Odenton Fire Company Members Honored At Convention

ODENTON-SEVERN, MD - From Anne Arundel Volunteer Firefighters: From September 4 through 8, the member companies of the Anne Arundel County Volunteer Firefighters Association held its annual convention, commemorating 89 years of service to the citizens of Anne Arundel County and the City of Annapolis. The convention was hosted by the Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Company in recognition of their 100 years of service.

Representatives of the Odenton Volunteer Fire Company were present at each of the convention program activities during the week. The convention began with an annual Memorial Service, held jointly with the Anne Arundel County Fire Department to recognize members who passed away over the previous year. A special recognition was also paid to the 19 volunteer and career firefighters who have died in the line of duty since records were maintained.

The convention also included a Past Presidents Dinner, held on September 6, to honor the services of the men and women who have served as President of the Anne Arundel County Volunteer Firefighters Association or its Ladies Auxiliary. At this event, Odenton’s Patti Kidwell was recognized for a legacy of support across her department, the county, and the state.

The main event of the convention was the annual meeting of both the Anne Arundel County Volunteer Firefighters Association and Ladies Auxiliary. At the convention meeting, Odenton Volunteer Fire Company members received several prestigious awards. Assistant Chief Paul Gunshol was inducted into the AACVFA Hall of Fame, an honor reserved for those who have given a lifetime of volunteer service to their community. Brandy Boulden was selected as the Greg Kroft Rookie of the Year, an award recognizing the contributions of new members at their very early stages of a volunteer career. Odenton VFC received the D. Edgar Hurlock Jr. Fire Prevention award. This award recognizes the activities of a company in promoting life safety practices throughout their community. In the past year, Odenton VFC’s Public Education committee has stepped up efforts to promote life safety through station visits, children’s birthday parties, and EMS standby at community events. Odenton VFC is also proud to have two of its members elected to office in the Anne Arundel County Volunteer Firefighters Association. Bob Rose was elected as the new Second Vice President and Craig Harman was re-elected as Treasurer.

The convention concluded with a night of celebration on September 8 with a Bull Roast event at the Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Company. The night offered an opportunity for social enjoyment and recognition by County Executive Steve Schuh for the services provided by the volunteer members across Anne Arundel County.

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