St. Leonard Volunteer Fire Department Recognized at Southern Maryland Volunteer Firemen’s Association Annual Convention and Parade
The St. Leonard Volunteer Fire Department (SLVFD) proudly participated in the 2025 Southern Maryland Volunteer Firemen’s Association Annual Convention and Parade, held April 26–27 in Leonardtown. This year’s event was hosted by incoming SMVFA President, Tommy Mattingly, Jr. of the Leonardtown Volunteer Fire Department.
St. Leonard VFD members took part in a full weekend of events, beginning with the annual Memorial Service on Saturday, where the department honored two of its own fallen members: D.O. Baker, Jr. and William "Bill" Schooley. That evening, 11 SLVFD members attended the Installation of Officers and Awards Ceremony. Among the evening's most notable recognitions was the induction of SLVFD Life Member, Past Chief, and Past President Richard Weems Sr. into the SMVFA Hall of Fame, a prestigious honor acknowledging his decades of service and leadership.
On Sunday, SLVFD was well represented with 14 members, 2 junior ambassadors, and 9 pieces of apparatus participating in the parade through downtown Leonardtown. Following the parade, the department engaged in a variety of competitions, including the EMS Competition, Battle of the Buckets, Bucket Brigade, and Tug of War.
The department was recognized with several awards, including:
• 1st Place – EMS Competition
• Best Appearing Antique Engine
• 2nd Best Appearing Squad