Odenton Fire Company Volunteers Honored

ODENTON, MD — Two Odenton Volunteer Fire Company members were honored recently. Kevon Williams earned the title of "firefighter of the year" while Paula Meaney was named "emergency medical technician of the year" by VFW Post 160.

Williams joined the Odenton Volunteer Fire Company in May 2017 as a high school student. Since joining, he has completed all the required training spanning more than 150 hours to become a firefighter. He helps staff the station, responds to emergency calls, maintains equipment and eagerly acquires new skills, which propelled him to become the top responder in 2019. This year, he plans to pursue certification to become an EMT. The Fort Meade resident also is a percussionist with Baltimore's Marching Ravens band and performs at all of the Baltimore Raven's NFL home games.

Meaney became an administrative member in July 2017 and helps with the business operations of the fire company. She also serves on the membership committee and helps guide fundraising activities like the Bull and Oyster Roasts and Food Truck Thursdays. Compelled to do more, Meaney decided to become a responding member and trained to become certified as an EMT. She also completed the mandatory 24-hour hazardous materials operations course and other mandatory training in order to become a qualified ambulance technician. She also volunteered to become the primary ambulance aide to fill a voice.