Last week, the Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System (LC-CFRS) held their Annual Awards and Recognition Ceremony to honor Loudoun's first responders, staff, and citizens, who made dramatic contributions to the life and safety of our community. Local first responders, their families and friends gathered to celebrate the accolades of all the awardees. Past Assistant Chief of Loudoun Volunteer Rescue Squad Stevan Porter emceed the ceremony as Chair Phyllis Randall expressed her gratitude to all the honorees. The awards and commendations were presented by System Chief Keith Johnson, Assistant Chief James Williams, Assistant Chief Travis Preau, Rescue Chief Kathy Harasek (Sterling Volunteer Rescue Squad), Chief Scott Maple (Purcellville Volunteer Fire Company), and Medical Director Dr. John Morgan. LC-CFRS congratulates the following individuals on their honorable and prestigious achievements:
The Clark J. Deener Memorial Award was presented to Deputy Chief Micah Kiger for his significant contribution to the development of our Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in Loudoun County.
The Leo C. Kelly ALS Instructor Award was awarded to Technician/Paramedic Amanda Smith. This award, recognized Technician Smith, an Advanced Life Support Instructor, for her dedication and commitment to Emergency Medical Services training.
The Robert W. “Hap” Arnold BLS Instructor Award was presented to Firefighter/EMT Andrew Bredow for his dedication and commitment to Emergency Medical Services training for members of the LC-CFRS.
Four individuals were presented with the "Hall of Fame Award" for their many years of service and outstanding contributions furthering the advancement of Fire and EMS services in Loudoun County. Hall of Fame Awardees include retired Paramedic Nick Croce, Lieutenant Patti Collins-Bliss, Past Chief Michael O’Brien, and Lieutenant Mark Wynkoop.
The John C. Carr, Jr. Memorial Award was presented to Lieutenant Patti Collins-Bliss and Chief
Richard “Rick” Pearsall and recognizes their outstanding leadership and achievements during their service within the Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System.
The Fire Instructor of the Year Award was presented to Technician Keith Lee-Diamond and President Josh Townsend, both experienced Fire Instructors, who demonstrated dedication and commitment to fire suppression training for the members of the Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System.
The Life Saving Award recognizes members of the LC-CFRS for conspicuous gallantry and bravery at the risk of life, above and beyond the call of duty that directly resulted in saving a life. Captain Dan Shealy, Lieutenant Jake Everly, Lieutenant Andrew Fields, Lieutenant Jason Ilowite, Technician Ethan Burns, Technician Aaron Estep, Firefighter/EMT Christopher Cloud, Firefighter/EMT Christopher Hebert, Firefighter/EMT Christopher Jenkins, Firefighter/EMT Bryan Jennings, Firefighter/EMT Jacob Keck, Firefighter/EMT Aaron Mundt, Firefighter/EMT Shawn Nugent, Firefighter/EMT Noah Wing were presented with this award due to their life-saving actions on an emergency incident.
The Meritorious Service Award was presented to Captain Lindsay Jacobs, Firefighter/EMT Aaron Mundt and Firefighter/EMT Shawn Nugent and recognizes members for conspicuous gallantry and bravery at the risk of life, above and beyond the call of duty, in action involving either fire ground operations or emergency medical services, or under extreme emergency circumstances that directly resulted in the saving of a human life.
The System Recognition Award was presented to Deputy Chief Jamie Cooper, Deputy Chief Michael Nally, Battalion Chief Daniel Neal, Lieutenant Andrew Tarbell, Lieutenant Dustin George, Technician Alan Turner, Firefighter/EMT Steven Young, Captain John Bolland, Retired Deputy Chief Linda Hale, Captain William “Bud” Herndon, Assistant Fire Marshal Joshua Hottle, Investigator Dillon Huss, Investigator Michael Kenyon, Investigator Christopher Mount, Canine Dolley in recognition of their significant contributions, within their individual areas of expertise, which promoted the efforts of the Fire and Rescue System.
The System Chief’s Recognition was presented to Lieutenant Andrew Tarbell for his contributions or actions to promote and enhance the efforts of the Fire and Rescue System. During the calendar year of 2021, Lieutenant Andrew Tarbell developed and coordinated many training initiatives for LC-CFRS to include weekly callback drills, MAYDAY Trainings, Apparatus Operator School, and most recently the Officer Development School. Lieutenant Tarbell’s hard work and dedication to training has notably reenforced that the basic skills in the fire service reduces injuries, save lives, and allows personnel to be more efficient at their job.
The EMS Provider of the Year Award was presented to Firefighter/Paramedic Ashley Mixell and Advanced EMT Sher Afgan both of whom demonstrated outstanding performance and dedication in their firefighting duties, exemplifying the highest traditions of the Fire and Rescue System.
The Firefighter of the Year Award was presented to Firefighter/Paramedic Gerry Cook and Firefighter Simon “Jona” Okoth both of whom demonstrated outstanding performance and dedication in their duties, exemplifying the highest traditions of the Fire and Rescue System.
The Civilian of The Year Award was presented to Danielle Brosan, LC-CFRS’s EMS Cost Recovery Manager, and HIPAA Compliance Officer of the System, who demonstrated outstanding performance, strong leadership, and dedication in her duties, exemplifying the highest traditions of the Fire and Rescue System.
The Fire Investigator of The Year Award was presented to Assistant Fire Marshal Joshua Hottle who demonstrated outstanding performance in the day-to-day execution of his duties and dedication to professionalism and service, keeping with the highest traditions of the Fire and Rescue system.
The Officer of the Year Award was presented to Lieutenant Christopher Grubb and Lieutenant Karam Mashaal both of whom routinely demonstrated outstanding performance and dedication in their duties as officers, exemplifying the highest traditions of the Fire and Rescue System.
The Recruitment and Retention Award, previously known as the Leadership Award, was presented to Christy Barakat for her leadership and contributions whose impact greatly influenced newer members of the Fire and Rescue System.
The Administrative Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to Chaplain Jim Jones and honors a volunteer member of the system who, in the performance of administrative/non-operational duties, exemplifies outstanding performance in the execution of their duties and their outstanding service and dedication which are keeping with the highest traditions of the Fire and Rescue system.
The Telecommunicator of the Year Award was presented to Jessica Eldred and honors a Telecommunicator who demonstrates outstanding performance in the execution of their duties and their dedication to professionalism and service.
Length of Service Awards are presented to System Members who have completed 25 or more years of service in Loudoun County. Thank you and congratulations to the following on their years of service:
Bill Lyden, 25 years, Sterling Volunteer Rescue Squad
Sherilee Gode, 30 years, Sterling Volunteer Rescue Squad
James Burke, Jr., 35 years, Sterling Volunteer Rescue Squad
Robin Davis, 35 years, Sterling Volunteer Rescue Squad
Doug Rambo, 40 years, Sterling Volunteer Rescue Squad
A recording of the event in its entirety can be viewed here along with additional photos from the event.