Allegany Garrett Counties Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association

06/18/2026

The Allegany Garrett Counties Volunteer Fire Rescue Association is proud to endorse Chief Wayne Tome for Second Vice President of the Maryland State Firefighters Association.

Chief Tome brings decades of experience as both a career firefighter and volunteer firefighter-paramedic, along with a strong background in public service as a former Cecil County Commissioner and former Mayor of Port Deposit. His dedication to the fire service and commitment to Maryland's volunteer fire and EMS community make him an outstanding candidate for this leadership position.

We were honored to welcome Chief Tome to our 114th Annual Convention on June 6 and appreciate him taking the time to meet with our members and discuss the issues impacting volunteer emergency services across our state.

We look forward to working with Chief Tome and wish him the best in his campaign for Second Vice President.

Sincerely,
Jonathan Dayton, President of the Association

06/15/2026

Special thanks once again goes out to Somerset Trust Company for being a valued partner in supporting volunteer emergency services throughout Allegany and Garrett Counties over the past several years.

The bank has proudly sponsored our annual awards program, providing a meaningful way to recognize and celebrate the dedication of our first responders. Their continued commitment to our communities and those who serve them is greatly appreciated.

We encourage everyone to consider Somerset Trust's products and services and to thank them for their ongoing support of volunteer emergency services.

06/12/2026

06/12/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 12, 2026

Allegany Garrett Counties Volunteer Fire Rescue Association Announces 2026 Election Endorsements

The Allegany Garrett Counties Volunteer Fire Rescue Association (AGCVFRA) is proud to announce its endorsements for the 2026 election cycle.

The AGCVFRA serves, promotes, advocates for, and represents the interests of the volunteer fire, rescue, and emergency medical services personnel of Allegany and Garrett counties. As an organization representing volunteer emergency responders throughout the region, the Association carefully evaluates candidates based on their commitment to public safety, support for volunteer emergency services, and willingness to work collaboratively with the fire and EMS community.

While there are numerous candidates and offices on this year's ballot, the Association's Executive Committee—which represents member departments from across Allegany and Garrett counties—voted during a meeting held in August to endorse Dave Morgan for Sheriff of Allegany County.

Dave Morgan brings extensive law enforcement experience, strong leadership, integrity, and a proven work ethic. Throughout his career, he has consistently demonstrated a collaborative approach when working with volunteer fire, rescue, and EMS organizations. The Association believes his commitment to partnership and public safety will continue as Sheriff of Allegany County.

More recently, during the Association's Annual Convention, delegates representing member departments voted to endorse three additional candidates based upon their track record of supporting the Association and volunteer emergency services.

Those endorsements include:
The Honorable Mary Beth Pirolozzi for Register of Wills for Allegany County
Dawne D. Lindsey for Clerk of the Circuit Court for Allegany County
Senator Mike McKay, representing Garrett County, Allegany County, and portions of Washington County

The Association cited each candidate's history of supporting volunteer fire, rescue, and EMS services as a key factor in its endorsements.
In particular, Senator Mike McKay has been a strong advocate for volunteer emergency services in Annapolis. As Chairman of the Maryland Fire-EMS Coalition, Senator McKay has consistently worked to advance legislation benefiting volunteer responders and has fought for increased funding, enhanced benefits, and greater recognition of the critical role volunteers play in protecting Maryland communities.

"The volunteer fire and EMS service relies on strong partnerships with elected officials who understand the challenges facing our departments and the importance of supporting volunteers. These endorsements reflect the confidence our member departments have in candidates who have demonstrated a commitment to public safety and to the men and women who serve their communities."

The AGCVFRA thanks all candidates who have stepped forward to serve and wishes them success throughout the election process.

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06/12/2026

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06/11/2026

S. R. Jenkins Video did an amazing job covering the convention parade and award ceremony. Check out his work! 🔥

06/11/2026

Enjoy some additional photos from the Parade Awards Ceremony in the Park during the 114th Annual Convention hosted by Potomac Fire Company No. 2. Congratulations again to all of this year's award recipients, and thank you to everyone who participated and helped make this year's convention a success!

06/11/2026

Congratulations to the outstanding recipients recognized during the 2026 Annual Convention Awards Ceremony! 🎉

These awards recognize the dedication, leadership, service, and commitment that strengthen the volunteer fire, rescue, and EMS community throughout our region for service year 2025!

Firefighter of the Year
Winner: Jeff Norris
Runner-Up: Chase Aman

Junior Firefighter of the Year
Winner: Gavin Kiser

EMS Person of the Year
Winner: Tykel Stewart

James E. Lambertson Fire Prevention Award Winner: Maryland DNR Forest Service

William H. Smith 50+ Year Service Award Winner: Herman S. Yoder
Runner-Up: Craig Alexander
Runner-Up: Tim Thomas

Siren Award Winner: Austin Christner
Runner-Up: Aaron Gaumer
Runner-Up: Jeff Cutter

Hall of Flame – Class of 2025
Mike Reid
Daniel Martin
Raymond J. Yoder
William T. Smith
Shawn Dicken
Tiffany King
Stephen Miller
Kristi Williams
Carey Ackerman
Leeann Abernathy

Special Recognition: Mayor Judy Hamilton for the leadership shown during the May 2025 flooding.

Please join us in congratulating all of our 2025 award recipients and Hall of Fame inductees for their outstanding service and dedication to the emergency services community.

A special thank you to Somerset Trust. All awards presented this year were sponsored by Somerset Trust, and we sincerely appreciate their continued hospitality, generosity, and support of the emergency services community.

06/11/2026

Enjoy these smiling faces from the After Parade Party in the Park hosted by Potomac Fire Company No.2 Inc. at Creekside Park in Westernport!

It was wonderful to see so many members of the fire, EMS, law enforcement, and emergency services communities come together in one place to celebrate volunteerism, camaraderie, and community. Events like these strengthen the bonds that make our emergency services family so special and remind us of the importance of working together in service to our communities.

Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make this event a success! 🚒🚑🚓🇺🇸

06/11/2026

Congratulations to this year's Patricia A. Bowser Emergency Services Memorial Scholarship recipients:

🎓 Andrew Martinez
🎓 Ellie Harbert
🎓 Robert Bower
🎓 Destiny Jackson

Andrew and Ellie will each receive $1,000, while Robert and Destiny will each receive $500 to support their continued education.

We are proud to support these outstanding students as they pursue their academic and professional goals. Their dedication to education and service reflects the bright future of our communities and the emergency services profession.

Please join us in congratulating Andrew, Ellie, Robert, and Destiny on this well-deserved achievement, and we wish them continued success in all their future endeavors! 🎉📚🚑🚒