FUNKSTOWN — When Ed Clopper was recognized Saturday night for 50 years of service to Funkstown Volunteer Fire Co., it was almost like a family party.

Also recognized at the fire company’s annual awards banquet at the Funkstown American Legion was Clopper’s sister, Linda Kendle; daughter, Marsha Dieterich; son-in-law, Kyd Dieterich; and Kyd’s brother, Vinson Dieterich, all of whom were honored for 25 years of service. Clopper’s son-in-law, Samuel Sarvey, was named Firefighter of the Year.

His wife, Jean, was given a plaque for allowing Clopper to spend so much time volunteering for the fire company, Ed Clopper said Sunday. She also received a dozen red roses and a fire company jacket.

Jean Clopper, also a fire company volunteer, said she knew when she married Ed Clopper that the fire company was going to be part of the deal. Ed Clopper already had about two years of service with Funkstown under his belt when the couple got married.

“My great-grandfather was a member, my grandfather was a member and my dad also was a 50-year member,” said Ed Clopper, who lives near Funkstown. With Clopper’s daughters, Dieterich and Shelley Sarvey, in the fire company, and his grandson, Nick Keller, a member, that makes six generations volunteering for the fire company.

Ed Clopper, 66, was a firefighter for the first 23 of his 50 years with Funkstown. After he recovered from a broken neck, which wasn’t related to firefighting, Clopper had to give up firefighting duties.

Clopper said he took charge of the company’s fire-prevention campaign, expanding it. He led the company’s fire-prevention efforts from 1977 to 1982.

Around 1979, he came up with the “friendly monster program,” in which he likened the sound of a firefighter breathing through a mask to the sound of Darth Vader from “Star Wars.” He taught the kids that the sound wasn’t from a monster, but from a firefighter and if they heard it in a smoke-filled area, they should head toward it.

Since 1972, Clopper has been a fire policeman for the fire company and continues to do that today. He also serves on the fire company’s board of directors.

During Saturday night’s awards banquet, Clopper received seven plaques, including one from the U.S. House of Representatives presented by U.S. Rep. Roscoe Bartlett, R-Md. He also received plaques from the Maryland Senate, Maryland House of Delegates, Washington County Sheriff’s Office, the City of Funkstown, the fire company and the Washington County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association, he said.

Also recognized for 25 years of service on Saturday were Jeb Eckstine, Alfred Larry Iseminger Jr., David Johnston, Robert Buddy Rodgers, Joseph Royce and Charles Snodderly.

Other honorees were Karl Feldmeyer (Chief Award); Matthew Koebel (Rookie of the Year); Duncan Ludwig (Cadet of the Year); Dale Hill (Top Fire Responder of the year with 449 calls); and Fire Chief David Fraley (Top EMS Responder of the Year).

STORY COURTESY OF THE HERALD MAIL

FUNKSTOWN — There was no “fowl” play Saturday afternoon as several real ducks tried to take part in the Funkstown Volunteer Fire Co.’s annual duck race.

Unfortunately for them, only toy ducks were eligible.

Watching the mallards skim along the edge of Antietam Creek just added to the fun of the annual event, which is a significant fundraiser for the organization.

About 1,500 small numbered toy ducks were sold, either at $5 each or seven for $25.

According to Chief Dave Fraley, the group hoped to realize about $4,000 following expenses.

With the blaring of the fire company’s siren, the race got under way at 2 p.m., when the colorful toy ducks were dumped into Antietam Creek from a bridge on Frederick Street.

Volunteers, some in canoes, others knee-deep in the creek, used paddles and fishing nets to spread the ducks out and keep them from getting tangled along the creek banks.

Spectators gathered near the water’s edge hoping their duck would be the first to cross the finish line just downstream from the historic stone bridge behind the fire station.

Amanda Maynard of Boonsboro won the $300 grand prize when her duck outraced the others and came in first.

Pam Snoots’ duck crossed the line second, earning the Hagerstown woman $200, and James Longmore of Hagerstown received $100 when his duck finished third.

Among the spectators was Cathy Nealis of Martinsburg, W. Va., who had a duck in the race.

“I only have one, but it’s going to win,” she said.

Nealis said she participated last year and didn’t win, but decided to give it another try on Saturday.

“My son-in-law is a volunteer with the fire company and this is a way to show support,” she said.

Larry Iseminger, who chaired the event, said this was the 10th year for the duck race.

“It’s become a popular community event,” he said. “It’s definitely more fun than most of the fundraisers we do.”

In addition to the top three winners, Iseminger said prizes including cash and gift certificates were awarded to the next 26 winners.

Iseminger said the event also included a $300 grocery raffle.