CAMBRIDGE — Calvin Stack Jr.’s five decades of service and sacrifice to Rescue Fire Company, Inc. (RFC) were recognized Saturday at the RFC’s 75th Annual Banquet. Mr. Stack, who has served in numerous capacities with the city’s firefighters and in organizations across the state, was presented with a golden ax in honor of his contributions.

He was showered with additional honors, citations and awards, beginning with one from the Maryland Legislature, presented by State Senator Addie Eckardt (R-37) and Delegate Johnny Mautz (R-37B). Speaking about the man of the hour, Sen. Eckardt said, “He’s been a tremendous leader, not only for you all, but also around the region and the state.”

The senator mentioned Mr. Stack’s wife Karen, saying Ms. Stack had made many selfless contributions through the years. “We deeply appreciate your service,” Sen. Eckardt told the Stacks.

“There’s no better group,” Mr. Stack said of the RFC. He went on to thank Ms. Stack, saying, “I couldn’t have done this for 50 years without her.”
Robert Phillips paused after accepted a reward for his 40 years of service, to share his thoughts about Mr. Stack.

“Everybody knows him” across the state, Mr. Phillips told the audience of about 300. His voice breaking with emotion, he added, “He’s a brother to everybody in here.”

Among the other honorees was Rick Travers Jr., who was named Firefighter of the Year for 2019, and who also received the J. Whitey Barth Award. Officer of the Year went to Rob Travers. Rookie of the Year was Jordan Maddox, and Junior Cadet of the Year was Brandon Stacey.

Awards for years of service went to Shyheim Dawson, 5; Tyler Jones, 10; Marty Logan, Trey Davis, Brad Walters and Jason Shorter, 15; Adam Pritchett and Matt Lewis, 20; Martin Pepper, 30; Robert Phillips, 40; and Calvin Stack, 50.

Top volunteers were named in order of the hours they donated to RFC, ending with the top worker. They were Rosie Travers, Linda Horsman, Heather Travers, Terry McCollister, Donna McCollister, Bradford Phillips, Michael Wheatley, Dewey Hart, Diana Hart and Frank Horsman. Reported volunteer hours last year totaled 19,385.

Top responders, ending with the firefighter with the most responses, were Jason Shorter Sr., Rick Travers Jr., Trey Davis, Martin Pepper, Jordan Maddox, Kevin Carr, Tyler White, Marty Logan, Calvin Stack and Shyheim Dawson. Rescue Fire Company responded to 938 calls in 2019.

Incentive checks were presented by Cambridge Mayor Victoria Jackson-Stanley to Gage Weber, Brad Walters, Rick Travers Jr., Randy Travers, Calvin Stack, Tyler White, Jason Shorter, Adam Pritchett, Curtis Pfeffer, Matt Lewis, Greg Foxwell, Cody Downs, Shyheim Dawson, Kevin Carr, Arnold Barrow and Brian Willey.

Juanita Darby presented the Community Award to Jerry Gordon of Sea Watch International. The company donated turkeys and hams last year to the RFC’s Christmas Giving Project.

Past Chief Brian Willey received a golden ax in recognition of his 10 years of leadership. “The membership here made it easy for me,” he said.
Photos of the event can be seen and downloaded from the Dorchester Banner’s Facebook page.