Firefighter of the Year
Recognizes a firefighter who has demonstrated exceptional dedication, leadership, training, and service to their department and community.
Previous Winners
2025: Jeff Norris, Cresaptown
2024: Shane Fazenbaker, Potomac
2023: Duane Stein, Grantsville
2022: Shane Bosley, Bloomington
2021: Shane Elliott Jr., Potomac
2020: Thomas Morgan, Good Will
2019: Eli Crowe, Bowling Green
2018: William Bradley, Bowling Green
2017: Max Green, Good Will
2016: Bill KIght Jr., Potomac
2015: Rick Ross, Bowling Green
Rules For Firefighter of the Year
Deadline
All entries must be mailed to the Secretary on or before the first meeting in May of the current year. No entries can be accepted after this date.
Guidelines
The firefighter selected must have shown outstanding service to one or more of the following groups:
- Individual Fire or Rescue Squad Company or Department
- Allegany-Garrett Counties Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association
- Maryland State Firefighters Association
Outstanding Service
Outstanding service may be demonstrated in one or more of the following areas:
- Public relations
- Training
- Leadership on the fire ground
- General leadership in the individual department
- General leadership in the Allegany-Garrett Counties Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association or the Maryland State Firefighters Association
- Development of new or more efficient efforts of operations
- Outstanding cooperation and performance of the general duties required of all emergency personnel
Eligibility Requirements
- The nominee must have been a member of the company for five or more years.
- Service considered for the award must be for the previous year only.
- Fire prevention is not considered for this award because a separate James E. Lamberson Memorial Fire Prevention Award is available.
- Heroism is not to be considered when selecting a candidate for Firefighter of the Year because a separate award is available for acts of heroism.
- An officer of the department must sign all entries.
- If possible, the award should be presented to the recipient by a member of the recipient’s company.
Award Presentation
The winner will be announced at the Convention of the Allegany-Garrett Counties Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association on the first Saturday in June of the current year at the designated convention location.
Award Committee
The Firefighter of the Year Award Committee shall consist of three or five members from the fire service.
EMS Person of the Year
Honors an EMS provider who has exemplified excellence in patient care, emergency medical services, and commitment to the community.
Previous Winners
2025: Tykel Stewart, Cresaptown
2024: Janet Elbin, Orleans
2023: Award Not Given, N/A
2022: Jason Robison, Mt. Savage
2021: David Kidwell, N/A
2020: Award Not Given, N/A
2019: Darla Friend, Deep Creek
2018: Mahlon Peachy, Southern Garrett
2017: Dave Kyle, Flintstone EMS
2016: Dave Kyle, Flintstone EMS
2015: Bobby Pattison, Tri-Towns EMS
Rules For EMS Person of the Year
Deadline
All entries must be mailed to the Secretary on or before the first meeting in May of the current year. No entries can be accepted after the close of the meeting on this date.
Guidelines
The person selected must have shown outstanding service to one or more of the following groups:
- Individual Fire or Rescue Squad Department
- Allegany-Garrett Counties Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association
- Maryland State Firefighters Association
Outstanding Service
Outstanding service may be demonstrated in one or more of the following areas:
- Public relations
- Training
- Leadership in ambulance/rescue operations
- General leadership in the individual department
- General leadership in the Allegany-Garrett Counties Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association or the Maryland State Firefighters Association
- Development of new or more efficient efforts of operations
- Outstanding cooperation and performance of the general duties required of all emergency personnel
Eligibility Requirements
- The nominee must have been a member of the company for five or more years.
- Service considered for the award must be for the previous year only.
- Fire prevention is not considered for this award because a separate James E. Lamberson Memorial Fire Prevention Award is available.
- Heroism is not to be considered because a separate award is available for acts of heroism.
- An officer of the department must sign all entries.
- If possible, a member of the award recipient’s company should present the award to the selected recipient.
Award Presentation
The winner will be announced at the Convention of the Allegany-Garrett Counties Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association on the first Saturday in June of the current year at the designated convention location.
Award Committee
The Ambulance/Rescue Person of the Year Award Committee shall consist of three or five members from the EMS service.
Junior Firefighter of the Year
Recognizes a junior member who has demonstrated outstanding dedication, enthusiasm, leadership potential, and commitment to learning the fire service.
Previous Winners
2025: Gavin Kiser, Corriganville
2024: Tyler Clingerman, Orleans
2023: The Orleans’ Junior Department, Orleans
2022: Cole O’Neal, Deep Creek
2022: Award Not Given, N/A
2021: Award Not Given, N/A
2020: Award Not Given, N/A
2019: Dawson Ternent, Good Will
2018: Serena Nicol, Good Will
2017: Tommy Hughes, Good Will
2016: Jonathan Dayton, Potomac
2015: Bailey Hoffman, Good Will
Rules For Jr. Firefighter of the Year
Deadline
All entries must be mailed to the Secretary on or before the first meeting in May of the current year. No entries can be accepted after this date.
Guidelines
The junior firefighter selected must have shown outstanding service to one or more of the following groups:
- Individual Fire or Rescue Squad Department
- Parent Company / Allegany-Garrett Counties Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association
Outstanding Service
Outstanding service may be demonstrated in one or more of the following areas:
- Public relations
- Training
- General leadership in the individual department
- Development of new or more efficient efforts of operations
- Outstanding cooperation and performance of the general duties required of all Junior Firefighters
Eligibility Requirements
- Service considered for the award must be for the previous year only.
- Fire prevention is not considered for this award because a separate James E. Lamberson Memorial Fire Prevention Award is available.
- An officer of the department must sign all entries.
- If possible, the award should be presented to the recipient by a member of the recipient’s company.
Award Presentation
The winner will be announced at the Convention of the Allegany-Garrett Counties Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association on the first Saturday in June of the current year at the designated convention location.
Award Committee
The Junior Firefighter of the Year Award Committee shall consist of three or five members from the fire service.
William H. Smith Service Award
Honors an individual with 50 or more years of dedicated service to the volunteer fire, EMS, or rescue service whose lifetime commitment has made a lasting impact on their department, community, and the Allegany Garrett Counties Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association.
Previous Winners
2025: Herman S. Yoder, Grantsville
2024: Gary Carpenter, Baltimore Pike
2023: Dennis Bonner, Bowman’s Addition
2022: William Harding, Friendsville
2021: N/A
2020: N/A
2019: John “Jake” Smith, Good Will
2018: N/A
2017: N/A
2016: N/A
2015: N/A
Rules For William H. Smith Service Award
Purpose
To honor a member with 50 years or more of continuous and faithful service to their individual company and/or county/state association.
Award Sponsor
Luke Fire Company
Administered By
Allegany-Garrett Counties Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association
Background
The first annual award was established by Mr. and Mrs. Rodney Bowser and presented to William H. Smith, Jr. at the 89th Annual Convention on June 2, 2001, honoring his 60 years of faithful and dedicated service to the Luke Fire Company.
Eligibility Requirements
- The recipient shall be selected by the Allegany-Garrett Counties Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association.
- The recipient must have at least 50 years of continuous and faithful service to organizations within the Association.
- Nominations must be submitted in the form of a résumé to the Association Secretary no later than May 1 of each year.
Award Presentation
The recipient will receive an engraved plaque containing the date of the award, the recipient’s name, and Fire Company.
Nomination Process
The Allegany-Garrett Counties Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association shall solicit nominations annually during February. Nominations must be received by May 1.
The President of the Luke Fire Company must be notified of the selected recipient no later than May 15 so the plaque can be prepared.
Selection Committee
The selection committee shall be appointed by the President and consist of three members whose company has not participated in the award during the current year.
James E. Lamberson Fire Prevention Award
Recognizes an individual or organization that has made outstanding contributions to fire prevention, public education, community risk reduction, and fire safety awareness.
Previous Winners
2025: Maryland DNR Forest Service – Western Maryland, Maryland Dept. Natural Resources
2024: Jonathan Dayton, Baltimore Pike
2023: Vicky Brenneman, State Farm
2022: Gary Carpenter, Baltimore Pike
Rules For James E. Lamberson Fire Prevention Award
Purpose
Recognition of Departments/Companies’ fire prevention efforts.
Administered By
Allegany-Garrett Counties Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association Fire Prevention Committee
Guidelines
The James E. Lamberson Fire Prevention Award is awarded to an individual, group, or company selected by the Association’s Fire Prevention Committee from submitted entries. The award recognizes efforts to promote fire prevention or fire safety education activities in local communities. Entries may reflect year-round efforts or a single special project.
Eligibility Requirements
- The department or company must be a member in good standing of the Allegany-Garrett Counties Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association.
- A cover letter on department letterhead must accompany all entries.
- Entries may include scrapbooks, photo albums, or loose-leaf binders and cannot exceed 12 × 14.5 inches. There is no limitation on thickness.
- Slide/tape presentations are acceptable, provided the presentation shows the complete project.
- All photographs and newspaper clippings must be dated and their sources indicated.
- All submitted materials must reflect activities from the previous calendar year, January through December.
- Evidence of material from a previous year will automatically disqualify the entry.
- Departments or companies submitting an entry must have a representative available when awards are presented during the convention.
Deadline
Entries must be in the hands of the Fire Prevention Committee or its designee no later than April 1 of the year submitted and must be marked with the proper entry classification.
Judging
Judges shall be appointed by the Chair of the Fire Prevention Committee, and their decision shall be final.
State Competition
All entries will be forwarded to the Maryland State Firemen’s Association for judging by April 30.
Hall of Flame (Up to 10 Inductees)
Recognizes individuals whose lifetime of exceptional service, leadership, and lasting contributions have left an enduring legacy on the Allegany Garrett Counties Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association and the volunteer fire, EMS, and rescue service.
Previous Winners
Accident
2000: Alva G. Rexrode
2000: Donald C. Ringer
1999: Owen Bach
1999: Luther Bowser
1999: Orlando ‘Doe’ Hetrick
1999: Hobert Bowser
?: Claude Friend
Baltimore Pike
2023: Darrell Hout
2023: John Harr
2023: Colvin Athey
2023: Jonathan Dayton
2018: Steve Hout
2004: Joseph F. Bruner
2004: Floyd Mallow
2004: Carl Mallow
2000: Donald B. Ware, PP
1999: Richard Ware, PP
1994: Harry Wilson, PP
1986: Samuel Wilson
1985: Harry DeHaven
1983: Edwin F. Gnegy
1983: Donald J. Ware
1983: James Michael
Barton
2022: Kevin Rounds
2022: Eric Mowbray
2020: Joe Langham
2011: Gene Foutz
2011: Marilyn ‘Cookie’ Rounds
2011: Stanley Broadwater
2011: David Miller
2002: William Lamberson
1995: Kenny Schramm
1995: John Roberts
1993: Elmer Broadwater
1993: Dennis Ashby
1992: Wayne Rounds
1992: Joseph Kyle
1991: John Shuhart
1988: George ‘Jack’ Saville
1988: Earl Metz
1988: Gilbert Warnick
1987: William B. Miller, PP
1987: Edward P. Miller
1987: Harold Schramm
1986: Luther Metz, PP
1986: William Hendra
1986: Forrest Mowbray
1985: James Chappel
1985: Leon Kirk
1985: Howard Wilkes
1985: Wilbur Johnson
1985: Clarence Warnick
1984: Henry Howell
1984: James E. Lamberson
1984: Jesse L. Kimble
1984: Giffen McCormick
Bedford Road
2009: Richard Schade
2005: Andrew Robinette
2005: Don Schade
2005: Jack Chisholm
2004: Vernon ‘Tim’ Growden
1994: Harold Heavner
1987: W. Carl Laywer, PP
1983: Willys L. Wilson, PP
1981: Calvin Growden, PP
1981: Fred Purnell
Bittinger
2000: Leon Beitzel
1997: Bill Emory
1996: Paul Yoder
1996: Joseph ‘Pete’ Buckle
1996: Delmar Yoder
1995: Robert H. Legeer
1992: Don Sealing
1991: George Bowsers
1991: Ken Buckle
1991: Elbert E. Buckle
1982: Catlton Knox
1982: Ira O. Yaste
Bloomington
2010: Kathy Bever, PP
2007: Paul Wilson
2007: Daniel Bever
1981: Charles Pattison
Bowling Green
2014: Jeffrey Baird
2013: Mary Carr
2006: Shannon Adams
2006: Todd Thompson
2006: Betsy Felten
2001: Richard ‘Rick’ Day
2001: John Wolford
2001: JoAnne Bradley
1998: Edward Widdows
1997: George Flaskamp
1997: Charles Crawford, PP
1996: Edward C. Nield
1996: Gary Uncapher
1996: William H. O’Neal
1996: Edward Ruppenkamp
1995: Daniel L. Fradiska
1994: Calvin Ayers
1993: Donald Broome
1993: Larry Thompson
1992: Thomas Felten
1991: Richard Ross
1990: Gary Gillum
1990: Raymond Bradley
1988: Joe Hoban
1988: Richard Jackson
1987: George W. Mahaney
1986: Allan Deffinbaugh
1986: George Steigerwald
1986: William Yeager
1986: Clayton Gillum
1985: Robert Saville
1984: G. Paul Ross
1984: DeSales Keifer
1983: Austin Snyder
1981: David E. Kirk
1981: George Miller
Bowman’s Addition
2020: Bruce Fulk
2019: Charles Buddy Jones
2010: Jeremy Jack, PP
1994: Jack Schade
1992: Leo Emmerick
1992: Lamar Minnick
1992: Harry Mallow
1992: Kermit VanPelt
1990: Dennis Bonner, PP
1989: H.A. Smith
Clarysville
2009: Eric L. Clark, PP
2002: Thomas Gracie
1997: Carl ‘Dennis’ Blank
1995: Tom Story
1995: Milton Story
1993: Jennings Broade
1992: Herbert Knepp
1984: J. Francis Fatkin, PP
Corriganville
2020: Clyde Burley
2010: Deloss Murphy
1985: William E. Clauson
1984: George L. Bowers
1983: Harry Martz
1982: Joseph C. Stuckey
1981: A. Mike Walters, PP
1981: Harry C. Walters, PP
Cresaptown
2025: Mike Reid
2025: Daniel Martin
2024: Jeff Connor
2024: Jim Coleman
2009: Kathy Pell
2009: Jeremy Athey
2007: Steven J. Kesner
2007: Jeffrey Norris
2007: Patrick Reid
2006: Robert Rotruck
2006: Chris Cage
2004: Deborah Kesner
2002: Larry S. Humbertson
2000: Paul W. Baier, Jr.
2000: Marle K. Vonstein
2000: John P. Pratt
2000: Susan J. Clark-Cecil
2000: Timothy D. Brown
2000: Larry A. Cecil
1999: Steven J. Kesner, PP
1999: Arthur E. Winter
1999: Daniel W. Winter
1991: Calvin ‘Pete’ Walbert, PP
1991: Louis R. Winter
1983: John D. Winters
1982: Joseph Wenrich
Cumberland Fire Dept.
2020: James Valentine
2020: George Miller
Deep Creek
2006: Phil Workman
2002: David Marple
2002: Harry Stone, PP
2002: Charles E. Thomas
1998: Michael Kahl
1998: Harold Blandd
1997: Mike Phillippi, PP
Deer Park
1989: Carl Thrasher
1988: Carl C. Callis
1986: Harley Wildesen
1986: Paxton Arnold
1985: Charles V. Haines
1984: Lambert L. Thrasher
1984: Harrison Thrasher
1983: John R. Thrasher
1982: Gordon W. Bray
1981: William Clatterbuck, PP
1981: George W. Comp, Jr., PP
District 16
2024: Greg Boyd
2002: James F. Decker, Sr., PP
1995: David Brown
1994: A.J.’Pete’ Grabenstein
1990: Ronald Grabenstein, PP
Eastern Garrett
2022: Robert Friend
2022: Al Ward
2022: Nicholas Wiland
2022: Tim Clark
1987: Willard Crowe
1985: Dale Fike
Ellerslie
2018: Richard Fetters
2018: David Landis
1998: Richard DeVore, Jr., PP
1995: Glenn Ford, PP
1990: Frank Clark, PP
1983: Floyd Logsdon
Flintstone
2022: Dottie Ruby
2011: Paul Porta
2011: Steve Bowman
2010: Donald Dolly, Sr.
1995: David L. Kyle, PP
1989: Eugene Kisamore
1989: Lawrence Smith
1988: Randy Helmick, PP
1987: Lawrence Kyle
1987: Delmar Yonker, Sr.
1984: Cleland Helmick
1981: Joshua Mullenax
Friendsville
2022: Travis Spear
2012: Richard Sisler
2012: Keith Fisher
2012: Nick (Unknown Lastname)
2012: James Friend
2008: Walt Fearer
2008: Espy Hook
2002: Robert David Sines
2002: James R. Spear II
2000: Cecil W. Schroyer
1999: Wayne A. Anderson
1998: Terry E. Spear
1997: Ken Harding
1997: Rod Bowser, PP
1989: N. Ross Selby
1989: James E. Lininger
1989: Ralph E. Sines
1989: James R. Spear
1988: James W. Lininger
Frostburg
2020: Joseph Durst
1982: Alvin H. Rankin, PP
George’s Creek Ambulance
1996: James W. Dawson, Sr.
Good Will – Lonaconing
2025: William T. Smith
2018: Clarence L. Broadwater
2018: John Ternent
2018: James McKenzie
2014: John Fazenbaker
2014: Brian Moses
2013: Alan Hutcheson
2013: Clarence Broadwater
2011: Charles T. Lamberson
2010: John Muir
2010: Joe Inskeep
2009: Greg P. Nicol
2009: Gerald J. Cook
2008: Kenneth E. Smith
2007: Gary T. Hadley
2007: Francis ‘Gene’ Kidwell
2007: Marshall A. Hadley
2003: James W. Muir
2001: George T. Robertson
2001: John H. Ternent
2001: Larry McKenzie
2001: Wayne Steele
2001: George Eichhorn
2000: John E. Smith
1999: Woodrow Nightingale, Sr., PP
1998: George T. Kelly
1998: Harry J. Ternent
1997: George A. Eichhorn
1997: Simeon Hutcheson
1996: Gerald S. Cook
1996: Alex E. Patton
1987: Robert Hadley
1982: John Eichhorn
1982: Felix Foote, Sr., PP
1981: Alex Bogie, Jr.
?: Alex McAlpine
?: Robert L. Ritchie
Gorman
1982: Paul R. Gilbert
1981: Robert Riddler
Grantsville
2025: Raymond J. Yoder
2025: Stephen Miller
2024: Cecil Stein
2024: James Brenneman
2022: Duane Stein
2022: Menno Yoder
2010: Harry Michael, PP
1991: A. Emmons Warnick*
1982: John S. Prichard, PP*
Kitzmiller
2020:
Rules For Hall of Flame
Eligibility
- Up to ten living or deceased firefighter/rescue squad members may be selected for induction into the Hall of Flame of the Allegany-Garrett Counties Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association.
- To be eligible for induction, an individual must have shown outstanding service and dedication to their department, rescue squad, county, or state association.
Nomination Process
- Nominations may be submitted by the nominee’s home Fire Department/Rescue Squad or by any individual member of a Fire Department/Rescue Squad in good standing with the Allegany-Garrett Counties Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association.
- Members of the Special Awards Committee may also submit nominations.
- A brief history explaining why the individual should be inducted must be included with the nomination. Entries submitted without a history will not be honored.
- Only one nominee may be included in each nomination letter. Multiple nominees must be submitted in separate letters and envelopes.
- The top of the nomination must include the nominee’s name, department, and an indication of whether the nominee is living or deceased.
- Names must be resubmitted each year. Nominations are not held over by the committee from one year to the next.
Deadline
Nominations must be sent to the Secretary of the Allegany-Garrett Counties Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association no later than the Association meeting in May. If mailing, the envelope must be marked “HALL OF FLAME NOMINEE.”
Selection
The selection of nominees for the Hall of Flame will be made by members of the Special Awards Committee.
Award Presentation
All efforts should be made for the nominee or their representative to be present at the convention to receive the Hall of Flame certificate. The Chairperson of the Special Awards Committee will notify the President or a department representative.
The Siren Honor
Allegany Garrett Counties Community First Responders Tribute – Community nominations only.
Recognizes a volunteer firefighter, EMS provider, or rescue member who has demonstrated extraordinary compassion, selfless service, and dedication while making a meaningful impact on the lives of others through their commitment to the fire and emergency services.
Previous Winners
2025: Austin Christner, Ellerslie
2024: Greg Boyd, District 16
Rules For The Siren Honor
Over the years, we’ve received many heartfelt messages from community members wanting to recognize the everyday heroes among us—our volunteer firefighters, EMTs, and rescue squad members. While our Association’s by-laws prohibit community nominations for our formal annual awards, it was time to create a new way to honor those voices.
That’s why we’re proud to introduce The Siren Honor—a special recognition powered solely by community nominations. This tribute is dedicated to those who answer the call, whether by saving lives, protecting property, or simply being a constant and selfless presence in their departments and neighborhoods.
Nominations will be reviewed by a panel of local leaders, and the top honoree will be formally recognized at our annual convention. All other nominees will receive an official Association Citation, honoring their service and dedication.
This award is more than just a recognition—it’s a way to thank those who rarely seek the spotlight but truly deserve it. Your participation not only honors our volunteers—it helps boost morale and strengthen retention across Allegany and Garrett Counties.
Eligibility
The Siren Honor is open to volunteer firefighters, EMS providers, and rescue members who have demonstrated extraordinary compassion, selfless service, and dedication while making a meaningful impact on the lives of others through their commitment to the fire and emergency services.
Nominations
Nominations for The Siren Honor are accepted from members of the community only.
Community Impact & Heroism Award
Recognizes a community member who has made a meaningful contribution to the volunteer fire and EMS services or the communities they serve. The award is open to individuals who are not affiliated with a fire, rescue, or EMS department and may recognize emergency assistance, public education, fundraising, advocacy, volunteer support, or other significant contributions to the volunteer service.
Previous Winners
This is a new award this year, so there are no previous winners yet.
Rules For The Community Impact & Heroism Award
Eligibility
The Community Impact Award is open to individuals who are not affiliated with a fire, rescue, or EMS department and who have demonstrated meaningful support for the volunteer fire and EMS services or the communities they serve.
Nominations
Nominations may recognize individuals for emergency assistance, public education, fundraising, advocacy, volunteer support, or any other significant contribution that positively impacted the volunteer fire and EMS service. Open nominations from member departments and community members.