Perseverance Pays Off: Congratulations to Lead Firefighter Jack Finnegan

Sometimes the journey to the fireground isn’t about taking the fastest path—it’s about staying committed. That perseverance has paid off for Jack Finnegan, who has officially earned his certification to serve as a Lead Firefighter.

Jack’s path to this milestone has been anything but ordinary.

His fire service journey began in 2016 as a Junior Member with the Union Fire Company & Rescue Squad in Titusville, New Jersey. After relocating to Washington, D.C., a coworker introduced him to OWL.

“I did a ride-along, had a great experience, then filled out an application,” Jack recalls.

Jack joined OWL in November 2023, already holding his Firefighter Level I certification. However, under Prince William County Fire & Rescue System requirements, he needed to complete additional certifications before he could serve as a Lead Firefighter.

For more than two and a half years, Jack remained committed while waiting for the opportunity to complete Firefighter Level II. That opportunity finally arrived when Prince William County Fire & Rescue System updated Volunteer Recruit Class 26139 to separate the Firefighter Level I and Level II curriculum, allowing Jack to complete the remaining requirements.

Today, that patience and dedication have paid off.

Jack has officially transitioned from probationary status to Active Member and is now serving as a Lead Firefighter with OWL.

Jack’s story is a reminder that success isn’t always about taking the fastest path—it’s about staying committed until the opportunity arrives. We are incredibly grateful for his perseverance, dedication to the department, and continued commitment to serving our community.

Congratulations, Jack, on this well-earned achievement! We look forward to seeing all you’ll accomplish in your continued fire service career.