2024 Awards Banquet and Installation of 2025 Officers
By Secretary Kristi Staley
January 19, 2025
On Saturday, January 18th, 2025, the Walkersville Volunteer Fire Company #11 celebrated the accomplishments of 2024 and installed its new officers. The evening began with a memorial service, by Chaplain Chad Weddle, to honor Life Member Tom Noonan and member Richard Beasley, both of whom had passed away in 2024.
President Jim Graham then presented Life Membership to Gary Baker, Kathryn Baker, Randy Davis, Judith Getzandanner, Debra Gilbert, Karen Green, Joan Hill, and Mary Leatherman. Life Membership is achieved by being a member for 10 or more years and meeting the age requirement. The next award presented was “Member of the Year” to Kristi Staley who served as Assistant Secretary and Captain in 2024.
Chief Chad Barrick began his presentation by recognizing the Line Officers who served in 2024 as well as the top ten responders for the year. He then awarded Firefighter Brennen Clinesmith the “Most Valuable Responder” award for his dedication and time spent at the station responding to incidents and helping with other duties. Finally, Chief Barrick presented Firefighter/EMT Samuel Dmuchowski the “Firefighter of the Year” award. Sam was a dedicated member in all aspects of the company throughout the year, as well as becoming a cleared emergency engine driver.
Members Karsyn Barrick and Isaac O’Hara were awarded the Vaughn Zimmerman Scholarship through the Community Foundation of Frederick County to assist them pursue their college educations while staying committed to community service. The final award for the evening was “Honorary Life Membership”, given to Linda Grossnickle. This is the highest honor that can be bestowed on a member. Linda is truly deserving of this award for her commitment to the company as outgoing secretary for several years, as well as her dedication to fundraisers and other functions.
FCVFRA former President, and Company 17 current President, Clarence “Chip” Jewell installed the 2025 Administrative Officers to conclude the evening. A special “thank you” to Ceresville Mansion for a wonderful catered meal. We are also very grateful for our Community’s continued support! We look forward to seeing you and serving you in 2025!
Chaplain Chad Weddle gives memorial for those members deceased in 2024
2025 Operational Officers
From left to right: Chief Chad Barrick, Deputy Chief Craig Moore, Assistant Chief Alan Staley, Assistant Chief Kristi Staley, Captain Matthew Staley, Captain Chase Tracey, Lieutenant Dalen Hahn, Lieutenant Zachary Davis, Sergeant Blaine Smith, Sergeant Joshua Barrett (not pictured: Captain Bradley Bliven)
2025 Administrative Officers
From left to right: Chief Chad Barrick, Secretary Kristi Staley, Director Alan Staley, Director Matthew Staley, Assistant Treasurer Chase Tracey, President James Graham, Assistant Secretary Dalen Hahn, Vice President Brian Hildebrand, Director Blaine Smith, Chaplain Chad Weddle, Director Joshua Barrett, Director Austin Schroyer, Director Richard Gilbert (not pictured: Treasurer Betsy Graham, Director Christopher Koch, Director Maurice Witt)
Honorary Life Membership
Linda Grossnickle, pictured with President Graham
Vaughn Zimmerman Scholarship, through the Community Foundation of Frederick County
From left to right: Recipient Karsyn Barrick, Vaughn Zimmerman, Carol Noonan, Recipient Isaac O'Hara, Richard Gilbert
Firefighter of the Year
Firefighter/EMT Samuel Dmuchowski, pictured with Chief Chad Barrick
Most Valuable Responder Award
Firefighter Brennen Clinesmith, pictured with Chief Chad Barrick
Top Ten Responders
From left to right: Brennen Clinesmith, Samuel Dmuchowski, Craig Moore, Alan Staley, Kristi Staley, Logan Boston, Dalen Hahn, Chase Tracey, Matthew Staley (not pictured: Bradley Bliven)
Recognition of 2024 Operational Officers
Pictured Left to Right: Lieutenant Zachary Davis, Sergeant Joshua Barrett, Lieutenant Dalen Hahn, Lieutenant Blaine Smith, Captain Kristi Staley, Captain Matthew Staley, Assistant Chief Alan Staley, Deputy Chief Craig Moore, Chief Chad Barrick
(Not Pictured: Lieutenant Bradley Bliven)
Member of the Year
Kristi Staley, pictured with President Jim Graham
Life Membership award to: Judith Getzandanner, Debra Gilbert, Randy Davis
Pictured: Judith Getzandanner, President Jim Graham, Debra Gilbert, Randy Davis (Not Pictured: Gary Baker, Kathryn Baker, Karen Green, Joan Hill, and Mary Leatherman)
