Fire investigators from Fairfax County Fire and Rescue’s Office of the Fire Marshal, working alongside the Fairfax County Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division and the United States Department of Justice’s Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), have charged four individuals in connection to a fire at FCFRD’s Lorton Urban Search and Rescue Training Facility.
On June 27, at 5:20 p.m., Fairfax County Fire and Rescue personnel responded to the 9000 block of Furnace Road in Lorton for a reported fire at a storage facility containing heavy equipment. Crews arrived and found the facility fully engulfed in flames. No injuries were reported. The fire caused an estimated $1 million to $1.3 million in damage.
Fire investigators and detectives reviewed surveillance footage from the property through the Real Time Crime Center and observed several individuals entering the facility before the fire and leaving the area after it began. Video of the incident was released to the public, generating several tips from community members and through Crime Solvers of Fairfax County.
Through extensive investigation along with information provided by community members, fire investigators identified a vehicle connected to the incident and developed additional leads. Working closely with the Criminal Investigations Division and ATF, fire investigators helped identify six suspects. On September 3, fire investigators, along with several FCPD specialty units and ATF, executed simultaneous search and arrest warrants at three residences.
The Office of the Fire Marshal obtained warrants for four individuals.
Ricky Torres, 26, of Fairfax, was charged with burning personal property.
Brice Bartley, 18, of Fairfax, was charged with mischievous fire play.
Aidan Smith, 18, of Clifton, was charged with two counts of burning personal property. One count for the June 27 fire and a second count related to a fire set on the same property on June 25, 2026.
A 17-year-old juvenile was charged with mischievous fire play.
In September 2026, FCPD charged these individuals with trespassing and burglary related to the June 27 fire.
On Monday, Fairfax County Fire and Rescue celebrated the accomplishments of its members at its Medal Day Ceremony. Held twice a year, this ceremony recognizes the career milestones and exceptional service of our personnel
Length of Service
David M. Lauler, Code Specialist IV, 45 Years
Michael L. Frames, Vehicle Coordinator, 40 Years
Captain Ji Y. Lee, 35 Years
Battalion Chief William Moreland (retired), 30 Years
Battalion Chief David Schwarzmann, 30 Years
Battalion Chief Rodney S. Vaughan (retired), 30 Years
Captain Scott Kraut, 30 Years
Captain Karl D. Roche, 30 Years
Master Technician Christopher L. Johnson, 30 Years
EMS Technician Edward C. Lofties, 30 Years
TROT Technician Peter Kehne, 30 Years
Career Achievement
Deputy Chief Bill C. Betz
Battalion Chief Robert C. Schoenberger
Master Technician Ryan P. McGill
Meritorious Service
Dr. Dan Avstreih, Assistant Medical Director
Battalion Chief Randal L. Bittinger
Battalion Chief Bryan J. Nix, Jr.
Captain Robert M. Elam
Captain Justin B. Murray
Lieutenant Timothy G. Breslin, Jr.
Lieutenant Cody R. Henson
Lieutenant William L. Kendall
EMS Technician Caroline A. Evey
EMS Technician Seth T. Mills
HAZMAT Technician Anthony J. Lupinacci
TROT Technician Davin E. Bridges
TROT Technician Adam M. Ellis
TROT Technician Adam D. Scheetz
Technician Thomas M. Nevin
Firefighter Ryan R. Grant
Firefighter John-Scott Ruhren
Firefighter Matthew H. Wilson
Promotions
Reena M. Thomson, Human Resources Manager
Battalion Chief Ivan W. Holmes, Jr.
Battalion Chief Laurie E. Peverill
Battalion Chief Jordan C. Yost
Esther R. Warring, Management Analyst III
Captain Thomas R. Baldwin
Captain Vernon T. Corbin, Jr.
Captain Robert M. Elam
Jody E. Kopach, Management Analyst II
Lieutenant Thomas A. Dondero
Lieutenant Karl I. Dyer
Lieutenant Ryan M. Legg
Lieutenant Mark G. Martinez
Lieutenant Andrew L. Mullinax
Lieutenant Quentin D. Steverson
Luis E. Hernandez Uribe, Human Resources Generalist I
EMS Technician Jenny H. J. Ahn
EMS Technician Jessica V. Almquist
EMS Technician Ariel L. Antons
EMS Technician Devin A. Bolland
EMS Technician Timothy D. Cahill
EMS Technician Blair E. Cerino-Johnson
EMS Technician Connor M. Dick-Shannon
EMS Technician Julia E. Hinz
EMS Technician Nesya S. Hopkins
EMS Technician Justin O. Jekel
EMS Technician Long H. Nguyen
EMS Technician Jacob E. K. Markey
EMS Technician Rayshawn R. A. Mason
EMS Technician William F. Montgomery
EMS Technician Matthew A. Mudar
EMS Technician Ian D. A. Oconnor
EMS Technician John J. Regan
EMS Technician Eric S. Schadlich
EMS Technician Samuel M. Shroder
EMS Technician Joseph S. Uriarte
EMS Technician Mitchell J. Wadas
EMS Technician Adam J. Wallace
EMS Technician Aaron J. Watson
TROT Technician Rene A. Campos Salmeron
TROT Technician Dominique M. J. Chatelain
TROT Technician Jameson M. Hay
TROT Technician Joseph T. House
TROT Technician Erik K. Muhlenhaupt
TROT Technician Owen M. Ranck
TROT Technician Michael H. Such
TROT Technician Derek J. Tompkins
TROT Technician Dominique D. C. Wallace
TROT Technician Cameron A. Wood
Technician Joseph P. Galindo
Technician Andrew J. Hackett
Technician Won K. Noh
Iris W. Y. Man, Administrative Assistant IV
Team Performance Awards
Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Team 2024 and 2025
Deputy Chief Scott E. Schermerhorn
Battalion Chief Robin S. Clement, II
Captain Brenden J. Petersburg
Lieutenant William J. Lamont, III
Lieutenant Michael C. Pickering
Master Technician William F. Ward
Christina L. Miller, Financial Specialist IV
Makram M. Fahmy, Financial Specialist III
Melissa L. Serich, Financial Specialist II
Kelly C. Hartle, Management Analyst I
Jonathan E. Keller, Material Management Specialist III
USAR Full Scale Exercise
Deputy Chief Scott E. Schermerhorn
Captain Michael S. Eddy
Captain Adam C. Heming
Captain Brenden J. Petersburg
Captain Nathan R. Larkin
Lieutenant Juan C. Ayala
Lieutenant David C. Bulman
Lieutenant Michael Kovach
Lieutenant William Lamont III
Lieutenant Michael T. Pickering
Master Technician Matthew J. Brecht
Master Technician William E. Thurston
Master Technician William F. Ward
TROT Technician Adam D. Scheetz
Christina L. Miller, Management Analyst IV
John C. Morrison, Management Analyst IV
Kelly C. Hartle, Management Analyst II
Melissa L. Serich, Financial Specialist II
Paul L. Lago, Disaster Assistance Specialist I
Outstanding Instructional Training
Lieutenant Laura M. Elliott
EMS Technician Jenny H. J. Ahn
TROT Technician Louis G. Botha
Responses to High-Risk Search Warrants
Captain Adam S. Bartman
EMS Technician Michael A. Garcia
Technician Michael R. Zdunski
Firefighter Grayson R. Bollinger
Firefighter Nicholas J. Yount
Safety Incident Report System (SIRS)
Steven M. Dennis, Information Technology Program Manager I
Fire investigators have determined that a townhouse fire that occurred on October 18, 2026, in the intersection of Hagel Circle and Richmond Hwy was caused by an electrical event. The fire originated in a second-floor bedroom.
At 8:22 a.m., the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department responded to a report of a townhouse fire. A neighbor called 911 after seeing fire and smoke coming from the home. First-arriving units found a two-story townhouse with fire showing from the second floor and extending to the roof. Firefighters quickly began working to extinguish the fire. Simultaneously, crews conducted searches. They did not locate anyone inside the home. There was no extension into neighboring townhouses.
One civilian was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. There were no firefighter injuries.
Two occupants were home at the time of the fire. They safely evacuated before firefighters arrived.
Two occupants were displaced. Red Cross offered and provided assistance. Damages are estimated at $143,150.
Fairfax County, VA — The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department (FCFRD) is proud to announce the promotion of Jason G. Pryor to the rank of Deputy Chief. Deputy Chief Pryor brings to the position nearly two decades of progressive leadership, operational experience, and dedicated service to Fairfax County.
Deputy Chief Pryor began his fire service career in 2006 as a member of Recruit Class 120, graduating in February 2007. Throughout his career, he has developed extensive experience in emergency operations, incident command, emergency medical services, personnel development, training, organizational planning, and administrative leadership.
As he progressed through the ranks, Deputy Chief Pryor served in numerous operational and administrative leadership assignments, including Captain/EMS Supervisor, Aide to the Deputy Chief of Operations, Captain of Special Projects, Adjunct Instructor, and Battalion Training Team Leader. His department-wide involvement included the Operational Reorganization, Fire Captain I/II Redesign Work Group, and 2026 Battalion Chief Promotional Exam Committee. He also contributed to the department’s Thermal Imager and Hose Replacement Programs, fire station capital projects, and WMATA training coordination. His most recent assignment was Battalion Chief of Battalion 404, C-Shift.
Deputy Chief Pryor attended Old Dominion University and continued his education at Columbia Southern University, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Fire Science Administration. His professional education and training include advanced fire officer and instructor certifications and specialized leadership development programs, including the West Point Leadership Course. Deputy Chief Pryor is also a Nationally Registered Paramedic.
Central to Deputy Chief Pryor’s leadership philosophy is a belief in paying forward the opportunities, mentorship, and support that others provided throughout his career. He credits much of his success to the firefighters, officers, mentors, family members, and leaders who paved the way before him and believes his service carries a responsibility to create opportunities for those who will follow.
His commitment to leadership and service extends beyond FCFRD. Deputy Chief Pryor is a member of 100 Men of Valor, supporting the organization’s efforts to develop leaders and strengthen communities throughout the Richmond area.
For Deputy Chief Pryor, the promotion represents more than advancement in rank. It is an opportunity to honor those who helped create the path before him, continue serving the members of the FCFRD, and ensure opportunities are passed forward to the next generation.
Fire Chief John Butler is pleased to announce the promotion of Reena Thomson to Director of Human Resources for the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department (FCFRD).
Thomson began her career with FCFRD in 2004 when she was hired as a payroll contact in the Human Resources Division. She was promoted to Personnel and Payroll Supervisor in 2006. Five years later, Thomson was promoted to Grant Specialist with the FCFRD Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) program, ensuring that funds were available for USAR equipment, programs, and activities that were not supported under general funds. While in this position, she earned a Grants Management certificate program placing her amongst the first County personnel to hold this certification. In 2017, Thomson was appointed USAR Fiscal Administrator. In this complex position, she oversaw all administrative and financial activities for the USAR program. In 2018, Thomson was honored with the FCFRD Civilian of the Year Award, the FCFRD’s highest civilian honor.
Combining her human resources and fiscal skills, Thomson was promoted to a senior leadership position as Human Resources Manager in 2021. She oversaw all responsibilities of the Human Resources Division. In her most recent role, Thomson served as the department’s Policy and Grievance Director where she managed the Policy and Grievance Administration Division and served as a subject matter expert for the Labor Contract Negotiation team.
As Human Resources Division Director, Thomson will lead the department’s Human Resources Division, which includes the Professional Standards Division. She will work closely with executive leadership to strategically advance and oversee the full range of human resources functions.
Thomson earned a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from the Rochester Institute of Technology and holds certification in Grants Management through Management Concepts.
The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department and the Fairfax County Police Department are asking for the public’s help identifying individuals captured on surveillance video in connection with a fire at the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department’s Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) training facility in Lorton.
On Saturday, June 27, 2026, at approximately 5:20 p.m., the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department responded to reports of a large column of black smoke coming from the USAR training facility located in the 9900 block of Furnace Road. Crews arrived to find a large storage facility with commercial equipment fully engulfed in flames. There were no civilian or firefighter injuries.
Fire investigators are continuing to investigate the cause of the fire. In addition to the FCFRD investigation, the Fairfax County Police Department is conducting a criminal investigation.
The facility supports training for the Fairfax County USAR allowing them to remain trained and ready to respond to disasters throughout the world. The team is currently deployed to assist with recovery following the devastating Venezuela earthquake.
Surveillance video from the facility shows several individuals at the location around the time of the fire. Anyone who recognizes the individuals or who has information about the incident is asked to submit a tip through Crime Solvers by phone – 1-866-411-TIPS (866-411-8477), and by web – Click HERE. You can remain anonymous. Anonymous tipsters are eligible for a cash reward of up to $5,000. Download the ‘P3 Tips’ App “Fairfax Co Crime Solvers.” Please leave contact information if you wish for a fire investigator to follow up with you.
On Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at 10:35 p.m., the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department responded to a fire alarm at a strip shopping center in the 7200 block of Arlington Blvd in West Falls Church.
Upon arrival, firefighters located a fire inside a store. The fire was controlled and extinguished by two activated ceiling sprinkler heads before it could grow and spread further. Fire Investigators determined the fire was caused by the discharge of a lithium-ion battery. No occupants were inside the store at the time of the incident. No injuries were reported.
This incident highlights the critical importance of properly installed and maintained sprinkler systems. In this case, the sprinkler system operated as designed and quickly controlled the fire, limiting fire growth and reducing the potential for significant damage to the business or surrounding businesses. Fire sprinklers remain among the most effective life-safety and property-protection features in commercial buildings.
Fire Investigators are seeking the public’s assistance in determining what caused the fire that occurred in the early morning hours of Sunday May 3, 2026, in the 11100 block of Popes Head Road.
At 3:06 a.m., Fairfax County Fire and Rescue responded to a fire in a one-story building. A vehicle driving by discovered the fire and called 911. There were no injuries. The building was vacant and had been listed for sale for an extended period of time.
Fire investigators determined that a group of individuals were at the building’s location on the evening of the fire. There was evidence that the location had been used previously by trespassers starting campfires or performing general vandalism within the vacant building.
Fire investigators are asking anyone who may have been in or around this location on or before the weekend of May 3 to help provide information that could help to close this case.
Tips can be submitted anonymously through Crime Solvers at www.fairfaxcrimesolvers.org or 866-411-8477. Tips can also be given to the Fire Investigations Section at the Office of the Fire Marshal by phone at (703) 246-4386 or email at fire.investigations@fairfaxcounty.gov.
During National Volunteer Week, the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department recognizes the volunteers who support our mission. FCFRD is a combined career and volunteer department with twelve volunteer departments that operate out of stations staffed by 24/7/365 by FCFRD career members. Through our volunteer departments and Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program, our volunteers are integrated into the department, contributing thousands of hours each year supporting operations and Community Risk Reduction initiatives while strengthening our relationship within our community.
VOLUNTEER DEPARTMENTS
Twelve non-profit volunteer fire and rescue departments work in partnership with Fairfax County to provide facilities, apparatus, and personnel to support the FCFRD. Over 490 operational volunteers provide supplemental staffing in the form of additional response units and by upstaffing frontline apparatus during normal operations, large-scale incidents, and county-wide emergencies, 23 of which are ALS providers. An additional 315 plus administrative members support the non-profit corporations, operate canteens, and serve as department chaplains. The departments currently include 490 active volunteers who worked 217,158 service hours in 2025.
The twelve departments are represented by the Fairfax County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association and the Volunteer Fire Commission, a seven-member body appointed by the Board of Supervisors.
COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM (CERT)
For more than 22 years, Fairfax County CERT has prepared residents to support their communities during and after major emergencies. The program educates volunteers in disaster response skills including fire safety, light search and rescue, disaster medical operations, communications, and team organization. The program currently includes 527 active volunteers who worked 17,006 volunteer hours in 2025
In 2025 CERT members supported the FCFRD during 32 operational events, providing traffic and crowd management, sheltering, operate canteen, communications/ amateur radio, transportation support, and station coverage during Fire Station Open Houses. They also provided support services at 11 FCFRD training events, two community partner training events, and seven CERT Basic Training Final Exercises. CERT expanded their involvement in Community Risk Reduction initiatives, including fire alarm installations and Hands-Only CPR demonstrations, and continued to provide victim actors for FCFRD EMT training, Joint Police/FCFRD Civil Disturbance training, Virginia Task Force 1 exercises, and Joint Police/FCFRD Active Shooter exercises.
Fire investigators have determined that apartment building fire that occurred on April 15, 2026, in the 13400 block of Coppermine Rd was caused by improperly discarded smoking material. The fire originated in mulch located on the exterior of the building.
At 12:42 p.m., the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department responded to reports of an exterior fire spreading to the building. First-arriving units found fire extending from the outside into a ground-floor apartment with flames reaching toward the second floor. Crews quickly began working to extinguish the fire and conduct searches while evacuating residents. One patient was evaluated on scene. There were no firefighter injuries.
The building was fully occupied at the time of the fire. An occupant smelled smoke outside his apartment. Upon investigation, he observed smoke coming from a mulch bed outside the building. All occupants were able to safely evacuate or shelter in place.
Three occupants were displaced. Damages are estimated at $98,275.
