On January 14, 2025, Vice President Erika R. Nesvold was installed as the first female President of the Odenton Volunteer Fire Company (OVFC) since the company organized on April 6, 1931.
Erika joined OVFC in June 2003 at the age of 16 while a Junior in High School. She had no background in emergency services. She began a long program of fire and medical training as she also pursued her professional career and education. Since joining, she has taken over 1000 hours of training, responded to over 3000 emergencies, served on many committees, held several leadership positions, and actively participates in community outreach programs and fundraising efforts.
The OVFC is comprised of many members of diverse backgrounds, none more so than Erika who has a doctorate in astrophysics. She is presently employed designing software for astronomical simulation games. She also runs a non-profit organization dealing with the ethical issues of space exploration and finished a book on that same subject. She’s not Dr. Nesvold at the fire station; she’s now President Nesvold.
Erika’s professional background clearly shows her commitment to education. The same has been true in her service in the fire department. She has continued a steady path of training and advancement since joining in 2003.
Erika’s first OVFC leadership position was as Assistant Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Coordinator in 2007 through 2009. As she gained more experience and training, and as her leadership skills matured, she was promoted to Lieutenant in 2014. A position she held until 14 January 2025. She was the first woman promoted to this supervisory position in the history of the fire company. She is widely respected due to her knowledge, sound judgment, calmness under pressure, and fair treatment of all members.
She was elected to the Board of Directors in 2013, 2014, and 2015 as the Recording Secretary. She prepared detailed minutes of the general membership meetings and Board of Directors meetings in a very timely manner. She served as Vice President in 2024. As a Board member, she participated in the development of policy that guided the operation and direction of the fire company. Erika has also held key positions on many important committees, including By-laws, EMS, Uniform and Honor Guard, History and Archives, social media, and Strategic
Planning. She is a CPR instructor and provides citizen CPR classes in addition to training OVFC’s members.
In spring 2021, Erika received the Central Maryland Chamber Public Safety Officer of the Year – Firefighter.
If you wish to become a member of the OVFC please visit our membership page –> HERE.