The Westminster Fire Department recognized the dedicated volunteers and career members for their service to the community in 2021 during their monthly company meeting on Wednesday May 4, 2022. The Annual Awards Banquet which is normally held in January was canceled due to COVID 19.

A Unit Citation is presented to members of the department that, as a crew or group, participated in an action that contributed to the overall professional mitigation of an emergency situation.

In February, Medic 39 was dispatched for a seizure and while en route, the call was upgraded to an unconscious person. The medic unit provided lifesaving interventions and before arriving at the hospital, the patient had been successfully resuscitated. A few weeks later the patient stopped by the station to thank those that saved the patient’s life. The following were recognized with a unit citation:

FF/Paramedic Seth Robinson                               FF/EMT Michael Karolenko

Engineer Vishal Agrawal                                       Lieutenant Mikel C Hess

FF/EMT Michael Erdman                                       FF/Paramedic Briana Stull

In December, Medic  37 was dispatched for a subject with trouble breathing. When Medic 37 arrived they found the patient in cardiac arrest. The medic unit provided life saving interventions. Medic 128 from Sykesville was clearing CHC and responded to assist Medic 37 along with Engine 31 . Without the fast and effective CPR from Medic 37 and the assistance from Medic 128, this could have had a much different outcome. The following were recognized with a unit citation:

FF/EMT Matthew Hafler                                         Engineer Lee Bowers

FF/Paramedic Cassie Houpt                                  Lieutenant Mikel Hess

On Medic 128

FF/EMT Bobby Moser                                             FF/Paramedic Madeline Plaut

In December, units were dispatched for a reported vehicle collision with entrapment. On arrival, one subject was found trapped inside of the vehicle after striking a tree. The engine crew was able to pry open the driver’s door and  worked diligently to remove the driver’s door. With the assistance of Rescue Squad 6 from Pleasant Valley, the driver’s door was removed allowing access to the patient. The patient was then flown by helicopter to Shock Trauma in Baltimore. Due to the unique position of the vehicle and the patient being trapped, units had to be very cautious how they operated around the scene. The following were recognized with a unit citation: 

Lt Michael Hess                                                       EVOD Kyle Stull                                  

FF Bryan Deckleman                                              FF Dennis Mann

Captain Chad Petry                                                 Chief Jeff Leppert

Assistant Chief Marques Price

From Pleasant Valley

Chief Forrest Shaw                                                  Grant Shaw

Wayne Short                                                             Chris Staley

Matt Condon                                                             Michael Swartzbaugh

In October, Westminster Fire Department was alerted for Vehicle Collision with Rescue. Engine 31, Duty 3, Medic 38 and Medic 37 responded along with Rescue Squad 9 from Reese. While enroute units were advised that there was possibly a vehicle over an embankment. Units arrived to find a vehicle suspended approx. 15-20’ off the ground. The vehicle was being held up by a small branch under the front bumper and the rear wheels which were at the edge of the retaining wall. Crews observed the operator to still be in the driver’s seat of the vehicle. Captain Petry requested additional resources as the crews started securing the vehicle. Additional resources arrived and crews spent approximately an hour monitoring the vehicle’s stability and re-assuring the driver of efforts being made to remove them. The driver of the vehicle was removed uninjured. The following were recognized with a unit citation:

Captain Chad Petry                                                 Lt Dave Stull

Engineer Thomas Ray                                            Lt Bill Brehm

FF/Paramedic Casey Smith                                   FF/EMT Matt Vosburgh

FF/Paramedic Steve Caho                                     FF/EMT Hank Swann

Presidents Award – This award is presented to a member who shows outstanding service to the Department by taking on and completing a large and complicated task or project that improves the level of service the Department is able to provide to the community or positively affects the quality of life for other members of the Department.

The Westminster Fire Department decided after many years to bring back Friday night Bingo. The following are the members of the Bingo Committee who have put in many hours of planning to make weekly Bingo a successful fundraiser for the department:

Timothy Bangerd                                                     James Bangerd, III

Mike Garber                                                              Amy Garber

Kenny Carlisle                                                          Robin Stansbury

Bill Brehm                                                                  Richard Koons

Firefighter of the Year – This award shall be presented to a member who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to the organization through a variety of activities and has demonstrated the pride, dedication, and commitment that every department looks for in a member.

Firefighter of the Year – Chris Petry.

I would respectfully nominate Chris Petry for Firefighter of the year for the year of 2021. Chris has stepped up in many aspects of the department by constantly being seen in the firehouse assisting with house chores, cleaning, checking apparatus, and preparing himself for the next call for service. Chris attended over 430 hours of training for the year and obtained numerous certifications for both fire and EMS. He has obtained approximately 700 hours of LOSAP for the year and responded to over 500 calls making him one of the top responders for 2021. Chris’s attitude is always positive, his willingness to learn and enhance his skills, expand his knowledge, and his dedication to the department does not go unnoticed. He is a role model for newer firefighters coming into the department, maintains a positive attitude and has achieved the position of Sergeant in a very short time.

The following members were recognized as the Top 10 Responders for 2021:

10 – Lieutenant Corey Milewski                                         9 – Deputy Chief Josh Evans

8 – EMS Captain Gunnar Mohlhenrich                             7 – Assistant Chief Marques Price

6 – FF Dani Wolf                                                                   5 – FF Bill Brehm

4 – Chief Jeff Leppert                                                           3 – Captain Chad Petry

2 – FF Bryan Deckelman                                                     1 – Sergeant Chris Petry

Honoring & Remembering Maryland Fallen Heroes. Westminster Fire Eng. & Hose Co.1~Carroll County, Maryland

On January 26, 1931, our brothers and sisters in the Westminster Fire Engine and Hose Co. No. 1 and the greater Carroll County community suffered one the two Line of Duty Deaths in the company’s history when Fireman Joseph G. Hahn died.

At approximately 10:00 a.m. on Monday January 26,1931, the Westminster Fire Engine & Hose Co.No.1 responded to the Oscar Hess residence, on the Manchester State Road near Cranberry, for a gasoline stove explosion in the kitchen.

The flames were quickly extinguished by the Westminster firemen. The kitchen was mostly destroyed from the blast, but the rest of the house was saved, having suffered only smoke damage and some broken windowpanes.

While the firemen were performing salvage and overhaul, Fireman Joseph G. Hahn suffered a heart attack and fell over. Before medical aid could be summoned, death occurred.

Fireman Joseph G. Hahn was 46 years old. Number of years served is unknown at this time.

LODD narrative paraphrased from 1931 Baltimore Evening Sun. H/T: Tim Bangerd

The 2022 Big Money raffle is scheduled for May 26, 2022 6-9 PM. At this time, it is our plan to be able to return to the normal in-person raffle drawing. Chances are STILL just $10 and can be purchased from any member, at the station or Online at our virtual store. COVID has hurt all organizations, but with your help we can continue our service to the community.

With deep regret, the Westminster Fire Department announces the passing of Life Member Gilbert A. Roper. Gil served Westminster Fire Department faithfully since his start date in April 1992. Gil served as an EMS Lieutenant and EMS Captain for many years and was a firefighter and an avid fundraiser. We ask that all fire department volunteers and community members keep his wife Brenda, his brother Gus, and the entire Roper family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

On Monday, August 23, some members and an engine crew took some time out to visit our long time member and for many years, a career engineer. Sterling (Pete) Petry, Sr is a resident of Carroll Lutheran Village and this past year has been extra tough with limited visitations.

Pete was a bit emotional but he and his family were appreciative of our visit. Pete’s son Ray is a past member and a career firefighter in Howard County. His grandson, Chris is a member and just graduated from the CCVESA Emergency Services Training 2020-21 training program.

While the engine here came after Pete’s retirement, he enjoyed reviewing it with the engine crew.

The Westminster Fire Department would like to congratulate members Danielle Wolf, Christopher Petry, and Brayden Haschert on their graduation May 31 from the Emergency Services Training (EST) Program. This program is a joint effort between Carroll County Public Schools and the Carroll County Volunteer Emergency Services Association, allowing students to obtain emergency services certifications during the school day in the afternoon for the duration of the school year. During the program, classes are held at the Carroll County Public Safety Training Center, certifying the students in Hazardous Materials, Firefighter I, Vehicle Machinery and Equipment, Site Operations, and Emergency Medical Technician. All three have been active members of the department by helping mentor youth in the junior program and assisting in ensuring the equipment is able to respond to emergencies. We are proud of their accomplishment and drive to help the citizens of Westminster and surrounding companies in Carroll County.

Please read the attached statement regarding the Westminster Fire Department’s stance on the resignation announcement of Fire and EMS Director Robert McCoy.

Tragedy struck Westminster on April 9, 1883, when Jacob Thompson’s livery stable, which was on an alley behind West Main Street at the corner of John Street, went up in flames. Four men were playing cards in one of the carriages in the livery stable. They were using a candle, set on one of the seats, to provide light. A dispute arose when one man was accused of cheating. The accused grabbed the money and ran. The other men scuffled before taking off after the man with the money. In the scuffle, the candle was knocked over and started the fire. When caught, the men claimed they didn’t know the fire had started.

The alarm sounded about 11:30 p.m. By the time the firemen arrived, the stable was fully engulfed and a strong wind was spreading the flames to neighboring structures. At the time, Westminster had no city water supply and firemen fought the blaze with their chemical engine and water carried from nearby wells. The light of the fire was reportedly observable for a radius of 25 miles. The Gettysburg Compiler claimed a number of local residents saw the glow. The Hanover Spectator said “The light of the conflagration was so vivid and intense that it illuminated the whole of the Southwestern sky . . .”

By morning the fire had destroyed 16 houses, Grace Lutheran Church on Carroll Street, two manufactories, and eight stables. Seventeen families and thirteen businesses were left homeless. Total fire damage was estimated at $135,000. Two men who had been sleeping on the second floor of the stable where the fire began perished as did a number of horses and cattle.

To read the full account of the fire, go to the Library of Congress’ Chronicling America project at https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/…/1883…/ed-1/seq-3/

In Loving memory of Westminster Fire Department member Robert “Bob” Ruby, 1936-2021 (age 84.)

It is with deep regret and sadness that the men and women of the Westminster Fire Engine & Hose Co. No. 1 announce the death of Robert Willis Ruby, 84, of Westminster, who died Friday, January 22, 2021, at the Carroll Hospice Dove House in Westminster. At the time of his death he was surrounded by members of his Westminster Fire Department extended family.

Born August 5, 1936, in Manchester, MD, he was the son of George W. Ruby, and Ray Louise (Kiler) Ruby. His Mom predeceased him on May 23, 1992. He and his cousin, Dorothy Townshend, were raised by Bob’s Aunt Helen Charlotte Townshend and Uncle LaMar E. Townshend, of Manchester.

He was one of nine children. Bob had five sisters: Kathileen Cartzendafner of Littlestown, Pa., Judy M. Utz of Taneytown, Helen V. Crumbie of Westminster, and M. Ruthy Cook and Phyllis Harvey, both of Dallastown; and three brothers: Carroll L. Ruby of Finksburg, George R. Ruby of Tennessee and Phillip W. Ruby of Essex.  

He was the loving husband of Shirley Oursler (Beck) Ruby. Shirley and Bob were married on May 10, 1964 at Wesley Methodist Church. Shirley, an artist and a homemaker, was born March 19, 1943, in Baltimore. She was the daughter of Charles Francis and Grace Oursler Beck of Arcadia. Shirley died on October 8, 2001. After her death, Bob talked about his beloved Shirley and her accomplishments every day.

Bob graduated from Manchester High School in 1954. Bob served his community as a life member of both the Hampstead and Manchester Volunteer Fire Companies. He joined Manchester in 1955 and Hampstead in 1965.

He served overseas in the Army during the Cold War from1959 to 1961 as a Military Police Officer. After his Honorable Discharge he worked as an Information Systems Engineer in the defense industry.

After the death of his wife in 2001, and his retirement as a computer systems engineer and information analyst, he moved to Westminster in 2005 where he became an active member of the Westminster Fire Engine and Hose Co, No. 1 in March 2006. At Westminster he served as treasurer, and a fire police officer. He chaired fundraising activities and was a steadfast Length of Service Award Program (LOSAP) data entry administrator for many years. He earned the Westminster Fire Department President’s award for his service in 2007.

Bob was a lifelong accomplished numismatist. In addition to his many awards and accolades for his work as numismatist, he served as the past Vice President and President of the Maryland State Numismatic Association from October 1984 – October 1987. He was also a past president of the Carroll County Coin Club, the Baltimore Coin Club, and the Maryland Token and Medal Society.

Bob loved to travel and was an avid fan of movies – especially westerns. He was well-known at the fire station for being a keen card player.

Surviving are son Greg D. Ruby of Baltimore; cousin Dorothy Townshend and sister-in-law Barbara Beck.

Funeral services are incomplete at this time. Arrangements are entrusted to Fletcher’s Funeral Home and Westminster Fire Department Chaplain Kevin Dayhoff. A private family and firefighter inurnment ceremony will take place at a later date. A separate firefighter memorial service will take place at a later date. Due to COVID-19 Coronavirus Pandemic safety precautions – there will be no visitation.

Memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Westminster Fire Engine and Hose Co. #1, 28 John Street, Westminster, MD 21157 http://westminstervfd.org/

Online condolences may be offered to the family at the Fletcher Funeral and Cremation Services, P.A. website https://www.fletcherfuneralhome.net/ 254 East Main Street, Westminster, MD 21157. 1-410-848-7575

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in the time of trouble.” (Psalm 46:1) “Committed to Serve, Committed to Care”

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