On Monday, August 12, 2024, fire and rescue crews from Prince William and Fairfax counties were dispatched to Mountcastle-Turch Funeral Home in Woodbridge’s 13400 block of Woodbridge Street. The call was received at 10:23 a.m. after reports of extra smoke coming from the funeral home’s chimney and garage.
Upon arrival, crews investigated the source of the smoke and found a malfunctioning crematorium. Initial information from the scene indicated that a body was being cremated at the facility. No injuries were reported in connection with the incident.
The units cleared the area at 10:40 a.m.
Mountcastle-Turch Funeral Home & Crematory provides funeral and cremation services to Woodbridge and Dale City residents.
Emergency responders from OWLVFD swiftly addressed a structure fire on Potomac Branch Drive in Woodbridge on January 20, 2024, at 10:41 p.m.
The incident involved a lamp that ignited in a bedroom. Upon arrival, crews efficiently managed the situation, successfully extinguishing the fire. Fortunately, the occupants had self-evacuated, and there were no reported injuries.
Occoquan-Woodbridge-Lorton Volunteer Fire Department is requesting donations for a firefighter suffering from ALS.
Mike Clark, a third-generation firefighter, carries forward the legacy of his grandparents, who were founding members of the Bailey’s Crossroads VFD, and his father, who served as a volunteer firefighter there.
Mike’s passion for firefighting ignited at a young age. Mike’s journey with OWL VFD commenced at the age of 16 when he joined as a junior member. Â By 1978, he had advanced to the role of a senior firefighter.
His commitment led him to earn certifications as FF I, FF II, and FF III with the introduction of standardized training by Fire Programs. Additionally, he completed the incident officer class and assumed the role of Sergeant. Mike served as a Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Captain for a cumulative nine years before earning the position of Assistant Chief. Remarkably, he held this role for 23 years.
Mike’s journey took an unexpected turn when he began experiencing speech difficulties, ultimately receiving an ALS diagnosis. Now, after 47 years of service, Mike faces both financial and physical challenges posed by ALS. Medicate does not cover the in-home nursing he requires, and extensive accessibility modifications to ensure his comfort and mobility.
On November 8, 2023, an emergency department doctor at Sentara Lake Ridge diagnosed a patient as having a heart attack. The doctor requested an ambulance to transfer the patient to Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center’s cardio catheterization lab.
Occoquan-Woodbridge-Lorton Volunteer Fire Department’s (OWL VFD) Ambulance 502 and Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue’s (DFR) Medic 520 were dispatched to the scene.
Upon arrival, the crews found the patient to be alert and oriented. As the crews prepared to move the patient to the cot, the patient’s condition deteriorated, and he lost his pulse. Crews, along with the Sentara Emergency Department staff, initiated CPR. After several rounds of CPR and defibrillating the patient, the patient regained a pulse.
Emergency crews took the to Sentara’s cardio catheterization lab, where doctors found three large vessels to be mostly blocked. On November 15, after a stay in the Sentara Northern Virginia Hospital’s ICU and at Fairfax Hospital’s Cardiology Department, the patient was discharged with no neurological deficits.
“The crews’ ability to quickly initiate CPR and work together as a team led to a positive outcome for the patient. This has allowed him more time with his family and friends, which is especially meaningful during the holiday season.”
“A lot of people were affected by this call, and the crew’s efforts have impacted not only this patient’s life but the lives of his family and friends. The hard work that our crews do every day in serving Prince William County is greatly appreciated,” added Dr. Kevin Campbell, the acting Operational Medical Director for Prince William County’s Fire and Rescue System.
During OWL VFD’s monthly company meeting on December 1, both crews were presented with CPR Save Challenge Coins by OWL VFD Rescue Chief Sandra Williams.
Crew members included:
Ambulance 502
- EMS Lieutenant Mark Powers
- Driver/EMT Steve Ostrosky
- EMT Kyle Engborg
- Recruit Blessing Gyasi
Medic 520
- Lieutenant Jeremy Bragiel
- Tech II Christopher Paul
- Tech II Eamonn Radburn
