The members of the Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department and Board of Directors elected a new slate of leadership for 2021, a group of dedicated volunteers passionate about our organization and our future growth.
At the December annual meeting, Ryan Pidgeon was elected by the membership to a two-year term as Fire Chief. Ryan joined the HVFD in August 2011 as a live-in member. He rose through the ranks and led the HVFD’s operational efforts when the COVID crisis hit in March, including overseeing our internal task force. He also played a key role in securing a Federal Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) for a new decontamination machine and related personal protective equipment.
“I am very honored to have the opportunity to serve the department as your Fire Chief,” Pidgeon said. “I look forward to working with all of you in learning and growing together to ensure that we continue to protect the community to the best of our abilities. It is my mission to continue on the great legacy in which our predecessors worked to create. Through team work and dedications the HVFD will remain leaders in the fire service for many more years to come.”
Pidgeon is originally from Oneonta, New York and is a full-time firefighter with the National Institutes of Health. Greg Smith will serve as the Deputy Chief.
Longtime Life Member Kevin King was elected to the role of President by the HVFD’s Board of Directors. Kevin has been a member of the department since 1992, serving on the Board of Directors and as Vice President the past four years.
“The sense of community and family which I received from Hyattsville made me the person I am today, ” King said. “I am honored to be the President of the greatest fire service organization in Prince Georges County. The leadership preceding me created an outstanding foundation and large shoes to fill and I shall do my best to continue their legacy by seeking their guidance on matters of the department.”
Kevin is an IT professional with the District of Columbia government.
Kevin takes the reins from Thomas Falcone, who served as President since late 2013 and did not seek re-election, making him the second longest-tenured President in last 40+ years. A life member since 1992, Falcone has served in just about every operational and administrative role within the HVFD including Assistant and Deputy Fire Chief, Vice President, Chairman of the Board, Board Member and numerous other positions and committees.
Falcone was elected by the Board as Vice-Chair for 2021 to assist in the transition, filling the last year of King’s board position. He will support the leadership transition and continue to work on special projects.
Iannone joined the HVFD in 1987 and served in numerous operational and administrative roles including as a Fire/EMS Lieutenant, Fire Marshal, Board Member and Board Chairman. He will continue as an advisor on recruitment, LOSAP and other administrative functions.
Also elected by the membership and returning active to the HVFD is Life Member and former Deputy Chief Matthew Leonard. Leonard’s experience operationally and as a live-in member will serve the organization well. He has been a member of the department since 2005.
Longtime board member John Carey was elected to fill a board position left by Pidgeon. Carey is the department’s primary liaison with the county Fire Commission. He is also a life member and the longest-tenured board member. Carey joined the department in 2002.
“The HVFD is in great hands moving forward with our new leadership,” Falcone said. “I’m proud of the legacy our organization has with its long history of fire and EMS service leaders who have spread their wings across the country. We are positioned well to face the challenges of today’s volunteer fire service and continue to grow in 2021 and beyond.”
