News

73rd Annual Ladies Night and Awards Banquet

January 03, 2026

We are a volunteer organization, and it’s important to show appreciation and recognize our members and staff not just for their sacrifice but also for their many achievements. Saturday, January 3, was the Millville Volunteer Fire Company's 73rd Annual Ladies Night and Awards Banquet at Roxana Volunteer Fire Station. Auxiliary, Members, and guests enjoyed a fun night with a wonderful dinner, the Dustin Showers Band, and awards presentations. The food is always a highlight, which was prepared and served by the Roxana Auxiliary and Members. Special thanks to them for the excellent food!

This night would not be possible without coverage from Dagsboro Volunteer Fire Company. They graciously staffed our station so we could enjoy our event - Thank you to them for the coverage. Thanks also to The Salted Rim of Millville, DE - they donated dinner for the staff and crew covering our district! They have been a fantastic supporter of MVFC and continue to do so - we are very grateful for their support.

After dinner, our President, Greg Hocker, shared a few words, and we observed a moment of silence for the members we lost in 2025, always a solemn moment. Carolyn H. Townsend - March 31, Augusta L. Thomas - May 25, Harold Lloyd - June 9, and Jeffrey Lathbury - July 15 were honored and remembered.

Then began the awards ceremony. In attendance were several VIPs, each with a special connection to the fire company:

Delaware General Assembly Senator Gerald W. Hocker and wife Emily,
Councilman Doug Hudson and wife, LouAnn,
Town of Millville Mayor Ron Belinko and wife Donna,
Town Manager Eileen Scerra and husband Stephen,
SCVFA President & Station 70 President Mike Suit and wife Stacy
SCVFA First Vice President Johnny Hopkins and wife, Dawn

Attending from our mutual aid companies:

Chief Tyler Hickman and wife Karen - Bethany Beach Vol Fire Company
Chief John Marvel and wife Robin - Dagsboro Vol Fire Company
Lieutenant BJ Magee and wife Beth - Dagsboro Vol Fire Company
Chief Hunter Holland and Melissa Coffey-Townsend - Frankford Vol Fire Company
President John Wright III - Frankford Vol Fire Company
Chief Andrew Johnson and wife Jennifer - Roxana Vol Fire Company

Our Auxiliary members are critical to the smooth and effective operation of MVFC. Liz Hammond, President of the Auxiliary, presented awards for years of service milestones and special achievements. The Auxiliary also presented Chief Doug Scott with a gift of equipment to support fire operations. Their gift included rescue straps and Siamese Valves, valued at more than $10,000. These critical tools will significantly streamline our operations; the rescue straps are designed to assist with victim extraction, saving precious minutes on scene, which can be crucial in emergencies, and the Siamese Valves will be crucial for water supply in areas lacking hydrants. These items will be distributed and put into service immediately!

The 2025 Board Members, Officers, and Career Staff were recognized for their contributions with gifts, and the 2026 Board Members, Officers, and Career Staff were acknowledged.

One significant highlight was recognizing years of service, with commendations for milestones of 5, 10, 15, 20, 40, 45, 50, and 60 years of active service. Craig Temple and Jack Melson were honored for an impressive 55 years of service. For 45 years, James “Randy” Powell and John Walter Jr. were recognized. Garland Saville and Mark Lloyd both received acknowledgment for 40 years, Guy Cooper for 35 years, and Gregory Tietmeyer for 25 years. Sean Suter was also presented with a Lifetime Membership for his 20 years of service, and Max Stong reached his 5 year service milestone.

The President's Award, which is presented by President Greg Hocker to the member who best exemplifies dedication, selflessness, and leadership in the proper administration of the company, was awarded to Vice President Guy Rickards.

Francis “Buddy” Gormley received the William J. Quillen Member of the Year Award. Chosen by the President & Board of Directors as the individual who best exemplifies the dedication, selflessness, and leadership necessary. Buddy’s fundraising efforts, in addition to his significant contributions as a firefighter, were highlighted.

Millville had a very busy year again in 2025, with 608 Fire Alarm Calls. As such, it takes volunteers and members working together to support the community in its time of need. MVFC honors the Top Responders each year. Here are the Top Responder Awards! This list includes all responders with more than 250 calls!

William "Bill" Bowden, Sr. - 471 Calls
John Stephens - 469 Calls
A.J. Moore - 424 Calls
Buddy Gormley - 388 Calls
Asher "Eddie" Hammond - 359 Calls
Gary Caunitis - 347 Calls
John "Jack" Melson - 290 Calls
Marcos "Marc" Bognar - 289 Calls
Earl Green - 267 Calls
Doug Scott - 256 Calls
Dennis Ayres - 254 Calls
Steve Hess - 250 Calls

Training is essential to firefighting. MVFC promotes and encourages volunteers and career staff to pursue Advanced Training and awards the individual who accumulates the most hours of Advanced Training. Gary Caunitis is this year's recipient of the Ralph L. Banks, Sr. Training Award.

Emergency Medical Services are an integral part of the fire service that MVFC provides. EMS Chief Jack Wilson presented the Ralph W. Burbage Award—Emergency Medical Services to Megan Hudson. This award is presented to the EMS person who best exemplifies the selflessness, dedication, and skills necessary to serve the community in Emergency Medical Services.

Sean Suter was presented the Richard Norris Derrickson Fire Policeman of the Year Award by Fire Chief Johnson and Fire Police Captain Bill Bowden, Sr. This award is given annually to the individual who best exemplifies the commitment, dedication, and safety of all personnel and citizens involving the transportation and firefighter safety and spends countless hours outside in extreme conditions to ensure any incident is safe and secure.

MVFC has a Junior Firefighter Program for teens interested in the fire service. The Junior members participate in incidents and training along with the senior members. The Junior training program requires the same commitment and dedication as the senior members. They respond to incidents and train while attending school, sports, etc. Leland Oakley was awarded the Junior Firefighter, Junior Top Responder, and Junior Top Trainee of the Year.

The Chief's Award is given to the member who best exemplifies the selflessness and dedication necessary to serve the company in an operational capacity. That award is given to Gary Caunitis.

The Chief and all Assistant Chiefs choose the Raymond E. Powell/Louis B. Evans - Firefighter of the Year Award. Awarded annually to the individual who best exemplifies the courage, commitment, and honor inherent to all firefighters. This year's award was presented to Marcos ”Marc” Bognar.

The awards ceremony was capped off with an entertaining impromptu stand-up comedy routine from Chaplain John Steffens, and finally, the Benediction. This year, members were treated to music from The Dustin Showers Band. As we look forward to the challenges and triumphs of 2026 know we stand ready for every alarm 2026 will bring.