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Fire and Rescue

Posted on: April 9, 2019

Fire and Rescue System Honors 2018 Awardees

Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System Awards and Recognition

            On Monday, April 8, 2019, the Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System (LC-CFRS) held its 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.

           Nearly two hundred first responders, their families and friends filled the board room at the Loudoun County Government Center to celebrate the accolades of all the awardees. Assistant Chief Stevan Porter emceed the ceremony as Board of Supervisors Chair Phyllis Randall expressed her gratitude to all of the honorees. The awards and commendations were presented by System Chief Keith Johnson, Assistant Chief James Williams, Acting Assistant Chief Kevin Wright, Rescue Chief Al Pacifico, Chief Scott Maple and Medical Director Dr. John Morgan.

            The Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System (LC-CFRS) congratulates the following individuals on their honorable and prestigious achievements:

            The Clark J. Deener Memorial Award was presented to Lieutenant/Paramedic John Rice 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 Captain/EMS Supervisor Troy Gittings. This award, recognized Captain Gittings, an Advanced Life Support Instructor, for his dedication and commitment to Emergency Medical Services training.

            The Robert W. “Hap” Arnold BLS Instructor Award was presented to retired Lieutenant John Grant for his dedication and commitment to Emergency Medical Services training while serving as a Lieutenant assigned to the Training Academy

            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 Captain/Paramedic James Cromer, Master Technician Richard Reeves, Battalion Chief Daniel Neal, and Chief Rick Pearsall.  

            The John C. Carr, Jr. Memorial Award was presented to Assistant Chief Buddy Colby and past Chief Kenny Lawson 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 Lieutenant Jeff Johnson, a Fire Instructor, for his dedication and commitment in fire suppression training for the Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System.

            The Life Saving Award recognizes a member or 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. Emergency Medical Director Doctor John Morgan, Captain/Paramedic Nicole Artisst, Firefighter/EMT Scott Adams, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Olivia Bixler, Firefighter/EMT Gerald Cook, Firefighter/EMT Brady Harden, Firefighter/EMT Patrick Hargrove, Lieutenant/Paramedic Edward McMichael, Firefighter/EMT Schwarzenegger, and Lieutenant Alex Szuchnicki were bestowed with this award as a result of their life-saving actions on an emergency incident.

            The System Recognition Award was presented to EMS Training Manager Michelle Beatty, Captain Greg Zalenski, Captain Scott Lantz and Lieutenant Dustin George 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 Commendation was presented to Firefighter Wes Howard and Firefighter/Paramedic Tyler Moxley for their contributions or actions to promote and enhance the efforts of the Fire and Rescue System. Firefighter Howard and Paramedic Moxley demonstrated consideration and care above and beyond the call of duty when they spotted a young lady in distress along the side of the roadway. Their engagement with this individual encouraged her to reach out to a family member in her time of distress and avoided what most certainly could have been a tragic incident. “These acts of care and compassion are something they our System Members display each and every day, often without recognition. Firefighter/Paramedic Moxley and Firefighter Howard are just two examples of the outstanding service that our members provide to the citizens of Loudoun County” said System Chief Johnson.

            The EMS Provider of the Year Award was presented to both Lieutenant/Paramedic Chris Grubb and EMS Lieutenant Connor Rodenbough whom demonstrated outstanding performance and dedication in their duties, exemplifying the highest traditions of the Fire and Rescue System.

            The Firefighter of the Year Award was presented to Firefighter/EMT Edward Jackson and Firefighter/EMT Jesse Ralston 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 Michelle Redman, LC-CFRS’s Logistics Manager, and administrative member of the System, whom demonstrated outstanding performance and dedication in her duties, exemplifying the highest traditions of the Fire and Rescue System.    

            The Officer of the Year Award was presented to past Chief William Graham and Captain Sam Myers whom demonstrated outstanding performance and dedication in their duties, exemplifying the highest traditions of the Fire and Rescue System.                    

            The Recruitment and Retention Award, previously known as the Leadership Award, was presented to Vice President/EMT Dawn McKenna for her leadership and contributions whose impact greatly influenced newer members of the Fire and Rescue System.

            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:


Russell Furr, 25 years, Aldie

Barbara Murphy, 25 years, Ashburn

Stanley Murphy, 25 years, Ashburn

Sue Williams, 25 years, Aldie

Bernard Boteler, 30 years, Aldie

Todd Wenner, 30 years, LCFR

Kevin Wright, 30 years, LCFR

Michael Carter, 35 years in Aldie, 30 years with LCFR

Richard Reeves, 35 years, Purcellville

Thomas Williams, Sr., 40 years, Aldie

Kenneth Lawson, 45 years, Ashburn

John “Jeff” Flippo, 50 years, Aldie

Louis “Buzzy” Carter, 55 years, Aldie

Event photo's...
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