On Saturday and Sunday several members took part in the annual Southern Maryland Volunteer Firemen's Association Convention. This year, the events were held in Calvert County and hosted by the Prince Frederick Volunteer Fire Department. On Saturday the events began with the memorial service honoring those members who have passed away over the last year. Once the memorial ceremony was through, the installation of officers and awards banquet was held.

On Sunday many departments returned for the annual parade and firefighter games. Over the last several weeks our members have been working to ensure the apparatus was thoroughly detailed and parade ready. Volunteers staffed Engine 52, Tanker 5, Squad 5, Brush 5, MSU 5, Boat 5, Brush 5A, Raft 5, UTV 5 and Command 5 and headed to the parade. Engine 51, Engine 54 and Water Supply 5 with crews remained back in quarters to provide coverage for the area in the event of emergency responses.

All apparatus registered and lined up at Calvert High School. The parade started at 12:00 and the games after were held at the Calvert County Fairgrounds. Crews participated in the battle of the buckets, bucket brigade, extrication competition, tug of war and fastest dressed.

During the awards presentation the department received multiple awards which included:

Best Appearing Rescue Boat
Best Appearing Fire Boat
Second Best Appearing Special Unit - MSU 5
Second Best Appearing UTV
Second Best Appearing Mascot - Sparky
Best Appearing Jr. Fire Chief - Jason Bean
Second Best Appearing Tanker
Second Best Appearing Company In The Association
Tug of War Winners - Team Brad Schrader, Brian Copsey, Will Harris, Brian Harris, Trevor Hammett, Robert Twigg
Battle of the Buckets Winners - Team Curtice Knott, Cecil Bell, Callen Thompson

Congrats to all the other award winners over the weekend and we wish the best for the incoming officers for a successful year.