CONTENTS
- Message from the Fire Chief
- 2024 Overview
- Operations
- Special Operations
- Hurricane Helene Deployment
- Volunteer Fire & Rescue
- System Support
- Logistics & Fleet Management
- Community Safety & Education
- Awards & Recognition
- In Memoriam
- 2024 Data & Statistics
- Contact Us
Message from the Fire Chief
I am honored to present the Prince William County Fire and Rescue System Annual Report for 2024. This year has been one of progress, innovation, and dedication as we work to enhance public safety and serve our growing community. Since becoming Fire and Rescue Chief in May 2023, I have been inspired by the commitment of our personnel and the support of our residents. Together, we responded to over 54,079 calls for service and introduced new initiatives to better protect and serve you.
A key focus this year has been strengthening our organizational culture, both career and volunteer. We launched a SharePoint page to improve communication, increased station visits by senior staff, and established a Labor Management Committee to foster collaboration. Community events like cookouts and open houses have reinforced our connection with residents, promoting engagement and trust.
Employee wellness remains a top priority. We enhanced annual physicals with screenings for cardiac issues. We began our participation in a cancer screening study, as firefighters have a heightened risk for cancer compared to the general population. A new committee was also formed to explore potential shift changes aimed at improving overall well-being of our personnel.
To meet the needs of our expanding community, we optimized response efforts and resources. We set a goal to reduce call volume by 15,000 and trialed programs like the Community Coordinated Care (CCC), a mobile integrated health initiative for call diversion. Additionally, we expanded Emergency Medical Service (EMS) operations and created new positions, including a Division Chief for EMS, to enhance service delivery.
Professional development continues to be a cornerstone of our growth. In 2024, we expanded tuition reimbursement, increased participation in leadership programs, and placed more personnel on national committees, ensuring our team remains at the forefront of fire and rescue excellence. We are committed to expanding educational opportunities for both our career and professional staff helping to further elevate the professionalism and capabilities of our team.
We focused on data-informed decision-making and began updating our strategic plan, including collaboration with the County’s strategic planning team. This year, we also initiated quality improvement for the fire service training for the fire department’s accreditation process and launched new dashboards for response tracking.
Finally, we have strengthened community engagement through prevention and education. This year, we approved a new Emergency Operations Plan, Career and Volunteer Departments hosted our first-ever Community Expo, and expanded fire safety initiatives across the county. Moving forward, we remain committed to innovation, accountability, and the highest standards of service to protect and support our residents.
MISSION, VISION & VALUES
To protect and support our community through education, prevention and emergency response.
The Prince William County Fire and Rescue System (PWCFRS) is comprised of dedicated volunteer and career members who strive to provide exceptional services through the pursuit of inclusion, innovation and involvement.
BOARD OF COUNTY SUPERVISORS
COUNTY EXECUTIVE
FIRE & RESCUE SYSTEM COMMAND STAFF
PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY DEMOGRAPHICS
FIRE & RESCUE SYSTEM 2024 OVERVIEW
Operations
Operations handles daily emergency responses across Prince William County, with all 22 fire and rescue stations staffed 24/7. Our dedicated team, career and volunteer, respond to a wide range of incidents, including Emergency Medical Service (EMS), structure fires, gas leaks, and hazardous materials incidents. Each station is uniquely equipped to meet local needs, supporting a coordinated county-wide emergency.
Significant Incidents - Fires
Brush Fires – March 20
Multiple brush fires spread along Route 1 near the county line. Units from Prince William County, Stafford, Marine Corps Base Quantico and Fairfax worked together for several hours. Fire was contained and crews rotated for overnight monitoring.
House Fire – October 4
Units responded to a house fire with confirmed entrapment. A second alarm was called. Tragically, three fatalities occurred. Multiple agencies including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, the Fire Marshal's Office and the Red Cross assisted.
House Explosion & Fire – October 15
Crews responded to a gas leak that escalated into a house explosion. A second alarm was called. Red Cross assisted six displaced residents. Extensive overhaul followed.
Multi-Alarm Structure Fire – December 5
Heavy fire from a home extended to nearby structures, prompting a 3rd alarm. Fires involved a house, sports building, soccer field, and brush. Multiple agencies assisted. Both scenes were turned over to the Fire Marshal for investigation.
Significant Incidents - Accidents
Fatal Crash on I-66 – June 21
Multi-vehicle crash with two fatalities and five additional patients transported. A rotator was required to lift a dump truck off a vehicle. Scene turned over to Virginia State Police.
Dump Truck Crash – June 28
Crash involving a dump truck and sedan resulted in fire, entrapment, and seven transports. Scene turned over to the Police Department after extrication and fire control.
Multi-Vehicle Crash with Structural Impact – December 2
A vehicle struck a building after a crash involving seven vehicles. Two helicopters and multiple support agencies responded. Five patients were transported. Building was stabilized by collapse units.
Significant Incidents - Technical Rescue
Confined Space Rescue – July 28
A male fell 15 feet into a manhole while retrieving a phone. Technical rescue teams safely extracted the patient, who was transported with life-threatening injuries.
EMS Operations
Advancements in service delivery include:
- Pharmacy build-out ensuring medication access across 22 stations
- Increase in Basic Life Support Ambulance deployment
- Protocol updates enhancing patient care
New Equipment & Technology
Introduction of:
- Automated medication dispensing
- Power stair chairs
- Infant warmers to improve patient outcomes
Training & Quality Assurance
- Continuing Medical Education (CME) updates
- Enhanced narcotic medication review process
SPECIAL OPERATIONS
Special Operations handles high-risk, low-frequency emergencies that require specialized training, equipment, and personnel. These include hazardous materials incidents, the Potomac River Boat Program, swift water rescue, and technical rescues. Our dedicated firefighters and paramedics commit hundreds of additional hours to ensure they are prepared to respond safely and efficiently to complex situations.
Hazardous Materials
Ongoing HAZMAT Training for Operational Personnel: Delivered 12 monthly HAZMAT Operations Level training sessions via Blackboard Learn for all operational personnel in the Fire and Rescue System.
Law Enforcement HAZMAT Training at Marine Corps Base Quantico: Trained 78 law enforcement officers in hazardous materials response during sessions held in July and August 2024.
Leadership in Community Preparedness: Facilitated all quarterly Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) meetings throughout 2024, averaging 30 participants per session from local government, industry, businesses, and the general public.
Coordinated HAZMAT preparedness meetings with the emergency departments of all three local medical centers—UVA Health Haymarket, UVA Prince William Hospital, and Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center—to ensure their capability to treat and decontaminate patients exposed to hazardous materials. (September 2024)
Hazardous Materials Oversight and Enforcement Support: Assisted the Fire Marshal’s Office by reviewing hazardous materials permits, conducting HAZMAT assessments during inspections at three local industrial facilities, and supporting investigations into five environmental crimes in 2024.
Ensuring Compliance with EPCRA: Reviewed Tier II chemical inventory reports from over 140 facilities in Prince William County that use, store, or generate hazardous materials, ensuring adherence to the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act. (January–April 2024)
Office of Emergency Management Assistance
Brian Misner, Emergency Management Coordinator, and Jared Juliano, Assistant Director of Systems for the Department of Public Safety Communications, are shown delivering communications support equipment. The area's cellular infrastructure had been extensively damaged and this device uses its onboard satellite connectivity to reestablish cellular service in the immediate area.
Volunteer Fire & Rescue
The Volunteer Fire & Rescue Departments have achieved significant milestones, including upgrading emergency vehicles, hosting successful community events like charity runs and open houses, and leading local charity drives. Their efforts not only improve emergency response capabilities but also foster strong community bonds through outreach programs and festive activities. The volunteers have excelled in fundraising initiatives, such as benefit car shows, and have made substantial contributions to local charity programs, demonstrating their commitment to serving and enriching our communities. For more information visit fireandrescuesystem.pwcva.gov/volunteer.
Department Highlights
Stone House VFD
- Cleared new Basic Life Support provider
- Ordered a new ambulance and battalion vehicle
- Engaged in community outreach through school events and Santa visits
Buckhall VFD
- Hosted Run for the Fallen, Tunnels to Towers, Open House, and Santa Rides
- Continuing 35+ year BBQ tradition
Nokesville VFD
- Added Engine 5, Engine 25, and Ambulance 25
- Led county in Toys for Tots with 4,771 donations
- Earned 1st Place Aerial Best in Show at Apple Blossom Festival
Yorkshire VFD
- Raised $17,000 at their Benefit Car Show
- Hosted their largest Fire Prevention Open House with 800+ attendees
Occoquan-Woodbridge-Lorton VFD (OWL)
- Recognized 109 members with President's Volunteer Service awards
- Welcomed new certified members
- Achieved various certifications
- Established an online donation method
- Provided event support for multiple community events
- Engaged in community outreach through public education events
- Installed a Free Little Library
Dale City VFD
- Provided over 70,000 hours of service by 160 active volunteers, resulting in significant taxpayer savings
- Members completed over 5,600 shifts, with notable ALS achievements by paramedic interns
Lake Jackson VFD
- Held a successful open house to educate the community on fire safety
- Installed new officers to guide future development
- Focused on advanced training for firefighters and EMTs
- Participated in the Tunnels to Towers 5K
- Hosted a Breakfast with Santa event
Dumfries-Triangle VFD
- Added new Basic Ambulance Service in October of 2024
- Participated in 30 public education events
System Support
The System Support Division and Administrative Volunteers play a vital role in managing behind-the-scenes services, including Human Resources, Training Division, Planning and Logistics, and Communications/IT. They ensure prompt and efficient support for administrative services, health and safety protocols, and logistics, equipping all departments to serve the community with high standards of performance.
Public Safety Training Academy
Computer Information Technology Enhancements
The Computer Information Technology team, consisting of career and volunteer members, made remarkable strides in 2024, enhancing technology, data management, and operational efficiency across the department. The department has made significant strides in leveraging data analytics to enhance operational efficiency, improve service delivery, and prepare for future accreditation. Key initiatives included successfully transitioning to new and improved technologies, such as the unified SharePoint, achieving significant cost savings by streamlining device management and improving automation services.
Data Analytics Enhancements
- FirstWatch Fire Operations Analytics Module (FOAM) Module: Improved response tracking and accreditation readiness.
- EMS Rightsizing Analysis: Ensured optimal staffing & resource deployment for improved service delivery.
Health & Safety
- Mental Health Support: 24/7 Peer Support Program & expanded Chaplain Team.
- Safety Standdown Initiatives: Focused on sleep health, gear decontamination, and incident debriefing.
- Updated Physicals: Now includes Calcium Scoring Scans for early heart disease detection.
Personnel & Recruitment
- Promotions: Conducted selection processes for Division Chief, Assistant Chief, Battalion Chief, and Technician II.
- Recruitment Efforts: Attended 58 job fairs, successfully hired 1 volunteer graduate, 103 uniformed personnel, and 21 civilian employees.
- Volunteer Recruitment Efforts: Engaged in volunteer recruitment activities to generate interest and community participation. Developed a tracking system to measure online interest from community members.
- Early Hire Program Expansion: 39 recruits onboarded with a dedicated leadership team.
Are you ready to begin your career? Interested in volunteer opportunities? Visit fireandrescuesystem.pwcva.gov for more information on Prince William County Fire & Rescue System’s employment and volunteer opportunities!
For information on career Firefighter/EMT opportunities visit fireandrescuesystem.pwcva.gov, call 703-792-8392, or send an email to firerescuejobs@pwcgov.org.
For information on volunteer opportunities, contact 703-792-8392, or contact the individual fire company.
Logistics & Fleet Management
The Logistics Department supports the fire and rescue mission by providing necessary resources and equipment to career and volunteer firefighters. They manage fleet operations, equipment maintenance, facilities upkeep, and specialized services like Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) operations. The division offers essential services such as uniform and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) distribution, and telecommunications support.
COMMUNITY SAFETY & EDUCATION
The Community Safety Section is responsible for reducing fire risks, conducting fire inspections, and reviewing fire protection plans. The Prince William County Fire & Rescue System’s Fire & Life Safety Program provides essential educational tools to enhance the safety and well-being of residents, communities, and visitors. Collaboration among the Volunteer Public Education Coordinators and the Department’s Fire & Life Safety Educator allows us to continuously develop new initiatives that benefit all age groups, ensuring everyone has access to the knowledge and resources needed to stay safe.
Office of Emergency Management
The County’s Office of Emergency Management, under the Department of Fire and Rescue, coordinates efforts to mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from natural and human-caused disasters. Utilizing an all-hazards approach, the County ensures comprehensive emergency preparedness for any potential disaster.
Accomplishments in 2024 include:
- Adoption of the 2024 PWC Emergency Operations Plan by the Board of County Supervisors
- Attended 27 community outreach events with 1,243 unique interactions logged at those events
- Facilitated a large multiagency coordination process and supported the operation of an on-site Unified Command Post at Robert Trent Jones Golf and Country Club for the 2024 Solheim Cup
- Hosted nine training classes for public safety and emergency operations personnel with 131 attendees
- Deployed the county’s portable backup cell tower to Southwest Virginia in support of Hurricane Helene response
Fire Marshal’s Office
In 2024, the Prince William County Fire Marshal’s Office (FMO), staffed by 15 law enforcement fire marshals, remained operational 24/7 to conduct investigations, inspections, and code compliance enforcement. The FMO operates through three main sections: Investigations, Development Services, and Code Compliance/Administration — all working together to enhance public safety and reduce risk.
Investigations
FMO completed 176 fire investigations involving structure fires, vehicle fires, explosions, and environmental or hazardous material incidents. While most fires were accidental—caused by discarded smoking materials, unattended cooking, electrical failures, or fireworks misuse—about 10% were determined incendiary, leading to arrests in collaboration with local law enforcement. Investigators undergo nearly 100 hours of annual training and many serve as recognized instructors at regional and state academies.
Development Services
This section completed 685 Fire Protection Plan Reviews and 4,492 New Construction Inspections, contributing to 443 new occupancy permits and business openings. These efforts ensured that life safety systems met the standards outlined in the 2021 Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code, which took effect in January 2024. Additionally, 647 Fire Operational Permits were issued for activities ranging from LP gas storage to fireworks, blasting, and other regulated operations.
Code Compliance & Administration
In 2024, FMO conducted 4,959 code compliance inspections and responded to numerous complaints, resulting in 842 fire code enforcement cases. Common issues included out-of-service fire alarms, sprinkler systems, and improperly maintained commercial kitchen hoods. The Administrative section supported all operational areas—managing 291 FOIA requests, tracking performance measures, and serving as the public’s first point of contact.
Through its unified efforts, the FMO continues to proactively identify fire and life safety risks, ensure compliance, and collaborate with partners in Community Safety to protect residents, businesses, and visitors across Prince William County.
Fire & Life Safety Education Programs
Community Outreach
Fire Prevention Week: Hosted interactive safety demos with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
Aluminum Cans for Burned Children: Raised $1,000+ for burn survivors.
Toys for Tots: Collected 19,021 toys for children in need.
Learn Not to Burn Second Grade Program: At the beginning of each school year, PWCDFR members reach out to local elementary schools to teach important lifesaving skills to children such as Smoke Alarms, Home Fire Escape Plan, Calling 911 and Burn Prevention.
PWC 4-H Club Safe at Home, Safe Alone: A Virginia Cooperative Extension 4-H safety program taught to 4th grade students (ages 9-11) in Prince William County public schools. It is designed to teach children how to stay home alone safely, covering kitchen safety, what to do in case of fire, calling 911, basic first aid, disaster preparedness and more.
Senior Fire & Life Safety Education: PWCDFR offers a comprehensive fire safety and fall prevention program for the older adult community in PWC. In addition, PWCDFR collaborates with the Area Agency on Aging providing presentations to these groups several times throughout the year.
911 Storytime with Prince William Public Libraries: In collaboration with the Prince William Public Libraries and the Public Safety Communications Center, PWCDFR visits local libraries throughout the county during the fall, reading books to groups of children and their parents about fire and rescue, fire safety, and calling 911. In addition, the local first due station arrives with various fire and rescue apparatus, so the children and families have an opportunity to see, up-close, a fire engine, ladder truck, etc.
1st Annual Public Safety Expo: Over 10 regional agencies participated, showcasing fire & rescue operations.
FIRED UP for Reading: Firefighters engaged elementary students through a new literacy initiative. The reading levels of the students improved from Fall 2023 to end of year 2024. In addition, the program helped students with Standards of Learning (SOL) prep in which reading and comprehending is a major part of state testing.
Fire & Life Safety Information & Education Popups
In 2024, the Prince William County Fire & Rescue System responded to over 54,000 incidents. Of those calls approximately 75% were EMS calls. Although the number of EMS responses increases each year due to the county’s expanding population, there are areas in which EMS responds more frequently than others.
The Fire & Life Safety Information and Education Popups were created to provide residents with a better understanding when to call 911. Throughout the summer, various local county and community agencies/organizations joined the popups providing additional information and resources vital to sustaining a healthy community.
The Fire and Life Safety Information and Education Popups are an additional avenue in which the System continues to uphold and enhance its Mission, Vision, and Values in safeguarding its communities, residents, businesses, and visitors.
Prince William County Firefighters Rappel at Hospital to Brighten Children’s Days
Rappelling at Fairfax Hospital is an event held three times a year that not only provides joy to the children in the hospital, but invaluable training in rigging and rappelling for our Technical Rescue Technicians. The number of rappels done in a single day at these events is more than a lot of our technicians get in a year.
Learn more at pwcva.gov/news/prince-william-county-firefighters-rappel-hospital-brighten-childrens-days.
Virginia Association of Counties (VACo) Award
The VACo Achievement Awards is a competitive program open to local government members of the association. Held annually, it recognizes local government programs in awards criteria that include innovation, cooperation and model practices.
Captain Meagan Donelan - The Firefighter Cadet Program, started in 2020, is a co-sponsored program between Prince William County Schools (PWCS) and the Department of Fire & Rescue (DFR). Due to the COVID pandemic and its restrictions the program struggled for several years. In June 2023, then Lieutenant Donelan, was assigned as manager of the Cadet program for the upcoming 2024 class commencing August 2023. Due to the success of the class of 2024, PWCS applicants, for the class of 2025, more than doubled.
VDEM Recognizes Office of Emergency Management
The Office of Emergency Management was recognized by the Virginia Department of Emergency Management for the annual Flood Awareness Campaign mailer that informs residents about how to learn their flood risk, along with the benefits of flood insurance.
Unit Citation Award (Presented By Fairfax F&R)
PWCFRS Boat 512 & BC503 in conjunction with Fairfax County Fire & Rescue - FB420 Captain Fischer, Technician Carson, Technician Donato, Technician Tollok, R419 Lieutenant Bredbenner, Technician Walton, Technician Short, Technician Reid, FB512 Lieutenant Josh Dempsey, Technician II Paul Racco, Technician II Brian Anderson, Technician I Chase Walton, and Battalion Chief 503 Craig Beavers
Units were dispatched for a capsized boat (canoe) in August 2023 during a significant weather event that included an active tornado warning in the area near Belmont Bay. R419 located victims with life jackets in the water via binoculars and the victims were rescued after being capsized for more than 30 minutes. This rescue occurred between two mutual aid companies.
Executive Fire Officer & Leadership Symposium
Lieutenant Stephanie Butler, Captain John Gillis, Lieutenant Joey Bloedel, Lieutenant Blane McGlothlin, Captain Rob Wiencko, and Deputy Chief Kim Stewart - On April 5 - 6, 2024, the Executive Fire Officer and Leadership Symposium for EFO Program graduates, current and future fire and emergency medical services leaders, and students were held at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland.
Prince William Chamber of Commerce Merit Award
Assistant Fire Marshal Dustin Schultz - On January 4, 2023, units were dispatched to a shooting in Dumfries. As Officers arrived on-scene, they observed a female suffering from multiple gunshot wounds receiving care and were told there were more people inside the residence. Officers quickly entered the residence ensuring the scene was safe.
Prior to medics making it inside, officers provided lifesaving medical aid to two additional gunshot victims and coordinated with medics to fly out the four gunshot victims, while transitioning the focus of the scene from lifesaving to apprehending the suspect.
Witnesses were questioned by officers and were able to quickly identify the shooter and direction he fled on foot. Officers observed a person matching the description of the suspect within the perimeter and attempted to challenge him with the assistance of Fire Marshal Schultz. The suspect fled on foot while they pursued and provided updates. A deputy positioned himself to intercept the suspect and once the suspect was close, he challenged the suspect resulting in his surrender. Officers conducted an extensive search for the missing firearm and were able to locate it hidden in an area easily accessible to children.
Through everyone’s effort this dynamic scene resulted in four lives being saved, the suspect being apprehended, and the murder weapon being located.
Prince William County Chamber of Commerce Valor Awards
Recognizes the men and women who go above and beyond to protect and serve our communities. These brave individuals vow to ensure safety for our families, and their selfless commitment and sacrifices to serve others is truly remarkable. View the 2024 recipients.
Medal Day Awards
The fire and rescue members, 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 to the community and its residents. All the award recipients have distinguished themselves in the performance of their duties. View the 2024 recipients.
Sons of the American Revolution
The Sons of the American Revolution formally recognizes and commends individuals for their exemplary service and dedication, demonstrated in recent events where each showed exceptional courage, professionalism, and lifesaving skills. Their actions not only upheld the highest standards of emergency response but also brought great honor to their respective units and the community they serve. View the 2024 recipients.
In memoriam for those who dedicated their lives to serving Prince William County
Dale City Volunteer Fire Department: Edgar Van Horn
Dale City Volunteer Fire Department: Steve Chappell
Department of Fire & Rescue: Steve Boulton
Department of Fire & Rescue: Roger Roach
Department of Fire & Rescue: Amiel Cavanaugh
Amiel “Moose” Cavanaugh was hired as a courier for the county in 1989. In 1990, the Department hired “Moose” as a courier with Management Services, now known as System Support. In 1997, Amiel transferred to Operations, until leaving in 1998.
Overview
Fire & EMS Response
Special Operations
Public Safety Training Academy
Logistics & Fleet Management
Fire Marshal's Office
CONTACT US
Office of the Chief
1 County Complex Court, Prince William, VA 22192
703-792-6800 • DFRMcCoartAdmin@pwcgov.org
Fire Marshal’s Office
703-792-6360
Office of Emergency Management
pwcva.gov/ready • 703-792-7050 • emergencymanagement@pwcgov.org
Public Education
703-792-6360 • frspubedrequest@pwcgov.org
Recruitment
703-792-8392 • FireRescuejobs@pwcgov.org
Training
703-792-6380 • DFRTraining@pwcgov.org
Social Media
Photos throughout this report courtesy Keith Walker, Andrew Sanders and Mike Beaty.
Thank you to: Fire & Rescue System Assistant Chief of Community Safety Matt Smolsky; Fire & Rescue System Sr. Communications Analyst Kim Hylander; Fire & Rescue System Lt. Alex Stephenson; Office of Communications & Engagement Sr. Communications Analyst Mina Habibi