Queen Is Fourth Generation In Company

ROCKY RIDGE -- In the early years of the Rocky Ridge Volunteer Fire Co., Kenneth Mathias was one of its members.

More than half a century later, the fourth generation of his family is involved in the company.

Kelsey Mathias, 10, joined the company's junior officers program about a year ago.

Being in the fire service is a family tradition.

Besides her great-grandfather, her grandparents, Dennis and Paula Mathias, and her parents, Melissa and Jamison Mathias, are involved in the company.

Kelsey was also recently named Little Miss Fire Prevention Rocky Ridge.

"I was happy," she said. "Excited. I'm glad I did it."

The contestants were judged on interview skills and answering questions on fire prevention. She was one of two company volunteers to win a title. Clay Hovermale, 6, was named Little Lieutenant Fire Prevention.

The Emmitsburg Elementary School fifth-grade student decided to enter the contest because she wanted to help the company. So far, she has helped at a bingo event and appeared at the Union Bridge Volunteer Fire Co.'s parade.

She hopes to get into the fire service when she turns 16.

Besides school and her company duties, Kelsey loves riding horses and playing with her friends and sister.

Copyright 2009 The Frederick News-Post. All rights reserved.