Member Appreciation Crab Feast!
Every year, the Burtonsville Volunteer Fire Department celebrates its most valuable asset, its members!
Not only is it a chance for volunteers to unwind, celebrate, and spend time with their family (both their fire department family, and their personal family!) but also a chance to recognize the hard work and dedication of our volunteers throughout the past year.
During the event, volunteers were recognized for participating in the most calls for service over the course of 2022. Each call for service represents a person or a family facing a crisis, often involving life-threatening situations or dire emergencies. Their prompt response and unwavering commitment to helping others is truly commendable. By willingly facing danger and providing immediate assistance, firefighters and EMTs exemplify bravery, selflessness, and compassion. Their tireless efforts and expertise in critical situations make a significant difference in saving lives and alleviating suffering. Their service deserves our utmost gratitude and admiration.
2022 Top EMS Responders
- Master EMT Kelly Barnard – 370 calls
- EMT Hannah Terwilliger – 285 calls
- EMT Jaewon Hong – 221 calls
- EMT Cameron Brown – 165 calls
- Master EMT Jamie Calderon – 153 calls
- EMT Mei Zheng – 151 calls
- EMT Leonard Newman – 148 calls
- EMT Lauren Chrosniak – 144 calls
- EMT Nima Sheybani – 143 calls
- EMT Rohith Mathew – 129 calls
2022 Top Fire Responders
- Chief Michael Ryman – 414 calls
- Firefighter Mark Bulla – 154 calls
- Firefighter Kyle Gallagher
- Firefighter Akil Brooks
- Master Firefighter Luis Ruiz-Flores
Seibel Training Award
Also recognized were volunteers who, on top of their weekly 12 hour duty shift, spent the most dedicated time advancing their training. This year, the Seibel Training Award recognized two members for their outstanding commitment to continued learning.
- Firefighter Tom Davis
- Master EMT Kelly Barnard
Certificates of Distinguished Service
The BVFD also recognized members with Certificates of Distinguished Service, in recognition of their important anniversaries with the department, or for their work throughout the year.
- Master EMT Kelly Barnard – In recognition of 5 years with the BVFD
- Life Member John V. Pignataro – In recognition of 45 years with the BVFD
- Firefighter Rick Noell – In recognition of his service in managing fire staffing/scheduling
- Associate Member Sara Watson – In recognition of her service in managing EMS staffing/scheduling
- Board Member Simone Robers – In recognition of her service managing SAFER and other grants
- Board Member Megan Meacham – In recognition of her support service as a highly engaged Associate Member
Fun Awards
Lastly, the BVFD recognized many members with some Fun Awards. Members were able to recognize each other for whatever they’d like, so long as it was appropriate and goodhearted!
- EMT Class Student Teacher of the Year – EMT Chy Murali
- Best Dad Jokes of the Year – EMT Len Newman
- Night Owl Training Award – EMT Nima Sheybani
- Most Likely to Honk the Air Horn at the Wrong Time – Master EMT Kelly Barnard
- Most Likely to Irritate the Chief – EMT Cameron Brown (self nominated)
- The Sit Down and Shut Up Award – Master EMT Jessica Prentice (In recognition of her ability to command a room and get things done)
- Shortest Shorts of the Year – Firefighter Kyle Gallagher
- I Am the Walrus Award – Firefighter Tom Davis (for having the best mustache)
- Best Pants Blousing – EMT Nima Sheybani
Thank yous!
We are incredibly grateful for all that could attend, and we would also like to thank our community partners for their participation, donations, and assistance in putting on such a wonderful event!
Shift Coverage during the Party provided by:
Hillandale Volunteer Fire Department and our Career Partners from Montgomery County Fire Rescue Service
Vendors
- Absolutely Delicious Catering provided by Salerno’s Restaurant and Catering
- Awesome photo booth and associated decor provided by J Double You Events
- Moon Bounce, Tables, Chairs, and Popcorn Machine provided by Kendall Hardware
Raffle Donations Provided by:
Planning Committee
And last but certainly not least, a HUGE thank you to the Planning Committee for this year’s event:
- Board Member Megan Meacham – Chair
- EMT Geneva Jamsa
- Associate Member Janet Hand
- Master EMT Kelly Barnard
- EMT Glenny De la Cruz
- EMT Cameron Brown
- Vice President Tami Bulla
- EMT Lauren Chrosniak
- Associate Member Christine Dunn
- Master EMT Jessica Prentice
- Master EMT Jamie Calderon
- Firefighter Kyle Gallagher
- EMT Mei Zheng
- Associate Member Michael Bulla
- Soon to be persuaded into membership Shea Bulla
- Recruiter and Volunteer Coordinator Katie Bulla
- President/EMT Jaewon Hong
- Chief Michael Ryman
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