A Commitment to Service: An Interview With OWLVFD Firefighter Derek Wells

Since 1938 Occoquan-Woodbridge-Lorton Volunteer Fire Department (OWLVFD) has been proudly serving our area. An exemplary commitment to service to the community and quality of work has been passed on year after year, from our earliest members to those serving today. Our history of excellence is one each of our members is proud to be associated […]

Our Volunteers Fight Fires, Teach Lessons and Demonstrate Fire Safety

The job our volunteers do each day, serving and protecting the community, is impressive on its own. But did you know they do more? They aren’t just fighting fires and responding to emergencies; they’re also serving as educators and bringing the community together through a variety of events and demonstrations. Those who serve with us […]

Volunteer Firefighters: A Call to Service That Spans the Centuries

In our line of work, we say, “No one does it for the fame.” Our volunteers have a variety of reasons for giving their time — to save people, to serve their community, to advance their education — but you won’t find “to become famous” in that list of reasons. Our volunteers are quiet heroes […]

Tones, Rewards and Challenges: An Interview With Sara Khurshid Part 3

EMT Sara Khurshid took a leap and jumped out of her comfort zone into the volunteer rescue world. And she hasn’t looked back since. What she has done, though, is learn the ropes, face challenges and continue to grow.   Receiving the Call From the moment “the tones drop,” signaling an alarm, Khurshid and the […]

Take a Leap: An Interview With EMT Sara Khurshid, Part 2

Each volunteer has his or her own reasons for volunteering. Sara Khurshid had three. First and foremost, she wanted to step outside of her comfort zone to experience growth. Secondly, she felt a responsibility as a female, Pakistani, Muslim Asian-American to serve in her community. “In my observation, I think sometimes local community outreach within […]

Interview with Andrew Sauer, Rescue Lieutenant, Part I

When Rescue Lieutenant Andrew Sauer with the Nokesville Volunteer Fire Department started volunteering, he was aiming to do something unique, build a skillset and take on a challenge. Looking back, he notes he never realized just how much work goes into staffing an ambulance or fire engine. By day, he’s an IT systems administrator for […]