VFW Post 304 Annapolis - Firefighter of the Year

On March 11, 2025, Michael A. Goude received the VFW Post 304 Annapolis, Firefighter of the Year award for 2024. He is a dedicated military member and holds the rank of U.S. Army Sergeant First Class.

Mike initially joined the Odenton Volunteer Fire Company (OVFC) in January 2016 and
completed the initial training to qualify as a firefighter. However, he was deployed to
Korea in early 2017 and later resigned from the company. He was reassigned to Fort
Meade in 2023 and re-joined OVFC in April 2023.

During his first “tour” with the fire company, Mike took over 150 hours of training and
responded to 46 emergency calls. When he returned to OVFC in 2023 he completed
refresher training on the OVFC fire engines, recertified in CPR and AED, and started
riding the fire engines again.

Mike then enrolled in the Emergency Medical Technician course (207 classroom hours)
which he competed in May 2024. He is now completing the process to get fully cleared
as an Ambulance Technician. Through September 30, 2024, Firefighter Goude has
worked 63 shifts totaling 712 hours and responded to 114 fire calls (8th for the
company) and 32 ambulance calls.

In addition to his operational accomplishments, Mike has joined the company honor
guard. He is also on the Retention Committee, which is responsible for implementing policies
that increase the retention and participation of the members. Mike worked extra nights at the
annual carnival fundraiser, assisted the Quartermaster, helped with the Santa Runs last Christmas, and helped at the Thursday Food Trucks fundraiser. He is always available to help when needed.

Firefighter Mike Goude is truly a versatile and valuable member.