The Carroll County Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution has honored Sykesville-Freedom District Fire Chief Glenn E. (Eddie) Ruch Jr. with their "Fire Medal."

Chief Ruch was awarded the medal in recognition of outstanding service to the Sykesville Fire Department and the Carroll County Department of Fire & EMS.

Chief Ruch was presented the award at the Fire Operations Group meeting, which he chairs, by CCDFEMS Director Michael Robinson. "“Chief Ruch is a consummate professional with a passion for excellence and assuring continuity of quality fire/rescue and EMS throughout Carroll County,” Director Robinson said.

Chief Ruch joined the Sykesville Freedom District Fire Department in 1990 and has served the department for the past 32 years. He is a graduate of the Carroll County Emergency Services Training (EST) the Carroll County Career and Technology Center where he received his initial training and state and national credentials as an EMT, Firefighter, Hazardous Materials and Technical rescuer.

Eddie has held the rank of Fire Chief since 2010, and has received many awards during his tenure, including the Shock Trauma Hero Award, and is consistently the top fire responder within the department. He is also known to make a mean funnel cake during the department's annual carnival.

Professionally, Chief Ruch entered the Maryland Office of the State Fire Marshall as a Deputy Fire Marshall. Following graduation and certification as a law enforcement officer, he was assigned throughout the state and investigated major fires. In 2008, Chief Ruch transitioned to the Frederick County Department of Fire Rescue Service where he was assigned as a fire investigator and was later promoted to the rank of Lieutenant.

In Carroll County, Chief Ruch is currently appointed to the county’s Emergency Services Advisory Council (ESAC.) This group advises the county commissioners and the Director of the Department of Fire & EMS on matters related to the development and proficiency of our countywide fire & EMS system.

Chief Ruch also chairs the Fire Rescue Operations Committee of the county system, where he leads the chiefs of the 14 fire companies of Carroll County on operational policy and procedures for the department.

Congratulations to Chief Ruch on this prestigious honor!