Prince William fire and rescue held Medal Day ceremony for members

The Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue (PWC DFR) held their first Medal Day ceremony in Woodbridge to honor members of the department for their achievements.

“The members of fire and rescue provide an incredible public safety service to the community. I receive letters, emails and engage in conversations with residents telling their stories of the heroic and compassionate services provided by fire and rescue members during their time of need. Those recognized exemplify the daily commitment to exceptional service to the citizens we serve. The awards demonstrate the level of skill and valor with which we respond to each and every emergency call and how we continuously improve our service. All the award recipients have distinguished themselves in the performance of their duties,” stated PWC DFR Chief Kevin McGee in a release.

The following units and members were recognized at the event:

Unit Citation #1

Unit Citation #2

Unit Citation #3

Unit Citation #4

Unit Citation #5

Technician of the Year
Technician II Andrew Hale

Recipient of Technician of the Year Award due to an exceptional work ethic and organizational values to include:

Member of the Occupational Safety & Health Committee

Peer Fitness Representative

Attended training classes throughout the U.S. to enhance his knowledge and skills of fire and rescue services

Training Academy Instructor

Instructor and/or Facilitator (Heavy Tactical Rescue (HTR) for Training Academy & State Level)

Evaluator & Assistant Instructor (Driver Pumper Operator (DPO))

Rescue Challenge Team Representative

Author of various fire & rescue articles; published in Fire Engineering Magazine (print & online)

Instrumental in acquiring pre-demolition structures for department training

Instrumental in the development of an Engine Company Hose Line course

Officer of the Year
Lieutenant Thomas Rish

Recipient of Officer of the Year Award for the development and implementation of a training schedule, with staff, that enabled the Training Academy to perform 3 consecutive (overlapping) recruit classes within a 12 month period.

Chief’s Commendation Award 2016

Recipients of the Chief’s Commendation Award 2016 for the development and implementation of an Emergency Medical Services (EMS) “best practice” protocols and directives to better serve the citizens and medical practitioners of Prince William County. Upon completion, over 900 EMS providers, within the fire and rescue system, were trained on the new EMS protocols and practical skills requirements.

Meritorious Service Award

Recipients of the Meritorious Service Award for providing assistance with the rescue of a victim who had fallen 40 feet into a water tower.
Bronze Medal of Valor

Recipients of the Bronze Medal of Valor Award for rescuing a victim who had fallen 40 feet into a water tower.

Silver Medal of Valor
Technician II John Zappas

Recipient of the Silver Medal of Valor Award for rescuing a child from a burning vehicle.