Hot Stuff From the Laurel Volunteer Fire Department

Wreaths Across America

It is the mission of Wreaths Across America to “Remember the Fallen...Honor Those Who Serve...and Teach the Next Generation the Value of Freedom.” It is because of this mission that members of the Laurel Volunteer Fire Department are proud to be a small part of this worthy and heartwarming event.

On December 17, 2025, we joined millions of others in over 5,500 locations, and came together at Ivy Hill Cemetery to honor, remember, and teach future generations the unswerving dedication of our fallen veterans.

The service began at the Joseph R. Robison Laurel Municipal Center, where we placed wreaths at the entranceway for our fallen heroes, alongside individuals from all branches of our military and first responder organizations. Our representatives from the LVFD were President Vic Whipple and Corporate Secretary Mike Sellner, who is also a Navy veteran.

This solemn ceremony then held a processional from the Laurel Municipal Center to Ivy Hill Cemetery, where volunteers from the community placed wreaths at each veteran and first responder’s gravesite, saying their names so they will never be forgotten.

Thank you to Laurel resident Lisa Wright, who organizes this event for Wreaths Across America, and to all the volunteers who participated to ensure those who served their country are remembered for generations to come.

Holiday Service for Others

On Dec 22, 2025, it was a privilege of the members from the LVFD Company 10 to join members from the Laurel Volunteer Rescue Squad Company 49 and Laurel Police Department to participate in Laurel’s 11th Annual Fill-A-Truck event.

Thanks to our community members and partnerships with local businesses (American Legion Post 60, Atlantic Union Bank, Bethany Community Church, Maximum Performance Physical Therapy, Mission BBQ, Fred Frederick Dealership, Academy Ford Dealership, and XPO Logistics), we were able to get enough donations to provide support to several families in the Laurel area, dropping off wrapped presents and food items to give local families a holiday season they would never forget.

Numerous pieces of emergency apparatus went on a procession through the City of Laurel, with Santa in tow, and delivered the holiday gifts with lights, sirens, and air horns announcing Santa’s arrival. It was a joyous evening for both our first responders and recipients of your generous donations. Thank you to everyone involved; we look forward to providing this event to our Laurel community for years to come!

New Officers for 2026

President Vic Whipple, Chief Brian Cox, and the LVFD members are proud to announce that on January 9, members of the LVFD came together to vote, electing the following officers:

President – Vic Whipple

Senior VP – Wes Burns

Junior VP – Dove Robison

Secretary – Mike Sellner

Recording Secretary – Careen Koubek Allen

Treasurer – Rosa Maher

Financial Secretary – Janette Lovell

Fire Chief – Brian Cox

Deputy Chief – Dave Riley

Truck Captain – Willie McCluney

Engine Captain – Mike Falanga

Engine Captain – Greg Masenheimer

EMS Lieutenant – Riley Law

3-year Trustee – Jim Codespote

3-Year Trustee – John Fairall

1-year Trustee – Simone McCumber

1-year Trustee – Rick Bittinger

The LVFD membership would like to send its deepest appreciation to those who served in 2025.

January/February 2026 Calls for Service

In January and February of 2026, Fire and EMS LVFD members provided 1,060 calls for service.

As a volunteer organization, we consider it both a privilege and a responsibility to serve those in need, especially during some of the most challenging moments of your lives. We take this commitment seriously, so please stay safe, and remember that we are here for you whenever we are needed.

Become a Member

The Laurel Volunteer Fire Department is always looking for new members to allow for more station coverage and to help our community. If you are interested in becoming a member, please visit www.LaurelVFD.org/membership, and apply today! Our motto, “Service for Others,” is not just a tag line; it’s a way of volunteering and giving back to our community!

Photos courtesy of Laurel Volunteer Fire Department