In celebration of valor and commitment, the Branchville Volunteer Fire Company and Rescue Squad, Inc honored the unwavering efforts of its volunteer firefighters and EMS members. The event, held on Saturday, February 3, 2024, became a momentous occasion to reflect on the accomplishments of 2023 and set ambitious goals for the upcoming year.

Eric Gove, the Branchville Fire Chief of 2023, took center stage to commend the outstanding achievements of the department’s top fire and EMS responders. The following remarkable individuals were recognized for their dedication:

2023 “Top 11” Fire Responses:

1. Robert Moreland – 409 calls
2. Emma Hansen – 404
3. Michael T. Hughes – 281
4. Sophia Liu – 203
5. Sushrut Pathy – 148
6. Adam Kristik – 137
7. Mike Williams – 137
8. Thomas Tanner – 129
9. Carlos Cruz – 114
10. Camilo Melnyk – 86
11. Eric Gove – 77

2023 “Top 11” EMS Responses:

1. Mike Williams – 345 calls
2. Ryan Kim – 278
3. Emma Hansen – 237
4. Cecilia Fabrizio – 157
5. Cece Zhao – 151
6. Robert Moreland – 146
7. Pritika Papall – 134
8. Nick Manzo – 130
9. Daniel Zhang – 112
10. Janet Liang – 112
11. Diya Patel – 98

Department Awards:

• EMT of the Year: Cece Zhao
• Firefighter of the Year: Emma Hansen
• Fire Chief’s Award: Thomas Tanner
• President’s Award: Derek Daves
• Most Done for Company Award: John Gardiner

The solemn swearing-in ceremony, led by Prince George’s County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association 2nd Vice President William “Billy” Cunningham, marked the installation of the ladies auxiliary, line and executive officers.

2024 Ladies Auxiliary:

• President: Shari L. Steffen
• Vice President: Linda Kulley
• Secretary: Terri E. Jordan
• Treasurer: Colleen M. Weatherford
• Historian: Charlene VanMeter
• Chaplain: Suzie Vermillion

2024 Line Officers:

• Fire Chief: Michael T. Hughes
• Deputy Chief: Eric J. Gove
• Assistant Chief: Richard W. Leizear
• Captain: Carlos Cruz
• Lieutenant: Adam Kristick
• Lieutenant: Sushrut Pathy
• EMS Sergeant: Celestine Zhao
• EMS Sergeant: Daniel Zhang
• Fire Sergeant: Camilo Melnyk
• Fire Sergeant: Emma Hansen

2024 Executive Officers:

• President: John E. Gardiner
• Treasurer: Frank J. Underwood
• Secretary: D. Scott Staub
• Vice President: Robert P. Holliday
• Board Members: Michael T. Hughes, Lee A. Scribner, Thomas L. Tanner, D. Scott Staub, Victor P. Weatherford

Serving as the master of ceremonies, Victor Weatherford, Board Member, presented to D. Scott Staub, Life Member, a gold watch signifying his 25th year of active service at Branchville.

As the Branchville Volunteer Fire Company marks its centennial year, plans for a grander celebration in September 2024 are underway, promising a nostalgic tribute to a century of selfless service. Branchville is an all volunteer fire and EMS department located in the northern part of College Park, Maryland bordering the main campus of the University of Maryland.

For additional information contact Mark E. Brady, Branchville VFC&RS PIO, at PIOMarkBrady@gmail.com.

Thanks to Steve Wiseman, Life Member, for providing the images.

Cece Zhao – EMT of the Year and Emma Hansen – Firefighter of the Year display their awards.

Executive Officer Oath of Office. L to R Hughes, Weatherford, Staub, Gardiner and Collins.

Line Officers for 2024.

Line Officers Oath of Office administered by Chief William “Billy” Cunningham.

Ladies Auxiliary Oath of Office.