After Floods, Terror, the Brave Still Stand

In 1972 hurricane Agnes ravaged the area leaving Occoquan and the Woodbridge area virtually under water and the taking out the Route 1 Bridge. The headlines in the Potomac News “Botts fire station was Occoquan’s refuge” (thank you Ernest). In 2011 a storm forms in the Gulf of Mexico and dumps rain on the US, from the Gulf Coast to New England, leaving more than 12 inches of rain in Woodbridge in a 24-hour period.

Once again the members of the Occoquan-Woodbridge-Lorton Volunteer Fire Department rose to the occasion assisting or making more than two-dozen water rescues. Headlines may not have made reference to OWL, but I can tell you that the citizens, other fire departments, the police department and local politicians all took note of the services you provided Thursday night.

On September 11 2001, within moments of the worst attacks on U.S. soil, the members of this great department left their jobs, said good-by to their families, stopped what they were doing and headed for our three stations. Every fire truck, ambulance and special piece was staffed and on the road. Our units were sent north to backfill other fire and rescue stations. Eventually, through continued station transfers and dispatches, some units end up at the Pentagon. Once again our members performed admirably to say the least, no matter what their role was that fateful day.

I could go on and on with examples of events where our membership performed above the rest and demonstrated acts of heroism during natural disasters, local emergencies and even on “routine incidents”. Among all of this tragedy, there is a common theme. That common theme is the bravery, courage, dedication, honor, loyalty and sense of community service that has been displayed by the members of this department from its inception in 1938 to today. It is our job to pass these traits on to the generations that will follow us. It is our job to maintain the legacy started and carried forward by many before us. It is also our job to continue our commitments and maintain the trust of our community.

Although today is a tragic reminder of the events that unfolded ten years ago, let today also be your inspiration to continue the legacy of the greatest fire department and the greatest family anyone could ever expect to be a part of.

Let me be the first to thank you for your service, commitment and dedication to our department, our family and most importantly our community. Your commitment and professionalism are appreciated more than words can ever express.

Sincerely,

James McAllister
Department Chief
Occoquan-Woodbridge-Lorton Volunteer Fire Department