01/01/2022
Check out Allegany Magazine January edition that has a focus on local Fire and EMS, Grateful to have shot this cover photo for them.
2022...TO THE RESCUE!
INTRODUCING OUR JANUARY EDITION
As the saying goes “they’re looking for a few good men.” ...And also women.
The January 2022 edition of Allegany Magazine is one that pays tribute to and spotlights not only the volunteers at area fire and rescue squads but also the need for more of them – and for more volunteers in the community in general.
It’s a brand new year and in the new year, we often make resolutions to help out and become more involved in our community and at Allegany Magazine, we could think of no better time to feature the hard working and dedicated volunteers at our local fire and rescue companies.
I actually grew up in Ellerslie. And in Ellerslie, two things seemed to set the social and civic structure of the town – the churches and the Ellerslie Volunteer Fire Company. As a kid, if I wasn’t in the church fellowship hall for some community event, we were gathered in the fire hall.
From wedding receptions to chicken barbecues to scheduling Trick or Treat to a holiday parade, the local fire hall set the stage for much of what was just nice about growing up in a small town.
In fact our "theme" for the January 2022 issue was inspired by two local paramedics after my own medical scare a couple of years ago.
One of the paramedics who came to my aid told me then that that the local fire and rescue units – particularly those with volunteers – were in need of recruits – younger and stronger and driven men and women. They needed people with compassion for and passion to serve and save our communities.
Since we at Allegany Magazine plan months and sometimes even a year ahead, I put the topic on the ‘burner’ for 2020 – but the pandemic had other plans. And so here we are, with the edition I promised those two great paramedics we would do.
The edition even features a local fire and rescue volunteer on our cover. I know she has the "look" of a professional model but that's Kristen Smith, 19, who joined the Barton Hose Company Number One about a year ago. She is currently an Emergency Medical Technician, and certified ambulance driver.
“I work diligently to help get our ambulance out the door when there is an emergency. I have various in house duties such as cleaning and maintaining the ambulance as well as our station. At BHC, I am currently a Firefighter in training where I help the company and community in any way I can,” she says.. "I have a huge passion to help others in their time of need, and I get to do that every time I step foot on an ambulance or fire apparatus.”
The photo selected for the January 2022 Allegany Magazine cover was taken by Robert Bower of Robert Bower Productions. It is Bower’s first cover photo with us. It’s also a subject the photographer holds close to heart. Bower is a volunteer with the Corriganville Volunteer Fire Company.
“I spend a lot of my free time volunteering as an EMS Provider at Corriganville Volunteer Fire Department,” he says. “I love my fellow volunteers and being able to help the people in the community. I feel called to help others and volunteering is something that has been able to be my platform to show kindness and care to those who need help. It’s never too early or young. Volunteer stations everywhere are in need of help. I would encourage everyone to take part in their local EMS System.”
Other features inside the forthcoming edition include an “In Memoriam” tribute to Kelly Frye; a look back at the heyday of the Celanese plant; adopting pets from the local animal shelters; the Mountain Maryland Search and Rescue Team; and the vacation Albert Einstein once spent at Deep Creek Lake at the suggestion of a friend from Allegany County.
Now in our 16th year and published monthly, Allegany Magazine is available by subscription. Single copy sales are available at select retail partners in the tristate area.
Happy New Year!
Shane Riggs
Managing Editor
Allegany Magazine
January 1, 2022
