PRINCESS ANNE — A long-time member and leader of the Princess Anne Volunteer Fire Company was one of two Somerset County volunteer firefighters to be enrolled into the Eastern Shore of Maryland Volunteer Fireman’s Association Hall of Fame.

Robert Murphey was unable to attend the September ceremony in Chestertown, and it was accepted by Sidney Merrill and presented during the fire company's October meeting at the firehouse.

Mr. Murphey has been an active member of the PAVFC for 57 years, having served as chief on three separate occasions, and currently serving as treasurer. Through the decades he has been a Top Ten responder.

In the community Mr. Murphey is active with Antioch Church, chairs the Board of Liquor License Commissioners, and is on the Somerset County Civic Center Advisory Board. His interest in community service goes back many years when he was a member of the former Jaycees.

Accepted into the Hall of Fame from the Marion Volunteer Fire Department was Vernon "Lee" Love Jr., and his award was received by Donnie Howard. Mr. Love is a past Firefighter of the Year, has been a leader as assistant chief among the line officers and is training officer. He is also a valued top responder on EMS calls.

Behind the scenes Mr. Love was instrumental in helping Station 3 establish its Rehobeth-Shelltown substation. In 2019 Chief David Evans Sr. credited Assistant Chief Love with doing more than he could ever ask of a volunteer.

Mr. Love is retired from the Maryland State Police and for a time was a school resource officer with the Sheriff’s Office.