Maryland State Firefighters Association 134th Annual Convention & Conference 2026 Award Recipients

Individual Awards:

• Colburn Trophy –
Bradley Cooper, Ridge VFD

• Gladhill-Thompson Award –
Clarence “Chip” Jewell, Libertytown VFD

• Marbery F. Gates Service Cup –
Roger A. Steger, Sr., Ocean City VFC

• Firefighter of the Year –
Joshua Ogongi, United Steam Fire Engine Company

• Robert H. Shimer Administrator of the Year Award –
Mitch Vocke, Jarrettsville VFC

• Edward L. Emkey Cadet Program Award – North Beach VFD

• Next Generation Leadership Award – Victoria Phillips, Hacks Point FC

• Josiah Hunt – EMS Person of the Year
-Donald “Doc” Poist, Jr. Water Witch FC

• Past President Baker Rookie of the Year
– Cameron Hurlock, Church Hill VFC

• Senator William H. Amoss Memorial Legislative Award –
-Senator J.B. Jennings, District 7 (Baltimore & Harford Counties)
-Delegate Linda K. Foley, District 15 (Montgomery County)
-Senator William Folden, District 4 (Frederick County)

• Silver Spring Trophy –
Captain William “Will” Darling, Sudlersville VFC

• Family Appreciation Award –
Leppert Family, Westminster VFD

• Chief Chaplain Harvey Dixon Award – Chaplain Kevin E. Dayhoff, Westminster VFD

Hall of Fame Inductees:
-H. Stephen Price, Ocean City VFC, Worcester County
-Joel C. McCrea, Long Green VFD, Baltimore County
-Marc McNeal, United Steam Fire/Engine Company, Frederick County
-Robert A. Lynch, Sr., Second District VFD, St. Mary’s County
-Jim Vagonis, Rockville VFD, Montgomery County
-Charles “Timothy” Jerscheid, Ocean City VFC, Worcester County
-Dale Bowen, Huntingtown VFD, Calvert County
-Gary Hilton, Damascus VFD, Montgomery County
-Ramona Ridgely, Citizen Truck Company, Frederick County

Special Hall of Fame Recognition:
• Dr. Timothy P. Chizmar, MIEMSS

MSFA Training Awards:

Departments with 100 or More Responding Members
• 1st Place: Vigilant Hose Company

Departments with 99 or Fewer Responding Members
• 1st Place Trophy: Brunswick Volunteer Ambulance & Rescue Company
• 2nd Place Plaque: New Market District Volunteer Fire Company
• 3rd Place Plaque: United Steam Fire Engine Company No. 3

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL and thank you to everyone that took the time to submit nominations for your members to recognize and acknowledge their hard work and dedication to their departments and communities!