OWL VFD Members receive Valorous Unit Awards
Occoquan-Woodbridge-Lorton Volunteer Fire Department members were recognized with Valorous Unit Awards at the 37th Annual Prince William Chamber of Commerce Valor Awards for two different calls. The event, hosted at George Mason University’s Hylton Performance Arts Center, honored 197 first responders for heroic actions.
Two years ago, Boat 502 was dispatched for a call on the Occoquan River in the evening. The caller indicated that his wife had fallen overboard, and he could not locate her. OWL VFD Fire Captain Steve Godin, Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue Lieutenant Chris Alloway, Technician I Robert Attrill, and Technician II Seth Wayland began searching the waters for the missing boater using searchlights, radar, and a thermal imaging camera. Weather prevented the crew from receiving any air support in their search effort. As the boat crew approached the Route 1 bridge, other personnel on shore notified the crew that they could hear someone calling out for help. By the time the crew was able to spot the missing boater she was tired, cold, and could barely keep herself afloat. They threw a life ring and were able to bring her towards the boat. After being pulled from the water, she was transported to a nearby dock to be evaluated by a waiting Medic Unit. Through good use of the resources they had available, and quick action, the crew gave the missing boater the best chance for survival.
OWL VFD President Dave Williams and Former Rescue Chief Ed Craig also received valor awards. They were among the many Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue System personnel recognized with a Valorous Unit Award for their response to stranded motorists on Interstate 95 after the January 2022 snowstorm.
On the morning of January 4th, OWL VFD President Dave Williams received a call regarding the possibility of OWL assisting with establishing emergency shelters. President Williams explained, “During the call, logistics for aiding the stranded motorists on Interstate 95 was also shared. I explained that All-Terrain Ambulance (ATA) 502 could easily access the roadways to reach the motorists safely and that OWL had food, water, blankets, and medical supplies that could be delivered quickly.”
Due to its uniqueness, ATA 502 was one of the only vehicles able to easily reach the motorists stranded in the main travel lanes. ATA 502 used the HOV lanes to deliver supplies up and down the interstate
ATA 502 is a 2019 Intimidator built by ASAP 911. The unit is designed specifically for EMS services at public events where full-sized units cannot safely maneuver. Built on an ATV frame with optional 4-wheel drive, the unit is fully climate-controlled, uses a full-size stretcher, has secure storage of portable oxygen bottles and an onboard generator to provide power for the HVAC system, accessories, radio battery chargers, and allows the unit to maintain “systems” without having to run the ATV engine.
OWL VFD, Prince William County Department of Fire Rescue, and Dumfries-Triangle Volunteer Fire Department, also received the Virginia Governor’s Fire Service Award for Outstanding Fire Department Response for this call.
This year marks OWL VFD’s 85th year of community service. The dedication of the department’s members has garnered numerous awards and recognitions over the years.