The Thurmont Community Ambulance Awards Banquet was held January 19, 2008 at Lewistown Fire Hall. Company President Jason West was master of ceremonies for the 2007 volunteer recognition banquet.

Overall, the company’s volunteers responded to 1,088 calls. That totals 107 more calls than last year. Thurmont’s ambulance company is the second busiest in Frederick County and holds an excellent success rate.

The construction addition to the Ambulance Building resulted in a new kitchen, office space, a rec area and fitness equipment. Frances and Pete Welch and Curtis Welch of Hardwood Mechanics were recognized for their floor materials and refinishing donations.

Shirley Stackhouse received the President’s Award. Travis Umbel received the Chief’s Award. Dennis Ott Jr. was the top responder with 231 calls.

In addition to member recognition, Pat Runkles and Bob Black of Catoctin Mountain Orchard were recognized for donating not just 5,000 but 10,000 apples for the company’s Colorfest Fundraiser. This past year a faulty refrigerator resulted in the spoilage of 5,000 apple dumplings almost ruining the company’s biggest yearly fundraiser. In the final hours before Colorfest, Catoctin Mountain Orchard mustered up an additional 5,000 apples, the volunteers cooked up a few more thousand dumplings and sold out!

Colorfest Inc. President Beverly Zienda presented the Ambulance Company with a $4,000 donation at an earlier dinner and their support was recognized during this banquet. A moment of silence was held in memory of members Gregory Woelfel and Bill Stitely who passed away in 2007.