Thursday September 22, 2011 at the Prince George's County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association convention two members from The Riverdale Fire Department were recognized for their contribution to the fire service.

David Sutton was inducted into the PGVFRA Hall of Fame. "Dave" started his service with The Riverdale Fire Department in October 1983 at the age of 18. Dave enthusiastically gained the knowledge and experience necessary to embark on his advancement through the ranks of the department, while skipping a few. Dave has served as Rescue Captain, Engine Captain, and Tower Captain, and is qualified to be a volunteer chief officer.

But Dave is unique. Not only has he served in the operational ranks, he has served as both President and Vice President of The Riverdale Fire Department at various times during his 28 years of service. In addition, he served as a Volunteer Fire Commissioner from 2006-2007. Not only did he represent his district, he served as the Volunteer Fire Commission's Secretary. It is rare to find individuals that have the ability to dedicate quality time and effort to both the operational and the administrative components of a volunteer fire department. Dave also started one of the first fire department websites in Prince George's County. 

Nova Johns was awarded the Joseph Chaney Memorial Trophy, for Fire Prevention. Nova joined The Riverdale Fire Department in January of 2005. She is an EMT-B/Firefighter and currently serves as Secretary, Fundraising Chair,and is the ad hoc chair of the department's Fire Prevention Committee.

Over the past few years, The Riverdale Fire Department has recognized its need to better serve the community, rather than just leaving the confines of the station when there in a run. Nova has successfully reached out to the community in several ways. Nova has recognized the need to have our fire prevention hand outs in both English and Spanish. Nova also makes sure that every month when she submits the department's article to the town's news paper that Fire Prevention is always included in every article. 

The Officers and Members of The Riverdale Fire Department are proud of these two members for their dedication to the department and to the Town of Riverdale Park.