee must have at least five (5) years of experience as a CRT/Paramedic within the Montgomery County Fire-Rescue Service.
  3. Nominee must have shown dedication to Montgomery County’s EMS system for at least the past five (5) years.

Winner will receive a plaque honoring their service and their department will receive a certificate marking the occasion. Additionally, their name will be added to a trophy honoring Nicewarner Memorial Award recipients on display at the Public Safety Training Academy.

John A. White Memorial Award

This award is given to either volunteer or career firefighters within Montgomery County in memory of John A. White for his dedication in inception of the Montgomery County Paramedic Program. Mr. White, as a member of the Wheaton Volunteer Rescue Squad, assisted in the building of the Hart Mobile and the Paramedic Program in Montgomery County. To be eligible for the award, the following criteria must have been met:

  1. Nominee must be currently certified as CRT/Paramedic within the member’s LFRD or MCFRS.
  2. The nominee must have at least five (5) years of experience as a CRT/Paramedic within the Montgomery County Fire-Rescue Service.
  3. Nominee must have shown dedication to Montgomery County’s EMS system for at least the past five (5) years.
  4. Nominee must have demonstrated other contributions above and beyond the minimum standards to the CRT/Paramedic program within Montgomery County’s EMS system.

Winner will receive a plaque honoring their service and their department will receive a certificate marking the occasion. Additionally, their name will be added to a trophy honoring John A. White Memorial Award recipients on display at the Public Safety Training Academy.

Joseph Weisgerber 50 Year Plus Service Award

This award is granted in recognition of an active of life volunteer member that has provide fifty (50) or more years of recognized total active volunteer service to their Local Fire and Rescue Department (LFRD). It is important that the competent, committed, and dedicated service of these outstanding volunteers be recognized.

To be eligible, nominees must have contributed fifty (50) or more years to Montgomery County LFRD(s). Service includes all years served, including those given to more than one LFRD within Montgomery County, but may not counted for time jointly served between two (2) or more LFRDs.

Bill R. Bliss 60 Year Plus Service Award

This award is granted in recognition of an active of life volunteer member that has provide sixty (60) or more years of recognized total active volunteer service to their Local Fire and Rescue Department (LFRD). It is important that the competent, committed, and dedicated service of these outstanding volunteers be recognized.

To be eligible, nominees must have contributed sixty (60) or more years to Montgomery County LFRD(s). Service includes all years served, including those given to more than one LFRD within Montgomery County, but may not counted for time jointly served between two (2) or more LFRDs.

EMT of the Year Award

To be eligible for EMT of the year, the following criteria must be met:

  1. Nominee must be active Charge EMT and in good standing at their LFRD
  2. Nominee must have served as Charge EMT for a minimum of three (3) years with at least two (2) years with 50 or more LOSAP points.
  3. Years of service may be waved in instances of heroic actions beyond the call of duty.
  4. Nominee must demonstrate efforts for consistency in EMS excellence.
  5. Nominee must demonstrate outstanding performance when providing pre-hospital care.
  6. Award may be given to honor awards, committees, mentoring, management skills, promotion of EMS, additional training, or any other positive contribution to EMS in at the local, state, or national level beyond the minimum standards.

When submitting nominations, ensure that reason that nominee is deserving of EMT of the Year is accurately described in as much detail as possible, including citation of specific examples that makes nominee deserving of award.

MCVFRA Administrative Member Award

To be eligible for Administrative Member Award, the following criteria must be met:

  1. Nominee must be in good standing with LFRD.
  2. A minimum of five (5) years of service are required, with at least three (3) of those years being ones where nominee has received at least 50 LOSAP points.
  3. Nomination may be for any outstanding service while as an administrative member to LFRD, MCVFRA, or MSFA.

When submitting nominations, ensure that reason that nominee is deserving Administrative Member Award is accurately described in as much detail as possible, including citation of specific examples that makes nominee deserving of award.