Ridge Volunteer Fire Department members returned home with an impressive collection of awards after the 79th Southern Maryland Volunteer Firemen’s Association Convention and Parade held April 25-26 in Solomons.
The weekend events began Saturday with the SMVFA Installation of Officers. Ridge VFD Past President Charlie Bradburn was installed as the association’s new 2nd Vice President. During the awards ceremony that followed, the department received several distinctions for service and community outreach.
Past President Matthew Ridgell was inducted into the SMVFA Hall of Fame. The award recognizes longtime dedication and leadership within Southern Maryland’s volunteer fire service.
Ridge VFD also placed second in the Fire Prevention Year-round Class IV category. The department earned first place for a Special Project in fire prevention. It took home the Roland B. Duke Memorial Leg Trophy for Best Overall Fire Prevention efforts.
All photos via Ridge Volunteer Fire Department
Additional individual honors went to department members. Incident Safety Officer Darius Hawkins received the Frank R. Cotrufo Jr. Memorial Safety Leadership Award. Chief Bradley Cooper earned the Citizen Life Saving Award.
On Sunday, April 26, Ridge VFD paraded a large fleet through Solomons Island. Units on display included Command 4, Command 4A, Tanker 4, Engine 41, Rescue/Engine 42 (Squad 4), Engine 43, Brush 4, Marine Support Unit 4, Raft 4, UTV 4, Utility 4 and a Fire Prevention Trailer.
The company brought home parade trophies for Best Appearing Overall Company in the Association, Best Appearing Command Unit, Best Appearing Rapid Responder Unit, Best Appearing Rescue Engine, second place for Best Appearing Tanker and second place for Best Appearing Fire Prevention Entry. Ridge VFD also won for Company with Most Uniformed Personnel and Best Appearing Mascot with Ember the Dalmatian. Little Miss Fire Prevention Cheyenne Collentro received the Kids Award.
The Southern Maryland Volunteer Firemen’s Association represents volunteer fire and rescue companies across Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s counties. The annual convention and parade celebrate the contributions of these departments, which provide emergency services to communities throughout the region.
Ridge Volunteer Fire Department, known locally as St. Mary’s County Company 4, is based at 13820 Point Lookout Road in Ridge. The all-volunteer organization responds to fires, medical calls and other emergencies in southern St. Mary’s County. Its members also run active fire prevention and community education programs.
Department leaders expressed pride in the recognition. “Congratulations to all of our members on their awards and appointments,” the Ridge VFD announcement stated. Officials thanked the Solomons Volunteer Rescue Squad and Fire Department for hosting the 79th event and congratulated John Pardoe on his election as the new SMVFA President.
The awards highlight the ongoing commitment of Southern Maryland’s volunteer firefighters. Ridge VFD’s strong showing in both prevention programs and parade competition underscores the department’s dedication to safety education and community involvement.
