Richard Mister is recognized for his 50 years of service with the North Beach Volunteer Fire Department.
Chesapeake Beach, MD – The Saturday evening, Feb. 25 gathering at the North Beach Volunteer Fire Department (Company 1) featured the company’s new operational and administrative officers sworn in, awards for 2016 handed out and service awards for reaching milestone years presented. Attendees enjoyed a sumptuous, catered dinner. But something that wasn’t on the agenda is likely to be what everyone remembers about the 2017 North Beach Volunteer Fire Department’s annual Awards Banquet and Installation of Officers.
As two members of the Chesapeake Beach Town Council were presenting Company 1 officials with a check for $50,000, a man who was in the hall watching the event suddenly collapsed. Several volunteers rushed to aid the stricken man, who was not breathing. Cardio pulmonary resuscitation was administered and defibrillator was used to revive the man, who acquaintances said was in his late 50s. He was subsequently taken to Calvert Memorial Hospital. Sadly, the man died later that evening.
After the frenzy ended, a company officer took to the microphone and urged everyone in the room to “take a deep breath.”
At 91 years, the North Beach Volunteer Fire Department is the oldest in Calvert County, which is the last “all volunteer” fire, rescue and emergency medical services (EMS) jurisdiction in Maryland. In 2016, Company 1 responded to 1,478 EMS calls and 921 fire calls. Fifteen-year veteran Pat Osburn responded to nearly 60 percent of the EMS calls. With 1,478 calls, Osburn was again Company 1’s to EMS responder. Running on 328 fire calls, Garrett Hagan was the top responder in that category.
Recognition was given to Richard Mister for his 50 years of service to Company 1.
The 2017 Incoming Southern Maryland Volunteer Fireman’s Association president, Dale Bowen of the Huntingtown Volunteer Fire Department (Company 6), president over the installation of Company 1’s new operational, administrative and auxiliary officers.
Receiving awards were:
• 15 years Life Members – Pat Osburn
• 50 Years – Richard Mister
• Top runner EMS – Pat Osburn
• Top runner fire – Garrett Hagan
• Most initiative – Bryce Callis
• EMS Officer of the Year – John Bennett
• Fire Officer of the Year – CJ Conner
• Administrative Officer of the Year – Eric Brumley
• Larry Cox Award – Kelsey Swann
• James Buckmaster Award – Jonathan Perry
• Chiefs Award – John Bennett
• Presidents Award – Justin Kivett, Shelly Gooding, Wally Gooding
• Jerry Salmon Award – Eddie Humphreys
Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com
