CHARLES COUNTY, Md. — From fire prevention awards to Hall of Fame inductions, Southern Maryland firefighters and EMS volunteers brought home a wide range of honors from the Maryland State Firefighters Association’s 2026 convention in Ocean City.
The recognition included four Charles County volunteer fire departments honored for fire prevention work, two Hughesville members marking 50 years of service and individual awards for volunteers from St. Mary’s and Calvert counties.
The Charles County honors were highlighted during the Board of Fire and Rescue Commissioners meeting Thursday, July 16, 2026. Charles County Volunteer Fire and EMS Coordinator Bill Smith said the awards reflected the work local volunteers perform both in their communities and across the state.
The Hughesville, Cobb Island, Potomac Heights and Newburg volunteer fire departments were recognized for their fire prevention work.
“Congratulations to those folks for a splendid job and representing our county quite well at the state level,” Smith told the board.
The Maryland State Firefighters Association’s official 2026 award list, released June 25, included several additional honorees from Southern Maryland.
Bradley Cooper of the Ridge Volunteer Fire Department received the Colburn Trophy, while the North Beach Volunteer Fire Department received the Edward L. Emkey Cadet Program Award.
Robert A. Lynch Sr. of the Second District Volunteer Fire Department in St. Mary’s County and Dale Bowen of the Huntingtown Volunteer Fire Department in Calvert County were inducted into the association’s Hall of Fame. The department credited Bowen’s years of leadership, commitment and contributions to Maryland’s fire and EMS community.
Aidan Nahas was recognized for responding to more emergency calls than any other Huntingtown Volunteer Fire Department member in 2025. Nahas answered 416 EMS calls during the year, according to the department.
Two Hughesville Members Mark 50 Years
Beverly Jarboe and Tony Rose Sr., both members of the Hughesville Volunteer Fire Department, received awards recognizing 50 years of service.
The Hughesville Volunteer Fire Department also celebrated Jarboe and Rose’s milestone in January 2026 alongside fellow department member.
Jarboe serves as secretary for the Charles County Volunteer Firemen’s Association and has supported the organization’s administrative work for many years.
“She has done an amazing job for us for many, many years and was recognized for her efforts in 50 years of service,” Smith said.
Rose is a former Hughesville fire chief and currently serves as deputy director of the Charles County Department of Emergency Services.
See the full list of the Maryland State Firefighters Association 134th Annual Convention and Conference 2026 Award Recipients here.
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