Odenton Volunteer Fire Company County Convention Highlights

The Odenton Volunteer Fire Company and its Ladies Auxiliary were well represented at the Anne Arundel County Volunteer Firefighters Association and Ladies Auxiliary Annual Convention. The convention was held September 6th thru 10th and was hosted by the Lake Shore Volunteer Fire Company.

The first event was the Past President’s dinner at the Blue Dolphin Restaurant in Crofton on September 6th. Past Presidents of the Association and Ladies Auxiliary and members of Odenton in attendance were Dave Lewis (1983-1984 and 2006-2007), Wylie Donaldson (1998-1999), and Patti Kidwell (Ladies Auxiliary 1991-1992).

A Joint Memorial Service at the Chesapeake Christian Center in Pasadena was held on September 8th. Three of Odenton’s members who passed away during the preceding year were remembered – Sylvia Hammond (Ladies Auxiliary), Past Chief Ray Hodgson, and Past President Tom Tharp. Tom was also a Past President of the Anne Arundel County Firefighters Association and the Maryland State Firemen’s Association.

The next event was the Joint Awards Dinner and meetings held on September 9th at the Lake Shore Volunteer Fire Company where the Odenton Volunteer Fire Company received numerous recognitions and awards. Two Odenton Fire Company members - Past Chief Don Evick and Past Chief Ray Hodgson (posthumously) were inducted in the Association Hall of Fame for their many years of dedicated service. Odenton received the Jesse Fisher award which recognizes the fire company that has dedicated the most hours to fire, rescue, or Emergency Medical Services related training (4,324.5 hours) during the past year. Odenton Past Chief Chuck Rogers accepted the award. Dave Lewis of Odenton was awarded the Fire, Rescue, Emergency Medical Services Individual of the Year. Dave’s contributions to the fire service across the United States prove how dedicated he is to the fire service. President Bob Rose accepted the Booster Ads award as once again Odenton had the most booster ads in the Convention Book with 416. Patti Kidwell of the Odenton Ladies Auxiliary was re-elected Secretary of the Anne Arundel County Ladies Auxiliary.

The final event was the games and Bull Roast on September 10th at High Tide Farm in Pasadena. Odenton members competed and received first place awards in three competition events including Tug-of-War, Cornhole Tournament, and the Pumping Contest. Many of our members enjoyed an evening of fellowship at the Bull Roast overlooking the Magothy River to close out the event that evening.