Patch recognizes people or groups with a People of the Year award for their contributions to Havre de Grace in 2011. Nominees were submitted by Patch readers via a submission form, email or on Facebook. 

SCOTT HURST
Scott Hurst is the man at the helm of the city's volunteer fire department, the Susquehanna Hose Company.

Chief Hurst, a career firefighter in Prince George's County, oversees a crew of more than 100 volunteer firefighters in Havre de Grace.

In 2011, Hurst was a constant presence at City Hall, speaking out for public safety and playing an instrumental role in getting legislation passed by Havre de Grace City Council mandating carbon monoxide detectors in all city residences powered by fossil fuels. Hurst also offered to donate detectors to Harford County Public Schools, but was denied despite ongoing efforts to improve safety in the city's schools.

He also coordinates a number of fundraisers, including the first Duck Dunk, scheduled for Jan. 21.

Dena Cardwell, who was among those nominating Hurst for Person of the Year consideration, offered the following:

"For all he does for the community. He juggles being Fire Chief of this town, being a career firefighter, as well as husband and father. I personally do not know when this man gets any sleep. I can call him at anytime to get answers to questions I need. He has worked extremely hard to make this community a safe one. The list this man has done is a mile long, just the fact he is responsible for the lives of all the volunteer firefighters in this town and he does it without any compinsation says a whole lot!!"

Hurst, 39, is tireless in his community efforts in Havre de Grace, coordinating the volunteers of the Susquehanna Hose Company in not only public safety initiatives, but also in volunteerism behind the scenes for some of the city's larger events—such as the Christmas parade and tree lighting, and the New Year's Eve Duck Drop. The Hose Company has also provided support for motorcycle memorial rides on Interstate 95 and in welcoming Maryland Army National Guard troops home.

Hurst, a Havre de Grace High School alum, is a huge Ravens fan. Hurst has two daughters, and he and his wife, Amy, live in Havre de Grace.

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