On October 14, 2025, Life Member and Firefighter III Martin A. Hammond, III (“Marty”) received the Anne Arundel County Volunteer Firefighters Association’s Outstanding Member of the Third Quarter of 2025.
Marty joined the Odenton Volunteer Fire Company (OVFC in April 1994) as he was graduating from high school. He achieved Firefighter II certification in less than two years and averaged 400 fire and ambulance responses annually for five years.
Marty was hired by the Anne Arundel County Police Department in October 1998. As is common, he had to scale back his operational participation at OVFC. However, Marty continued to maintain his certifications, complete all required training and satisfy all OVFC membership requirements. During this period, he was chairperson of the Social Committee for over 15 years and was also on the Membership Committee for two years, including chairperson for one year.
Marty returned to operational status in October 2023 after nearly a 15-year hiatus and retirement as a police officer. He worked aggressively to refresh his skills, get familiar with our current equipment, and learn the latest policies and procedures. He began the process to be certified to drive OVFC’s two fire engines and 100’ ladder truck. In May 2024, Marty was certified to operate OVFC’s engines and a month later our ladder truck. He then became the volunteer apparatus driver on the Monday night crew, enabling a second suppression unit to be placed in service when volunteer staffing was available.
Marty ran for the Board of Directors and was elected in December 2024. When Marty took over as the hall manager, he worked with the company lawyer and several other people to kick into high gear the rental of our hall after a long period of not renting the hall because of previous problems. Largely due to Marty’s efforts, OVFC is now able to rent its facilities to the general public, which will be a great source of revenue.
Marty is a one-man social committee. He has brought back the tradition of the company Super Bowl Party at the station and coordinates OVFC days at Navy football home games. He is a motivating force in the company. He has increased the operational capabilities, enhanced our administrative functions, and boosted our morale.
If you wish to become a member of the OVFC please visit our membership page –> HERE.
