The CPCF Chair’s Award was established to celebrate an individual, business, or organization that exemplifies service to the community. The residing CPCF Board Chair determines the recipient and presents this non-monetary award at the annual Awards Gala.

Photo by Normand Bernache

This year, Board Chair Eric Grims has selected the College Park Volunteer Fire Department (CPVFD) as the recipient of this year’s award. CPVFD has served College Park for over 90 years, and today responds to around 3800 calls annually with its two engines, foam unit, and several ambulances. This summer they added a custom designed ladder truck to their fleet, and was honored with a Best Appearing Arial trophy at the Maryland State Firemen’s Association Convention Parade in Ocean City. In 1937, together with the University of Maryland, the Department took what had been an annual short course for fireman, and created the Fire Service Extension, which would grow to become the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute, which today has more than 50 full time and 400 hundred part time faculty and serves as the state’s fire and emergency service training agency.

Part of the mission of Company 12 is to develop future leaders in the fire protection and emergency management community worldwide. It is this dedication to training and exemplary service that makes the College Park Volunteer Fire Department stand out not just in our community but around the country. CPVFD carries a national reputation as a leader in the fire and emergency service field. Alumni of this station serve all over the country as far away as the New South Wales Rural Fire Service in Australia. Members have gone on to serve as in the State Fire Marshall’s Office, the Secret Service, ATF, and in numerous police departments. Alumni member service extends to organizations like the National Fire Protection Association, OSHA, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and the US State Department. Members take their experience and training out into the world where they continue to enhance the reputation of the CPVFD and all of College Park.

Moreover, Member “volunteer” work goes well beyond nights spent on duty in the station house. They take time to teach CPR in the community, to support back to school events, host a community golf event, take on the UMPD in a basketball game to help raise funds for Terp Thon, and deliver Santa to the College Park Community Center for the annual Breakfast with Santa event.

The College Park Community Foundation (CPCF) is pleased to host the 3rd Annual College Park Mother’s Day 5k. Runners and families will make their way around a five-kilometer (3.1 mile) course around downtown College Park, Calvert Hills, and Old Town, starting and ending at College Park City Hall. The race will welcome participants of all ages and abilities and feature a special start for runners with strollers.

Third Annual College Park Mother’s Day 5K, May 7

Proceeds from this event will benefit the outreach and grant-making activities of CPCF. Each year, through a competitive application process, CPCF awards monetary grants to non-profits and service organizations that charitably serve College Park residents in three priority areas: Education, Quality of Life, and Community-Building. Since 2013, CPCF has granted more than $10,000 to more than 15 nonprofit organizations.

CPCF is offering the opportunity for registrants to participate in the “Couch to 5k” program and will offer facilitated group runs/walks between mid-March and race day.

Prizes will be awarded to the top 3 finishers in different categories (Male, Female, Overall, Stroller Runners, etc.) Prizes will include pies, as well as donations from local businesses.

Registration fees range from $20 (early bird) to $35 (day-of registration) and families will also be able to save by registering as family (of up to 3 people) at a reduced cost. Children 8 and under will race for free. Each registration includes a premium race shirt and Bibtag timing system.

To learn more and register, click here.