Isabella Patriotis
2017 Greg Croft Rookie of the Year
Odenton Volunteer Fire Company

Isabella Patriotis of the Odenton Volunteer Fire Company (OVFC) was awarded the Greg Croft Rookie of the Year Award for 2017.  Isabella, 17 years old, has been a member of Odenton VFC since March 2016.  In the short time since becoming a member, she has taken Protective Envelope and Foam, Hazardous Materials Operations, and Firefighter I.  She also intends on taking the Emergency Medical Technician - Basic course soon.

She instantly became a faithful member of the Friday night duty crew, even while taking training.  After completing the required firefighter training, she worked hard on getting cleared to ride the fire engines.  In the six months since she has been cleared, Isabella has been on 56 fire responses and on stand-by for 21 more calls.  Not only does Isabella regularly serve on her duty night, she also puts in extra time attending training drills, participating in Public Education events, helping with station and apparatus maintenance, and staying extra on Saturdays to help the day crew.

Isabella does this all while attending a private high school during the week and is active in theatrics.  Her latest Grade Point Average is a 4.3.  She has applied to several colleges for the fall semester to pursue a major in biology with a focus on neuroscience.  She is considering a possible career in the fire service.  Her goal as a member of Odenton is to train and learn as much as possible to prepare for any situation that she might face.  She is eager to learn everything about our fire company and the fire service.  She has a great desire to help her community and she knows that the learning will never stop throughout her career.

Isabella was recognized as a runner-up for the MSFA Rookie of the Year Award.  She is a great asset to OVFC.  Her can-do attitude and dedication are contagious, and she is always willing to learn the skills needed to be a successful member of the Company.  She very ably balances her family, school, and fire department commitments.  As fire service leaders, it is refreshing and comforting to know that we have young people like Isabella entering the fire service.  Her determination and drive will help her to become a future leader.