BLOG: Odenton Volunteer Fire Company Celebrates 81 Years

On the evening of Saturday, April 14, members and friends of the Odenton Volunteer Fire Company assembled at the fire hall for the annual awards banquet celebrating 81 years of service to the community. Several special guests were in attendance including David Lewis, President of the Maryland State Fireman’s Association; Joe Larson, President of the Anne Arundel County Volunteer Firefighters Association; Robert Ray, Chief of the Anne Arundel County Fire Department, retired U.S. Army Colonel Bert Rice; and retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Al Shehab.

During the awards portion of the ceremony, past Chief Don Evick handed out awards for accomplishment to many members, highlighting just how active the volunteers in the company are. Notable among the awards was Kyle Phelps, who was the company’s top responder for 2011 with a combined fire and EMS call total of 1321. Kyle was also presented with a certificate of excellence from Chief Ray of the Anne Arundel County Fire Department for being selected as the top firefighter for Anne Arundel County by the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Chief Evick awarded a Chief’s Award to Firefighter/EMT, and Membership Secretary Nicole Organek for her tireless efforts on behalf of the company. The other Chief’s Award was presented to Nicole Cook for her outstanding performance as an EMT. Cook also received a certificate of excellence from Chief Ray of the county fire department for being selected as the county, state and national EMT of the Year by the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

OVFC President Jim Allen awarded the President’s Award to 2011 company treasurer Kimberly Jenkins. Chief Evick himself was presented with a special plaque for his service as Chief for 2011 as well as a lifetime membership award.

Throughout the course of the ceremony, it was noted that the Odenton Volunteer Fire Company has the largest active contingent of volunteers, as well as having the busiest basic life support ambulance in Anne Arundel County. The company closed out 2011 with 4,902 responses and it is expected that the number will increase for 2012.  Allen said in closing that the company has been serving the Odenton community for 81 years and plans to continue serving for the next 81 years.