by Rebecca Barnes, Publisher
Photos courtesy Chris Lehto
In September 1938, the Occoquan-Woodbridge-Lorton Volunteer Fire Department was officially incorporated. It was two years of hard work for a group of concerned citizens who recognized the need for a Fire Department in the area. Many of them put up personal property and their own money to secure loans to build a building to house the apparatus and start the department. Sometimes they had to “pass the hat” to pay electric and other bills monthly.
Today OWL VFD is one of the largest and busiest volunteer fire departments in the country. Friday night, OWL station 2 at 1306 F Street Woodbridge, held a “Homecoming” to welcome back past members who helped the department get to where it is today. Former and current members caught up on old times and talked about the “Good Old Days” as well as celebrating current achievements and advances.
“OWL has a rich history tradition of creating a family atmosphere while mentoring our members into a variety of professional services” said Chief McAllister, “seeing these members come home to celebrate 75 years of success is further proof of our family atmosphere.”
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- Woodbridge District Supervisor Frank Principi chats with long time OWL member George Nazionale
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- Food and Music helped make the Celebration complete
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- Hats and Tee shirts were given out to members
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- Potomac District Supervisor Maureen Caddigan pictured here with Chief Jim McAllister, stopped by to wish OWL VFD a “Happy Birthday”.
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- Tee shirt honoring (the late) Chief Richard Arrington were available to guests.
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- Current and former members remember the past fondly.
OWL VFD is one of the largest and busiest volunteer fire and rescue departments in the United States. 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 pm to 6 am shift, five days a week, plus 24 hours on holidays and weekends.
For more information on OWL VFD, visit www.owlvfd.org or become a fan on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/owlvfd
