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The original purpose of our Society, as defined by our founders, is to “do good.” The intent was to create an organization to provide support to our brothers and sisters in need; to gather together to build a sense of camaraderie; and to reclaim the “brotherhood” which is so unique to the Fire Service. These tenets show up in every message I write, and in nearly every public presentation that I do. There is good reason for that: these beliefs, these goals are the most important ideals that we can strive for. We work for months to achieve success in the Fire Academy, for reasons that are very personal to each of us. We work hard to earn the job, so that we can support our families and ourselves. We work to earn the excellent benefits that County employment offers. We work to earn the prestige of a career as a Professional Firefighter. We work to challenge ourselves, and to prove something to our families and our friends. Then we graduate, we go out into the field to do the job that we have trained and worked so hard for, and then what? We have a great job, a fair salary, good benefits and lots of time off. So, what else is there?

That “what else” is the brotherhood. It’s the thing we value above all else, especially when things are not as we think they should be. It’s the guys who visit your mom when she’s in the hospital. It’s the guys who help you put on that new roof. It’s the guys who jump into the freezing cold Chesapeake Bay with you, because you think it’s for a good cause. And, it’s more than that.

It’s knowing that your Lieutenant prefers to be called Joe, at least most of the time. It’s knowing when your firefighter’s birthday is, and having a cake delivered to the firehouse. It’s knowing the names of your Pump Operator’s kids, and their kids too. It’s knowing that your partner has your back, no matter what. And it sometimes means holding your partner’s hand as he slips into eternity.

That’s why we’re here….to continue that tradition, that connection, that sense of family. And all we ask of you, the members, is that you extend to us the same openness and generosity and love that we extend to you, our brothers and sisters.

That’s why I’m here. And I hope you will continue to join me as we grow and journey into a successful future together.

Please join us on our Road Trip to Ocean City to celebrate the holiest of holy days, St. Patrick’s Day, on the 17^th of March. Details are available elsewhere on this website, or call me directly at 410-299-3580.

The 2007 membership dues are still coming in, to date only 40% of our members have paid their dues. There are many members who didn't pay in 2006 and are on the verge of being voted out of the Emerald Society. If you have any questions on your status please call me immediately.

The March 2007 raffle has started and the sales were disappointing, by far the lowest to date. There are still some members who will be turning in their tickets at the meeting and a final total will be available later in the week.

I would like to thank all the members who have been prompt with their dues payment and those who either sold or purchased raffle tickets, you make the position of treasurer an easy one.

To the members who have failed to pay dues or help with the raffle I'm sorry that you don't have the motivation to help out this organization. You will be contacted shortly about your membership dues and if you would like to continue being associated with the Emerald Society.