This evening the Solomons Volunteers gathered together at the Solomons Holiday Inn in celebration of all of our achievements for the past year. The 2015 year marked the 60th anniversary of SVRSFD and has been one of many event both challenging to our member and rewarding. Members faced challenges that have been unheard of in Solomons history and they were all accomplished while maintaining the professionalism and pride that Solomons Volunteers are known for.

Ceremonies began with Chief Joseph Ford Sr. delivering an inspirational speech on the pride and dedication the Solomons Volunteers have for their commitment to both their department and community. How the challenges they faced this year were done with such professionalism that he is proud to be the Chief of Solomons.

The top ten runners for the 2015 year were announced as (1) Joe Adams, (2) Mike Heim, (3) Rick Hargrave, (4) Aubre Hinson, (5) Larry Garnett, (6) Shawn Bennett, (7) Devin Edwards, (8) Kiersten Shea, (9) Jennifer Mister, and (10) Matt Neel. Each runner received and token of appreciation for their commitment towards the department.

Chief Ford presented several awards including Cadet of the Year to Ashleigh Cornett, Junior of the Year to Myranda Shymansky, Rookie of the Year to Alison Dickson, Firefighter of the Year to Richard Hargrave, and EMT of the Year to Brian Bowen. A Award of Merit were presented to Past Chief Chris Franklin and the Chief's award was presented to Thomas Yowell

President Shea present numerous awards including the Presidents Awards to Kiersten Shea and Crystal Bowen, Special Recognition Awards to John Pardoe, Matt Neel, Aubre Hinson, and Larry Nuse, Associate of the Year which was awarded to Cheryl Freeman, and finally two lifetime membership awards to both Simon Thomas and Michael Heim.

The Volunteer of the Year Award was awarded to Chief Joseph Ford Sr. This award is voted on by the membership to a individual who has gone above and beyond dedicating themselves to the department. Chief Ford is a member who has done so much for this department over the years that it is befitting him to receive this award for his selfless dedication to Solomons.

During the ceremony another recognition was made which was the dedication of Ambulance 38 to member Bill Keefe for his countless years of service to the department.

Chief Ford also presented to membership a custom table that had been created for the department to be used in the break room. The table reflects our new paint and design scheme and has images both present and past inlaid within it. In addition to the table Chief Ford also presented dedication artwork which had been commissioned depicting each dedicate piece apparatus and the member that they are dedicated to. These will hung within the for all to enjoy.

As a token of appreciation this year all members received a challenge coin embossed with the company patch, a company blanket woven with present and past apparatus, and a company 2016 calendar as gifts from the officers of the department for all the hard work that was put forth over the past year.

After all the awards and declarations presented by various government officials, the Installation of Officers proceeded with swearing in of the 2016 Departmental Officers and the yearly slideshow created by Aubre Hinson was displayed.

The Solomons Volunteers would like to thank the Prince Frederick Fire Department, Huntingtown Fire Department, and Hollywood Volunteer Rescue Squad for filling in during the banquet while we enjoy this special night of celebration. In addition to our fill-in crews the Solomons Volunteers would like to thank all of our mutual aide companies to assisting on making our 2015 a success year and we look forward to working with you in 2016.