The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department (FCFRD) was recently honored by the Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s office with two awards for excellence based on its work over the past two years.
One honor, awarded for Outstanding Career Fire Department Response, came after local firefighters worked alongside Loudoun County firefighters to battle a “catastrophic explosion” at a Sterling home on Feb. 16, 2024.
While providing assistance to a Loudoun County team, four Fairfax firefighters “operated selflessly without regard for their own safety” by tunneling into a burning debris pile to remove trapped firefighters under the collapsed home,” the FCFRD said in a blog post announcing the awards.
“Their selfless actions led to the successful rescue of two trapped firefighters, showcasing extraordinary dedication and teamwork in the face of extreme danger,” the governor’s office said.
Caused by a gas leak, the propane tank explosion killed Trevor Brown, a firefighter with the Sterling Volunteer Fire Company, and injured 13 people, including 11 other firefighters.
A former employee of Southern States, the utility serving the home, is set to face trial this summer on an involuntary manslaughter charge after he allegedly inspected the tank and advised letting it leak out for another crew to later fix.
A report ordered by Loudoun County’s fire chief also found issues with that department’s response, including a decision not to use full personal protective equipment and failed radio transmissions.
The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department was also honored with an Excellence in Virginia Career Fire Service Training award for its role in improving training for response to electric vehicle fires.
Legislation, HB2451, was ultimately signed into law by Youngkin on March 21, 2023, resulting in the Commonwealth’s first mandated electric vehicle, lithium-ion battery awareness course.
“Their contributions have significantly improved training opportunities and emergency preparedness across Virginia,” the governor’s office said.
The awards were scheduled to be handed out during the annual Virginia Fire and Rescue Conference held in Virginia Beach on Feb. 17-22, but the ceremony got canceled due to inclement weather.
