The Marlboro Volunteer Fire Departments members and officers held their 2019 Installation of Officers and Annual Awards Banquet on Saturday March 16th at the fire house social hall.  The event which was hosted by President Jeffrey Beavers recognized op responders and top administrators, as well as presenting some special awards.

This year the dedication of the banquet was to Chief Robert C. Beavers, 

Robert Beavers better known as Bobby joined the Marlboro VFD in the late 80’s but left the department to continue his education and pursue his career as a mechanic. He rejoined the department in December of 1998. After rejoining the department, he worked diligently training to better himself and better contribute to the department. He quickly obtained his Firefighter and EMT certifications. Since rejoining the department, he has earned certifications as an Emergency Medical Technician, Firefighter II, Hazardous Materials Command, Fire Officer IV, Fire Service Instructor III, Rescue Technician, Fire Service Management, and over 50 other classes completed. He has received multiple Green Cross and department awards as a responder and officer, and was inducted into the Prince Georges County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service Hall of Fame in 2015.

He has proudly served the department as a Lieutenant, Captain, Chief Officer at 20 and 45, and has served the department as Chief since 2016.

Serving with the department for over 20 years, with his dedication to the betterment of the department and service to the community, the 2019 Installation of Officers and Award Ceremony is Dedicated to Robert “Bobby” Beavers.

Recipients for this years awards were:

Top 5 Responders 

Tony Floria 53 calls, Nick Seaforth 54 calls, Kendall Wallace 100 calls, Chief Robert Beavers 180 calls, and Joe Miller 183 calls.

The Donald L. Strine Award – This award is in recognition of Donald L Strine who has served the department for over 60 years serving as both the Chief and then the President, Chairman of the Fire Commission, and County and State Hall of Fame. It is presented to the member with the most Fire / Rescue Call Responses.

Joe Miller

The Chiefs Award – This award is presented to a member or members who have provided outstanding or Meritorious service to the Chief, the members and / or the department.

Joe Miller

Each year the fire department responds to thousands of responses for Fire, Rescue and Medical Calls, and we all see the images from movies like Ladder 49 and Backdraft, but what a lot of people don’t see is the hard work and dedication of all those who are tasked with things like accounting, running the website, fund raising, and all the other tasks that keep our department running.

The Top 5 Administrative Service Awards

5 Josh Gray, 4 Mike Roberts, 3 Julian Tucker, 2 Jeff Beavers, 1 Donnie Strine

The Julian “Jay” Tucker top Administrator – This award is in recognition of Julian “Jay” Tucker who has served the department for over 40 years serving as both a Chief Officer, President of the company, President of the PGCVFRA Association, Chairman of the Fire Commission, and elected to both the County and State Hall of Fame.

Donnie Strine

The President’s Award – This award is presented to a member or members who have provided outstanding service to the President, the members and the department, it is decided by the President for their dedicated service.

James “Jimmy” Atchison

The Arthur Leitch Award – This award is presented in memory of Arthur Leitch who provided service to the department for over 50 years, remaining active until his passing. It is presented to a member or members who have provided outstanding and or meritorious service to the Community and Citizens we serve, or to the Department and its’ members.

Brent Herr

The Robert “Bobby” Simms III Years of Service Awards these are awarded for time served at the Marlboro VFD – Robert “Bobby” Simms III served the department for over 33 until his passing, he served a variety of position in the department, he was very dedicated to the department and was rarely seen without his camera. Because of his dedication to the department each year we present the Robert Bobby Simms III Years of Service Awards for Active Membership in the MARLBORO VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT Inc., Company 20 or 20 / 45

Heather Bivens – 5 years
Joshua Gray – 5 years
Thomas Rippy – 5 years
Julian Tucker – 30 years
Russell Wells – 40 years

Honorary Membership Awards – honorary membership is presented to those who assist the department or render assistance to the department, or community partners who provide outstanding service to the department.

Tonga Turner, Town of Upper Marlboro Mayor
Wanda Leonard – Town of Upper Marlboro Commissioner
Lynda Pennoyer – Town of Upper Marlboro Commissioner
Kyle Snyder – Town of Upper Marlboro
Police Chief David Burse – Town of Upper Marlboro

The evening included a meal before the banquet which was provided by Denise and Tiffany from Thompsons Seafood, dessert was provided by Megan Miller of Sweet Things Cakery, and beverages supplied by the Patel Family of Marlboro Country Liquors.  The evenings festivities would not have been possible without the hard work provided by the banquet committee Nicole Hunter Chairperson, James Atchison, Heather Bivens, Joshua Gray, Edith Rippy, Michael Roberts, Ina Shepherd, and Donnie Wells.

Thank you to all of our members and guests who helped celebrate the evening!

See our facebook page for more photos!  https://www.facebook.com/marlboro.vfd/media_set?set=a.1252502898230376&type=3

Megan Miller of Sweet things Cakery         https://www.facebook.com/sweetthingscake/

Marlboro Country Liquors – https://www.loc8nearme.com/maryland/upper-marlboro/marlboro-country-liquors/3796992/

Thompsons Seafood Market – https://www.facebook.com/Thompson-Seafood-Corner-Market-152310584788338/