Dayhoff Westminster Soundtrack

Wednesday, July 29, 2026

Ribbon Cutting Opens New Chapter for Westminster's Historic 1767 Durbin House

Restored landmark preserves colonial history, the birth of American Methodism, and a vision for the future of Wakefield Valley Park

By Kevin Dayhoff July 28, 2026

WESTMINSTER, Md. — Nearly 260 years after William Durbin built his stone farmhouse on the Maryland frontier, community leaders gathered Tuesday afternoon, July 28, 2026, to celebrate the beginning of its next chapter.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony officially dedicated the restored 1767 Durbin House at 1000 Fenby Farm Road in Wakefield Valley Park, reopening one of Carroll County's oldest surviving homes and one of Westminster's most historically significant landmarks.

The program began at 3 p.m. with remarks by Jonathan Herman, chief contractor for the restoration project; Emily Huebner, director of operations and programs for the Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area; Westminster Mayor Dr. Mona Becker; and Westminster Common Council President Tony Chiavacci.

Following the presentations, members of the Westminster Mayor and Common Council—Tony Chiavacci, Greg Pecoraro, Dan Hoff, Tom Beyard and Kevin Dayhoff—joined in cutting the ceremonial ribbon after a countdown led by Abby Gruber, Westminster's director of Recreation and Parks, who oversaw the successful completion of the multi-year restoration.

Among those attending were Carroll County Sheriff Jim DeWees, Carroll County Undersheriff Colonel Justin Baker, Westminster Deputy Police Chief Jason Jones, Lt. Steve Blackwell of the Westminster Police Department, Carroll County Commissioners Ken Kiler and Tom Gordon, and former Commissioner Dennis Frazier.

Although Tuesday's ceremony celebrated the completion of a restoration project, the history preserved inside the stone walls stretches back to a time before the United States existed.

The Durbin House was built in 1767—nine years before the Declaration of Independence and 22 years before George Washington was inaugurated as the nation's first president. When construction was completed, Carroll County had not yet been created, Westminster had not yet been incorporated, and Maryland remained a British colony.

According to the Historic Structure Assessment prepared for the City of Westminster in 2021 by Grove and Dall’Olio, Architects, the Durbin family's connection to the area began even earlier. Samuel Durbin and his wife, Ann Logsdon Durbin, settled near present-day Westminster during the early 1720s, when central Maryland was still considered part of the American frontier. In 1752 Samuel purchased a 150-acre tract known as Cobb's Choice, leaving 100 acres to his eldest son, William Durbin, who later built the house that still stands today.

The property remained in the Durbin family for more than a century. Following the death of Andrew Reese Durbin, the last Durbin family owner, the farm was sold in 1869 to Dr. James Billingslea. Three years later, in 1872, Benjamin Bixler purchased the property, beginning another long chapter in the history of one of Westminster's oldest farms.

Yet the importance of the Durbin House reaches well beyond its age. The home occupies a remarkable place in the history of Methodism in America.

According to the Maryland Historical Trust, "The beginnings of Methodism in America occurred in Carroll County with the establishment of a class meeting by Robert Strawbridge. William Durbin, who built this house, was a member of Strawbridge's original class. Bishop Francis Asbury visited Durbin at this house on November 22, 1772." The Trust also notes that Durbin served as a trustee of Westminster's Union Meeting House, reflecting his leadership in the young Methodist movement. The Union Meeting House was the seat of government for the area we know today as the City of Westminster, from 1790 to 1819.

The Historic Structure Assessment expands on that story, explaining that William Durbin and his wife were among the earliest converts influenced by Robert Strawbridge, the Irish lay preacher widely regarded as one of the founders of American Methodism. Their home became part of the network of early Methodist gatherings that helped spread the movement throughout the colonies. Subsequent generations of the Durbin family continued that religious legacy for decades.

That history means the Durbin House was already a center of religious life before the American Revolution, making it one of the few surviving Maryland homes that can document both colonial domestic life and the earliest years of organized Methodism in America.

Saving such an important landmark was far from certain. Emily Huebner recalled her first visit to the house with Abby Gruber in January 2020.

"When you first get the call about a historic building, you never know what that project's future will hold," Huebner said. Gruber warned her to dress for a house "in very rough shape." Wearing boots and carrying flashlights, the two explored a building occupied by raccoons, sidestepping holes in the floors while their lights illuminated graffiti. Instead of giving up, they began planning its rescue.

Working with preservation advisors, the first step became a comprehensive Historic Structure Assessment that established the roadmap for the restoration. The Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area awarded an initial $25,000 grant for that study in 2020.

Additional grants followed—supporting exterior restoration, interior stabilization and rehabilitation. Huebner noted that nearly $294,000 in Heritage Area funding has now been invested in preserving the Durbin House, with the latest award supporting interpretation so visitors can better understand the site's extraordinary history.

"The Durbin House has lived many lives in the centuries since it was first built and it has served many purposes," Huebner said. "This remarkable preservation project has ensured that it will continue to serve this community in years to come."

The restoration also represents another milestone in Westminster's transformation of the former Wakefield Valley Golf Club, that Westminster Councilmember Greg Pecoraro has explained as a ‘legacy’ issue. In February 2016, Westminster acquired approximately 187 acres of the former golf course through the donation of developer Richard Kress, creating what is now Wakefield Valley Park. The property has since become the city's largest park while preserving open space, protecting water resources and safeguarding one of Carroll County's most significant historic structures.

For city officials and preservationists alike, Tuesday's ribbon cutting represented much more than the reopening of an old building. It celebrated nearly three centuries of local history—from frontier settlement and colonial life to the birth of American Methodism, from a family that helped shape early Westminster to a modern community determined to preserve its heritage.

Perhaps Huebner summarized it best. "The raccoons are gone," she said, "but the house is still standing and looking better than ever, and soon it will be telling its own story—which is part of all of our story, the history and meaning of this place."

For a house that stood before there was a United States, that story is only beginning to be told.

Published: Westminster Patch: https://patch.com/maryland/westminster/ribbon-cutting-opens-new-chapter-westminsters-historic-1767-durbin-house

+++ Dayhoff Westminster Soundtrack +++

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Kevin Dayhoff for Westminster "Dayhoff Westminster"

Authority Caroline Babylon, Treasurer.

Articles on the Baltimore Sun or Carroll County Times website:

June 29, 2004 to October 29, 2025:

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Westminster Patch: https://patch.com/users/kevin-e-dayhoff

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Dayhoff Westminster (Archived Nov. 27, 2024) https://dayhoffwestminster.blogspot.com/

Kevin Dayhoff Time Flies:

https://kevindayhoff.wordpress.com/ (November 2, 2025)

Saturday, July 18, 2026

Community Harvest: An Evening of Food, Film, and Discussion Friday, August 14, 2026

Community Harvest: An Evening of Food, Film, and Discussion Friday, August 14, 2026 @ 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm at the Carroll Arts Council at 91 West Main Street, Westminster, MD 21157.

All proceeds go to Carroll County Food Sunday, a local food pantry that is currently feeding over 600 families a week.

Community Harvest: An Evening of Food, Film, and Discussion. All proceeds benefit Carroll County Food Sunday (CCFS). Screening of documentary film Fresh, followed by a panel discussion about food in our community.

Learn more about ways to help Carroll County Food Sunday with an opportunity to win prizes! Thank you to our Sponsors: Community Classroom, Bold Love Farm and Bakery, and Jeannie Bird Baking Company!

For more information and to purchase tickets go to: https://carrollcountyartscouncil.org/event/community-harvest-an-evening-of-food-film-and-discussion/

+++ Dayhoff Westminster Soundtrack +++

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Kevin Dayhoff for Westminster "Dayhoff Westminster"

Authority Caroline Babylon, Treasurer.

Articles on the Baltimore Sun or Carroll County Times website:

June 29, 2004 to October 29, 2025:

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Westminster Patch: https://patch.com/users/kevin-e-dayhoff

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Dayhoff Westminster (Archived Nov. 27, 2024) https://dayhoffwestminster.blogspot.com/

Kevin Dayhoff Time Flies:

https://kevindayhoff.wordpress.com/ (November 2, 2025)

Monday, July 06, 2026

Rittman Ohio police officer killed in shooting; 4 dead, 4 deputies, K9 injured,

RITTMAN, Ohio — July 6, 2026 - - The community and law enforcement agencies across Northeast Ohio are grieving following a tragic shooting late Sunday night, July 5, 2026, that claimed the lives of four people, including a veteran police

officer.

According to reporting by Anna Meyer for WKYC – Channel 3, published on July 6, 2026, the incident began around 9:30 p.m. when officers responded to a reported disturbance at a residence on Chippewa Trail.

Upon arrival, responding personnel were immediately met with heavy gunfire. “'Unimaginable loss': Rittman Police Department identifies officer killed in Wayne County shooting as Sgt. Scott Ries. The shooting in Rittman left four dead, including Sgt. Scott Ries, and injured two officers. The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation is investigating.”

Rittman Police Sgt. Scott Ries, a dedicated veteran of the department, was killed in the line of duty during the exchange.

Authorities later discovered three others dead inside the home, including the suspected shooter, as well as an adult female and her 13-year-old daughter. This – according to 3WKYC: “'The ultimate sacrifice': Law enforcement reacts to Rittman officer Sgt. Scott Ries’ death in Wayne County shooting. A Rittman police officer was killed and two officers injured during a shooting in Wayne County,” by Anna Meyer. And: UPDATE: Police officer killed in shooting identified; 4 dead, 4 deputies, K9 injured, By Ren Sikes, WHIO.

The violent encounter also resulted in injuries to additional law enforcement personnel and a police canine. Four members of the Medina County Sheriff's Office were struck by gunfire.

According to reports, two of the deputies were transported to a local hospital in stable condition, while the other two were treated for their injuries at the scene and released.

Additionally, K-9 Vick of the Wayne County Sheriff's Office was wounded during the shooting. The canine remains in serious condition at a local animal hospital.

The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) has taken the lead on the case. As the investigation continues, the region is mourning the loss of Sgt. Ries and the civilian victims.

Messages of condolence have poured in from police departments across the state, honoring the ultimate sacrifice made by the fallen officer while expressing support for the recovery of the injured deputies and K-9 Vick.

Information for this report was gathered from the following sources:

WKYC: “'The ultimate sacrifice': Law enforcement reacts to Rittman officer Sgt. Scott Ries’ death in Wayne County shooting,” by Anna Meyer. The article’s lede notes, “A Rittman police officer was killed and two officers injured during a shooting in Wayne County.”

WHIO: “UPDATE: Police officer killed in shooting identified; 4 dead, 4 deputies, K9 injured,” by Ren Sikes. The report opens with, “‘Unimaginable loss’: Rittman Police Department identifies officer killed in Wayne County shooting as Sgt. Scott Ries. The shooting in Rittman left four dead, including Sgt. Scott Ries, and injured two officers. The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation is investigating.”

This article has been published in WordPress – Kevin Dayhoff Time Flies: https://kevindayhoff.wordpress.com/2026/07/06/rittman-ohio-police-officer-killed-in-shooting-4-dead-4-deputies-k9-injured/

+++ Dayhoff Westminster Soundtrack +++

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Kevin Dayhoff for Westminster "Dayhoff Westminster"

Authority Caroline Babylon, Treasurer.

Articles on the Baltimore Sun or Carroll County Times website:

June 29, 2004 to October 29, 2025:

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Westminster Patch: https://patch.com/users/kevin-e-dayhoff

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Kevin Dayhoff Time Flies:

https://kevindayhoff.wordpress.com/ (November 2, 2025)

Westminster Municipal Band joins Westminster Church of the Ascension in marking America's 250th Anniversary

The Church of the Ascension in Westminster held an outside service Sunday morning, July 5, 2026 with the Westminster Municipal Band to mark the 250th anniversary of our nation.

Sunday, July 5, 2026, The Church of the Ascension, Westminster MD - - The Church of the Ascension in Westminster welcomed folks on the front courtyard lawn of the church campus on North Court Street to an outside service Sunday morning, July 5, 2026, for A Eucharist of Thanksgiving for the Nation - a special worship service commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence while honoring the men and women who have served in the nation's Armed Forces.

Founded in 1843 and formally organized as Ascension Parish in 1844, the historic Episcopal congregation worships in its landmark stone church, which was consecrated on Ascension Day in 1846 and remains one of Westminster's most recognizable historic houses of worship.

The parish is led by The Rev. Pierre-Henry Buisson, who has served as rector since August 2023. On Sunday, the congregation extended a special welcome to the Westminster Municipal Band and its Color Guard for leading the musical portions of the patriotic service and presenting the colors during the recognition of veterans.

According to the church service bulletin, the special Eucharist was offered "for the 250th anniversary of American independence, for this land, for the enduring freedom to worship, and for all those who, from the Revolutionary War to the present day, have served to preserve that freedom."

The service included special flower and communion memorials and thanksgivings offered by several parish families in celebration of family milestones and in gratitude for America's 250th birthday.

The Westminster Municipal Band, one of Maryland's oldest continuously performing community concert bands, has served the Westminster and Carroll County communities for generations through its summer concert series, civic ceremonies, patriotic observances, and holiday performances. Its participation added a fitting ceremonial and musical dimension to the anniversary observance.

Under the direction of its conductor, Jeremy Norris, the band presented a stirring selection of patriotic and sacred music that complemented the liturgy, including "Military Escort" as the prelude, "Battle Hymn of the Republic" for the processional, "Amazing Grace" before the Gospel, "America the Beautiful" during the offertory, "God of Our Fathers," "God and Country Overture," "My Country, 'Tis of Thee," and "God Bless America" for the recessional. Following the service, the band continued the celebration with "National Emblem," "The Star-Spangled Banner" (U.S. Armed Forces Edition,) the "Armed Forces Salute," "Echo Taps," "God Bless the USA," and "The Stars and Stripes Forever."

The service itself reflected both gratitude and reflection. The Rev. Pierre-Henry Buisson delivered a thoughtful, timely, and well-crafted homily that was warmly received by the congregation, emphasizing the blessings and responsibilities of liberty, faithful citizenship, and Christian service.

In his sermon, The Rev. Pierre-Henry Buisson challenged the congregation to view both patriotism and citizenship through the lens of Christian discipleship.

Reflecting on Scripture and the ideals expressed in the Declaration of Independence, he reminded worshippers that every person possesses God-given dignity because each bears the image of God. Drawing upon the readings from Deuteronomy, Psalm 145, and the Gospel of Matthew, The Rev. Pierre-Henry Buisson reminded the congregation that Christian patriotism must always be grounded in God's love, justice, and mercy.

While expressing gratitude for the blessings of the United States and honoring those who have defended its freedoms, he emphasized that Scripture calls Christians to recognize the inherent dignity of every person because all are created in the image of God.

Reflecting on the Declaration of Independence, he noted that the nation's founding ideals have inspired generations while also challenging each generation to continue striving toward justice and equality.

While acknowledging the nation's many blessings, he observed that every generation inherits the responsibility of advancing justice, liberty, and compassion – that every generation has inherited unfinished work.

Turning to Christ's command to "love your enemies," Reverend Buisson acknowledged that modern society too often categorizes and judges people before truly knowing them. Instead, he urged the congregation to see every individual as someone for whom Christ willingly gave His life.

He described the Church as one of the few remaining places where people of different generations, backgrounds, political perspectives, and life experiences continue to gather in unity—not because they agree on every issue, but because Christ first loved them and calls them to be one body.

Reverend Buisson concluded by encouraging the congregation to remember that Christians belong first to Christ and are therefore called to work for justice, love their neighbors, pray for their enemies, and reflect God's gracious and compassionate love in every aspect of life.

According to the printed liturgy, the Prayers of the People echoed many of those same themes. The Prayers gave thanks for the freedoms enjoyed by the nation, praying for unity within the Church, wisdom and integrity for the president, Congress, the courts, and all public officials, peace among the nations, justice for all people, comfort for those who are sick or suffering, remembrance of those who gave their lives in military service, and a prayer of confession acknowledging the nation's shortcomings while seeking God's mercy and guidance toward a more faithful future.

The combination of historic liturgy, inspiring music, patriotic observance, and Reverend Buisson's thoughtful and well-received homily created a meaningful celebration of America's semiquincentennial. The service offered those in attendance an opportunity not only to give thanks for the nation's heritage and the sacrifices of its veterans, but also to reflect upon the continuing responsibility of living out the enduring ideals of faith, freedom, justice, compassion, and unity.

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Published on Westminster Patch here: https://patch.com/maryland/westminster/westminster-municipal-band-joins-westminster-church-ascension-marking-americas

Published on WordPress – Kevin Dayhoff Time Flies: https://kevindayhoff.wordpress.com/2026/07/06/westminster-municipal-band-joins-westminster-church-of-the-ascension-in-marking-americas-250th-anniversary/

+++ Dayhoff Westminster Soundtrack +++

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Kevin Dayhoff for Westminster "Dayhoff Westminster"

Authority Caroline Babylon, Treasurer.

Articles on the Baltimore Sun or Carroll County Times website:

June 29, 2004 to October 29, 2025:

https://www.baltimoresun.com/?s=dayhoff&orderby=date&order=desc

Westminster Patch: https://patch.com/users/kevin-e-dayhoff

Facebook Dayhoff for Westminster: https://www.facebook.com/DayhoffforWestminster/

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Dayhoff Westminster (Archived Nov. 27, 2024) https://dayhoffwestminster.blogspot.com/

Kevin Dayhoff Time Flies:

https://kevindayhoff.wordpress.com/ (November 2, 2025)

Friday, June 26, 2026

Leppert Family Honored with MSFA Family Appreciation Program Award

On June 23, 2026, at the Annual Conv. of the Md. St. Firefighters Assoc., the Leppert family received the Family Appreciation Prog. Award.

Tuesday, June 23, 2026 - OCEAN CITY, Md. — For generations, service has been a family tradition for the Leppert family.

That legacy was recognized Tuesday, June 23, during the 133rd Annual Convention of the Maryland State Firefighters Association (MSFA), when the family of Jeff and Natali Leppert and Todd and Jennifer Leppert received the Association's prestigious Family Appreciation Program Award.

Presented annually by the MSFA Recruitment and Retention Committee, the Family Appreciation Program Award recognizes the families of volunteer firefighters and emergency medical personnel whose unwavering support makes volunteer emergency service possible.

While firefighters often receive public recognition, the Family Appreciation award acknowledges the countless sacrifices made by spouses, children, parents and extended family members who willingly share holidays, family dinners, birthdays and sleepless nights with those who answer emergency calls.

For the Leppert family, that commitment spans multiple generations.

The family has long been synonymous with the Westminster Fire Engine and Hose Company No. 1, where generations of Lepperts have dedicated themselves to protecting the residents of Westminster and Carroll County. Beyond the fire service, members of the family have also served their communities through distinguished careers in law enforcement, continuing a tradition of public service that extends well beyond the firehouse.

According to the MSFA, nominees for the Family Appreciation Program Award must represent active volunteer fire or EMS members with at least five years of volunteer service. Families are selected based upon their continued support of emergency responses, firefighter training, fundraising efforts and their commitment to the teamwork that forms the foundation of every successful volunteer fire company. Nominations must also receive the endorsement of the department's chief or president.

For members of the Westminster Fire Engine and Hose Company No. 1, the recognition carries additional historical significance.

The Westminster Fire Engine and Hose Company No. 1 traces its origins to the early nineteenth century and today stands among Maryland's oldest volunteer fire departments.

Throughout more than 200 years of service, generations of volunteers have answered alarms ranging from structure fires and rescues to hazardous materials incidents, motor vehicle collisions, severe weather emergencies and emergency medical calls. The department has grown with the community while maintaining its tradition of volunteer service and preserving its remarkable history through one of Maryland's finest collections of firefighting artifacts and historical records.

The department's relationship with the Maryland State Firefighters Association dates to the organization's founding.

The Maryland State Firemen's Association was organized in 1893 to promote cooperation among volunteer fire companies, improve firefighter training and equipment, and provide a unified voice for Maryland's volunteer emergency services. Westminster played an important role during those formative years.

One of Westminster's most respected citizens, John H. Cunningham, was a charter member of the Association and served on its Executive Board from 1898 to 1899. Cunningham, remembered not only as a lifelong Westminster firefighter but also as one of Maryland's most prominent bankers, remained connected with the Association throughout his lifetime and was believed at the time of his death in 1965 to have been its last surviving charter member.

Westminster also welcomed firefighters from across Maryland when it hosted the 14th Annual Convention of the Maryland State Volunteer Firemen's Association on June 6-8, 1906.

Historical records and the official convention program show the Carroll County seat transformed into a celebration of volunteer firefighting, complete with business meetings, public ceremonies, entertainment and fellowship among fire companies from throughout the state.

The convention was held only weeks after the devastating April 1906 Harbaugh Livery Stable fire, which damaged the offices of Westminster city government and the Westminster fire station itself, demonstrating both the resilience of the local department and its ability to host one of Maryland's premier fire service events.

More than 120 years later, that partnership between Westminster and the Maryland State Firefighters Association remains strong.

The recognition of the Leppert family serves as another chapter in that long history.

Volunteer fire departments are sustained not only by the firefighters who climb aboard the apparatus when the alarm sounds, but also by the families who remain behind, accepting interrupted meals, missed holidays and countless late-night responses as part of everyday life. Their support allows volunteers to continue serving their neighbors whenever emergencies arise.

The Family Appreciation Program Award recognizes those quiet sacrifices.

For Jeff and Natali Leppert, Todd and Jennifer Leppert, and the generations of the Leppert family who have dedicated themselves to the Westminster Fire Engine and Hose Company No. 1 and to public safety throughout Maryland, the award is a fitting tribute to a family whose tradition of service continues to strengthen both its department and its community.

As Maryland's volunteer fire service gathered once again for its annual convention, the honor served as a reminder that while emergency response begins with dedicated firefighters, it is often sustained by the families standing beside them every step of the way.

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This article also appears in Westminster Patch: https://patch.com/maryland/westminster/leppert-family-honored-msfa-family-appreciation-program-award

On WordPress – Dayhoff Time Flies: https://kevindayhoff.wordpress.com/2026/06/26/leppert-family-honored-with-msfa-family-appreciation-program-award/

+++ Dayhoff Westminster Soundtrack +++

https://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/

Kevin Dayhoff for Westminster "Dayhoff Westminster"

Authority Caroline Babylon, Treasurer.

Articles on the Baltimore Sun or Carroll County Times website:

June 29, 2004 to October 29, 2025:

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Westminster Patch: https://patch.com/users/kevin-e-dayhoff

Facebook Dayhoff for Westminster: https://www.facebook.com/DayhoffforWestminster/

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Dayhoff Westminster (Archived Nov. 27, 2024) https://dayhoffwestminster.blogspot.com/

Kevin Dayhoff Time Flies:

https://kevindayhoff.wordpress.com/ (November 2, 2025)

Caroline and hiked in the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge

Friday, June 26, 2026: Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, 4005 Sandpiper Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23456 www.fws.gov/refuge/back-bay

Caroline and hiked in the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge: Located in the southeastern corner of Virginia Beach, the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1938. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, its primary mission is to protect and provide habitat for migrating and wintering waterfowl.

The refuge encompasses a diverse array of habitats—including beachfront, freshwater marsh, dunes, shrub-scrub, and upland forest—which support hundreds of species of birds, reptiles, amphibians, mammals, and fish. To maintain these ecosystems, staff manage a freshwater impoundment complex that provides essential feeding and resting areas for waterfowl during the winter, while serving as habitat for shorebirds and wading birds during other seasons.

For visitors, the refuge grounds are open daily from sunrise to sunset. The area offers a variety of recreational opportunities, such as hiking, biking, wildlife observation, photography, and both surf and freshwater fishing. Additionally, the refuge collaborates with the adjacent False Cape State Park to offer tram tours that explore the natural history of the area and the site of the historic Wash Woods community.

+++ Dayhoff Westminster Soundtrack +++

https://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/

Kevin Dayhoff for Westminster "Dayhoff Westminster"

Authority Caroline Babylon, Treasurer.

Articles on the Baltimore Sun or Carroll County Times website:

June 29, 2004 to October 29, 2025:

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Westminster Patch: https://patch.com/users/kevin-e-dayhoff

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Dayhoff Westminster (Archived Nov. 27, 2024) https://dayhoffwestminster.blogspot.com/

Kevin Dayhoff Time Flies:

https://kevindayhoff.wordpress.com/ (November 2, 2025)

Thursday, June 25, 2026

Kevin Dayhoff: The Chief Chaplain Emeritus Rev. J. Harvey Dixon Chaplain of the Year Award

The Chief Chaplain Emeritus Rev. J. Harvey Dixon Chaplain of the Year Award

Tuesday, June 23, 2026: Chief Chaplain Emeritus Rev. Harvey J. Dixon Chaplain of the Year Award

2026-S3 Maryland State Firefighters Association Convention

The Chaplain award begins at 2:31 on the morning segment of the MSFA convention. https://www.youtube.com/live/e_E00yXhceg?si=GQg7pYDAv0pk5Qb-&t=9073

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_E00yXhceg

Tuesday, June 23, 2026: The Chief Chaplain Emeritus Rev. J. Harvey Dixon Chaplain of the Year Award goes to Westminster Fire Engine and Hose Co. No. 1 Chaplain Kevin Dayhoff.

The Chief Chaplain Emeritus Rev. J. Harvey Dixon Chaplain of the Year Award is an annual honor established in 2024 by the Maryland State Firefighters Association (MSFA).

The "Chief Chaplain Emeritus Reverend J. Harvey Dixon Chaplain of the Year Award" is presented by the Maryland State Firemen's Association to honor outstanding fire service chaplains in the state.

The official recipients include: 2025: Chris Windsor (Nanjemoy Volunteer Fire Department, Charles County.) 2024: Not awarded. 2023: Karen Montgomery (Bryans Road, Charles County)

Purpose and Background Dedicated to: Reverend J. Harvey Dixon, a pioneering figure in Fire Service Chaplaincy and Charter Member of the Federation of Fire Chaplains.

His Legacy: Rev. Dixon served as Chief Chaplain for the MSFA and responded to the Pentagon and Shanksville, PA on September 11, 2001, as well as at Ground Zero.

The Award: Created by the MSFA Executive Committee to recognize outstanding chaplaincy and pastoral support within the emergency services community.

Chief Chaplain Emeritus Rev. J. Harvey Dixon Chaplain of the Year Award

Award Purpose:

Recognition of Emergency Service Chaplains for distinguished service to the Maryland State Firefighters Association (MSFA), to an individual’s department or county fire or rescue service and their local community, or a combination of these jurisdictions.

Award Sponsor: Maryland State Firefighters Association

Award Administration: The Chaplain of the Year Committee of the Maryland State Firefighters Association

Award Description: Chief Chaplain Emeritus Reverend J. Harvey Dixion dedicated his life to Fire Service Chaplaincy. He was a founding Charter Member of the Federation of Fire Chaplains, Chief Chaplain for Maryland State Firemen’s Association, Chaplain for Eastern Shore of Maryland Firemen’s Association, and Chaplain for Salisbury Fire Department. He served as the Federation of Fire Chaplains Mid-Atlantic Regional Director for Delaware Maryland-New Jersey-New York-Pennsylvania-Virginia-West Virginia.

On September 11, 2001, he was called to the Pentagon disaster and later served at Ground-Zero in New York City, and at Shanksville Pennsylvania. He supported his local fire department of Salisbury and other departments across the state where he was called.

Chief Chaplain Emeritus, Reverend J. Harvey Dixon was frequently called to support the Salisbury Police Department, Wicomico County Sheriff’s Department and the Maryland State Police. He served his community and was truly a chaplain who “served those who served.”

Background: The Chaplain of the Year Award was established by the Maryland State Firefighters Association Executive Committee in 2024. The award is to recognize the distinguished service of individuals, “serving those who serve others,” Emergency Service Chaplains. The award emphasizes distinguished service to the MSFA, to the individual’s department and local jurisdiction.

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Award Rules: Nominations submitted for consideration must follow the following requirements: Beginning in the year 2025, the MSFA Chaplain of the Year Committee will begin accepting nominations. Nominee must serve or have served as a chaplain of a department/company, county association, or the Maryland State Firefighters Association. Nominee may be either living or deceased.

Nominations may be submitted by:

1. A member department/company in good standing with the MSFA, or

2. Any individual in good standing with a member department/company in good standing with the MSFA, or

3. An individual member of the MSFA Chaplain Corps or MSFA Leadership.

4. Nominees must have a minimum of ten (10) years of service as a chaplain to be eligible for consideration.

5. Nomination for the Chaplain of the Year Award should be based upon distinguished service to the MSFA, to an individual department/company, county association, or county Emergency Service.

6. All nominations must be received, in writing or electronical, by the Chairperson of the Chaplain of the Year Award Committee, by April 15th of each year to be considered. Until selected, a letter of nomination for an individual must be submitted each year. Nomination letters will not be carried over from year to year. All nomination letters must be submitted on company/department letterhead and signed.

7. Nominations for the Chief Chaplain Emeritus Rev. J. Harvey Dixon Chaplain of the Year Award will be judged by a committee that is established by the Chief Chaplain of the MSFA.

8. The award will be awarded to the Chaplain who receives 51% of the vote by the Chaplain of the Year Committee. All nominees will receive a certificate of recognition from the Maryland State Firefighters Association for being nominated.

9. Individual selected for the MSFA Chaplain of the Year Award will receive the Chief Chaplain Emeritus Rev. J. Harve Dixon Chaplain of the Year plaque. The plaque will have the date of the award, name and fire company of the recipient engraved thereon and will, for one year from date of presentation until the next MSFA Annual Convention and Conference. A personal plaque will be presented to the individual selected to keep forever. A uniform ribbon will also be presented. The Chaplain of the Year Award presentation will take place at the Annual Convention and Conference of the MSFA.

10. The name of the individual selected for the Chaplain of the Year Award shall be published in the Annual Proceedings Book of the MSFA along with the year the selection was made.

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Wednesday, June 24, 2026

Maritime Fire Response is the keynote presentation at Maryland State Firefighters Association Convention

Maritime emergencies were the focus of a keynote presentation during the Maryland St. Firefighters Assoc. Convention on Tues., 23Je2026

OCEAN CITY, Md. — Tuesday, June 23, 2026 - The growing challenges posed by shipboard fires and maritime emergencies were the focus of a keynote presentation during the third general session of the Maryland State Firefighters Association Convention on Tuesday, June 23.

Geoffrey Donahue, Director of the Office of Emergency Preparedness and Response for the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE,) delivered a well-researched and documented address titled “Shipboard Fires and Maritime Response Considerations,” providing firefighters and emergency responders with a detailed look at the unique hazards associated with maritime incidents.

Drawing on decades of emergency response experience, Donahue examined recent maritime emergencies and outlined the operational, environmental, and logistical factors that distinguish shipboard fires from traditional structure or industrial incidents.

The presentation highlighted how the increasing size and complexity of modern vessels, combined with the movement of hazardous cargoes through ports and waterways, creates a demanding environment for emergency responders.

Donahue, who leads Maryland’s emergency preparedness and response programs and has nearly 35 years of experience in hazardous materials and emergency response operations, emphasized that shipboard incidents often require responders to operate within confined spaces, navigate unfamiliar vessel layouts, and contend with extreme heat conditions that can rapidly escalate an emergency.

In addition to directing MDE’s emergency response operations, he serves as an instructor in firefighting, hazardous materials, and rescue disciplines through the University of Maryland’s Fire and Rescue Institute.

A central theme of the presentation was the importance of environmental protection during maritime emergencies. Fires aboard vessels can involve fuel oils, chemicals, hazardous cargo, and other contaminants that pose significant threats to waterways and coastal ecosystems.

Donahue explained the role of the Maryland Department of the Environment in coordinating environmental response efforts and mitigating the impact of hazardous materials released during maritime incidents. Protecting both public safety and natural resources, he noted, requires a coordinated response strategy that extends beyond traditional firefighting operations.

The keynote also underscored the necessity of interagency cooperation. Maritime incidents often involve multiple stakeholders, including local fire departments, port authorities, vessel operators, environmental agencies, law enforcement, and federal response organizations.

Donahue stressed that successful outcomes depend on effective communication, unified command structures, and pre-established partnerships that allow agencies to work seamlessly during emergencies. These collaborative efforts are especially important in Maryland, where commercial shipping, recreational boating, and critical maritime infrastructure play significant roles in the state's economy and transportation network.

Participants also heard analyses of recent maritime incidents from around the country, with lessons learned serving as case studies for improving firefighter safety and operational effectiveness. Donahue encouraged departments to incorporate maritime response scenarios into training programs and emergency planning efforts, particularly for agencies serving coastal communities, inland ports, and waterways connected to the Chesapeake Bay.

The presentation resonated with attendees as the fire service continues to adapt to emerging hazards, including larger cargo vessels, alternative fuel technologies, and the transportation of lithium-ion battery-powered vehicles. These developments are creating new challenges for emergency responders and reinforcing the need for specialized training and preparedness.

By the conclusion of the session, attendees gained a greater appreciation for the complexities of maritime firefighting and the importance of coordinated planning among local, state, and maritime partners. Donahue’s keynote served as both a technical briefing and a reminder that effective emergency response increasingly requires a multidisciplinary approach capable of addressing public safety, environmental protection, and operational resilience simultaneously.

The keynote was part of the Maryland State Firefighters Association’s annual convention and educational conference, which brings together firefighters, emergency medical personnel, and public safety leaders from across Maryland to share knowledge, discuss emerging challenges, and strengthen the capabilities of the state’s emergency response community.

By Kevin Dayhoff. Reporting, notes, structure and outline, and final editing by the author. Artificial intelligence was used as a drafting and organizational tool.

Editor’s note: AI-assisted drafting tools were used to help organize and assemble this article from the author's original reporting notes. All facts were reviewed and verified by the author.

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Maritime emergencies were the focus of a keynote presentation during the Maryland St. Firefighters Assoc. Convention on Tues., 23Je2026

This article also appears on Westminster Patch: https://patch.com/maryland/westminster/maritime-fire-response-keynote-presentation-maryland-state-firefighters

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