Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department Honors Decades Of Service At 69th Annual Banquet

HOLLYWOOD, Md. — Pride, remembrance and gratitude filled the room Jan. 10 as the Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department and Ladies Auxiliary gathered for their 69th Annual Installation of Officers and Awards Banquet, honoring generations of volunteer service that continue to protect the community.

St. Mary’s County Commissioner Mike Hewitt, who attended the banquet, later reflected on the recognition of longtime members during the Jan. 13 Commissioners’ Time meeting, noting the extraordinary dedication displayed by the honorees.

“It’s just quite incredible, that level of commitment,” Hewitt said. “So I want to congratulate them and thank them for their time of service.”

The Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department’s annual installation and awards ceremony marked a night of recognition, reflection and gratitude, honoring the volunteers whose dedication keeps the community safe year-round. The event highlighted the vital role these firefighters and auxiliary members play in protecting lives and property, while celebrating the leadership, service and sacrifice that form the backbone of the department and the community it proudly serves.

Special awards presented during the evening included the Chief’s Award to Calvin Joy and Billy Long, the President’s Award to Mike Sullivan, Most Promising Firefighter to TJ Lundregan, and Firefighter of the Year to Jason Sullivan.

One of the evening’s most significant moments came when Ladies Auxiliary President Kim Gatton Sullivan presented a $100,000 check to the department on behalf of the auxiliary’s fundraising efforts. The donation was presented to President Bill Mattingly and Department Chief DJ Brady, drawing sustained applause.

Members Recognized

2026 Line Officers of the Hollywood VFD:
Chief DJ Brady
Assistant Chief Richard Brady
Deputy Chief Tyler Insley
Engine Cpt. Tyler Brady
Squad Cpt. Jason Sullivan
Truck Cpt. Jude McDowell
Engine Lt. Nathan Insley
Squad Lt. Drew Wallace
Sergeant Anthony Gardiner
Sergeant Patrick Nelson
Safety Officer Douglas Insley
Safety Officer Edward Tatum
Chief Engineer Michael Sullivan
Asst. Engineer Tony Norris
Asst. Engineer Glenn Thompson
Asst. Engineer James “Noodles” Nelson

2026 Executive Officers of the Hollywood VFD:
Fire Chief DJ Brady
President Bill Mattingly
Vice President Scott Hankinson
Secretary Mike Sullivan
Treasurer Steve Facini
Board of Director (2 yrs.) William Long
Board of Director (1 yr.) James “Noodles” Nelson
Fire Board Delegate Eddie Tatum
Chaplain Marie Hankinson

President’s Award: Mike Sullivan
Firefighter of the Year: Jason Sullivan
Chief’s Award: Calvin Joy and Billy Long
Most Promising Firefighter: TJ Lundregan

Members that obtained Life Membership status:
Brendan Abell
Michael Miedzinski
Kenny Johnson — 50 years of dedicated service

Top Drivers (No. of responses):
Mike Sullivan (166)
Glenn Thompson (93)
Noodles Nelson (92)
Scott Hankinson (71)
Tony Norris (61)

Top Responders (No. of responses):
Patrick Nelson (462)
Jason Sullivan (425)
Anthony Gardiner (413)
Billy Long (380)
Jordan Nelson (379)
Morgan Grant (359)
Nathan Insley (351)
Mike Sullivan (332)
Tyler Densford (304)
Glenn Thompson (302)

The annual installation banquet serves as both a celebration and a tribute, honoring the men and women who volunteer their time, place themselves in harm’s way and stand ready to respond at a moment’s notice. For the Hollywood community, the ceremony is a reminder that the department’s firefighters and auxiliary members are more than first responders. They are neighbors, family members and friends whose commitment ensures the safety, resilience and well-being of the community they serve.

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