Celebrating Excellence: OWLVFD Members Graduate from PWC FRS Volunteer Recruit Class
OWLVFD is proud to celebrate the graduation of the Prince William County Fire & Rescue System (PWC FRS) Volunteer Recruit Class, a significant milestone for our department and the members who dedicated countless hours to reach this achievement.
Among the graduates were OWL’s newest Firefighters, Kody Barbier and John Klapperich, who completed an exceptional year of training. In addition to earning their Firefighter certifications, both members also obtained Virginia State EMT-Basic and National Registry of EMTs (NREMT) certifications. Completing both Fire and EMT training within the same year requires extraordinary dedication, discipline, and commitment, and both members rose to that challenge.
Firefighter/EMT Kody Barbier
Firefighter/EMT Kody Barbier successfully completed the PWC FRS Volunteer Recruit Academy and was selected by his fellow recruits to deliver class remarks at the graduation ceremony—an honor that reflects his leadership and professionalism throughout the academy.
Graduates of the Volunteer Academy earn multiple certifications, including Pro Board Firefighter I and II, Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations, Firefighter Rescue and Survival, Heavy Technical Rescue – Technical Rescue Awareness (MOD I), Low Angle Rope Operations (MOD II), and Passenger Vehicle Rescue (Vehicle Level I).
Earlier this year, Firefighter/EMT Barbier also completed EMT training, earning Virginia State EMT-Basic and NREMT certifications. His journey with OWL began as a Junior Member in July 2023, and upon turning 18 in July 2025, he transitioned to Active Member status. This year, he also graduated from Woodbridge High School, balancing academic success alongside rigorous fire and EMS training.
In July, Firefighter/EMT Barbier completed the PWC FRS BLS Protocols class and plans to begin an internship to earn his Operational Medical Director (OMD) Provider Endorsement. He also intends to train as a driver for both ambulance and fire apparatus.
Firefighter/EMT John Klapperich
Firefighter/EMT John Klapperich also successfully graduated from the PWC FRS Volunteer Recruit Academy. He was selected by his peers to receive the Class Leadership Award, presented by the Prince William Chamber of Commerce, recognizing his dedication, teamwork, and leadership throughout the academy.
Firefighter/EMT Klapperich earned the same comprehensive set of certifications through the Volunteer Academy and also completed EMT training earlier this year, earning Virginia State EMT-Basic and NREMT certifications.
After selling his local business, John joined OWL in November 2024, ready to begin a new chapter of service. He shared his motivation for pursuing both Firefighter and EMT certifications, noting the importance of being versatile in department staffing and the value of EMT skills in everyday life.
In July, Firefighter/EMT Klapperich completed the PWC FRS BLS Protocols class and plans to begin an internship to earn his OMD Provider Endorsement, as well as training to become a driver for both ambulance and fire apparatus.
A Proud Moment for OWLVFD
OWLVFD is extremely proud of Firefighter/EMTs Kody Barbier and John Klapperich for their comitment, perseverance, and service to the community. Their accomplishments reflect the dedication and professionalism that define our department, and we look forward to their continued growth as members of OWLVFD.
Congratulations to both on this outstanding achievement.
