Dennis Barron, right, treasurer of the Shepherdstown Volunteer Fire Department, recognized Roy and Judy Matlick with awards for Outstanding Support Members. Toni Milbourne

SHEPHERDSTOWN — Shepherdstown Volunteer Fire Department members gathered Saturday night on the Shepherd University campus to recognize the service of their members given over the past year.

Company president Craig “Twiggy” Simpson welcomed guests prior to the buffet meal and again as he began the presentation of awards. First recognized were the top responders of the company. Simpson named and called forward the top 10 call-runners for 2024 including Ross Morgan with 104; Justin Efaw with 157; Marshall DeMeritt with 158; Samantha Stonestreet with 197; and, Heath Fleming with 200 call. The list continued with Bobbi Keller who ran 215 calls; Matthew Locke with 313; Kali Bowie with 269; Sheri Sines with 399 and topping out the list for 2024 was Johnathan Sines with 486 calls.

The department recognizes individuals with high numbers of calls, placing them into two separate “clubs” that have been established over time, named for various company members. The Tice Tennant Club is for those members who, through combined fire and EMS calls, reach a mark of over 200 calls for any given year. For 2024, Johnathan Sines topped the list with his 486 calls. The Leon Catrow Club welcomes those with a combined number of calls over 100. Several members earned this rank in with Samantha Stonestreet topping the list with 197 calls.

In addition to call volume awards, the company members vote for Member’s Choice awards in a variety of categories. For 2024, the Outstanding Fundraiser award went to Johnathan Sines as well as the Outstanding Live-In Award, while Zachary Morgan took Outstanding Fire Officer. Dennis Barron was selected by the membership as the Outstanding Administrative Officer and Steve Matson was chosen as the Outstanding Staff Officer.

Dennis Barron, company treasurer, presented some fundraising awards. Barron told the group gathered that he didn’t think at the end of 2023 that the fundraising levels could be topped; however, he said, they were. Barron reported that $255,000 was raised by the department last year, much of that through the continued partnerships with others who use the hall for special bingos, then provide volunteer assistance to the fire department at various events including the yearly apple butter making and the Sportsman’s Bash. Barron presented the Fundraising Award this year to Leslie Simpson, whom he said, works nearly every event and whom he said has helped him all year in all capacities. He also presented Outstanding Support Member awards to Roy and Judy Matlick.

Steve Matson, left, was the recipient of the Fire Chief’s Award at Shepherdstown Volunteer Fire Department’s annual banquet. Chief Ross Morgan is seen presenting the award. Toni Milbourne

Ross Morgan took time to present his Fire Chief’s Award to long-time member Steve Matson who Morgan said, is “very deserving of this award.” Morgan elaborated saying that Matson took over the Junior Firefighter program, changing the name from junior firefighter to cadet.

“That was something I whole-heartedly supported,” Morgan said, adding that the change has had a positive effect on the program, making the cadets feel more a part of the department. Morgan also commented that Matson has become more and more involved over the past months in public education and was recently promoted to 3rd Lieutenant by the membership of the department.

Simpson announced that the President’s Award for 2024 was to go Mitchell Klee, a member, Simpson said, who has become very involved in the company’s online raffles that help raise needed funds for the department. Klee was unable to attend the banquet Saturday evening. Also recognized Saturday were Outstanding Junior Member Jaden Cook and Outstanding Service Award recipient Melinda Schmitt.

Years of service recognitions were given those celebrating multiple years of service. Receiving pins for 10 years was Troy Baker; for 15 years was Trevor Cracker; for 30 years was James Locke; for 35 years was Dennis Barron; and, recognized for 45 years of service in the department was Chief Ross Morgan.

At the conclusion of the evening, Sheriff Tom Hansen performed the swearing in of the new officers for 2024.

Dennis Barron, left and Chief Ross Morgan were recognized for years of service with the Shepherdstown Volunteer Fire Department, 35 years for Barron and 45 for Morgan. Toni Milbourne