OWL receives VA Governor’s Award for the Second Year in a Row 

Accepting Outstanding Fire Department Response Award (left to right) Bob Mosier, Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security Assistant Chief Ernest DeSantis (Occoquan-Woodbridge-Lorton VFD) Acting Chief James Forgo (Prince William County Fire & Rescue System) David Glinski, President (Dumfries-Triangle VFD) Maggie Cleary, Deputy Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security

For the second year in a row, Occoquan-Woodbridge-Lorton Volunteer Fire Department (OWL VFD) receives a Governor’s Fire Service Award. Along with the Prince William County Department of Fire Rescue and Dumfries-Triangle Volunteer Fire Department, OWL VFD received the award for Outstanding Fire Department Response. The award recognizes the exceptional commitment and dedication of the department to its community, which has resulted in an exemplary level of service.

On January 3, 2022, a slow-moving weather front that stretched from the Tidewater region of Virginia southwest to Georgia stalled. Colder air from the southern Appalachians and the front created ideal conditions for the rain to change to snow. Ground temperatures below freezing and quick snow accumulation caught the area by surprise.  

OWL volunteers staffed a snowplow and a sander with a plow throughout the day to assist emergency apparatus in responding to calls and help stranded drivers along the roadways. On Monday evening and through the night, OWL volunteers added an engine, an ambulance, a brush truck, and a command officer. The brush truck assisted in removing trees blocking fire trucks and getting to residents who lived down long, narrow roads with trees and utility lines blocking conventional units.  

On Tuesday morning, 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.”

President Williams and other members loaded ATA 502 and Utility 502 with supplies from the department’s stations and logistics center, then responded to the incident command that the PWC Department of Fire and Rescue had established. 

Due to its uniqueness, ATA 502 was one of the only vehicles able to respond to assist the stranded motorists. 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.

ATA 502 used the HOV lanes to deliver supplies up and down the interstate to motorists stranded on the main travel lanes.

“We are thrilled to receive this award for the second year in a row,” said OWL VFD Chief Wayne Haight. “It is a testament to the hard work, planning, forethought, and dedication of our volunteers committed to serving the community with the highest professionalism and care.” 

The Virginia Governor’s Award is awarded annually to fire departments across the state that demonstrate exceptional commitment to their communities through their service. The Virginia Department of Fire Programs presents the award in partnership with the Virginia Fire Services Board. Last year, OWL VFD received the award for quick critical decisions made outside the box that saved three lives (and one cat).

The OWL VFD has served the community for over 80 years, and its commitment to excellence has not gone unnoticed. The department’s dedication to providing outstanding service to the community has earned them numerous awards and recognitions over the years.

Accepting Virginia Fire Chiefs Foundation Health & Safety Award (left to right) Prince William County Fire & Rescue System Dave Glinski, President (Dumfries-Triangle VFD) Acting Chief James Forgo (Prince William County Fire & Rescue System) Assistant Chief Ernest DeSantis (Occoquan-Woodbridge-Lorton VFD) Chief Nicholas Nanna (Dumfries-Triangle VFD)