This weekend (April 26-27, 2025), several members from the Ridge Volunteer Rescue Squad (RVRS) participated in the 78th Annual Southern Maryland Volunteer Firemen's Association (SMVFA) Convention hosted by the Leonardtown Volunteer Fire Department (LVFD).

Saturday, April 26, consisted of a joint Memorial Service to honor members who passed away during the last year (2024). The RVRS recognized two of our own: Honorary Life Member Joe Greer and Association Member Sandy Sullivan. The families of each of these members were in attendance and placed a bouquet of flowers in the memorial fire boot in remembrance of their loved ones. It was a very touching ceremony and a great privilege to honor these members whom we miss immensely.

Later that evening, our members attended the formal Installation of Officers and awards ceremony. RVRS Life Member Paula Turner was surprised to learn she had been selected as an inductee into the 2025 SMVFA Hall of Fame. Only ten nominees are selected each year and we were grateful to have Paula recognized for this commendable achievement. Paula was nominated by the RVRS for her 39 years of dedicated service where she has held numerous officer positions, led public education trainings, and actively participated in SMVFA events. Paula and her family are profound members of the RVRS and she now joins her father, RVRS Life Member Paul Sullivan, in the SMVFA Hall of Fame (Paul was inducted in 2004).

On Sunday, April 27, RVRS Life Members Brian Evans and Christy Leach participated in the Convention Parade. Ambulance 48 (our original 1972 Cadillac) and Ambulance 498 (our 2019 Ford F-550) were entered into the parade and enjoyed by all attendees. It was a fun time and the weather cooperated very well!

The RVRS would like to extend our best wishes to Tommy Mattingly, Jr. of the LVFD who was installed as the 2025-2026 President of the SMVFA. May you have a successful term of office!