On April 19, 2025, David W. Lewis, Sr. of the Odenton Volunteer Fire Company received the Chief Leslie B. Thompson Memorial Award. This award recognizes an individual of the Maryland fire, rescue or emergency services community who has made an outstanding contribution to the future welfare of the fire, rescue and emergency medical services of Maryland.

In David’s 53 years of service with the Odenton Volunteer Fire Company (OVFC), he has served as a leader both within the OVFC and in local and state fire service organizations beyond. In addition to serving on countless committees for the OVFC, the Anne Arundel County Volunteer Firefighters’ Association (AACVFA), the Maryland State Firefighters’ Association (MSFA), and the Cumberland Valley Volunteer Firefighter’s Association, he has also served as President for each of these organizations. He is an instructor for the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute and is active with the National Volunteer Fire Council and the International Association of Fire Chiefs. Among Dave’s many, many awards and recognitions, he has also been inducted into the Hall of Fame for the AACVFA, the MSFA, and the Maryland Fire Chief’s Association.

Thank you, David, for your dedicated service to the fire service and your untiring efforts to support all the organizations you serve.