With the efforts of many dedicated individuals the 128th Annual Convention and Conference of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association is taking place virtually from June 14th through June 27th even though we are in the midst of a National Emergency as a result of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

While it may be completely different from what any of us have ever experienced, the Convention and Conference Committee has taken every step possible to meet the needs of our Association, address the Constitution and By-Laws requirements of the organization and support our dedicated membership with an event that continues the honors and traditions of our fire service community.

Phase One will include virtual conference calls and presentations starting on June 14th with activities that support the Constitution and By-Laws of the MSFA and LAMSFA.

Throughout the following days, activities will include Electronic Voting, an Online Memorial Service, Remarks from MSFA and LAMSFA Presidents and Elected Officials, Online Program Presentations, Electronic Seminar Presentations, Announcement of all Award Winners, electronically administering the Oath of Office to newly elected officers, and an Executive Committee Conference Call to approve the 2020-2021 Budget.

A complete list of all available training opportunities though this virtual convention can be found on the MSFA Convention Website and I encourage you to take advantage of this cutting-edge educational program.

Phase two, which is planned as an in-person gathering, is scheduled for September 12 and 13, 2020, and will be held at Live! Casino & Hotel, in Hanover, Maryland, adjacent to Arundel Mills Mall, in Anne Arundel County.

This site was selected for several reasons; centrally located in the state, a large enough facility to host all of the events on one footprint, ample parking, available hotel accommodations and Audio Visual elements that would support our Convention and Conference.

Over twenty other sites including government facilities, community colleges, fire stations and public assembly locations were contacted and evaluated, with Live! Casino & Hotel being the most advantageous for our needs.

The two-day event will offer the following activities:

Day 1: Opening Ceremonies, Presentation of Special Memorial Tributes, Business Meetings for both the MSFA and the LAMSFA and a Presidential Reception.

Day 2: Sunday Prayer Breakfast, Installation of Officers Ceremonial Event, Fire Prevention Queen Introductions, Award Presentations, and a Business Meeting for both the MSFA and LAMSFA.

A complete schedule of activities is posted on the MSFA Convention Website and the information will be updated on a regular basis.

The Convention Committee hopes that each individual member and department will appreciate this year’s events and activities and more so participate in the program when possible.

We know it has been an inconvenience on all of us as this annual gathering often serves as our vacation and summer getaway. We encourage you to make plans for future events as the convention dates have been set for June 19 to 24 for 2021 and June 18 to 23 for 2022, in Ocean City, Maryland.

Be Safe and Thank You.