News

First, we would like to recognize Captain Harvey Booth (Paramedic/Firefighter ) for his dedicated service and leadership as our Career Captain since 2019. Captain Booth’s service to OPVFD spans 39+ years, beginning as a volunteer member before the age of 18 and continuing through decades of and career service.

While Captain Booth was already serving as a Captain prior to 2019, that year marked the beginning of his role leading and managing OPVFD’s career staff. Since that time, he has provided steady leadership, experience, and guidance to our personnel and the department as a whole. As he transitions into the role of D Shift Lieutenant, he will continue to serve OPVFD while also providing guidance and mentorship to our newly promoted Career Captain, Paramedic/Firefighter Trey Heiser.

We are proud to congratulate Captain Heiser on his promotion to Career Captain. Captain Heiser has served OPVFD for 16 years in both part-time and full-time roles and previously served as a D Shift Lieutenant with our department. In addition to his service with OPVFD, he has also served as Fire Chief of the Snow Hill Volunteer Fire Department and currently serves as their 1st Assistant Chief. His experience, leadership, and commitment to the fire service make him well prepared for this next chapter.

OPVFD is also proud to announce the promotion of Paramedic/Firefighter Melissa Bragg to B Shift Lieutenant. Lieutenant Bragg has been an employee of OPVFD for 15 years and has served in an acting leadership capacity on and off for some time. In addition to her service with OPVFD, Melissa brings a wealth of professional experience and leadership through her work with the Professional Firefighters of Maryland, where she regularly meets with local and state leaders to advocate for firefighter health and safety.

Please join us in thanking Captain Booth for his years of leadership as Career Captain and congratulating Captain Heiser and Lieutenant Bragg on their well-earned promotions.