Three members of the Sandy Spring Volunteer Fire Department (SSVFD) graduated from Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) class late last month. Sidney Allotey-Addo (graduating from EMT Class 149), Caitlyn Simms (graduating from EMT Class 148), and Samantha Combs (also graduating from EMT Class 148). SSVFD congratulates these members on their accomplishments. The three participated in a Graduation Ceremony on Thursday, January 31, 2019 held at the Montgomery County Public Safety Training Academy (MCPSTA) at 8751 Snouffer School Road, in Gaithersburg. SSVFD Chief Michael A. Kelley, SSVFD Captain and Vice President Brendan Bonita, and SSVFD Deputy Chief Mitch Dinowitz were on hand to recognize the new graduates. The ceremony began with the Wheaton Volunteer Rescue Squad Honor Guard presenting the colors. An Honor Guard member gave a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem. Capt. Lee Silverman, EMS Training Officer at the MCPSTA, gave the welcoming remarks and introduced special guests. Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service Chief Scott Goldstein and Eric Bernard, Executive Director of the Montgomery County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association (MCVFRA), addressed the graduates and then Chief Goldstein swore them in. Capt. Lee Silverman presented certificates of completion to the students in the EMT 148 class he taught. Capt. Bill Porter presented certificates of completion to the students in the EMT 149 class he taught. A reception for graduates, guests, friends, and families followed after the graduation. The three SSVFD members were among 80 local fire and rescue department members across the county who graduated from EMT and Fire Fighter I and II courses. Each of these graduates will soon be using their newly acquired skills to provide service in their communities. The Sandy Spring Volunteer Fire Department is always looking for qualified individuals interested in volunteering to serve their community in various capacities. See https://www.ssvfd.org/recruiting/ and https://www.ssvfd.org/auxiliary/