On Wednesday, February 22, Governor Glenn Youngkin announced the 2022 Governor’s Fire Service Awards recipients as part of the annual Virginia Fire Chiefs Association Expo and Symposium in Virginia Beach.
“I am proud to honor these remarkable fire service professionals,” said Governor Youngkin. “We celebrate and thank these first responders and support staff for their extraordinary contributions to the Commonwealth.” Among those honored were members of the Prince William County Fire and Rescue System.
Outstanding Fire Department Response
On January 3, 2022, Prince William County was hit with a major snowstorm of approximately 12 inches of snow with temperatures in the upper teens. The storm caused 48 miles of Interstate 95 north to be shut down, stranding many motorists for over 18 hours.
The Prince William County Fire and Rescue System (PWCFRS) comprises the Department of Fire and Rescue, the Dumfries-Triangle Volunteer Fire Department, and the Occoquan-Lorton- Woodbridge Volunteer Fire Department, responded to Interstate 95 and established an ad-hoc rescue and public service effort to assist the stranded motorists.
Establishing incident command, the combined efforts of the members of the PWCFRS provided food, water, and medical attention to the citizens. Using station assets, they cleared exit ramps from the highway to allow motorists to exit the Interstate. Compiling supplies from station stocks, they distributed support in food and water, and when the system’s logistics section responded, they added blankets and other aid.
“We are thrilled to receive this award for the second year in a row,” said OWL VFD Chief Wayne Haight. “It is a testament to the hard work, planning, forethought, and dedication of our volunteers committed to serving the community with the highest professionalism and care.”
Through the incident command process, they dispatched assets from their task force to respond to and treat several medical emergencies. They answered the call without hesitation in the finest tradition of the Fire, Rescue, and EMS service.
Virginia Fire Chiefs Foundation Health & Safety Award
The Prince William County Fire and Rescue System was also recognized by the Virginia Fire Chiefs Foundation for the Best Practices in Fire Service Health and Safety at the Governor’s Fire Service Awards Ceremony.
PWCFRS is a combined system consisting of career and volunteer members. The career staff switched to a 56-hour work week three years ago. During this time, the department has seen an increase in body fat at annual physicals. To counter this increase, the Health and Safety Office developed a physical fitness program that includes a quarterly assessment. The program’s goal is to bring awareness to individuals about their physical abilities, body weight, and resources available to provide improvement.
Phase II of the program will focus on the reimplementation of the Work Performance Evaluation and increase the Peer Fitness Trainer’s role in the department. Phase III will focus on outreach to volunteer organizations with wellness and fitness resources.
Recent Stories
In celebration of Theatre in Our Schools Month, the Stafford County School Board has honored two of its most inspiring theatre educators, Michael D’Addario of Stafford High School and Lisa Cover Tucci of Colonial Forge High School.
The James McCoart Building at the Prince William County Government Center. [Photo by Uriah Kiser/Potomac Local News]Prince William County’s Board of Supervisors has united in wanting to change the county’s…
Public transportation in Northern Virginia is seeing a significant rebound as ridership continues to climb on both Virginia Railway Express (VRE) trains and OmniRide commuter and local buses. However, transit leaders warn that increased demand may soon outpace available resources, especially for locally funded services.
A familiar spot on Garrisonville Road has a fresh new vibe, a new name, and a menu worth talking about.
Properly using a car seat can reduce the risk of injury or death in a car crash by a significant amount, with studies showing reductions of 71% for infants and 54% for toddlers.
Check your child safety seat with the Montgomery County Safe Kids Coalition on Thursday March 20, 2025 from 10am-12:30pm. No appointment necessary.
Fitzgerald GMC Rockville
McClung-Logan Equipment Company is hosting its 40th Annual Oyster Roast, a signature customer appreciation event celebrating tradition, community, and generosity.
This year’s milestone celebration will take place on Thursday, March 6th, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Fredericksburg Agricultural Fairgrounds.
The first Oyster Roast began as a fundraiser in 1985, led by White Oak Equipment founder Frank McCarty, to raise donations for an employee battling cancer. This turned into a time-honored tradition for individuals facing hardship.
Your Weight Matters National Convention
Hosted by the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) since 2012, this highly-anticipated gathering is the nation’s leading gathering focused on empowering individuals with science-based education, support and practical tools for managing weight and improving health.
This unique Convention truly has something
Cascade Landing Community Grand Opening
You’re invited to celebrate the Official Grand Opening of our newest community Cascade Landing in Dumfries, VA. Join us April 12th from 11 AM – 6 PM and fall for your new townhome!
Enjoy our grand opening celebration, complete with
