By Rebecca Barnes, Publisher, Prince William Living
The Prince William Fire and Rescue System welcomed its newest volunteers this week as Volunteer Fire & Rescue Recruit Class 26036, known proudly as the “Hose Haulers,” officially graduated after months of rigorous training.
The ceremony marked the completion of a demanding academy and the beginning of a volunteer career rooted in service, discipline, and trust. Graduates were joined by family members, department leadership, and community partners to celebrate a milestone that represents far more than technical skills.
This graduating class included volunteers from departments across our community, reflecting the collaborative nature of Prince William County’s fire and rescue system. Members of Recruit Class 26036 included Alex Byrd of the Lake Jackson Volunteer Fire Department, James Duval of the City of Manassas Volunteer Fire Department, Jose Orozco Luna of the Dale City Volunteer Fire Department, and Derrin Williams of the Dumfries-Triangle Volunteer Fire Department, John Klapperich of Occoquan Woodbridge Lorton Volunteer Fire Department, and Kody Barbier of Occoquan Woodbridge Lorton Volunteer Fire Department.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of two awards, the first of which was awarded to James Duval of the City of Manassas Volunteer Fire Department for the highest class score.
The second award is the Prince William Chamber of Commerce Public Safety Leadership Award, sponsored by Cardinal Bank. The Leadership Award is selected by peers and recognizes the individual who consistently demonstrated leadership, integrity, and professionalism throughout training and is voted on by their peers.
The Public Safety Leadership Award for Volunteer Fire & Rescue Recruit Class 26036 was presented by Barnes to Firefighter John Klapperich, of OWL VFD.
Barnes, a longtime business leader, past Chamber Chairman, and member of the Occoquan-Woodbridge-Lorton Volunteer Fire Department, highlighted the essential role volunteer firefighters and EMS providers play in the county’s quality of life.
“A strong economy and a strong community are only possible when people feel safe in their homes, workplaces, and neighborhoods,” she said. “Fire and rescue professionals are foundational to that sense of safety.”
Prince William County’s public safety system depends on close collaboration among volunteer and career firefighters, EMS providers, law enforcement, and federal partners. Barnes noted that while uniforms and roles may differ, the mission remains the same.
As the ceremony concluded, the message to the entire class was clear. Prince William County is safer because of their decision to serve.
Rebecca Barnes is the publisher of Prince William Living and a longtime community leader in Prince William County. She is a member of the Occoquan-Woodbridge-Lorton Volunteer Fire Department and has spent decades working alongside public safety agencies, nonprofits, and local businesses to strengthen quality of life across the region.
