Dixon Steps Down as Volunteer Trumpet Editor

For nine years, I have served as the editor of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association (MSFA) newsletter, The Volunteer Trumpet.  But the summer 2020 issue, which usually coincides with the annual firefighters’ convention in Ocean City, is my last number as I step down as editor.  I am pleased during this nearly ten-year term to have had the opportunity to steer the course of the Maryland Fire Service publication while strengthening its content.

Once I accepted the opportunity offered to me by Past President John Denver, I received critical help getting acclimated to the MSFA as I figured out how to pull together the first issue, learned how to find contributors, and worked within the Association.  In addition to President Denver, Chief Richard Smith from the executive committee oriented me to the operation, providing valuable contacts around the state, while also outlining expectations. Most importantly, Chief Smith’s ongoing guidance and support as I climbed a steep learning curve with the first couple of issues were essential in helping me transition effectively into the post.  This help from two of the organization’s executives was critical for the successful launch of a new editor, and it carried me through more than 50 issues. 

We had a strong group of contributors, columnists, and photographers gathering newsworthy material from around Maryland, over this period.  So, as I write my final editor’s column, I want to acknowledge the work of the regular correspondents. They made the Volunteer Trumpet while giving us a chance to share amazing Maryland fire service stories, showcase the work of the volunteer fire departments, and present Association activities.

Chief Clarence “Chip” Jewell’s popular Firehouse Logbook added immensely to the periodical. Our senior columnist produced informed fire service commentary, history, and timely, thoughtful opinions in his regular spot in these pages. 

Jim Jarboe, one of our most recognizable contributors as our artist in residence, provided timely safety reminders. He also kept readers sharp by challenging them with his Wally Quizzes, “Are you as smart as the old-time fire chief.” These were things the readers looked for on these pages.

MSFA PIO Ron Watkins diligently covered his beat, the Association. He kept us up-to-date on MSFA news and covered local happenings in central and western Maryland.

We also were fortunate to be able to showcase the excellent work of two Maryland Fire Service Photographers, Bruce Secrist, and Neving Steffy.  They provided high-quality on-location coverage, supplying images that told the story on the Eastern Shore.  The excellent work through the lens of these photographers often occupied prominent spots on these pages. 

And Heidi McPherson served as a copy editor, proofreading submissions and keeping an eye on me, too.  From MIEMSS, Jim Brown provided news, and from the State Fire Marshal, Brian S. Geraci had his regular updates.

I am grateful to our regular contributors and those who occasionally submitted items.  It’s been a privilege to serve as editor of this publication for the past nine years. 

Of course, this final year presented challenges as the coronavirus grew from a distant global event to a public health emergency that largely shut Maryland down as Governor Hogan issued stay-at-home orders to stop the spread of the virus.  This upended the convention, the focus of our June issue.

So, with the closing of this volume, I am also delighted to pass the torch to a capable new editor, Jonathan Dayton.  Editor Dayton will do excellent work guiding the Volunteer Trumpet through the next stage of its development, and I wish him all the best.  It has been my pleasure to contribute to the Trumpet over the years.