On Monday, April 16, 2007, the Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association (FCVFRA) held their 14th Annual Volunteer Fire and Rescue Recognition Program. The program, which took place at the Walkersville Volunteer Fire Company, provided an opportunity to recognize a few of the many contributions made by volunteers in providing fire and rescue service to the citizens of Frederick County and featured the presentation of 11 awards, the induction of 10 individuals into the Hall of Fame, and a special presentation. Local recipients of the award are mentioned here.

The Clint Hughes Award was presented to the Guardian Hose Company of Thurmont for their year-round efforts in promoting fire prevention in Thurmont and the surrounding community and trying to reach all segments of the population, especially the young and the elderly. Two facets of the year-round program are regular visits to the elementary school and the senior citizens center.

The Robert L. Renner Departmental Service Award was presented to Robert Mumma of the Rocky Ridge Volunteer Fire Company in recognition of his over 50 years of service. Mr. Mumma has served many offices within his department including Chief and President. He was also instrumental in the construction of the new fire station in Rocky Ridge and for the restoration of postal service in that community. He was a top responder for 25 years and has assisted with many fundraising and community activities on behalf of the Department.

The Everett W. Gaver Award was presented to Robert Stanley of the Lewistown District Volunteer Fire Company for his active service to his fire company, the Lewistown Ruritan Club, and the Lewistown United Methodist Church. Mr. Stanley has served as both an administrative and an operational officer with the fire company, a committee chair with his church, and assisted with the "famous" Lewistown Ruritan Chicken BBQ’s.

The Cletta Abrecht Woman of the Year Award, which recognizes the contributions of an individual to their department, auxiliary, and community, was presented to Betty Martin of the Lewistown District Volunteer Fire Company Auxiliary for her effort over more than 30 years with the various fundraising activities of the Department, serving on a number of different committees, and holding the offices of President, Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer, Historian, and Assistant Secretary, a position she held for 17 years. She also held several offices with the Ladies Auxiliary to the Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association including Vice President. Mrs. Martin passed away in June 2006 as she was preparing to represent her Auxiliary and attend the annual Maryland State Firemen’s Association Convention and Conference held in Ocean City.

Certificates of achievement were presented to Walkersville Volunteer Rescue Company and the Thurmont Community Ambulance Service for 60.18 and 58.55 hours of training respectively.

The Michael Wilcom Officer of the Year Award, named in honor of Deputy Chief Michael Wilcom of the New Market District Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad who died in the line of duty on May 24, 1993, recognizes the outstanding contributions of an operational officer of the Frederick County volunteer fire and rescue service. The Award, which is sponsored by the Cole-Wilcom Families, was presented to Lieutenant Larry "Luke" Humerick of the Rocky Ridge Volunteer Fire Company for his outstanding service to the Department. Lieutenant Humerick is responsible for assisting with and supervising the Department’s junior fire company. He also assists with fundraising activities, community events, and maintenance projects.

The Charles "Mutt" Deater Apprentice of the Year Award, named in memory of "Mutt" Deater of the United Steam Fire Engine Company of Frederick, was presented to Amber Humerick of the Rocky Ridge Volunteer Fire Company in recognition of her accomplishments as a new member. Miss Humerick is very active with the Department’s junior fire company, serving as its Secretary. She works with various fundraising activities not only with the junior fire company but also the Department. She also assists with community events such as the Halloween party for younger children and the Santa Workshop.

A highlight of the program was the induction of ten new members into the FCVFRA Hall of Fame. Individuals inducted must have at least 10 years of distinguished service to their respective department or the County fire and rescue service. Each of these individuals has served their respective departments in many capacities and provided countless hours in fundraising and operation and maintenance of the department. This year’s inductees were President Clair Ebersole of the Brunswick Volunteer Ambulance Company, Chief Michael "Mickey" Fyock of the Woodsboro Volunteer Fire Company; Treasurer Joe Lenhart of the New Midway Volunteer Fire Company; Firefighter/Driver Donald Martin of the Lewistown District Volunteer Fire Company; Past Chief John Mills of the Carroll Manor Fire Company; Auxiliary President Betty Ann Mumma of the Rocky Ridge Volunteer Fire Company; Past Secretary Clarence "Smokey" Rinehart of the Citizens Truck Company of Frederick; Past President Doug Smith of the Urbana Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad; Firefighter Paul "Delbert" Stull of the Lewistown District Volunteer Fire Company; and Past Director Les Wachter of the Walkersville Volunteer Fire Company. Each individual received a brass card commemorating their induction and a certificate.