Hot Stuff From the Laurel Volunteer Fire Department

Photo courtesy of Laurel Volunteer Fire Department

LVFD Recognizes Members at Annual Banquet

The Laurel Volunteer Fire Department (LVFD) recognized the outstanding work of its volunteers at its 123rd Annual Awards Banquet on October 11, 2025. LVFD was privileged to have the Honorable C. Philip Nichols as their Master of Ceremony to guide us through this memorable evening.

Notable guests recognized by President Vic Whipple were Laurel Mayor Keith R. Sydnor; City Councilmembers Christine Johnson, James Kole, Adrian Simmons, and Jeffrey Mills; 1st Vice President of the Prince George’s County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Fire Association, Donald Wells; Susanne Jones from the Maryland EMSC Child Passenger Safety Project; and Maryland State Firefighters Association President, Charles Simpson.

Secretary Mike Sellner announced the banquet was dedicated to President Vic Whipple for his years of service to the Laurel Community and Prince George’s County. We were pleased to have Vic’s family in attendance to help us honor his service to our community. President Whipple was given a gift of an engraved wooden fire axe as thanks for his leadership and work for Station 10 from the administrative officers.

The Memorial Service presented flowers in memory of those members we lost this past year: Robert “Bob” Coulson, Robert “Pop” Grant, and Gail North, a member of the Auxiliary. A member was called up to place a blue flower in memory of Firefighter Frank Gray, who was killed in the line of duty while serving overseas in Vietnam in April 1968.

Chief Cox was presented a Lego Firefighter with a Company 10 fire helmet from the operational officers for his leadership of the LVFD membership.

The LVFD Auxiliary, which raises funds throughout the year to help support the station, presented a donation check to the LVFD membership in the amount of $10,000. Mission BBQ presented a $717.00 check in donations that will help us to continue the volunteer work we do to embody our motto, “Service For Others.”

LVFD then presented the Awards of Service to our dedicated volunteers:

• The President’s Award: Brad Lovell for his work as Chief Engineer, Vice Chair and multiple committees.

• The Chief’s Award: Mike Falanga for his dedication to his fellow firefighters and unending assistance to Chief Cox.

• Rookie Firefighter of the Year: Ki’Aire Rounds, who just became a member in April 2025, has already completed his EMT training, and was turned over as a qualified Emergency Medical Technician in September 2025.

• Maryland EMSC Child Passenger Safety Project: Dove Robison received recognition for her work to promote “best practice” child passenger safety and ensure that parents and caregivers are doing the most they can to keep children safe.

• 50 Years of Service: President Vic Whipple was presented with a resolution and a plaque for his 50 Years of Service, along with a badge and certificate from the Maryland State Firefighters Association President, Charles Simpson.

• Laurel Volunteer Auxiliary Years of Service: Sharon Hall Mitchell (15 years), Winnie Heltibridle (30 years), Cathy Thaxton (35 years), and Kristi Harmon (35 years) were recognized for their years of dedication to the members of the Auxiliary and the LVFD fire station.

• Laurel Light Award: Auxiliary President Rosa Maher received the Laurel History Boys’ “Laurel Light Award” for her volunteer work and support with several community organizations in the Laurel area.

• Top Hours of Service: The following members were recognized for the time they have given to the Laurel community since the last banquet:

1. Jim Codespote - 1,273

2. Elliot Paisner - 945

3. Simone McCumber - 769

4. Greg Masenheimer

5. Brad Lovell

6. David Pierce

7. Allan Bille

8. Willie McCluney

9. Mike Falanga

10. Ki’aire Rounds

11. Jason Carcione

12. Abby Castro

13. Robin Brady

14. Lesly Mendez

15. Riley Law

• Firefighter of the Year Award: EMT Simone McCumber was announced, to a standing ovation, as this year’s recipient by Mayor Keith Sydnor for her dedication and strong work ethic with the LVFD.

LVFD members are an integral part of a professional volunteer department that has the trust of its community. We take that title seriously, as we provide efficient emergency services in a cost-effective manner to ensure we are there for the Laurel community during their time of need and to live up to our motto, “Service For Others.”

Thank you to all our hard-working volunteers and to our Laurel community for your continued support throughout the years. And congratulations to all our well-deserving 2025 award recipients!

2025 Fire Prevention Week and Open House

The LVFD recognized the theme of this year’s 2025 Fire Prevention Week, October 5th–11th, “Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home!” From phones to power tools, members of the LVFD urge residents to know of the risks of lithium-ion batteries in your home. LVFD is teaming up with the National Fire Prevention Association to highlight how important it is to buy, charge, and recycle these types of batteries properly:

• Buy only listed products—When buying lithium-ion battery products, read the label and look for nationally recognized testing labs on the package and product.

• Charge devices safely—Only use the charging cords that come with the product and if you need a new charger or battery, buy from the original manufacturer. Charge on a hard surface, NOT on any type of cloth or your bed so as to avoid catching fire.

• Recycle batteries responsibly—DO NOT throw any lithium-ion batteries in the regular trash. They could catch fire. Find a local recycling facility to safely get rid of old lithium-ion batteries.

The LVFD held its Annual Fire Prevention Month Open House on October 19 at the LVFD fire station. The open house was a fun learning experience for kids and had information about volunteering from our firefighters and EMTs who were on hand to talk with interested parties. We also had interactive kids’ activities from Cub Scout Troop 602, and our apparatus, equipment, and more were available for viewing!

For more information about battery and fire safety, please call 301-776-3600 or visit our web site at www.LaurelVFD.org. Be sure to follow us on our Facebook page, @LaurelVFD, for LVFD activities and information!

Become a Member

We are always looking to grow our membership to allow for more station coverage and 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!