In late May, Gov. Robert F. McDonnell proclaimed June 2-8 as the first-ever Fire and Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Memorial Week in Virginia.
Just last week, our country and Commonwealth remembered on Memorial Day those soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines who have given their lives in defense of the nation. It is fitting that we also honor
those who have given their lives as members of Virginia’s Fire and EMS community.
During this inaugural commemoration, Virginia will honor firefighters and EMS personnel who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their neighbors, their communities, and their fellow citizens.
Additionally, it is an appropriate time to remember the more than 200 firefighters and EMS personnel who have been recognized by the Virginia Line of Duty Death Act since 1883.
Today, the work of these fallen heroes is carried on by more than 36,000 EMS providers and 125,171 career and volunteer firefighters throughout the Commonwealth. In 2012, these valiant Virginians responded to 79,000 fire calls and 1,217,791 EMS calls.
In our own region, we remember Paramedic Joshua Weissman of the Alexandria Fire Department, who gave his life on February 9, 2012. We also remember Technician Mark Baban of the Fairfax County Fire Department, who made the ultimate sacrifice on January 30, 2012.
In Prince William County, we are blessed by the splendid public service of our own Department of Fire and Rescue, consisting of more than 500 personnel led by an outstanding and dedicated public servant, Chief Kevin J. McGee.
During Fire and EMS Memorial Week, all citizens are encouraged to remember fire and emergency medical personnel who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their community and to pay their respects to the survivors of our fallen heroes.
These heroes have earned our lasting respect. We should give no less.
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To celebrate Air Quality Awareness Week (May 6-10, 2024), Clean Air Partners is working with A Few Cool Hardware Stores to exchange DC, Maryland and Virginia residents’ gas-powered lawnmowers, trimmers, and leaf blowers at select Ace Hardware locations in the region. DMV residents who turn in their gas-powered lawn tools will receive a FREE Ego Power+ replacement including batteries and chargers, while supplies last.
Compared to gas, electric lawn equipment can reduce emissions, noise pollution, health risks and maintenance costs and time. The program aims to remove about a hundred gas-powered polluting tools from yards in the greater Baltimore-Washington region.
The exchanges will take place the weekends of May 17-19, 2024, and May 31-June 2, 2024, at A Few Cool Hardware Stores network of employee-owned Ace Hardware stores in the DC and Baltimore metro areas. To participate and get your free Ego Power+ lawn tool, sign up at https://qrco.de/CAPExchange to reserve your tool and select your trade-in date and location.
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Free Irish Music Concert
Welcoming Spring with music from the Emerald Isle, the New Dominion Choraliers offer a FREE concert on Saturday, April 27 at 7:30 p.m. at the First United Presbyterian Church of Dale City.
Joined by Legacy Brass and members of Old
Spring Ceili: An Irish Music Festival
The New Dominion Choraliers of Prince William County and McGrath Morgan Academy of Irish Dance invite you to join them at our Ceili, a grand celebration of Irish music and dance.
A gathering of performance groups throughout Prince William County
