Photo by Ed Tenney, MCVFRA Photographer

The most recent Sandy Spring Volunteer Fire Department (SSVFD) graduates from the Volunteer Basic Orientation Course (VBOC) are pictured with Capt. Brendan Bonita, SSVFD Vice President. To his right is Bruce Yera and to his left is Jacob Stern (red shirt). Also pictured, are fire department members who came out to support the graduates (L-R) and Shannon Wade, Shelby Morales, and Cindy Wade.

The Sandy Spring Volunteer Fire Department graduated two new members from the Volunteer Basic Orientation Course (VBOC) 19-02 on Friday, May 10, 2019. VBOC is taught at the Montgomery County Public Service Training Academy (PSTA) on Snouffer School Road in Gaithersburg. The graduation was held at the Public Safety Headquarters Cafeteria in Gaithersburg. SSVFD members graduating were Jacob Stern and Bruce Yera. These two were among 18 graduates from 6 of the County’s 19 volunteer fire and rescue departments. VBOC is but the first step into the Fire and Rescue service. Many other fire, rescue, and emergency medical services classes are offered at the Academy.

In attendance at the graduation were family members of the graduates, fellow volunteers, as well as SSVFD Capt. Brendan Bonita, who is also Vice President of the Department.

The VBOC graduation was hosted by the Montgomery County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association (MCVFRA). The ceremony began with presentation of the colors by the Civil Air Patrol Honor Guard. The National Anthem was sung by Esmerelda Mathieu followed by an invocation by Capt. Bonita. Jacqueline Delpi, the VBOC Lead Instructor, offered opening remarks and swore in the graduates. Satchel Kornfeld, Recruitment and Retention Officer with the MCVFRA, recognized the PSTA and Local Fire and Rescue Department (LFRD) instructors. The graduation ceremony closed with a benediction and blessing of the Firefighter/Rescuers by Capt. Bonita. The graduates, their family, friends, fellow volunteers, and leaders gathered after the graduation at the PSTA for a reception and light refreshments.

The Sandy Spring Volunteer Fire Department is always looking for dedicated individuals interested in volunteering to serve their community.  More information can be found at https://www.ssvfd.org/recruiting/  The free training offered at the PSTA is but one benefit of volunteering.