Northern Virginia firefighters and fire departments received 2022 Governor’s Fire Service Awards.
They were honored last week during the annual Virginia Fire Chiefs Association Expo and Symposium in Virginia Beach.
Firefighter of the Year
Meaghan Gruber of Loudoun County Fire and Rescue was one of two firefighters in the state to be named Firefighter of the Year.
“Among the more significant incidents Meaghan has been involved with was a fire in Purcellville, where her quick search allowed her to locate a 15-year-old girl in a 2nd floor bedroom and seamlessly coordinate rescue with her team. Her captain also made a mayday call on this incident due to low air. Firefighter Gruber’s actions saved his life, as well as the teenage girl,” said a news release from Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin.
Gruber seeks to positively impact those around her. Outside of her shift, she volunteers to train career and volunteer recruits for Loudoun County Fire and Rescue.
The other Firefighter of the Year is James Parker, who has served for more than 44 years in the Bedford Fire Department.
Excellence in Service
Honored for Excellence in Virginia Fire Services is Ryan McGill of Fairfax County Fire and Rescue. He worked on legislation to further protect firefighters from the effects of cancer.
“He has also worked closely with the Firefighter Cancer Support Network and the International Association of Fire Fighters to raise awareness and educate firefighters on best practices when it comes to limiting exposure to carcinogenic materials,” the release said.
Outstanding Fire Department Response
The Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue, the Dumfries-Triangle Volunteer Fire Department, and the Occoquan-Woodbridge-Lorton Volunteer Fire Department received recognition for the how they responded to the ice storm that left drivers on Interstate 95 stranded for more than 18 hours in January 2022.
The Northern Virginia firefighters provided food, water, blankets, and medical attention to the stranded motorists. They also cleared exit ramps.
“Through the incident command process, they dispatched assets from their task force to respond to and treat several medical emergencies. In the finest tradition of the Fire Rescue and EMS service, they answered the call without hesitation,” the release said.
Feature image courtesy Virginia Department of Fire Programs
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