DUMFRIES, Va. — Prince William fire and rescue officials will sit on one side of the table and Dumfries-Triangle Rescue Squad leaders on the other.
That’s the way Prince William County Fire Department Chief Kevin McGee said a special taskforce assembled to review “internal organizational issues” at the Rescue Squad will conduct business. The review panel will be led by Dale City Volunteer Fire Department Chief Christopher Hool who will address Dumfries Chief Charles Derek Ester and Assistant Chief Steven Chasin.
Hool, Ester, and Chasin did not return requests for comment for this story.
McGee said the internal concerns were brought to the attention of the Prince William County Fire and Rescue Association — a hybrid group made up of the county’s 12 volunteer fire and rescue organizations and Prince William’s 506-member career fire and rescue department. McGee would not provide specifics on what the panel will review, but assured residents that it does not stem from any type of crime or injury to fire and rescue personnel.
The inquiry comes after insidenova.com in August reported Ester sent a memo to his uniformed volunteer staff banning them from patronizing Jo Jo’s Soft Serve ice cream in Dumfries. Shop owner Joseph Ruhren is set to go on trial in a Prince William County courtroom at 10 a.m. March 27, 2013 where he’ll face 14 child sex abuse charges, which include forcible sodomy, indecent liberties, and unlawful carnal knowledge of a minor.
Ruhren is a former Dumfries police officer who has been in trouble with the law several times, and now faces those charges after a 27-year-old man claimed he was sexually abused by Ruhren as a child between 1996 and 2001.
Sources told PotomacLocal.com there are concerns from members inside the Rescue Squad about Ester and Chasin’s leadership ethics and fiscal responsibility and that’s what prompted  the formation of the review panel.
Nearby Dumfries-Triangle Fire Department does not allow their uniformed volunteers to frequent establishments that serve alcohol.
“DTVFD has no formal policy regarding patronage of any specific establishment by our uniformed members with exception to those that that serve alcohol as their main source of revenue. Patronage of any establishment by our members should promote a professional image within the community and does not necessarily imply our department’s endorsement,” a department spokesman told PotomacLocal.com
It’s not clear when the inquiry panel will meet, and McGee said the internal issues will not be resolved in just one sitting. The Executive Committee meeting of the Fire and Recue Association meets at 6 p.m. at the Prince William County Government Center’s McCoart Building.
Dumfries-Triangle Rescue Squad and Dumfries-Triangle Volunteer Fire Department are the only volunteer organizations in Prince William County that do not have a combined fire and rescue operations under one roof.
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Celebrate George Washington’s birthday at the Mary Washington House on Saturday, February 22, 2025! From 11 AM to 4 PM, enjoy a day of history with costumed interpreters, free cake, and crafts for kids (while supplies last).
Meet Zara, a two-year-old sweetheart looking for a loving home just in time for Valentine’s Day. Found as a stray, Zara has quickly won the hearts of the Manassas City Animal Adoption Center staff with her affectionate nature and love for companionship.
Stafford County’s Board of Supervisors will hold its next meeting today, Tuesday, February 18, at 5 p.m. The meeting will be streamed live, and the agenda will be posted online.The board will review revisions to the Code of Performance for 2025. At the last meeting, on Jan. 7, the board learned that if they wished to add new language to the draft they worked on in 2024, they would have to re-review the entire draft Code of Performance and Ethical Standards which the By-laws Committee worked on over the summer of 2024 and consider it again for adoption.
The board requested an additional consideration that County employees would be required to take leave for any board activities, work meetings, or constituent outreach. Those leave requests would be submitted to the County Administrator for public review. This rule would likely have the most impact on the new Chairman of the Board, Deuntay Diggs, who is also a Deputy with the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office. The agenda states the requests will be considered and a new draft presented at a future meeting.
The board will review revisions to the Code of Performance for 2025. At the last meeting, on Jan. 7, the board learned that if they wished to add new language to the draft they worked on in 2024, they would have to re-review the entire draft Code of Performance and Ethical Standards which the By-laws Committee worked on over the summer of 2024 and consider it again for adoption.
The board requested an additional consideration that County employees would be required to take leave for any board activities, work meetings, or constituent outreach. Those leave requests would be submitted to the County Administrator for public review. This rule would likely have the most impact on the new Chairman of the Board, Deuntay Diggs, who is also a Deputy with the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office. The agenda states the requests will be considered and a new draft presented at a future meeting.
The board will review revisions to the Code of Performance for 2025. At the last meeting, on Jan. 7, the board learned that if they wished to add new language to the draft they worked on in 2024, they would have to re-review the entire draft Code of Performance and Ethical Standards which the By-laws Committee worked on over the summer of 2024 and consider it again for adoption.
The Occoquan Town Council is set to hold its first FY2026 budget work session on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at 7 p.m. at Town Hall.
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
