WOODBRIDGE — It’s been over a year since the Prince William County Board of Supervisors voted to overhaul the fire department.
The move gave ultimate authority to the “system chief” who is to oversee both career and volunteer firefighters and emergency services crews. Prior to the move, the volunteers largely took what the career chief said under advisement while volunteer chiefs retained most authority for their respective firehouses.
The Board made the change in response to the county’s growing population, and as fewer volunteers sign up to serve. However, despite the move, the two groups — career (paid county employees) and volunteers — aren’t working together.
“Do you have the volunteers on board,” asked Woodbridge District Supervisor Frank Principi.
“No,” replied acting Prince William County Fire and Rescue Chief Tim Keen.
“Well, you’ve been engaging them since last year, and if you don’t have them on board, it seems you have some work to do,” replied Principi.
Those words were exchanged during a work session where Keen briefed the Prince William Board on the status of a plan on July 6 to implement a 56-hour work week for fire and rescue crews. Officials argue changing the schedule from a 48-hour work week will fill gaps in coverage.
Firefighters will work three nonconsecutive 24-hour shifts and then have four consecutive days off. While Prince William is embracing the new schedule, the Arlington County fire and rescue system is moving away from it, opting for a 50-hour work week, costing taxpayers about $1 million more per year because of the need to hire additional staff.
A pilot program is in place at two Prince William County fire stations — Yorkshire and Linton Hall — where career staff is now working alongside volunteers. And they’re arguing about who sleeps where, squabbling about who gets what locker to store valuables, and quibbling over who uses the kitchen forks and knives.
That news made some Board members unhappy.
“I voted for [the new system chief model] because I don’t want to think about whose working weekends and whose not, or whose using silverware,” said Coles District Supervisor Marty Nohe. “I don’t want to micromanage this.”
Yorkshire Volunteer Fire Department Chief Jerry Deem says he’s lost people due to the new pilot program.
“Volunteers have lost interest over time due to the new model,” he said. “Many feel like they’re not needed.” Deem says that instead of showing up for their shift at 6 p.m. on weekdays, some volunteers will show up later and later because they know career staff will be there to pick up the slack.
Brentsville District Supervisor Jeanine Lawson suggested Deem recruit new volunteers that would take their duties more seriously.
Former Fire and Rescue Chief Kevin McGee will formally retire in February, though he stepped away from his duties this month. He lobbied for and won the new “system chief” model, which places 100 percent of the authority of the department under the county fire chief, a role now held by Keen as the county searches for a permanent replacement.
Under the old combined career-volunteer system, called the Fire and Rescue Association, McGee said he didn’t have the authority to make volunteers comply with his orders. Instead, volunteers reported to their respective volunteer chiefs who, in turn, collaborated with McGee but didn’t directly take orders from him.
That all changed in Summer 2017 when the Board of Supervisors adopted the new “system chief” model.
Keen, making his first appearance before the Board of Supervisors as acting fire chief, tried to reassure supervisors that he would work to bridge the gaps in his fire system, and to improve morale.
“We want to be known nationally as a combination system that is vibrant and effective,” said Keen.
As he works to achieve that goal, the department has made strides to improve response times in under eight minutes or less for advanced life support units, heavy rescue units, and water tanker units that are used in rural areas of the county developed without access to fire hydrants.
The department has also improved its staffing plan for fire engines, ensuring all engine companies are staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, according to a county press release.
Author
Recent Stories
Manassas City Council will discuss a proposed tax incentive on Monday, February 10, 2025, to support Micron Technology Inc.’s planned $2 billion expansion. The deal would extend the company’s favorable semiconductor equipment tax rate through 2035, saving Micron millions annually. The expansion, backed by $275 million from the U.S. Department of Commerce, is expected to create over 400 manufacturing jobs. City officials tout the investment as a boost for local economic growth, while residents and businesses will weigh the long-term benefits.
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for the region, warning of four to six inches of snow, with higher totals possible. Snow will begin Tuesday afternoon, intensify Tuesday evening into overnight, and could transition to a wintry mix Wednesday morning. The storm will create hazardous travel conditions, impacting Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning commutes. Another system this weekend could bring heavy rain or a wintry mix, increasing flooding risks. Think you can predict the snowfall? Comment your guess for a chance to win a prize.
A townhouse fire in Woodbridge displaced a family of five late Saturday afternoon after flames spread from the rear of the home into the attic.
Fire and rescue units responded at approximately 3:45 p.m. on Saturday, February 8, to the 3400 block of Aviary Way, near Lake Ridge Elementary School, after a resident reported seeing smoke coming from the back of their home. When crews arrived, they found smoke and flames moving up the rear of the house and into the attic. Firefighters quickly contained and extinguished the fire.
No injuries were reported, but the home sustained moderate damage. The Building Official declared the residence unsafe for occupancy. The American Red Cross assists two adults and three children displaced by the fire.
A suspect in a bank robbery on Route 3 was arrested thanks to a tip leading authorities to a Fredericksburg hotel.
Dawson
According to the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office, the robbery occurred at Truist Bank, located at 3600 Plank Road, next to Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at 11:15 a.m. A bank employee called 911 to report that a man had entered the bank and demanded money. The employee complied with the demands, and the suspect fled with an undisclosed amount of cash.
Authorities confirmed that the suspect did not display a weapon during the robbery, and no injuries were reported. Witnesses at the scene provided law enforcement with a description of the suspect’s getaway vehicle, which was identified as a copper/orange pickup truck.
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:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
