The Guardian Hose Company recently held their annual banquet and installation of officers at the Lewistown District VFD with many guests and members in attendance. Of special note this year was the presentation of a check by Acting United States Fire Administrator Charlie Dickinson. Guardian Hose Company applied for and received a grant through the Assistance to Fire Fighters Grant Program. The check was for $119,700 for the purpose of purchasing a exhaust removal system, personal protective equipment for the members and an extractor cleaning system for firefighting gear. Mr. Dickinson said that fire departments are taking on unprecedented challenges since 9/11 and that GHC is one of 30,000 fire departments, the majority of which are volunteer staffed.

President Wayne Stackhouse recognized long time member and former chief James Mackley for 60 years of active service to the Guardian Hose Company. Delegates Paul Stull and Joe Bartlett presented Mr. Mackley with a citation from Governor Erhlich in recognition of service. Robert Jacobs of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association and Judith White, president of the Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association also gave certificates to Mr. Mackley. Chip Jewell recognized Mr. Mackley and Guardian Hose Company in his recent book about the history of firefighting in Frederick County. Rev. Chuck Mackley spoke about what it was like being the son of the fire chief and now his son is going to the station with his grandfather.

Chief Chris Kinnaird presented the top ten response awards to: Steve Strickhauser (72), Matt Dellinger (77), Seth Ambrose (78), Tim Bentz (83), Josh Bentz (89), William Willhide (95), James Coyle (112), Sean Donovan (113), James Mackley (143), and Joe Muller (146).

Top training awards went to Blaine Schildt (127 hours), Beth Lybarger (129 hours) and Will Gue (190 hours). Top five driver awards were presented to Mike Duble (107), Larry Duble (164), Richard Willhide (204) Robert Willhide (221) and Wayne Stackhouse (230).

The top responding fire police of the Guardian Hose Company were also recognized as follows: Ed Schwairian (75 calls), Ray Adkins (83) and Ray Brown with 169 calls.

The 2005 Firefighter of the Year Award was given to Joe Muller for his rescue actions on a house fire on West Main Street, while Robert Willhide received the Chief’s Award for his tireless work on the grant application and the work on the new squad.

President Stackhouse also gave a plaque to Bill Sanders for his assistance with the tax form preparation and for helping to procure the loan for the building.

Service award certificates were presented to the following members: 5 years, Josh Bentz and James Demarais; 10 years, Randy Demarais, Abbey Valentine and Agnes Stitely; 15 years, Victoria Bollinger and Jody Miller; 20 years, Tim Bentz; 25 years, Judith White and Dave Valentine; 45 years, Franklin Keeney and Robert Willhide; 60 years, James Mackley and Roy Clabaugh. Life membership (25 years) was confirmed for Greg Woelfel and John Woelfel II.

MSFA Past President Robert Jacobs installed the following officers for the year 2006: President Wayne Stackhouse, President Emeritus Don Stitely, Vice President Bob Willhide, Secretary Bob Oxendale, Assistant Secretary Judy White, Treasurer Russ Schantz, Assistant Treasurer Bill Zentz and Trustees Ray Brown, Dave Fogle, Terry Frushour, Don Stitely and Dick Willhide. Operations Officers are Chief Chris Kinnaird, Assistant Chief, Joe Ohler, Captain Mike Duble, Lieutenants Tom Bentz and Will Gue and Sergeants Charlie Brown, Blaine Schildt and Kevin Welch.

Line Officers

Admin Officers

Rev. Ruth Ann Ward, pastor of Weller United Methodist Church, assisted with the program by leading the memorial service for Ruth Schafer as well as delivering the invocation and benediction.

Special thanks to the activities committee for their efforts throughout the year, to Russ Schantz for designing and preparing the program and to the banquet committee for a successful event.

— Judy White