The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce posthumously honored Eugene Cervi with its 2026 Volunteer of the Year Award during the 59th Annual Autumn Glory Festival Kick-Off Reception & Dinner, held Wednesday, October 7, at the McHenry Lodge at Wisp Resort. BILT Construction is the Title Sponsor of the 59th Annual Autumn Glory Festival.
Cervi was recognized for a remarkable lifetime of service to the Deep Creek Volunteer Fire Company, Camp Caring, and the Garrett County community, including 40 years of dedicated service as a volunteer firefighter.
The Volunteer of the Year Award was reimagined by the Chamber this year to recognize individuals whose volunteer service has made a significant and lasting impact on Garrett County. Previously focused on Chamber volunteers, the award was expanded to recognize those who give their time and talents to nonprofit organizations, charitable causes, civic groups, schools, faith-based organizations, and community initiatives throughout the county.
The change generated an outstanding response, with the Chamber receiving 12 nominations representing individuals serving a wide variety of organizations and causes throughout Garrett County. The number and quality of nominations reinforced the tremendous spirit of volunteerism that exists throughout the community and the value of expanding the award to recognize it.
After reviewing the nominations, the Chamber’s Diplomats Committee selected Cervi for the 2026 honor.
For 40 years, Cervi faithfully served the Deep Creek Volunteer Fire Company, holding positions including Captain, Chief Engineer, and member of the Board of Directors. His service was not defined by titles alone. During the final decade of his life, Cervi consistently led the company in participation and was on track to do so again in 2026. Each year, he attended or responded to at least 70 percent of the company’s emergency calls, meetings, and functions.
“For 40 years, Eugene Cervi faithfully served the Deep Creek Volunteer Fire Company, never seeking recognition but always answering the call,” said Joshua Hook, President, Deep Creek Volunteer Fire Company. “As Captain, Chief Engineer, and our top responder for the last decade, Eugene led not simply by title, but by example. He gave his time, his knowledge, and himself in service to others. Eugene was the epitome of servant leadership—a man who understood that true leadership is found not in being served, but in serving others.”
That extraordinary commitment was made even more remarkable by Cervi’s dedication to his family. For many years, he cared for his disabled spouse while continuing to answer emergency calls and fulfill his responsibilities with the fire company. Despite the countless hours he gave to the department and his community, those closest to Cervi say his priorities were always clear. His family came first, with the fire company a very close second.
When his pager sounded, however, Cervi could be counted on to answer.
“When people call 911, it is most likely the worst day of their life. If the Deep Creek VFC responded, chances are, they met Eugene,” said Robert Hook, Chief, DCVFC. “On their worst day, I would like to think that Eugene made many people’s worst day a little less difficult. Eugene was one of those people that never got mad, upset, held grudges, or spoke negatively about anyone. No matter what, when his pager went off, Eugene just showed up and helped people. Eugene always put everyone’s needs before his, which not only made himself a great volunteer firefighter, but an even better human being. The world could definitely use more people like Eugene.”
Cervi’s contributions to the Deep Creek Volunteer Fire Company went far beyond responding to calls. He possessed an extraordinary amount of knowledge about fire apparatus, more than anyone around him, according to those who served alongside him. His experience was so extensive that he could often troubleshoot a problem without ever looking under the hood. He simply understood the trucks, how they operated, and what they needed.
When Cervi spoke, people listened. He had a unique ability to analyze a problem, consider the situation, and offer guidance rooted in years of experience. His advice carried weight because it was built on knowledge, wisdom, and a lifetime of service.
Just as importantly, Cervi shared that knowledge with others. He spent countless hours teaching and mentoring fellow firefighters, helping solve problems and passing along the experience he accumulated during four decades of service. His knowledge cannot easily be replaced, but the experience he shared with generations of firefighters remains an important part of his legacy at the Deep Creek Volunteer Fire Company.
Cervi’s volunteerism was not limited to the fire service. He was also a pillar of Camp Caring, an organization in Garrett County dedicated to providing a special day of activities and fellowship for children with disabilities.
His impact on Camp Caring was especially evident following his passing, when the group gathered at the Southern Garrett County Rescue Squad in August to honor his memory. Stories shared that day reflected Cervi’s generosity, kindness, and willingness to help others and demonstrated just how deeply his service had touched the lives of those around him.
A lifelong truck driver, Cervi spent much of his career working with the local union on pipeline projects. His roots in Garrett County ran deep, beginning with his father and mother, who made the county their home and established a family connection that would continue for generations.
Cervi lived in Oakland for many years before making McHenry his home during the last decade of his life. Garrett County was more than simply where he lived. It was home. It was where he built his life, raised his family, formed lasting friendships, and devoted countless hours to serving his community.
Cervi passed away in the line of duty on July 6, 2026.
Although his service ended that day, the lessons he taught, the people he helped, and the example he set continue to influence the department and community he served.
“A hero is not measured by the uniform he wears, the fires he fights, or the years he serves,” Jason King, Fire Chief (Retired). “A hero is measured by the lives he touches, the burdens he carries for others, and his willingness to answer the call—even when carrying burdens of his own. Eugene Cervi lived his life answering that call. His boots may now be empty, but his footsteps remain—in the lives he touched, the community he served, and the example of selfless volunteerism he left for all who follow.”
Through four decades of answering calls, mentoring firefighters, caring for his family, supporting Camp Caring, and simply showing up whenever his community needed him, Cervi embodied the purpose behind the Chamber’s newly reimagined Volunteer of the Year Award: recognizing those who give of themselves to make Garrett County a better place.
Eugene Cervi not only faithfully served his community, but was a devoted servant to his family and friends. His unwavering love, loyalty, and commitment to others were reflected throughout his life. His legacy of service will continue through the firefighters he mentored, the people he helped, and the community to which he devoted so much of himself.
For more information about the 59th Annual Autumn Glory Festival, please log onto visitdeepcreek.com/autumnglory or call 301.387.4386.
