June 24, 2015
The Members made their way to Ocean City for the 123rd Annual Convention looking for a Big Win again this year. In 2012 the Department won the top Award for the Best Appearing Company in the State of Maryland for the first time. This was also the first time that the Award was won by a department on the Western side of the Chesapeake Bay. Over the past several weeks, Members have been working hours to have the Apparatus cleaned and polished in preparation for the Big day.
Wednesday started early for the Members leaving the Station at 0330 in the morning and arriving several hours before the parade and making some finishing touches on the units. The Company was placed in line with all members in Full Class "A" uniform and ready to go. The Company entered in over 25 different categories for the Parade. At 1300 hours, the parade began and the Members and Units were all standing tall and marching the entire parade route. Once the parade was over the Apparatus was photographed at the Convention Hall and then the long wait for the announcement began.
At 1800 hours the Awards were all announce. The Company took home over 15 trophies and awards including the Top Award. The Chief Marvin Gibbons Memorial Award for the Maryland Company Making the Best Appearance. Not only did Hollywood come away big at the Parade but the Department received several awards for Fire Prevention activities.
Also while in Ocean City Members took time to meet up for the 2nd Annual Miniature Golf Tournament on Thursday. A good time was had by all with this years winner being Tyler Insley and Brooke Gatton. The Tournament raised $110.00 that will be donated to a worthy cause.
All in all the Members and Department had a great week and we look forward to next year. A BIG Congratulations goes out to the Easton Volunteer Fire Company who over the last several years have become extremely close to the Members o fHVFD. Easton has been the top winner several years and both departments have a great relationship and have a ton of fun during the week. We look forward to seeing you next year and we are sure you will have something for us.
We would also like to congratulate all the Departments from Southern Maryland who took home awards during the week. Hollywood Volunteer Rescue Squad and Bay District VFD both took home awards from St. Mary's County.
Thank you to all the Members who helped with cleaning, participated in the parade, and who remained back to cover our area and keep the citizens of Hollywood safe.
**Thanks to Annie Kenny, Derrick Pry, and Dave Campbell for allowing us to use your photos**
Full List of Awards:
Maryland Company Making Best Appearance - Chief Marvin Gibbons Memorial Award
1st Hollywood VFD
Best Appearing Fire Department Marching Unit (10 or more personnel)
1st Hollywood VFD
Company with Most Uniformed Emergency Service Personnel
1st Hollywood VFD
Fire Engines – 1500 GPM and Over Making Best Appearance
Honorable Mentions - Engine 72
Pumper Tanker Making Best Appearance (1500 gallon capacity tank and over)
2nd Hollywood VFD Engine 74
Brush Unit – Making Best Appearance
Honorable Mentions - Jeep 7
Aerial Truck Making Best Appearance
2nd Hollywood VFD - Truck 7
Squad Truck Making Best Appearance
1st Hollywood VFD - Squad 7
Command Unit Making Best Appearance
1st Hollywood VFD - Command 7
Emergency Service Special Unit Making Best Appearance
(Canteen, Forestry, Hazmat, Jeep, Gator, etc.)
Honorable Mentions - Jeep 7
Antique Emergency Apparatus Making Best Appearance (25 Years or Older Not in Service)
3rd Hollywood VFD - Old Engine 71
Best Appearing Maryland Fire Auxiliary In Uniform
1st Hollywood VFD - Ladies Auxiliary
Fire Service Color Guard Making Best Appearance
2nd Hollywood VFD - Color Guard
Fire Prevention Entry Making Best Appearance
2nd Hollywood VFD - Fire Prevention Float
Junior Fire Chief Making Best Appearance
Honorable Mentions - Hollywood VFD L.J. Nelson
Units: Car 7, Command 7, Fire Prevention 7, Raft 7, Jeep 7, Old Engine 71, Retired Engine 74, Engine 72, Engine 74, Rescue Squad 7, and Truck 7