Calvert’s newest fire and rescue company hosted the 61st annual Southern Maryland Volunteer Firemen’s Association (SMVFA) Convention May 3 and 4. For the St. Leonard Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad (Company 7), this was their first opportunity ever to be the location for the gathering of the region’s volunteer first responders.

Company 7 Chief Monty Parks assumed the presidency of the organization, receiving a brightly colored gavel from his predecessor, Joan Williams.

The two-day event included a Sunday parade through St. Leonard followed by department competitions on Company 7’s concert field.

Saturday evening was a time for the convention-goers to break bread and hand out awards. The highlight of the evening was the announcement of 10 new inductees into the SMVFA’s Hall of Fame. Three of the inductees are from Calvert County. They are: Roland “Sonny� Brady of the Prince Frederick Rescue Squad (Company 4), Christopher L. Franklin of the Solomons Volunteer Rescue Squad and Fire Department (Company 3) and Billy Freesland of the North Beach Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad (Company 1).

Also inducted was Sen. Roy Dyson [D-District 29], who becomes only the second person to join the hall as an elected official.

“It’s an honor,� said Freesland, Company 1’s chief the past 20 years and a 35-year veteran of Company 1. “I thank the department for recommending me.�

“It makes you feel old,� joked Franklin, who quickly added, “it’s an honor, believe me.�

Franklin was recently inducted into the Calvert County Fire and Rescue Association’s Hall of Fame.

Dyson was clearly surprised by his selection, explaining that John Gatton Jr. of the SMVFA’s Hall of Fame Selection Committee is also his barber.

“I run into him all the time,� said Dyson, who added he received plenty of reminders from Gatton to attend the 2008 convention.

Maryland State Fireman’s Association President Paul Sterling attended the dinner and presided over the installation of SMVFA’s new officers. Sterling praised the Hall of Fame inductees for their dedication.

“Maybe we’ll see some of these Hall of Fame inductees repeat the honor at our state convention,� he said.

E-mail Marty Madden at editorial@calvertindependent.com.