The Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department and Auxiliary held their 92nd installation of officers banquet on Saturday, January 17, 2026, where we recognized the accomplishments of the members and the department. Each year the banquet is dedicated to the deceased members of our department. The past years (2025) departed members were: Joseph "Eddie" Copsey, Amy M. Copsey (Aux), Lydia Dixon (Aux), William "Archie" Pilkerton, Dylan A. Biscoe, Benjamin K. (BK) Abell, III, Deloris "Dee" Ellis (Aux), Mary C. "Peggy" Lee (PP Aux), and James W. Burroughs.

The new 2026 Officers of the Auxiliary were installed by SMVFA Auxiliary President Darby Byrd and the Administrative and Operational Officers of the Fire Department were installed by SMVFA President Tommy Mattingly, Jr. A wonderful meal was prepared by Rita B Catering.

Auxiliary President, Molly Colonna presented years/length of service awards to Sherry Lawyer (25 years) and Carey Roache (30 years). Auxiliary President's Award was presented to both Marie Kurtz and Debbie DePriest and the Mary Elaine Guy Award was presented to Mary Ellen Evans.

The 2026 Auxiliary Officers are: President, Molly Colonna; Vice President, Karen Colonna; Secretary, Karen Montgomery; Treasurer, Donna Wockenfuss; Assistant Secretary, Lori Greathouse; Chaplain, Valerie Guy; Historian, Mary Ellen Evans.

Auxiliary President, Molly Colonna presented the 2025 Operational Officer of the Year award to Deputy Chief, Tyler Burroughs and the 2025 Administrative Member of the Year award to President, John S. "Monkey" Montgomery.

President, John S. "Monkey" Montgomery presented years/length of service awards to Riley Barnes (5 years); Elizabeth Kidwell (5 years); Kyle Hayden (5 years); Evan Stewart (5 years); Joseph "Jake" Senatore (10 years); Kenneth J. Dickerson (15 years); James W. Barnes, Sr. (20 years + LM); Jeremy T. Hemming (20 years + LM); Dennis Hooker (25 years); James W. Barnes, Jr. (25 years); Dennis Bellevou (30 years); Thomas L. Kidwell, Jr. (30 years); Harold Anderson (60 years) and to the family of James W. Burroughs for 70 years of service. President Montgomery also presented a Special 35 Years of Service Award to former Board of Director Robert H. Moreland for his dedication to the department. President Montgomery also gave out gift cards to others who have helped throughout the year. The President's award went to Assistant Secretary/Treasurer Karen Montgomery for bringing two major fundraisers to the department as well as going above and beyond the scope of her position.

The 2025 Administrative Officers are: President, John S. "Monkey" Montgomery; 1st Vice President, Keith Turner; 2nd Vice President, Jackson Miller; Secretary, Darene Kleinsorgen; Treasurer, Tommy Kidwell; Assistant Secretary/Treasurer, Karen Montgomery; Financial Secretary, Frank Kleinsorgen; IT Manager, Tyler Raley and Fire Prevention Officer, Cindy Turner.

Outgoing Chief, Ryan Raley presented the Cadet of the Year Award to Ryan Barnes; Junior Firefighter/Rookie of the Year to Carlton Yeats-Rivera and the Firefighter of the Year (Richard S. "Stormie" Combs Award) to Jeffery Applebaugh. Ryan Raley presented Jackson Barnes and Cooper Hedrick certificates for completing the fire and EMT programs through the County Tech Center program. The Chiefs Award went to Cathy McGowan-Raley and Elizabeth Kidwell. Chief Raley also presented gifts to the following for Top 10 Responders for 2025: Ronnie Cox, Cooper Hedrick, Callen Thompson, Delontaye Herbert, Tyler Burroughs, Jace Williams, TJ Faunce, CP Miedzinski, Jackson Barnes and Brian Butler. The Chief also presented gifts to The Top 5 Drivers for 2025: Brian Butler, Bill Hemming, Keith Hemming, Tyler Burroughs and Jake Senatore.

The Operational Officers for 2026 are: Chief, Tyler Burroughs; Assistant Chief, Mark Trowbridge; Deputy Chief, CP Miedzinski, Engine Co Captain, Tucker Hedrick; Engine Co Lieutenant, Daniel Busl; Rescue Co Captain, Bret Krabbe; Rescue Co Lieutenant, Robert Barnes;
Operations Captain, Joseph Senatore; Training Lieutenant, Ronnie Cox; Sergeant, Craig Polk; Water Supply Officers, Joseph Guyther and Corey Ianiero; Safety Officer, TJ Faunce; Chief’s Aide, Perry Bryant; Staff Officer, James Barnes Jr.; Quality Assurance/Quality Improvement, Cathy McGowan-Raley and Elizabeth Kidwell. Chief Engineer, Bill Hemming; 1st Engineer, Brian Butler; Assistant Engineer, Keith Hemming.

Deer figures were presented to outgoing Chief, Ryan Raley and Past Chief Mark Trowbridge for accidents with deer. A deer figure attached to a Chevrolet bowtie from our Chief's buggy was presented to Deputy Chief CP Miedzinski for his most recent 3 accidents with deer (two in the Chief's buggy and one in his personal vehicle). Jake Senatore also presented Deputy Chief Miedzinski with a mounted deer head and talked about the deer meeting on Baptist Church Rd which is the route Deputy Chief Miedzinski takes to go to the station.

A special presentation was given to outgoing Chief, Ryan Raley by his father John B. Raley, Jr. and his son Christopher Raley.
Incoming Chief, Tyler Burroughs presented outgoing Chief, Ryan Raley with a plaque and his Past Chiefs badge.

Music was provided by DJ Chris and flowers were provided by Natalie Olsen.