On Saturday, December 13th, 2014, the Ridge Volunteer Rescue Squad held its 65th Annual Installation of Officers. It was held at the Ridge Volunteer Fire Department, with a delicious meal catered by the RVFD Ladies Auxiliary. This year’s event proved to be very special for a few of our members, but especially for Jack and Frances Ann Cullison, who both celebrated 50 years of service with the RVRS. This was a HUGE milestone for them and their dedication was made known numerous times throughout the evening, both by our membership and by the St. Mary's County Commissioners.

After our meal, the 2015 Executive, Operational and Auxiliary Officers were installed. This year’s line-up is as follows:

President – David Morris
Vice President – Mandy Purdy
Secretary – Paula Turner
Treasurer – Christy Bright
Board Member – Eddie Boswell
Board Member – Frances Ann Cullison
Board Member – Brian Evans
Board Member – George Gatton
Board Member – Sam Sayers

Chief 49 – Christy Ridgell
Chief 49A – Debbie Drury
Lieutenant 49A – David Morris
Lieutenant 49B – Mandy Purdy
Lieutenant 49C – Christina Gillespie
Lieutenant 49D – Dylan Lowmiller
Equipment Officer – Alex Ketner
Chief Engineer – Paul Sullivan
Engineer – Sam Sayers
Engineer – Jack Cullison
Engineer – Boyd Loflin

Auxiliary Chairperson – J.D. Biscoe
Auxiliary Co-Chairperson – Brenda Ridgell
Auxiliary Secretary – Carol Lowmiller
Auxiliary Treasurer – Marsha Evans

The following members were also recognized for their accomplishments throughout the year:

President’s Award – Joe Greer
Chief’s Award – Christy Ridgell
“Gag” Rookie of the Year Award – Paul Sullivan
Rookie of the Year Award – Alex Ketner
Life Saving Award (for a child who nearly drowned at Pt. Lookout State Park in June of 2014) – Debbie Drury, George Gatton, David Morris, Mandy Purdy and Christy Ridgell
Joey Titus Memorial Leadership Award – Jack and Frances Ann Cullison
Squad Member of the Year – Debbie Drury
Auxiliary Members of the Year – J.D Biscoe and Marsha Evans
Length of Service Awards – 5 Years – Dave Barry and Ed Pratt
Length of Service Awards – 50 Years – Jack and Frances Ann Cullison

The Ridge Volunteer Rescue Squad Auxiliary provided a check to the Ridge Volunteer Rescue Squad in the amount of $20,000.00 this year! Since our Auxiliary was established 3 years ago, they have provided our Rescue Squad with a total of $50,000.00! Thank you!

Special thanks to Fr. Peter Giovanoni of St. Michael’s Parish for providing the invocation and benediction, Wesley Briscoe of Southern MD Entertainment for providing the music, Ron Bailey for providing exceptional photography for the evening, Debbie Fairfax for bartending, Danny Raley for continuing the yearly tradition of being the master of ceremonies and the Ridge Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary for catering our event.