On March 20, 2023, Lieutenant Kyle Norman of the Odenton Volunteer Fire Company (OVFC) received one of the coveted Central Maryland Chamber 2023 Public Safety ‘Spirit of Community Awards’. Kyle joined the OVFC in May 2018 and is a talented and dedicated member. He recently completed his master’s degree in aeronautical engineering and works for the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab in Laurel. Kyle’s enthusiasm and commitment were evident from the day he joined. He took advantage of every available training opportunity and actively participated in various company activities. As he gained more training and experience, he took on greater responsibility and was assigned as the crew leader for the Saturday daytime shift. He also reports for duty at other times on short notice when additional staffing is needed. Based on his character, training, and experience, he was just promoted to the position of lieutenant in the Anne Arundel County Fire Department. Kyle responded on 361 emergency calls in 2022, including fires, medical emergencies, and rescues. He was the third most active responder at OVFC. He is always calm and confident in stressful situations and is a steady leader. He ensures that his crew comply with all applicable policies and procedures. In addition to his operational contributions, Kyle is on the Maps Committee, working on adapting the County’s Geographic Information System to produce the station’s response maps. Kyle has pursued an aggressive training program exceeding 650 hours over the last four years, including Incident Command System, Protective Equipment and SCBA, Hazardous Materials Operations, Firefighter I and II, Rescue Technician – Site Operations, Rescue Technician – Vehicle and Machinery Extrication, Truck Company Fireground Operations, Emergency Medical Technician and Recertification, Instructor I, The Front Seat Firefighter, Fire Officer I and II, and Emergency Vehicle Operator.
Kyle is qualified to ride all the apparatus as well as drive the ambulance. He is now certified as a Firefighter II, Vehicle Rescuer II, Fire Service Instructor I, and Fire Officer II. Kyle is an active and committed volunteer firefighter which is testimonial to his involvement in the community. In 2022 Lieutenant Norman was on duty for a total of 876 hours over 81 shifts. He also took a 30-hour training course and attended company meetings, annual carnival, open house, and other company events. He has earned much respect through his actions and attitude, and he sets a positive example for others to follow. He is a solid member of the team and continues to increase his value to the fire company.
