FEATURED STORY
Rising the Ranks
FSU Student-Athlete Wins "Frostburg Firefighter of the Year"
By Megan Knox '24
Evan Biddle in the firehoue and on the baseball field.
At Company 16 on Water Street, the Frostburg Fire Department relies on brave community members and those who were willing to answer a call at any hour. In a department with 150 years of service, the future of the company depends on dedicated volunteers.
This year, Frostburg State University student Evan Biddle is one of those dedicated firefighters and was recognized for his brave efforts.
A Law and Society major, Biddle is a junior baseball player who dedicated his time to the demanding worlds of being a student athlete and a volunteer firefighter. But there are similar skills that complement each other. Baseball demands discipline, consistency and endurance. All of which is required to be a firefighter. Teamwork and keeping calm during chaotic moments are also essential skills to have whether Biddle is playing a baseball game or answering an emergency call.
With a father who served as a fire chief in New Jersey and a family of firefighter volunteers, Biddle arrived in Frostburg already prepared to join the local company. Unlike many student recruits who start as “green hats,” probationary members who must train months before they enter a burning structure, Biddle came to Mountain Maryland able to contribute almost immediately. Although he had to learn Frostburg’s network and procedures, the foundation was already there.
“I was inspired to be a firefighter from a very young age because both my mom and dad are firefighters,” Biddle said. “They actually met because of the fire service and are the reason I am here today. With two firefighters in the house, I spent lots of time in and around the firehouse when I was growing up and fell in love with it from there.”
When Biddle left New Jersey for college, he felt the absence of the familiar environment. “I wanted to fill that and continue to do what I loved even when I was away at school,” he said. “It has also allowed me to become a more well-rounded firefighter, seeing how things are done in a different state.”
The Chief of the Frostburg Fire Department Matt McMorran had a lot to say about the young volunteer.
“People like Evan don’t come around often,” McMorran said. “He’s respectful, responsible, trained and he helps us get out the door faster. He’s exactly what every volunteer department hopes for.”
And Biddle lives the life of a firefighter 24/7. He is a part of the Frostburg Fire Department’s Student Resident Program (SRP). The program houses up to five volunteer students in dormitory-style rooms across the street from the fire department. Before COVID-19, the program thrived. During the pandemic, the University shifted into lockdowns and restrictions, leaving the SRP empty. Without students living onsite, calls were slower and there were fewer hands available for responses. Now, the Frostburg Fire Department has renovated the student house, giving the program a fresh start.
“We’re definitely looking to get ‘other Evans’ to fill the house,” McMorran said. “He’s exactly the kind of person who sets the standard. We need that if we’re going to rebuild this program the right way.”
Biddle was recently awarded Frostburg Firefighter of the Year, an honor granted to only one person and is voted by the recipients of the same award for the last three years. The award recognizes members who consistently rise above expectations, show leadership and set standards for others.
Balancing the roles of a student, an athlete and a firefighter might seem impossible, but Biddle finds his footing in the chaos. “My free time is limited so it forces me to follow a regimented schedule and stay on top of things. I feel a sense of pride in being busy.”
For FSU students considering volunteering for the Fire Department, Biddle chose to give these words of wisdom.
“I would strongly encourage students if they have an interest to give it a try,” he said. “Joining the Fire Department here is a great start if you want to end up doing it as a career. And even if not, it looks great on a resume, and our live-in program is top-notch.” 🐾
For more information, visit www.frostburgcity.org/community/page/frostburg-fire-department.
Award ceremony photos courtesy of Frostburg Fire Department’s Facebook page.
