OWL Honors Outstanding Volunteers & Service

Ben New joined OWL in November 2005 and has always been quick to lend a helping hand to his crew members or first in line to volunteer for Public Education events. Over the years, he has served OWL in several capacities such as Rescue Lieutenant, Fire Captain and as a member of the Honor Guard. As a driver and driver trainer, he helps advance the training of others.

David H. Williams joined the department in 2019. He is widely noticed among members for always striving to better himself. His optimism in the department extends to his representation in the community,  embodying the values of OWL.

Tammy Hill’s presence is felt not only on the front lines of EMS but also within the very fabric of OWL. She is not assigned to a specific crew, instead she often fills in for other members when they are not available to staff. This helps ensure that OWL can get an ambulance staffed, but it also allows her to share her vast knowledge of EMS which greatly supports OWL’s mission to move members up the ranks. In addition to her remarkable contributions on the front lines, Tammy embodies the true spirit of camaraderie and teamwork within OWL. Tammy’s selfless actions, her willingness to sacrifice her time and energy for the greater good, and her unwavering commitment to the well-being of OWL’s community makes her a shining example.

Cynthia Thackwray serves as OWL’s EMS Training Officer and Infection Control Officer, which is no small feat. Her role as a Training Officer involves helping members navigate EMS training, tracking member certifications and representing OWL on multiple EMS Committees in Prince William County. Cynthia can be seen around the stations working on multiple behind-the-scenes projects. Her leadership ensures that these important responsibilities are well-managed and keep OWL functioning at a high level.

Rich Lawson joined OWL in February 2021. In a short time, not only has he earned firefighter certifications, graduating at the top of his class, but he has also completed various other training that has enabled him to staff in other positions. He is extremely hardworking and continuously striving to perfect his firefighting skills. For example, every morning at the end of his shift, he dons his PPE and air pack to complete a full breath down. This type of dedication and commitment to excellence is exactly what makes him an outstanding firefighter and member.

Arjuna “AJ” Yost’s dedication and work ethic sets him apart as one of the most hard-working members of his EMS crew. From the moment he joined, he has brought a contagious enthusiasm and a positive attitude that uplifts those around them. AJ’s commitment to personal and professional growth is truly commendable. In a short time, AJ has earned an EMT-B certification, Prince William County’s Operational Medical Director’s (OMD) endorsement and completed training to become an Ambulance Driver. Beyond his impressive accomplishments, fellow members express that he is a joy to work with; his reliability, professionalism, and unwavering dedication makes him an absolute pleasure to serve with.  He embodies the values of teamwork, integrity, and service.

Malak Hassan joined OWL as Junior Member in July 2021. She became a senior member August 2023. Currently, she staffs as a firefighter, but is also a certified ambulance driver. She has tremendous drive and brings a lot of energy. Despite her young age, she served as a platoon leader while in fire school. Fellow members appreciate her willingness to help others and her mentorship to advance new members.

Braden Dasher joined OWL as a junior member. and brought with him impressive credentials, having earned both Firefighter and EMT certifications while still in high school. From the moment he joined, he seamlessly integrated into the department, becoming an integral part of the team. Braden’s dedication to personal and professional growth knows no bounds. He rarely misses a shift and consistently excels in every aspect of his role. Not content with simply mastering the basics, Braden goes above and beyond. He has completed the requirements of the Prince William County Operational Medical Director’s (OMD) endorsement and Lead EMT training simultaneously. His willingness to share his knowledge and skills with others is truly commendable. He generously offers his time and expertise to help others learn and grow.

Riley joined OWL’s Junior program in 2023. He immediately demonstrated a great attitude while navigating the  daunting training requirements. Riley is a go-getter and always striving to learn more.  He consistently demonstrates the ability to put knowledge into action. Being a dedicated junior member is no easy feat. Riley’s ability to balance the stringent demands of attending the fire academy and a well-respected junior volunteer, while being an academically motivated student is commendable.