OWL Members Receive President’s Volunteer Service Award

The Prince William County Community Foundation, Inc. (PWCCF) presented 109 Occoquan-Woodbridge-Lorton (OWL) Volunteer Fire Department members with the President’s Volunteer Service award. The recognition honors volunteers who are using their time and talents to solve some of the toughest challenges that face the nation. This award honors individuals who’s service positively impacts communities in every corner of the nation and inspires those around them to act as well. The combined volunteer hours for the 109 OWL members recognized totaled 55,657 total hours in 2023.

Dr. Vanessa M. Gattis, President and CEO of the PWCCF, and Candy Feen, Board of Directors Member and Secretary of the PWCCF, were on hand at OWL’s April company meeting to present the awards. Gattis explained, “The PWCCF is dedicated to cultivating philanthropic support to ensure the ongoing well-being and vibrancy of Prince William County communities. Our commitment lies in enhancing the residents’ quality of life by actively engaging in research and implementing solutions that contribute to the common good, fostering a resilient and thriving community for both present and future generations.”

The President’s Volunteer Service award was created in 2003 by the United States President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation to recognize the important role of volunteers in America’s strength and national identity. The PWCCF is a certifying organization of the President’s Volunteer Service award. They are charged with the responsibility and honor to recognize exceptional volunteers and others who perform unpaid acts of service in service to others. Gattis shared, “We’re excited to recognize some OWL members who have distinguished themselves with acts of volunteerism that positively impact our Prince William County community. They represent the great state of Virginia, and are an inspiration.”

President Dave Williams said, “We are proud of the service that OWL provides the community. Awards such as these recognize many of our most dedicated members who unselfishly volunteer a tremendous amount of hours. OWL is honored to continue to be an organization that provides community members an opportunity to become skilled firefighters and EMTs, then provide this vitally needed service to residents and visitors in our area.”

There are three achievement levels for the award that group awardees according to their number of volunteer hours. Each recipient received an official President’s Volunteer Service Award pin, a personalized certificate of achievement and a letter signed by President Joe Biden. The PWCCF recognized 45 gold awardees, 31 silver awardees and 33 bronze awardees.