Fairfax County, Va. –– One of the best firefighters in Virginia works in Fairfax County.
Capt. Chester Waters, Jr., an 18-year veteran of the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department, will be honored this weekend at the Governor’s Fire Service Awards recognizing excellence is service.
Working at the Pentagon following the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, and then at the World Trade Center in New York City one month later are just some of the stops along the road to his award.
“I just knew the situation in New York was a lot bigger than any of us, and our union representative asked if any of us wanted to go and help in a support role and I said ‘yes,’” said Waters. “I can’t imagine what [New York City firefighters] were going though losing 300 of their brothers and sisters.”
Back in Fairfax, he realized his heart was in training new members of the fire service, and applied to work at the county’s training academy.
To date, he’s trained more than 400 people – that’s more people that work on any given day in the fire service in Fairfax County, he said.
“My goal was to bring back the pride in these organizations, and I wanted other jurisdictions to look at us as one of the premier training facilities in the region,” said Waters.
Waters had no firefighting experience when he became involved with the Fairfax organization, and says he’s worked to lead by example that anyone who has their heart in the right place can be trained to become a firefighter.
The Governor’s Fire Service Awards were established in 2002, and will be held Saturday at the Virginia Beach Convention Center.
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A Night on the Riviera
Experience a magical evening at the Embassy of France with A Night on the Riviera, an event that will transport you to the glamour of the French Riviera while celebrating the vibrant spirit of Mardi Gras!
Indulge in an exquisite selection of French wines and champagne, paired with the finest French cuisine prepared by the talented Chef of the Embassy of France. Additionally, Chef Hugh Cossard will be carving ham live, ensuring freshness and exceptional flavor. Don’t miss out on the authentic French crêpes, made to order and sure to transport you straight to the streets of Nice.
For those seeking an extra touch of exclusivity, the VIP experience includes unlimited champagne, adding an extra layer of sophistication to this festive celebration.
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
(Webinar) Diet & Dementia: Brain-Healthy Tips to Reduce Your Risk…
Did you know that your food choices can impact your risk of developing dementia?
Kick off National Nutrition Month with an educational discussion on Wednesday, March 5 at 12 PM EST with Sunday Health dementia neurologist Dr. Sara Doyle and
