September marks National Preparedness Month, the annual campaign to remind everyone that preparing for emergencies and disasters can keep them, their families and their communities safe.

While the resources and information shared during National Preparedness Month and on Ready.gov can be used by anyone at any time to get prepared for whatever may come their way. The Ready Campaign aims to ensure all of our friends and neighbors have the tools they need to prepare for disasters and build resilience before disaster strikes.

Visit https://www.ready.gov/ for all the information for you and your family to be prepared.

Congratulations to Dylan Ballantine on his graduation from the Montgomery County Fire & Rescue Academy Recruit Class 54! Photo credit Ballantine family

Chris completed his final testing for National Registry Paramedic and this week received his certificate and patches. Major life accomplishment!.

During the 2024 Maryland State Firemen’s Association Convention in Ocean City, Milton Zepp was inducted into the State Hall of Fame. Congratulations Milton for your many years of service to Emergency Services and to our department and community.

Congratulations to Alex Carlson and Duncan Christensen who graduated from the Carroll County Volunteer Emergency Services – EST (Emergency Services Training) Program. During their 2023-24 school year, they completed EMT, Firefighter 1, PPE, Hazmat, Rescue Tech, Firefighter safety and survival.

Looking forward to their long volunteer career in operations.

Congratulations to Chris Petry who graduated from Carroll Community College with an Associate’s degree in Applied Sciences completing their Paramedic program. Now he just needs to complete the National Registry Paramedic exam. This is a major life accomplishment!!

Photo copyright Chris Petry Facebook.

Congratulations to our own Shane Shifflett who recently graduated from Baltimore County Fire Academy. During his time in the academy, he needed to take a break from volunteering, but we are grateful to have him back on the Volunteer crews here in Westminster.

Photo copyright the family Facebook collection.