Provided by Occoquan-Woodbridge-Lorton Volunteer Fire Department
Occoquan-Woodbridge-Lorton Volunteer Firefighters put their personal lives aside to pull together to protect the community.
Prince William County had a snowfall of historic proportion causing OWL VFD volunteers to staff all available apparatus. PWL This included four fire engines, one ladder truck and one heavy rescue squad and four snowplows,“Altogether more than 20 off-duty volunteer first responders reported to our stations to staff the additional apparatus for the entire weekend,” said Chief McAllister.
OWL VFD Collapse Rescue Team responded to Manassas in a full-scale evacuation and potential stabilization of an apartment collapse on Saturday night. The Collapse Rescue Team responded to a second call off of Waterfall Road for a partially collapsed barn Sunday evening.
In Woodbridge, OWL units dealt with a Condo fire in which the nearby fire hydrant had not been cleared by neighbors. “It is very important to take a moment to locate and dig out hydrants on your street when you are shoveling.” Said McAllister. “Every second counts, and it is critical that our firefighters be able to locate and access the closest fire hydrant in an emergency.”
“OWL VFD is committed to community safety. These men and women and all our volunteers exemplify the spirit of OWL VFD. We strive to provide the very best fire suppression, emergency medical, technical rescue, and water rescue services to the citizens and visitors of Woodbridge, Virginia and Prince William County.”
OWL VFD has historically strategically planned for disaster events, keeping up on the latest training, equipment and education available. OWL VFD invests thousands of hours in professional training and certification courses. Our care and dedication to Fire and Rescue is reflected in our efforts of staying up to date and ready for the task.
OWL VFD is one the largest and busiest volunteer fire departments in the United States with nearly 300 members. OWL VFD provides fire suppression, EMS care, and rescue services to 80,000 residents in our 27 square mile area through the operation of three fire stations. OWL Volunteer Firefighters and EMTs work the 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. shift, five days a week, plus 24/7 holidays and weekends.
For more information on OWL VFD, visit www.owlvfd.org or become a fan on Facebook at Occoquan-Woodbridge-Lorton Volunteer Fire Department.
