State Firemen's Convention Nets Leadership Role and Awards for PGFD

The Maryland State Firemen’s Association (MSFA) and Ladies’ Auxiliary to the Association (LAMSFA) held their annual convention in Ocean City, Maryland, the week of June 13th. Prince George’s County was well represented by firefighter/EMT’s, volunteer and career, and civilian members. Fire Chief Eugene A. Jones attended the entire convention and was present during several significant presentations to members of the Fire/EMS Department. Several volunteer members received significant awards, with some being voted into prominent positions.


Sandi T. Lutz was elected President of the LAMSFA, where she has been a member since 1977. She is also a Past President and has been a member of the Auxiliary of the Glenn Dale Fire Association, Inc. since 1974, having attained Life Membership status in 1994. Sandi is also an administrative member of the Glenn Dale Fire Association., Inc., which she joined in 1998 and attained Life Member status in 2009.

In addition to her duties at Glenn Dale, Sandi has been a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Prince George’s County Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association (LAPGCVF&RA) since 1976. She served as President of this organization in 1999.

Despite all of her aforementioned duties and responsibilities, Sandi still finds time to be a member of the Pierce M. Damewood Fellowship of Christian Firefighters, since 1999; Secretary for the Glenn Fire Association, Inc., 2001-2003; Board Member of the Pierce M. Damewood Fellowship of Christian Firefighters since 2001; member LAPGCVF&RA Hall of Fame, 2001; member of the Auxiliary of the West Lanham Hills Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association since 2004; and the Ways & Means Chairperson for the PGCVF&RA since 2007.

Sandi has been married to Lee Lutz for 38 years. Lee Lutz is a member of the Glenn Dale Fire Association, where he currently serves as President. They have two grown children and a granddaughter. Sandi and Lee reside in Lanham, Maryland.

As President of the LAMSFA, Sandi hopes to increase membership by recruiting new member auxiliaries throughout Maryland and continuing to support the member auxiliaries. The LAMSFA and the MSFA share a great partnership; and her intentions are to work closely with the MSFA officers and membership.

Jeff Dickey, Assistant Chief of the Branchville Volunteer Fire Company and Rescue Squad, was honored with the prestigious “2009 Francis L. Brannigan Instructor of the Year Award.” The award was presented to Jeff by the Chesapeake Society of Fire and Rescue Instructors.

Jeff Dickey is presented with the Francis L. Brannigan Instructor of the Year Award

Tom Collins, formerly of Beltsville and currently residing in Ocean City, was awarded the “Marbury F. Gates Service Award,” in recognition of his contributions and commitment over 50+ continuous years of service. This is the highest award given by the MSFA.

Robert W. Ryan, College Park Volunteer Fire Department, was inducted into the MSFA Hall of Fame. Elaine Huttenloch of Forestville and Flo Collins of Laurel and Beltsville, respectively, were made honorary/special inductees into the MSFA Hall of Fame.














Elaine Huttenloch of Forestville

In what seems like an annual award, the Bowie Volunteer Fire Department was awarded a MSFA Certificate of Recognition for Fire Prevention and Life Safety. This honor was bestowed on them in the single project category for their outstanding Open House activities.

In the parade competition, the Riverdale Volunteer Fire Department was awarded an Honorable Mention for Best Appearing Pumper in the 1500 GPM category. Glenn Dale Fire Association was awarded an Honorable Mention for Best Appearing Pumper in the 1250 GPM category.

Congratulations to everyone on receiving your awards and recognitions; and best wishes to Sandi Lutz in her position as President of the LAMSFA.

Photo credit - Jennifer Wilbanks, MSFA Photographer.